“Mr. Tisbury, I do hope you’ll stay long enough to have tea with us,” Iris said on her way out of the room. “We will return shortly.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Quinn. I would be delighted to stay,” he said before he walked toward Isabel.
“What are you doing here?” Isabel asked.
“I came to see you, of course. You seem to have missed a few engagements lately.”
“I have, but I don’t know why that should concern you,” she said, taking a step away from him.
Colby longed to tell her how much he loved her, but she seemed so cold toward him. He had no choice but to try a bold approach. “Miss Knott, you are a thief.”
Her eyes flashed at him. “I beg your pardon, sir. How dare you say such a thing to me? I’ve never stolen anything in my life.”
Colby reached for her hand and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss. “That’s where you’re wrong, my darling Isabel. You’ve stolen my heart and to which I heartily fall victim.”
Isabel snatched her hand back. “Doesn’t seem like it to me. You seem much more of a fickle man.”
“Whatever do you mean? I thought my intentions were clear. You mean the world to me. There is no one else I desire as much as you and the wonderful thought of holding you in my arms again.”
Isabel crossed her arms across her chest, her indignation clear in her stance. “The same way you held Kathryn Larkinson?”
Colby saw the hurt cross her face and instantly regretted letting Kathryn get anywhere near him this Season. “You’re wrong about that. She means nothing to me.”
“That’s a lie. I saw you kissing her.”
Colby shook his head. “Isabel, please let me explain. It’s not what you think.”
A silent tear rolled down Isabel’s face and she swiped at it in frustration. “I don’t want to hear any of your explanations. Your actions are enough for me to know that you have been false with me. Your intentions seem to wander depending on which young lady is in your company. That’s not the kind of man I care to be with.”
Colby could not bear to see Isabel so unhappy. “My darling, I beg you to listen. I did not kiss Kathryn. She has been hounding me for two Seasons now and is relentless in her pursuit of me. I have spurned her, but she doesn’t stop. That night out on the balcony, I was so happy because I thought there was a possibility that you cared for me as much as I care for you. I heard footsteps behind me and thinking it was you, I turned with open arms. Kathryn slid into my embrace and pressed her lips against mine. I did not kiss her.”
“You didn’t, but I saw…”
“No, you must believe me. I pushed her from me immediately and went after you, but you left so quickly I did not have a chance to explain. There is no one else that can stir such passion in me. I only have eyes for you. You are in my thoughts morning, noon, and night. You haunt my dreams and I count the hours until I can see you next. I am totally devoted to you and only you.”
“You are?”
“Indeed, it is true. You must know how I feel about you.”
Long moments passed before Isabel softened her stance. Did she believe him? He could only hope so. She must know that if he had truly compromised Kathryn’s virtue, there would have been an engagement announcement by now.
“Isabel, please say something. I cannot bear to see you so troubled.”
She smoothed down her dress buying a few seconds to think. This moment would change the course of their lives. Was she ready for that?
“Well, I guess I believe you. I have not heard of your engagement to Kathryn.”
“Indeed, there will never be one.”
Colby could see the emotions warring on her face until finally, a smile lifted the corners of her lips.
“I see, but tell me Mr. Tisbury. What is to become of your infatuation of me?”
There was the Isabel he loved, that wild bird asserting herself, yet begging to be held. Colby leaned closer and lightly brushed her lips with a sweet kiss. “That will depend on you, Miss Knott.” He felt her shiver.
“Me?”
“Yes, you,” Colby whispered as he pulled Isabel into his arms. He kissed her cheek and ran a trail of kisses down her neck.
“Oh my. Mr. Tisbury, if you wish me to answer you…”
He took possession of her mouth and kissed her long and deep, hoping to convey his intense passion for her. She was everything to him, and a spark of hope blossomed in his chest when he felt her return the kiss.
When they finally broke apart, Isabel nearly sagged in his arms. He guided her to the sofa. “Here, sit and regain your strength.” He took the seat next to her and brought her hand to his lips. “My dearest Isabel, I have never been in love before you came into my life. Now that you are here, I never want to lose you. Please say you’ll consent to becoming my wife.”
