Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

by Debra Elizabeth

  “Thank you, Mrs. Stanton, Miss Stanton,” Ethan said.

  “Good day, ladies,” Connor said.

  Connor and Ethan each gave the ladies a bow and Mrs. Jannell appeared in the doorway to show them out.

  When the front door closed, Catherine turned toward Emily. “Well, that was curious. What got into Mr. Preston? He interrupted Mr. Richardson in mid-sentence. Very odd indeed.”

  Emily ran to the window and watched them stride away. “Oh, Mama, isn’t it wonderful? I had my own gentlemen callers today. I must tell Mia all about it. You don’t mind if I visit her, do you?” Emily asked.

  Catherine smiled at her daughter’s enthusiasm. “No, of course not, but be sure to take Nesmith with you. You mustn’t walk the streets of London unchaperoned.”

  Emily turned from the window and kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you, Mama. I won’t stay long.”

  Emily flew up the stairs to find Nesmith. The lady’s maid was like another mother to her. She could not remember a time when Nesmith was not part of her life and wanted to share the news with her. She spotted her coming out of her mother’s bedchamber and ran to her. “Nesmith, did you hear? I’ve had my first gentlemen callers.”

  “Is that so?” Nesmith cocked an eyebrow. “Who came to visit?”

  “Mr. Preston and Mr. Richardson. See, I told you Mr. Preston liked me,” she gushed.

  Nesmith patted her arm. “Did they stay for tea with you and your mother?”

  “No, not this time. I’m sure the next time they visit they’ll stay longer. I must go see Mia, and tell her all about the visit. Mama asked that you come with me so would you please fetch my bonnet and gloves?”

  “Yes, of course. Give me a moment.”

  “Thank you. I’ll meet you downstairs and please don’t tarry.”

  Emily waited at the bottom of the stairs. It seemed a lifetime before Nesmith came down and handed her the bonnet and gloves. She slipped on her hat and tied the ribbons loosely under her chin before slipping on her gloves.

  Nesmith stopped at the parlor to address Mrs. Stanton before they headed out to visit Mia. “Ma’am, is there anything you require before I escort Miss Emily to the Gardner residence?”

  Catherine looked up from the papers on her desk. “No. Thank you, Nesmith. I want to go over the household affairs with Mrs. Jannell and it will keep me busy for quite some time. Have a nice walk,” she said.

  “Bye, Mama. Come, Nesmith; let’s go tell Mia the news.” Emily wasted no time and scampered out the door, with her lady’s maid trying her best to keep up.

  “Miss Emily, slow down. Have pity on your lady’s maid,” Nesmith said.

  Emily stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m just so excited and wanted to share the good news with Mia.”

  “I know. Let’s set a brisk pace, shall we?”

  Emily linked her arm with Nesmith’s and they walked on. It didn’t take long to reach the Gardner residence.

  “Mia, can you believe it? I’m sure Mr. Preston likes me,” Emily said. She had memorized the note she’d found the night of the ball and recited it to her friend.

  Mia’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, my,” she exclaimed. “How exciting. I’ve never gotten a love letter before. When did he give it to you?”

  “I don’t know. I found it in my reticule after the ball. I had pulled out my dance card when I got into bed and it fell out. I never saw him slip it in there,” Emily explained.

  “Really? Are you sure it’s from Mr. Preston?”

  Emily wasn’t sure why both Nesmith and Mia doubted Connor’s interest in her. Surely, two dances, delightful compliments, a love note and a visit were more than enough evidence to support her claim. She knew what she’d felt when their hands met. They just didn’t understand.

  “Who else could it be from? Mr. Preston and I danced the last dance together. I had thought it must be from him especially when he came for a visit today. I’m sure of it now.”

  “Perhaps you’re right. I had a lovely dance with Mr. Giles for my last dance.” Mia said. “He’s such a considerate man. Did you see him?”

  “No, I’m afraid I only had eyes for Mr. Preston. Do you like him?”

