Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

by Debra Elizabeth

  “I’ve never been to London before. Are there always this many folks walking about?” Isabel asked.

  Iris couldn’t help but chuckle. “My dear Isabel, wait until you see London in the full noon hour. Sometimes there are so many folks crowding around the shops, one has to stop and let them pass before you can resume your journey.”

  “That must make running errands a long, drawn out affair.”

  “Indeed it does, but you shall see for yourself tomorrow.”

  That got Georgette’s attention. “Tomorrow?”

  “Yes, I have made an appointment with the modiste. The sooner she can take your measurements and start on your wardrobe, the better. May I ask if you brought any dresses suitable for evening?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Georgette said. “There was little need for them back in Essex.”

  “No matter,” Iris said. “We shall order some tomorrow.”

  “That is very kind of you. Thank you.”

  “You both must stop thanking me with every other sentence out of your mouths. Mr. Ingham has provided you with a generous allowance for new dresses. Trust me when I say that I’ve looked forward to this visit since I received your letter. I’m quite sure you’ll like Mrs. Phillips. She’s the best dressmaker in town and will have your wardrobe completed in no time.”

  Georgette stood and put her teacup on the tray. “If I may be excused, Mrs. Quinn. The journey was more tiring than I thought, and I would very much like to lay down for a bit.”

  “Of course, my dear.” Iris picked up the little silver bell from the table beside the sofa. It took mere moments for Mrs. Smithfield to appear.

  “Yes, ma’am? Do you require something?”

  “Please show Miss Condiff to her bedchamber.”

  “Perhaps I should go with her and see her settled,” Isabel said. “That is, if you don’t mind, Mrs. Quinn.”

  “No, not at all. Dinner will be served in the dining room at seven o’clock.”

  Isabel nodded and linked arms with Georgette. Her sister was about to fall asleep on her feet. It would be best to get her into bed as quickly as possible. The last thing she wanted was for Georgette to catch a chill on their first day in London. “Thank you. I shall join you at dinner.”

  “I’m afraid I must give my regrets for dinner. It’s been a very long day and would prefer not to embarrass myself by falling asleep in my soup. Good evening, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said as she leaned on her sister and left the parlor.

  “Such a delicate one,” Iris murmured as she took another sip of tea.

  Chapter 5

  Tisbury Manor

  London, England

  It was five-thirty in the evening when Colby bounded down the stairs and walked into the parlor of their London family home. His mother, Lady Mary Tisbury, was hosting a small dinner party this evening, and he was looking forward to seeing his cousin Ethan and his lovely bride Emily again. He hadn’t seen them in months and it would be good to catch up with them.

  “Good evening, Mother. May I say you look as lovely as ever,” he said, placing a kiss on her cheek.

  Mary smiled. “Thank you, Colby. Always the flatterer, no wonder the ladies love you. By the way, I’ve asked the Hunts to join us for dinner.”

  Colby walked to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy. “Oh?”

  “Yes, they’re back in London for the Season. From what I understand, Dalton will be searching for a bride.”

  He picked up his drink and walked back to the chair opposite his mother and sat down. “Really? I remember the shy young man who could barely look you in the eye when he was spoken to. Of course, I haven’t seen him for a number of years.”

  “He was twenty and one this past winter. His parents think that he’ll need a few Seasons before he finds the right young lady to marry.”

  Colby raised his glass in salute. “Then here’s to Dalton finding the perfect woman. Frankly, I don’t think she exists.”

  Mary’s mouth thinned. “Colby, how can you say such things? There have been several suitable young ladies presented in the past few years. It seems you are being quite particular in your search and are not giving anyone a chance to get to know you properly. Kathryn Larkinson is especially lovely. I heard that she did not enter into a marriage contract last year and she’ll be in London for the Season.”

