Iris patted her hand. “Go ahead, my dear. Enjoy yourself. I will find you again later. Good evening, Mr. Hunt.”
“Good evening, Mrs. Quinn,” Dalton said with a bow.
Georgette placed her hand on Dalton’s arm. “Thank you, Mr. Hunt. I’d love some punch.”
Dalton led them around the perimeter of the dance floor. “I do hope your cousin is not gravely ill.”
“No, she’s not, but she did have a headache this evening. She thought it best to rest.”
“I’m ever so glad that you were not afflicted. I would have sorely missed seeing you this evening.”
Georgette looked into Dalton’s soulful brown eyes. “You would?”
Dalton raised her hand to his lips and laid a gentle kiss upon it. “Indeed I would have, my dear sweet Miss Condiff.”
“What a lovely thing to say, Mr. Hunt.”
At the refreshment table, Dalton poured two glasses of punch. “Would you care to find a quiet corner so that we may speak in private?”
Georgette nodded and they continued to the far end of the room away from the dance floor.
“Will this do?” Dalton asked as he put the punch down on a small table. He pulled out the chair for Georgette.
“Yes, this is fine. Thank you.”
Dalton took the seat opposite her. “Miss Condiff, I know that we’ve only just met, but the more time we spend together, the more I want to see you. I find that I can hardly bear it when we are apart.”
Georgette flipped open her fan, momentarily hesitating before speaking. “Mr. Hunt, I don’t know what to say?”
Dalton reached for her hand. “I do hope you don’t think me too bold. The last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable. I was thinking that…perhaps…what I meant to say…”
“Do not be flustered, Mr. Hunt. What is it you’d like to say?”
“Is there any chance you share my feelings?”
“When I came to London with my cousin, it was more so that Isabel could experience the Season. I never thought I would meet someone who would steal my heart.”
Dalton inhaled sharply. “Is it true? Have I stolen your heart? Do you mean that? ”
Georgette nodded. “I do, Mr. Hunt.”
“I cannot tell you how happy that makes me.” Dalton stood and offered his arm. “Come, then. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Georgette stood and placed her hand on his arm. “Really, who?”
“My parents, of course. I can’t wait for them to know you.”
“Oh, do you think they’ll approve of me?”
“I have no doubt they will most heartedly approve.” Dalton led Georgette around the dance floor to his parents, who were chatting with the evening’s hosts. His mother turned and smiled when she spotted him coming her way.
***
“Margaret, please excuse me. I need to speak to my son,” Charlotte Hunt said to the hostess. She tapped her husband’s arm. “Gilbert, come. Dalton has a young woman on his arm,” she whispered as she walked toward her son.
Gilbert gave her a stern look, but followed her.
“Mother, Father, there is someone I’d like you to meet,” Dalton said. “This is Miss Georgette Condiff.”
Charlotte paled when she heard the young lady’s name. It was a name she had never thought to hear again. When George had left London all those years ago, he had vowed never to return.
Condiff.
This had to be George’s daughter. She studied the young lady’s face and saw the resemblance to her father.
“Mother, are you feeling ill?” Dalton asked.
“Oh no, dear. I’m fine. I’m very pleased to meet you, Miss Condiff.”
“Condiff? George Condiff’s daughter?” Gilbert asked.
“Yes, I am his daughter, Lord Hunt,” Georgette said with a curtsy. “I’m very pleased to meet you both.”
“How is your father faring these days? I’ve not seen since he left London years ago.”
Georgette hesitated before answering. “I’m afraid I lost him to illness, Lord Hunt.”
For the second time in less than five minutes, Charlotte got a terrible shock. “George is dead?”
“Yes, Lady Hunt. He caught a cold a year ago this past winter and never recovered.”
“I’m so very sorry. That must have been so difficult for you,” Charlotte said.
“Mother, did you know Mr. Condiff?” Dalton asked.
Charlotte tore her eyes from Georgette and glanced at her son. “Not well. He retired to the country years ago and we didn’t see him again in London after that.”