  “I don’t know if I would go that far, but he was indeed cordial. We chatted a few moments after the dance too. Em, I cannot afford to be too choosey if a marriage proposal is presented to me this Season. Mr. Giles seems perfectly suitable.”

  “Oh, Mia, why do you say such things? You’ve been a wonderful friend and I’ve never met anyone with a kinder heart than yours.” Emily patted her friend’s arm. “Do not be so harsh on yourself. Any man would be lucky to have you as a wife.”

  “You’re too sweet, but I know the truth. I am not blind when I look in the mirror. I know most consider me plain. Plain brown hair. Plain brown eyes. The plain sister. I’m not a fool; I see it. I have not been blessed with beauty such as yours or even the prettiness of my sisters. If I don’t receive a proposal this Season, I’ll ask my brother James to employ me as governess for his children. They are sweet little ones and it certainly would not be an intolerable life. I must think about taking the burden off my parents.”

  “Really? James lives so far away. I’m afraid I will hardly see you if you go,” Emily said.

  “No need to worry yet. The Season has just started and I will hope for the best. One thing I’m sure of is you’ll have suitors knocking on your door in no time. It would appear one has already started his courtship.”

  “I hope so, but as Mama always tells me, I must be patient and wait to see what happens next. I certainly cannot be so bold as to ask Mr. Preston about the note.”

  “No, you mustn’t show too much interest until you are sure of his intentions; but how exciting it must be.”

  Emily nodded. “Yes, it is.”

  Mia sighed. “I so hope I receive a proposal this Season. My parents are anxiously waiting for it I can tell. They don’t say anything, of course, but I see it in their expectant faces after every ball. My mother wanted to know every gentleman I danced with at Lady Tisbury’s ball.”

  “I have faith that you will attract a fine gentleman,” Emily said, trying to cheer up her friend. It pained her to see Mia unhappy about anything.

  Last Season had been most difficult for her when no marriage proposal had been offered. The ladies of the ton did not help the situation with their cruel gossip. Mia didn’t deserve that treatment and Emily had spent many afternoons trying her best to console her friend.

  “It will help tremendously for Papa to have one less mouth to feed, especially since it will be a few years before Anne and Sarah will be old enough to be presented to society. James is married, but still, it’s taxing having three daughters yet to worry about. He has never said so, but I believe he was sorely disappointed last Season when I did not receive a proposal. That’s why it’s so important this year. I sincerely do not want to disappoint him again.”

  “I want to marry for love,” Emily said. “It’s important to me. Don’t you want to be in love with your husband?”

  “I hope that will be the case, but I will certainly be happy with a gentle and considerate man. Love can grow from such mutual respect. I truly believe that.”

  “Well, then, I hope your wish is granted very soon indeed. You deserve nothing less. When you receive your proposal, it would be my pleasure to help embroider your wedding dress. I have extra ribbons that we can use too.”

  Mia reached over and squeezed Emily’s hand. “Oh, you’re a dear friend. Thank you. You’ll be the first to know of that happy news; after Papa and Mama, of course.”

  “Of course,” Emily said, sharing a giggle with her dearest friend.

  The two young women continued to talk in whispers about gentlemen callers, love, and marriage for the next thirty minutes.

  “I’m afraid I must be heading home. I promised Mama that I would not stay out too long,” Emily said giving her friend a quick hug. “I’ll see you at the b
all Saturday next. Hopefully, Mr. Preston and Mr. Giles will be there to sweep us off our feet.”

  “That will be lovely indeed. Thank you for visiting. Good bye, Em.”

  Nesmith had not gone far and appeared when the girls said their goodbyes. She handed Emily her bonnet and gloves and they set a leisurely pace back to the Stanton home.

  “I can hardly wait until the next ball. Nesmith, what dress shall I wear? The modiste has made so many beautiful ones for me this Season, I can’t decide.”

  “Whichever one you choose, you will look lovely. I have no doubt about that. What about the cream one with the blue embroidery?” Nesmith responded.

  “That one will be perfect. Oh, Nesmith, whatever will I do without you?”

