Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

by Debra Elizabeth

“No, not at all, Miss Knott. I shall arrange for it. Shall we say two days hence? It will give me time to rearrange my schedule.”

  Georgette leaned forward. “Your schedule, sir?”

  “I will be escorting you ladies to London. Mr. Condiff would turn over in his grave if he knew I let his daughters travel without a proper escort.”

  Isabel inhaled sharply. “You know that Mr. Condiff was my father? It’s supposed to be a secret.”

  “Yes, I know. Mr. Condiff confided in me a number of years ago when he came to see me about his last wishes.”

  “I see.”

  “Miss Knott, please be assured that I would never divulge a confidence. I have kept the secret for a number of years and will continue to do so. No one will learn the truth from me.”

  Isabel relaxed into the chair. “Thank you, Mr. Ingham. May I ask you a most delicate question?”

  “Of course, what is it?”

  “Do you know the identity of my mother?”

  Mr. Ingham shook his head. “I’m sorry, I do not. Mr. Condiff kept that from me and it was not my place to pry into his affairs.”

  Isabel’s shoulders slumped. “I understand.”

  “Now, is there anything else I may do for you?”

  “Yes, can you help in securing positions for Cook and our housemaid. I will provide them with a good reference, of course. I don’t know when we’ll return and it’s not fair to make them sit around and wait for us.”

  “Of course, I’ll be happy to make inquiries for you.”

  “They are welcome to stay in the house until they’ve secured other positions. They are both excellent workers and should have no trouble finding work.”

  “Will there be anything else?”

  Georgette stood. “No. Thank you for everything Mr. Ingham. We are looking forward to seeing you in two days.”

  Isabel followed suit. “Good day, Mr. Ingham. Thank you.”

  John Ingham stood and bowed. “It’s my pleasure, Miss Condiff, Miss Knott. Good day.”

  The two young women left the solicitor’s office and headed home.

  “Georgette, are you well? You’re very quiet,” Isabel asked.

  “I’m fine. No need to worry. I was thinking how much our lives have changed in the past year.”

  Isabel stopped. “Are you unhappy learning I’m your sister? If you’re worried about sharing the per annum, I will…”

  Georgette linked her arm with Isabel’s and started walking again. “Do not be silly, dearest. I couldn’t be happier to learn that we are truly sisters. I couldn’t imagine my life without you. I only meant it would have been nice to have known this while we were growing up. You should not have been made to work so hard.”

  “It wasn’t so bad.”

  “Still, I feel you have suffered a grave injustice. I would happily give you the entire per annum if that would make things right.”

  “Nonsense, there was no injustice. I was happy growing up alongside you.”

  “Truly? You hold no ill feelings?”

  Isabel shook her head. “No, although I confess I have wondered how my life could have been different, but there’s no point in dwelling on things that cannot be changed. What’s done is done and besides, we’re embarking on a new adventure and that’s what we should be thinking about, not worrying about events in the past that we had no control over.”

  Georgette nodded. “Thank you, Isabel. You have lifted a heavy burden from my heart.”

  “Come now, let’s hurry home. There’s much to do,” Isabel said, tugging on her sister’s arm.

  Georgette chuckled. “Yes, of course.”

  Chapter 4

  Isabel pulled Georgette’s collection of day dresses out of the wardrobe and laid them on the bed. It was mid-morning and the sun was streaming in the room, making the space bright and cheery. She tried to hum a merry tune, but an overwhelming sadness clung to her. Try as she might, she couldn’t banish the feeling. Although she’d had months to come to grips with the devastating death of Mr. Condiff, it continued to pain her that she had never known he was her father while he was alive. It would have changed everything for her.

  A father.

  It was an alien concept for her and one that she hadn’t given much thought to growing up. For as long as she could remember, she’d been here with Georgette and Mr. Condiff and they were her foster family. She thought she’d never learn the identity of her own father, but now that she did, she regretted that she would not have the opportunity to know him better. It would have helped her understand his mood swings, had she learned the truth earlier, but that wouldn't happen now. It seemed ironic that she’d found and lost her father within such a short span of time. It was over so quick. One short letter was all she would ever have of her him.