  He took a gulp of brandy, not liking the turn in the conversation. His parents were quite clear in their plans for him this Season, and he knew they were running out of patience with him. As the heir to the Tisbury fortune, it was his duty to marry and produce an heir of his own, but he had not met anyone who interested him enough to propose, and it certainly was not Kathryn Larkinson. He didn’t know what it was about her, but he could not see himself sharing a life with her. He couldn’t deny that she was beautiful, but he needed more than a pretty face. There had to be a more suitable candidate for his wife.

  Find a wife.

  It seemed as if every other conversation with his parents these days was about him selecting a young lady to marry. It made his head swim, but he could understand his mother’s motivations. Both his friend Connor Preston and his cousin Ethan had married last year. He was the only bachelor left in his circle of friends.

  A long sigh escaped his lips. He did not want to marry for duty alone. Was it too much to ask for him to marry someone who was his choice and not his parent’s choice?

  “Colby, are you well?” Mary asked.

  “Yes, Mother. Quite well, no need to worry.” Colby knew his mother still worried about him ever since he’d been shot last fall and came close to dying. He was her only child, and he understood that, but it didn’t make it any easier when she hovered over him. He often wondered why he was an only child, but it was not something you asked about in polite company, and his father would never speak about such a personal matter with him. He would have liked very much to have a brother or even a sister growing up, and especially now, anything to take the spotlight off of him. It was difficult to live up to your parent’s expectations when you were their sole focus. It was why their subtle hints about finding a bride grated on him.

  He also knew that he might not have much of a choice with young ladies this Season in light of his scandalous behavior last year. Even though they had tried to contain the details, word of his duel and the reason for it leaked out and spread like wild fire through the ton. He could imagine the whisperings.

  He’s an out of control gambler.

  He gambled away the Tisbury fortune.

  He’s reckless.

  No father wanted his daughter to marry a gambler. What would happen to her and any children they had if he returned to his gambling ways? Many fortunes had been lost at the card table. He was determined not let that happen, but knew it might be difficult to convince people that he had changed his ways.

  “Where is Father?”

  “I believe he’s in his study. I heard him come down the stairs not too long ago.”

  Colby drank the last of his brandy and put the glass on the table. “If you’ll excuse me, Mother. I would like to discuss a matter with him.”

  “Of course, dear, but don’t get too caught up with business. Our guests will be arriving shortly.”

  He nodded and strode out of the room.

  ***

  Emily Richardson reached over and grasped her husband’s hand. She loved the feel of his warm skin against hers, and couldn’t be happier with the way their marriage had turned out. To think she almost gave up on such a wonderful man before she even gave him a chance. It was her greatest embarrassment. Her actions last year on their wedding night still shamed her, and she’d done everything in her power to make it up to him. It was hard to believe that dreadful night was nearly ten months ago. “Ethan, are you well, my darling? You seem quiet this evening.”

  Ethan brought her hand to his lips for a soft kiss. “I’m fine. No need to worry.”

  Emily’s brow furrowed. “When you say that, that’s exactly when I
start to worry. What’s on your mind?”

  “I guess I’m worried about Colby being back in London. I don’t want him to be tempted by the gambling parlors again.”

  “Do you think he might be, even after what happened last year?”

  “I fear for his resolve. It may be too difficult for him to resist.”

  “Getting shot is no small thing to brush aside. It was a daunting lesson to learn.”

  “You’re right, of course. With the passage of time, even the most horrendous experiences tend to fade.”

  Ethan’s words stabbed at Emily’s heart and she inhaled sharply. Was he only talking about Colby, or did he mean to include her as well in his horrible experiences? “Yes, I agree, but I hope you realize that I’ve tried very hard to be a good wife to you and erase that terrible memory from your mind. I cannot begin to tell you how shamed I am about it even after all this time.”

  Ethan turned to face her, his brow furrowed. “What? You’re shamed about Colby?”

  Emily shook her head. “No, not Colby.”

  “Darling, what are you talking about?”

  “Our wedding night.”