  “Emily, when you marry, you’ll have your own lady’s maid to help you with these things.”

  “Oh, I know, but it won’t be the same. She won’t be you.”

  “Well, you mustn’t worry about that today. There will be plenty of time to talk about it.”

  Emily nodded. “I wanted to give one of my dresses to Mia, but she would not accept the gift.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes, she said that it was far too expensive and she’d be afraid to wear it. I tried to convince her to accept it, but she’d not hear of it.”

  “I see. Then, you must accept her decision.”

  “I know. I was only trying to help her look her prettiest. She is quite anxious about this Season. I do hope she receives a proposal.”

  “It was a kind gesture and I agree, it would be good if she did receive a proposal, but it may not happen.”

  “How can you say such a cruel thing? Mia is a wonderful friend with such a kind heart.”

  “I do not say these things to be cruel,” Nesmith explained. “A plain girl must work a little harder to catch a gentleman’s eye, that’s all I meant.”

  “Well, I shall say an extra prayer that the right gentleman sees her then.”

  “I’m sure that will help,” Nesmith said.

  The two women continued to chat amicably as they continued their journey home.

  Chapter 4

  Ethan Richardson had left the Stanton home and headed directly over to visit with his aunt. He’d been surprised when Connor had stood to leave in such haste. He would have enjoyed visiting with Emily longer, but Connor had begged off with another appointment of his own. It was just as well; he needed to see his aunt. She had sounded most anxious to speak with him at the ball.

  He stood by the fireplace in the Tisbury parlor waiting for her to appear. Something must have happened to his cousin Colby, or there would have been no summons and certainly not one at the ball. When Colby had not made an appearance at the festivities, it made Ethan worry that the situation was even more dire than he knew. He hadn’t seen his cousin in his usual haunts at all lately and it worried him.

  It wasn’t long before Lady Tisbury entered the parlor. The older woman was regal in her navy day dress with white lace trim at the collar and cuffs. Her dark hair was pulled back in a chignon that highlighted her cheekbones, but dark circles under her eyes marred her beauty.

  Ethan walked to greet her, leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Aunt Mary, what has happened? You sounded concerned last night.”

  “Thank you for coming around today, Ethan. I’m so worried about Colby. He didn’t make an appearance last night, and he has not come home yet today.”

  Ethan shifted uncomfortably. “Perhaps, uh, he has business to attend to, Ma’am?”

  Mary shook her head, a sadness darkening her eyes. “Oh Ethan, you always think the best of your cousin. However, I’m afraid this time his gambling may be getting out of control. There are some who think so and I am not blind to my son’s failings. Something must be done about it before it goes too far.”

  “I understand. What would you have me do?”

  Mary reached for Ethan’s hand. “Please go find him and try talk to some sense into him. He doesn’t listen to his father anymore. Perhaps, he will listen to you. You have always been the epitome of reason especially when it comes to Colby. You’re the closest thing he has to a brother and there’s no doubt that he admires you.”

  “Of course; it will be my pleasure. Please don’t worry. I will see to it at once. Good day, Aunt Mary.”

  Ethan kissed his aunt’s cheek and left her London home in pursuit of Colby. He did not relish the task of searching for his cousin, but he’d made a promise to his aunt and he was loath to disappoint her. Someone needed to help Colby. He would do his best, and hoped it would be enough.

  ***

  Connor sat down and made himself comfortable in the back room of the gambling house. The place would never win any awards for opulence or even cleanliness for that matter, but he wasn’t there for either of those things.

  He was here to make money. Money he desperately needed, and he wasn’t above making it any way he could.

  “Did you take notice of the latest mark I sent your way?” Connor asked.

  The owner of the place was a scrawny man with thinning hair and hard grey eyes. He had a reputation for being unsavory, but as long as there wasn’t any bloodshed within his place, he let most things slide. His customers could work out their own disagreements amongst themselves and any broken furniture would be taken out of their winnings. All he cared about was the stack of gold coins he counted at the end of the night.