She hated to lie to Dalton, but she had no choice. Gilbert had never discovered her secret affair with George, and no good would come of exposing it now. The scandal would ruin her and tarnish the family name. That was the last thing she wanted. She would not put Dalton in jeopardy, but she longed to ask Georgette about the baby she’d left in her father’s care eighteen years earlier. Had the child survived? What had become of her daughter?
“I see,” Gilbert said. “Tragic, but you’re an orphan now?”
“Father, I fail to see why that is important,” Dalton said. “You said yourself that you knew Mr. Condiff.”
“It’s important if you’re serious about this young woman. I will not agree for my son to marry a poor orphan girl from the country.”
Before Georgette could stop herself, the words tumbled out. “Lord Hunt, I am a gentleman’s daughter who has been left with a sizable dowry. I’m no poor girl from the country.”
Charlotte shot her husband a glare. “Gilbert, was that necessary?”
“It was,” Gilbert said, before he walked away.
Charlotte squeezed Georgette’s hand. “Please forgive my husband’s rudeness. It was in poor taste. I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
“Thank you, Lady Hunt,” Georgette said. “I do apologize for my outburst, but please be assured that I do not love your son because of his wealth.”
Dalton turned toward Georgette. “You love me?”
Georgette smiled. “Yes, I suppose I do.”
Dalton’s face split into a wide smile. “Mother, I do believe you’ve just met the woman I’m going to marry,” Dalton said as he glanced between his mother and Georgette.
Charlotte smiled at the happy couple. “Well, I didn’t expect this, but as long as you make my son happy, I’ll be happy. It will be wonderful to have you as my daughter-in-law. Perhaps, you’d like to take tea with me next week.”
“Thank you, Lady Hunt. I would like that very much.”
“Good. It’s settled. Now if you two would excuse me, I see some other friends I must speak with tonight. We will talk again soon, I promise,” Charlotte said.
***
Georgette watched Lady Hunt walk away before she turned her gaze to Dalton. “Mr. Hunt, did you mean what you said to your mother? You wish to marry me?”
Dalton reached for her hand. “More than ever, Georgette. I know I should wait until the perfect moment, but I don’t want to waste another moment. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears welled in Georgette’s eyes. She was beyond happy. She had never really believed that she would meet the man of her dreams in her first Season in London. It was a dream come true, and she could hardly wait to share the good news with Isabel.
“I will. Oh yes, I most decidedly will.”
The rest of the evening flew by in a blur. Dalton wanted to share their good news with everyone they talked with, but she asked if he would wait until she had a chance to tell Isabel and Mrs. Quinn.
“Of course, whatever you wish,” Dalton said.
“Thank you, Mr. Hunt.”
“I dare say that you’ll have to learn to call me Dalton now that we’re engaged.”
“I think I’ll have no trouble with that, Dalton,” Georgette said.
On the carriage ride home, Georgette could hardly contain her excitement. “Mrs. Quinn, I have the most wonderful news.”
“Indeed. He has asked for my hand in marriage.”
“Oh?”
“Yes and I accepted.”
Iris pulled Georgette into her arms and hugged her tightly. “Didn’t I tell you that the young men of London would be clamoring over each other to court you? I’m very happy for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Quinn.”
“Did you meet his parents?”
“I did.” Georgette shared her encounter with Lord Hunt.
Iris chuckled. “Gilbert Hunt is a blustering fool. You’re a wonderful match for Dalton and if Charlotte approved of the engagement, then you’ll have nothing to fear from Lord Hunt.”
“I can’t wait to share my news with Isabel.”
“Speaking of Isabel, she’s been moping around the house for more than a week now. I can hardly imagine what Mr. Tisbury could have done to make her so unhappy. I hate to see her that way. Is there something I can do to lift her spirits?”
Georgette sighed. “I should not break her confidence, but you have been like a mother to us. I’m at a loss to what I should do. Perhaps you can shed some light on the situation.”