  He saw the hurt cross her face and pulled his wife into his arms. “My dear sweet Emily, you must know I didn’t mean you when I spoke earlier. Forget your shame. That is over and done with and not for you to worry about ever again. You are my dearest wife, my love, my Bright Star. I love you with every fiber of my being. Please don’t ever forget that.”

  Emily snuggled into Ethan’s embrace and breathed in his musky scent. Whenever she was near him, she craved his loving hands on her body, his lips on hers. She couldn’t get enough of him and her love had grown for him until she thought she’d burst with happiness. “Oh, Ethan, I’m so glad, because you mean the world to me. I wanted to wait a little longer before I told you, but I think this is the perfect time.”

  Ethan let go of his wife. “Tell me what? Are you getting involved in more charity work? My dearest, you do so much already. I don’t know how you’ll find enough time in the day to take on another project.”

  Emily smiled at the man she loved with all her heart. “No, my darling, it’s not that, but I do believe I’ll have to curtail my activities this summer.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, it’s what most women do when they are with child.”

  She watched her husband’s face—first the disbelief, then the absolute joy shining in his eyes.

  “Is it so?”

  Emily nodded. “Quite so, my love. I longed to tell you earlier, but I was afraid to be too happy in case I lost the child.”

  Ethan cupped her beautiful face in his hands. “My darling Bright Star, you’ve made me the happiest man in the world. I love you more with each passing day.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers, lightly at first, before it deepened into everything he’d wanted to say and then some.

  When they broke apart, Emily couldn’t stop smiling. “Isn’t it wonderful? By winter we shall be holding our own child.”

  “It’s hard to comprehend that we are so blessed. I must tell you, that’s the last thing I expected you to tell me tonight.” He kissed her again.

  “I didn’t want to say anything until I was positive. I talked with my mother about it when we arrived in London last week. I hope you don’t mind that I consulted her, but I wanted to be sure of my happy news before telling you.”

  Ethan picked up Emily’s hand and brought it to his lips. “No, my darling, I don’t mind at all. I would like nothing better than to shout this happy news from the rooftops.”

  Emily giggled at the image Ethan had planted in her mind. “I hardly think that’s the proper way to announce it. I’m so excited to tell Mia tomorrow. It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other, but she’s been busy with little Lucas. It will be such a pleasure to hold the little one in my arms, knowing that soon I shall be holding our own child.”

  “Getting in a little practice?” Ethan chuckled.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. What do you have to say to that, Mr. Richardson?” Emily asked in a teasing tone.

  He leaned over and kissed her again. “I’d say that’s wonderful. Do you want to tell Aunt Mary this evening?”

  “No, not yet, but we’ll tell everyone soon. Is that agreeable with you?”

  “Of course, my darling. Whatever you prefer is fine with me, but only if you kiss me again.”

  Emily chuckled before she obliged her husband with a sensual kiss of her own.

  “Perhaps, we should not celebrate any more or else we will not be going to Aunt Mary’s for dinner,” Ethan said when they broke apart.

  “Your aunt would be most disappointed, but are you saying you don’t wish to kiss me anymore?”

  Now it was Ethan’s turn to chuckle. “I always want to kiss you, my darling wife.”

  “Then kiss me once more before we reach Aunt Mary’s.”

  “It will be my pleasure.”

  ***

  Lady Charlotte Hunt looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror. Her long-time maid, Mayson, had done a beautiful job with her hair this evening. Dark curls cascaded down the nape of her neck. Even in her fortieth year, Charlotte was blessed with lustrous black hair with only a few strands of white peeking through.

  “Would you prefer the pearls or sapphires this evening?” Mayson asked.

  “Sapphires, please. They will go nicely with this dress, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, ma’am. That’s the most beautiful navy silk I’ve ever seen. Did Mrs. Phillips order that specially for you?”