  And what of her mother? Was she still alive? Did she reside in London or in the countryside? Did her mother ever think of her, or wonder if she had even survived infancy? And what of her own status now? Instead of being a mere poor orphan, she was an illegitimate child. If anyone found out, she’d be ruined. Her only consolation was she knew Georgette or Mr. Ingham would never reveal her secret. She would have to content herself with being Georgette’s cousin. Being seen as poor was infinitely better than being a bastard child.

  There were too many questions with no one left to answer them. That was Isabel’s world. She had no other choice and resigned herself to never knowing the identity of her mother. It was clear from her father’s letter that it would remain a deeply buried secret. Now that he was gone, who was left to tell her about her mother? It wouldn’t be good for her to dwell on it, and she certainly didn’t want to upset Georgette any more than her sister already had been with the loss of her father. Tomorrow they’d be heading to London, and that was something she could look forward to and be happy about. Even if she did not receive a marriage proposal, she was going to enjoy a Season in London.

  She folded the blue cotton day dress and placed it in the trunk. Before she picked up the next dress to pack, Georgette walked into the bedchamber. She saw her sister glance at the chair in the corner where a few of her own dresses were laid out. “Hello, Georgette. Do you need something?”

  Georgette pointed at the chair. “Isabel, please don’t pack any of your dresses in that chest.”

  Isabel’s mouth fell open, hurt plainly written across her face. Had her status as an illegitimate child already affected how her sister felt about her? “Pardon? I don’t have a chest of my own. I didn’t think you’d mind if I packed a few of my own pieces in with yours. I know they’re not as pretty…”

  Georgette rushed over to her and clasped Isabel’s hands in her own. “No, dearest. You misunderstand me. I have plenty of day dresses. There’s enough for both of us and no need for you to bring your more simple ones. Remember, you’re a gentleman’s daughter and should be dressed as such. I don’t want anyone to mistake you for a maid, that’s all I meant.”

  Isabel exhaled, relief flooding through her. “Oh, thank goodness. I thought you were ashamed of me now that you know I’m illegitimate.”

  Georgette shook her head. “Never. Don’t ever question that. I love and respect you most highly. You must not worry about that my good opinion of you has ever changed. No one will ever learn your secret from my lips. I promise you that. As far as ton is concerned, you’re my cousin and that’s all anyone will know.”

  “Thank you, Georgette. I don’t know what I’d do if your opinion of me changed.”

  Georgette smiled. “Isabel, I love you as I always have. Besides, we’re both the same size and many of my dresses haven’t been worn very often. There are plenty, and if we need more, we can have them made for us once we’re settled in London. Here, let me help,” she said as she went around gathering up petticoats, stays and stockings.

  Isabel resumed her folding. “Tomorrow we’ll be on our way to London. I’ve never been to the city, and daresay, that I’m getting excited about it. Can you believe it’s finally happening?”
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  “Yes, although I’m not looking forward to the long carriage ride. It will take us most of the day to get there,” Georgette said.

  “I’ll have Cook pack us a basket of food. What do you think Mr. Ingham would prefer?”

  A smile lit up Georgette’s pretty face. “Believe me, anyone who has tasted Cook’s sweet bread will be most satisfied. Do we have any cheese left?”

  “Yes, just enough for the trip. Can you finish folding the dresses while I go confer with Cook?” Isabel asked.

  “Of course, dearest.”

  Isabel kissed her sister’s cheek and walked out of the room. She would try hard to banish her sadness and enjoy the coming adventure. What would London be like? What kind of invitations would they receive? Was Mrs. Quinn a regular attendee at the dances? She’d never been to a dance before. She wondered if any gentlemen would ask her to dance, or would she be left hugging the wall all evening? She shook her head to dispel those negative thoughts as she walked into the kitchen. Of course, she and Georgette would be asked to dance. Her sister was beautiful and would attract the eye of every gentleman in the room. She just hoped there would be one or two left over for her.