“Of course, if I can. Will you tell me what happened?”
“At the last dance, Colby confided in Isabel that he was falling in love with her.”
“I hardly think that’s a reason to be unhappy,” Iris exclaimed. “Colby Tisbury would be quite the catch for any young woman.”
“No, that’s not why she’s unhappy. Isabel was thrilled, but when she went out on the balcony for some fresh air, she found him kissing Miss Larkinson. She didn’t wait for him to explain, but there must be some reasonable explanation. Mr. Tisbury does not strike me as an unkind gentleman who would do such a thing. Don’t you think?”
“Oh dear, that is a problem. Isabel should not have gone out on the balcony alone.”
“She didn’t know they were out there. Mrs. Quinn, there must be an explanation for Colby’s actions though, but I cannot think what it could be?”
“Well, I don’t know exactly what Isabel witnessed, but I can tell you that Kathryn Larkinson has been sweet on Colby Tisbury for the past two Seasons. I don’t want to think ill of the young woman, but it hardly seems likely that Colby would profess his love for Isabel and then go and kiss Kathryn.”
“Yes, that’s what I tried to tell Isabel, but she wouldn’t listen. She said it was all ruined and that’s why she wouldn’t come to the dance tonight. She doesn’t want to face him.”
“Ruined? Has Isabel told anyone else of their encounter?”
“No, I don’t believe she has.”
“Well, that’s good, because otherwise Colby would have been forced to marry Katherine. He would be seen as compromising her honor especially if they were out on the balcony alone. He would be expected to do the honorable thing and marry her.”
“Oh, dear. That is most distressing. It would surely break Isabel’s heart if that happened.”
Iris patted Georgette’s hand. “Let me think on this a bit and see what I can do to help. There still may be a chance as long as no one else saw Colby and Katherine together.”
Georgette hugged the older woman. “Thank you, Mrs. Quinn. I knew you could help.”
“You’re welcome, but I can’t make any promises.
“I know.”
“We’re home. Now go and share your happy news with your cousin,” Iris said.
The driver jumped down and opened the carriage door, helping the ladies descend the steps to the ground. Georgette tried to contain her excitement, but once inside the door, she flew up the stairs and down the hall to their bedchamber.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Quinn,” Mrs. Smithfield said. “Is everything well with Miss Condiff?”
“Yes, she’s fine, just a little excited. Dalton Hunt proposed to her this evening.”
“How lovely for her. Now, would you care for some tea before retiring?”
“No, thank you, Mrs. Smithfield. I’m rather tired myself this evening and will retire promptly.”
“Very well. Good evening, Mrs. Quinn.”
***
Isabel was sitting in bed reading when Georgette entered their room.
“Hello. Did you have a good time?” she asked.
Georgette rushed to the bed and grasped her sister’s hands. “Isabel, you will never believe what happened this evening?”
“What? Did something happen with Mr. Hunt?”
“Yes. Mr. Hunt proposed! I met his parents, too. Lord Hunt was rather abrupt, but Lady Hunt was delightful.”
“He did? Isn’t that rather soon?”
“It is, but I’m more sure about my feelings than ever.” Georgette relayed the conversation she had with Lord Hunt and how he was insulting their father. She realized in that moment that she was in love with Dalton.
“You said that? Look who’s being bold now?”
“I could hardly believe the words that came out of my mouth. Lord Hunt had insulted our father and I couldn’t bear it.”
Isabel hugged her. “Good for you. Engaged. I’m so happy for you.”
“It hasn’t been announced yet. I asked Mr. Hunt if I could share the happy news with you first. Lady Hunt said she will invite me to tea soon.”
“It is wonderful news.”
“Thank you, dearest. There’s something else. I wanted to tell you that Mr. Tisbury was asking after you this evening.”
“He was?”
“Yes, he met us at the entrance and seemed very disappointed when you were not there.”
“Well, I have no doubt Kathryn kept him entertained for the evening.”