  “I saw him. Doesn’t look like much. Another bored young man from what I can see. Seen his kind many times before. What makes him any different?”

  Connor leaned forward in his chair and rested his elbow on the owner’s desk. “Are you daft, man?” he asked, pointed his finger at the unsavory man.

  The owner narrowed his eyes. “I’d watch your tongue if I was you. You’re in my house now, not one of your fancy establishments. Got it?”

  Colby lowered his hand. “Understood, but listen, all I’m saying is that bored young man as you called him, is none other than Colby Tisbury.”

  “Now this is interesting news. Colby Tisbury? You don’t say?”

  Connor sat back with a Cheshire cat smile. “Indeed I do. Now you see why I’ve sent him here. Colby has a penchant for gambling, but he’s not a very lucky fellow. Treat him well and he’ll keep coming back night after night to fill your coffers.”

  The owner grunted. “Are you telling me how to run my business?”

  “No, not at all, but when he runs out of ready cash, a few missing jewels from Lady Tisbury’s stash would foot the bill nicely. That is, if you let him know the option is available to him.”

  The owner nodded. “I know a good fence for the jewels. Won’t have any problem turning them into gold coins.”

  “I knew you wouldn’t. Now then, there’s the matter of my finder’s fee?”

  The owner opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a money purse. He counted out a number of gold coins and handed them to Connor.

  Connor counted the coins. “A little light tonight, aren’t you?”

  It was the owner’s turn to chuckle. “You’ll get more if that one keeps coming back. If he turns into a regular, then we’ll both be paid handsomely.”

  Connor stood and slid the coins into his jacket pocket. “Fair enough.” He turned on his heel and walked out knowing that Colby would indeed be coming back again and again if he had anything to say about it.

  ***

  It took nearly five hours for Ethan to locate Colby. He went to every gambling house that he knew. When he finally found his cousin, he was in the seediest part of London, not in one of his usual haunts. Ethan guessed that his cousin’s credit had been cut off in the other gambling parlors. There was no other logical reason for him to be in this part of the city.

  Ethan took a deep breath and squared his shoulders as he looked at the gambling house. The sun was heading toward the western horizon and cast the building in deep shadows. Several women of the night were standing on the street corner when he walked past.


  “Looking for a good time, love?” one of them called out to him. Her finger twirled a ringlet of red hair and she ran her tongue over her lips inviting him to enjoy her pleasures.

  He shook his head and opened the door to the gambling parlor. He nearly collided with a broad-shouldered man who was exiting in a hurry.

  “Preston? Is that you?”

  The man stopped and turned around. “Richardson, what are you doing down in this part of town?”

  Ethan was surprised to see Connor. “I was about to ask you the same thing. Not the best part of town, is it?”

  Connor chuckled. “Passing on a message, that’s all, but now I must be going. Don’t want to keep the ladies waiting.”

  “Of course, always the ladies,” Ethan said.

  Connor tipped his hat and Ethan watched his friend hurry off. He couldn’t help but wonder what message Connor was delivering. It seemed strange that his friend would have business down in these parts. No matter, Connor could take care of himself and he was here to find Colby.

  He walked inside the parlor and it took a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the darkened interior. The stink of smoke and the smell of stale sweat assaulted his senses. A blue haze hung low in the air. The room boasted a number of tables and each had six to eight hardened-looking men playing cards. There was a bar along the far wall and the two serving girls kept the ale and whiskey flowing. He walked further amongst the tables until he spotted his cousin near the back of the room.

  He strode to the table where Colby was playing cards with four other men. Colby’s eyes were bloodshot and an empty whiskey glass was in his hand. His jacket was flung over the back of his chair, his cravat was untied and his shirt collar was open.

  “Barkeep, another whiskey,” Colby yelled.

  “Colby, there you are, my good man,” Ethan said, slapping his cousin on the back.

  Colby looked up from his cards at the sound of a familiar voice. A grin spread on his face. “Ethan, my good man, fancy meeting you in these parts. Have you come around looking to join us?”