  ***

  The next morning Mr. Ingham knocked on the door at nine o’clock sharp. Isabel rushed to open the door. “Good morning, Mr. Ingham. How are you this fine day?”

  “Well, thank you, Miss Knott. Are you ladies ready and packed?”

  “Yes, our trunk is all set and Cook has prepared a basket of refreshments for our journey.”

  “Very good. Where is the trunk?”

  ““The housemaid is upstairs and will show you where the chest is,” Isabel said. “She’s in the room at the end of the corridor.”

  Mr. Ingham turned to the two lanky boys waiting by the carriage. “Boys, go upstairs and fetch the trunk.”

  “Yes, sir,” they said in unison and disappeared into the house. They returned moments later, carrying the chest and strapped it down at the back of the carriage.

  “Is that all, sir?” the taller of the two boys asked.

  “There is a food basket in the kitchen,” Isabel said.

  The boy nodded and ran into the house. He quickly returned carrying the basket and put it inside the carriage.

  “Good job. Thank you,” Mr. Ingham said, giving each boy his promised payment.

  “I’ll go check on Georgette,” Isabel said. “We’ll only be a moment longer.”

  “Excellent. I’m anxious to get started,” Mr. Ingham said.

  Isabel found her sister walking through the house one last time. “Are you well, Georgette?”

  Georgette had pushed aside the white sheet and lovingly ran her hand over her father’s favorite leather chair in the front parlor. “Oh, yes. I wanted to say goodbye, that’s all. We may not be returning home for months.”

  Isabel held out her hand. “I know, but come now. Our adventure awaits.”

  Georgette nodded, pulled the sheet back in place and took her sister’s hand. “Yes, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

  The two young women said farewell to Cook and Bethany and walked outside, closing the heavy oak door behind them. Mr. Ingham helped them into the carriage and climbed in after them. He sat on the seat opposite the sisters. He tapped on the roof and the driver flicked the reins to get his team of horses moving.

  “Mr. Ingham, we cannot thank you enough for being our escort today,” Georgette said.

  “Miss Condiff, it is my pleasure. I knew your father for a good many years and it’s the least I can do. I do so miss our lively conversations.”

  “Did you see him often?” Georgette asked.

  “A few times a year. He would stop by to check on his affairs and share a brandy with me. It was always a pleasure to see him.”

  “We miss him too.”

  After their short exchange, the three fell into a comfortable silence. Isabel looked out the window, taking in the countryside while Georgette settled back in the cushions and closed her eyes.

  The ride to London was long, but uneventful. They stopped at mid-day to enjoy the refreshment Cook had packed for their lunch.

  “Very thoughtful of Cook to pack us a lunch,” Mr. Ingham said. “An excellent excuse to stop for a while and enjoy the day, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, indeed. The countryside is lovely. This is the farthest I’ve ever been from home,” Isabel said.

  Mr. Ingham turned toward Georgette. “Miss Condiff, are you holding up well enough?”

  Georgette nodded. “I am fine, thank you. No need to worry.”

  “Well, we’d best be on our way again,” Mr. Ingham said. He stood and offered both Georgette and Isabel a hand. While he escorted them back to the carriage, the driver folded the blanket and secured it and the food basket to the back.

  The countryside flew by, and in late afternoon, the carriage finally stopped in front of Mrs. Quinn’s home.

  The driver hopped down from his seat and opened the door. Mr. Ingham got out and said over his shoulder, “Please wait inside the carriage until I check if Mrs. Quinn is at home.”

  Georgette nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Ingham.”

  Isabel grabbed her sister’s gloved hand. “We’re here. Isn’t it wonderful? London is such a bustling city. I’ve never seen so many folks walking about before.”

  “Yes, indeed. But, I don’t mind telling you that I’m looking forward to retiring early this evening.”

  “Are you feeling poorly?”

  “No, do not worry yourself, Isabel. I’m tired from the long drive, that’s all. A hot cup of tea will do wonders for me.”

  Before Isabel could probe any further, Mr. Ingham was back at the carriage. “Come, ladies. Mrs. Quinn is expecting you.” He held out his hand and helped them both out of the carriage.