Georgette shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. He brushed past me when Mrs. Quinn told him you were at home and he left once he found out you were not in attendance.”
“He did? I don’t know what to say about that.”
“Perhaps there is another explanation after all,” Georgette said.
“Perhaps.”
“Would you think on this carefully?”
“I will, Georgette. I promise I will.”
Chapter 13
The next afternoon Isabel wandered into the parlor. Mrs. Quinn and Georgette were on the sofa discussing a book of poetry Iris had recently acquired. She could not muster any enthusiasm to join their conversation, even if she had wanted to engage with them. She had slept poorly and couldn’t stop thinking about what Georgette had told her. Was there an explanation for what she saw out on the balcony? But, what could it be? She tried hard, but she couldn’t get the image of Mr. Tisbury kissing Kathryn Larkinson out of her mind.
Today she felt listless, her heart in shreds. How could she have let this happen? Falling in love with Colby Tisbury was the worst mistake she’d made since coming to London, and she could see only one solution to end her misery. She would have to leave London and go back to Essex, but even that, would have to wait until after Georgette’s wedding. She would not want to miss her sister’s special day.
It was pure agony to think that she’d misjudged Colby’s intentions. The last thing she wanted was to be thought of as a foolish young woman, but she feared it was too late for that now. She was foolish and there was no mistaking that she loved Colby with all her heart. She thought he had returned her affections, and he had said that he did, but that was before she caught him kissing Kathryn. When compared to a beauty such as Kathryn, it was no wonder that he was sweet on her. How could she expect him to love her? How could all her dreams come true if the man she loved didn’t love her? She had lost faith that a happy ending to the Season was possible for her now.
Georgette had warned her over and over again not to be too bold when they had first come to London, but she didn’t listen. Now she would pay the price for her boldness. Unrequited love was not romantic in the way books portrayed it. It was pure agony. She was filled with an ache in her heart that would not go away and only became more intense as time
went by.
She slumped into the chair.
“Isabel, is there something wrong?” Iris asked.
She shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine to me, dear. Perhaps if you unburdened yourself, we could find a solution for you.”
Before Isabel could answer, Mrs. Smithfield came into the room and announced their visitor. “Mr. Tisbury, ma’am.”
Isabel’s mouth fell open as she stared past Mrs. Smithfield. What was he doing here?
***
Colby strode into the room behind the housekeeper. He saw Mrs. Quinn and Georgette seated on the sofa with Isabel sitting in a nearby chair. The women stood and each gave him a curtsy.
“Good day, Mr. Tisbury. What a delightful surprise,” Iris said.
Colby bowed. “Good day, Mrs. Quinn, Miss Condiff, Miss Knott.”
His gaze lingered on Isabel, but she would not meet his eyes. His heart lurched at the sight of her. She was like a wild bird he longed to hold in his hand. Not to tame, but to relish. No other woman had ever stirred such passion in him and he had to have her. She was the one he’d been waiting for all these years. He had hoped he would have an opportunity to talk with her at the dance last evening. He’d only attended to see her and was sorely disappointed when she did not attend.
He’d been surprised when a letter arrived earlier this morning for him. Mrs. Quinn had invited him for tea, but he couldn’t help but wonder if she knew his coming here was the best opportunity for him to speak to Isabel in private. He had to explain to Isabel that what she saw out on the Larkinson balcony wasn’t what it appeared. It was all a misunderstanding and an unwelcomed advance from Kathryn.
He glanced at Mrs. Quinn and she winked at him before she placed her hand on Georgette’s arm. “My dear, would you care to see the new volume that came in the post yesterday?”
Georgette looked at Mr. Tisbury and then at Isabel, before nodding. “Yes, that would be delightful.”
Colby saw Isabel look at Georgette. Was she silently pleading with her not to leave her alone with him? Did she disdain him so much? How had everything gone so wrong so quickly? He had to fix this. He could not endure Isabel’s avoidance of him any longer.
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