  “No, but as soon as she saw it, she wrote to me. Once I saw it, there was no doubt in my mind that it would make the most extraordinary dress. The fabric shimmers and appears to change color when it moves.”

  Mayson pulled out the sapphire necklace and matching earrings from the jewelry box. “This necklace will look stunning with that dress. Lord Hunt has outdone himself with these pieces. The vibrant colors of the stones are so lovely.”

  “Come now, Mayson. There’s no need to pretend with me. We’re both aware he only gave them to me to keep up appearances, nothing more.”

  Mayson didn’t say anything. She slipped the necklace around Charlotte’s neck and fastened the clasp before stepping back. “There you go, my lady. You look stunning this evening.”

  Charlotte finished off the look by dressing her ears with the sapphires. “Thank you, Mayson. As usual, it’s your expertise that has helped me look presentable tonight.”

  “You need no help from me or anyone else, my lady. You’re a beautiful woman, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

  Charlotte chuckled at Mayson’s over-protectiveness. She’d been her maid for close to twenty years and had seen her through the ups and downs of her marriage although it had been mostly downs for as long as she could remember. The moment she gave birth to Dalton, Gilbert had withdrawn from her. She had learned soon enough the only reason why he married her was to get an heir. Once that bit of business was done with, Gilbert had no further need of her. He didn’t even want a second child as insurance in the event something might befall the first one. It was hard to accept, at least at first.

  She’d been a foolish young girl and had been taken in with his sweet courtship. She thought him kind and considerate, and overlooked his awkwardness around her. Her parents approved of the union, and they were married within three months. She had been looking forward to being the mistress of her own home and sharing a happy home with her new husband. With Gilbert by her side, she thought they would enjoy a wonderful and fulfilling life filled with love and lots of children.

  It didn’t take long for her to learn the truth. Gilbert didn’t have a romantic bone in his body, and his clumsy lovemaking those first few months confirmed for Charlotte that her husband detested sex, or at least sex with her. After the birth of their son, he never touched her again. She had cried and pleaded with him, but he was steadfast in his refusal to come to her bedchamber
ever again. It was a devastating lesson for a young woman to learn that her husband detested the sight of her. It took her years to get over the hurt.

  “Thank you Mayson. You’re a dear. We won’t be late. See you later.”

  “Enjoy your dinner with Lady Tisbury. Good night, my lady.”

  Charlotte grabbed her shawl and went downstairs. At least she was happy to be seeing her dearest friend this evening. That was one of the few blessings from her union with Gilbert. From the moment she had met Mary Tisbury, they had became fast friends.

  Gilbert and Dalton were waiting for her in the front parlor.

  “Are you ready to leave?” she asked.

  “We’ve been ready for quite some time,” Gilbert snapped at her.

  Charlotte glanced at her husband, but his stare held nothing but contempt for her. His cold blue eyes held no warmth. She never had trouble picking him out in a crowd especially with his shock of white hair. He had a trim physique for a man nearing sixty and saved his charm for his friend’s wives or anyone else who could benefit him. That excluded Charlotte, but she was used to his ways and ignored him.

  “Fine. Let’s depart,” she said.

  Dalton stepped forward. “You look beautiful, Mother.” He offered her his arm and she took it with pleasure. No matter how unpleasant her marriage was, she would never regret it because their union had produced her beloved son.

  “Thank you, Dalton. You look very handsome yourself.”

  Chapter 6

  Isabel looked in the vanity mirror as the maid put the final pins in her hair. Their bedchamber was a large and airy room with an over-sized four-posted bed. She’d never seen such a pretty room before, and the blue and cream décor was perfect for them. She had changed into a navy dress for dinner and Rachel had combed her hair and secured it into a bun at the nape of her neck.

  “There you are, Miss Knott. Will you be needing anything else?” Rachel asked.

  “No, thank you. That’s all for tonight.”

  “I’ll come back and help you undress when you’re ready to retire for the evening.”