  Mrs. Smithfield, the housekeeper, stood at the door. “Please come this way. Mrs. Quinn is waiting in the parlor.”

  The trio followed her into the front parlor where a lovely, silver-haired woman sat on the sofa. Iris Quinn's soft blue dress was elegant in its simple design and complimented her eyes. Around her neck, she wore a beautiful sapphire necklace, and small sapphire earrings graced her ears. The parlor itself was well appointed, and reflected the elegance of its mistress.

  “Welcome, my dears,” Iris said as she stood to greet them.

  Mr. Ingham gave her a bow. “Mrs. Quinn, may I present Miss Georgette Condiff and Miss Isabel Knott.”

  Both girls curtsied.

  “Thank you for your generosity in hosting us, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said.

  “Nonsense, it’s you who are doing me the favor. I haven’t had the pleasure of company in this house for a good long while. No need to stand on formality. Please have a seat.”

  Georgette and Isabel took the chairs opposite the sofa and sank down in the opulent cushions.

  “Mrs. Smithfield, please have the driver bring their trunk upstairs,” Iris said.

  “Yes, Mrs. Quinn. Right away, ma’am,” the housekeeper said as she scurried out of the room.

  Iris took her seat on the sofa. “Mr. Ingham, would you care to stay for tea? You must be parched after your long drive.”

  “Thank you kindly, Mrs. Quinn, but I must decline. I have secured rooms for my driver and I at the inn not far from here and I’d like to get there as soon as possible to bed down the horses for the night.”

  “Of course, perhaps tomorrow you can join us.”

  Mr. Ingham shook his head. “I’m afraid I must be returning home tomorrow, but if there is anything you need or anything either Miss Condiff or Miss Knott require, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am quite at your disposal.”

  “Of course, thank you for escorting my guests today. I wish you a safe journey home.”

  Mr. Ingham gave Iris a bow and turned toward Georgette and Isabel. “Ladies, good evening. I hope that you enjoy your stay in London.”

  “Thank you for everything, Mr. Ingham,” Georgette said.

  “Yes, thank you,”
Isabel chimed in.

  “Again, it was my pleasure,” Mr. Ingham said as he walked out of the room.

  It wasn’t long before Mrs. Smithfield returned with a tray of tea and refreshments. She poured the tea and handed each of them a steaming cup. “Will there be anything else, Mrs. Quinn?”

  “Would you please check with Rachel and have her unpack our guests’ trunk.”

  “Oh, I can do that,” Isabel offered.

  “Nonsense, dear. Mrs. Smithfield will see to it that the housemaid has everything in order in your room. You are my guests and I want you to enjoy yourselves during your stay.

  “Oh, you’ve hired us a maid?”

  Iris chuckled. “Of course, my dear. I have secured the services of one maid to attend to both of you, but if you’d prefer to each have your own, it can be arranged.”

  “That is not necessary. One maid will be most sufficient for my cousin and I,” Georgette said.

  Isabel nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Quinn. That is very kind of you.”

  “Rachel is an excellent worker. She will put your clothes in each of your bedrooms.”

  “Bedrooms? We don’t need two bedrooms and will be more than happy to share one,” Georgette said.

  “There is no need. There are plenty of rooms in the house.”

  “It’s not that. Isabel and I do not mind sharing one room. It will give us comfort to be together, especially since being in London is a new experience for us.”

  “If that is what you prefer, Mrs. Smithfield will see to it.” Iris turned to the housekeeper. “Please tell Rachel that they will be staying in the corner bedroom.”

  “Right away, ma’am.” Mrs. Smithfield nodded and left the room to take care of the details.

  ***

  Iris took a sip of her tea and peered at the young women seated across from her. Georgette was a delicate beauty with golden-brown hair, high cheekbones and hazel eyes, and looked very much like her father, but it was Isabel with her dark-brown, almost black hair and intense violet eyes who was the most stunning young lady she’d seen in a long time. There was no doubt in her mind that Isabel would turn heads everywhere she went. “Well, you’re both finally here. I’m so very pleased.”