***
Isabel couldn’t catch her breath. Butterflies roiled around her insides and she felt light-headed. Would she allow her stubbornness to ruin a lifetime of happiness? Here was the man of her dreams, standing in front of her, waiting on her answer. The man she adored was pledging his love to her. Could it really be so? The most handsome bachelor in London was truly in love with her. She felt weak in the knees and was glad they were sitting on the sofa. The feel of his lips on hers lingered and a thrill coursed through her. This was everything she could have ever hoped for. Did these kinds of dreams come true for an orphaned country girl like her? She wanted to pinch herself to make sure it was real.
“I hardly know what to say?”
His finger traced her cheek. “Do you love me?”
Isabel gazed into his beautiful blue eyes and knew that she would never love another man as much as she loved Colby. Why was she holding back? She should be jumping for joy and accepting his proposal with all due haste, but she found herself hesitating. She had a secret that she could not share with him and although she wanted to tell him, it wouldn’t be right to dishonor her father’s last wishes. “I do. You know I do.”
“Then why do you hesitate?”
“Because I’m a nobody from a small village in Essex. I have no connections beyond being Georgette’s cousin. Why would you want to marry me?”
Colby brushed her lips with his own sending another thrill through her. “You are not a nobody. You are the woman I love. I care nothing for your lack of connections. Say yes and make me the happiest man in all of England.”
“I don’t know. This will change our lives forever.”
Colby lifted a stray curl from her face. “My darling Isabel, I’ve never been more positive of anything in my life. A lifetime of holding you in my arms will never satisfy me. My love for you is boundless. This past week without seeing you has been the worst week of my life. Please release me from my misery.”
Isabel couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. “Yes, of course, I’ll marry you, but only on one condition.”
“What condition? I promise I’ll give you anything you could possibly desire. You will lack for nothing. You only need to name it and it will be yours.”
Isabel chuckled. “Well, then you must promise to keep on kissing me, for I must say, I think I’m getting quite used to it.”
It was Colby’s turn to chuckle. He pulled Isabel into his arms, hugging her tightly. “That’s a promise I will have no problem keeping, although you may tire of being kissed morning, noon, and night. Most especially at night,” he said with a sly arch of his brow.
A crimson blush spread across Isabel’s cheeks.
It was that moment Mrs. Quinn and Georgette came back into the parlor. “Are we interrupting? We could come back in a few moments,” Iris said with a wolfish grin.
Isabel jumped up from the sofa and rushed to the older woman, hugging her fiercely. “Mrs. Quinn, can you believe it? Mr. Tisbury and I are engaged!”
“Well, now that’s a reason to celebrate. I’m so very happy for you both,” Iris said.
Colby stood and smiled. “Indeed. It is a most happy da
y.”
Isabel turned and hugged her sister. “Is it not the most wonderful news?”
“Yes, dearest. Truly wonderful.”
Mrs. Smithfield entered the parlor carrying a tray of tea and refreshments and set it down on the table.
“Come now, let’s have a cup of tea,” Iris said. “Cook has sent in some delicious sweets and we mustn’t disappoint her by not sampling them all.”
Colby pulled out the chair for Iris. “Thank you, Mrs. Quinn,” he whispered in her ear.
Iris reached up and patted his hand. “My pleasure. So, when will you inform your parents of your news?”
Georgette sat next to Iris and Colby and Isabel took a seat on the opposite side of the table. “Their annual ball is Saturday next,” he said. “I think it would be the perfect time to announce our engagement, don’t you think, Isabel?”
Isabel nodded. “I guess that would be lovely. I don’t have any experience in these matters. Will your parents approve of me? I have no connections.”
Colby patted her hand. “Do not worry. I will take care of everything.”
Isabel looked across the table at her sister. “Georgette, I don’t think Mr. Tisbury is aware of your happy news.”
Colby glanced at Georgette and could tell by her smile that shy Dalton had proposed. He would not spoil her pleasure in telling her he knew, though. “Oh, what news, Miss Condiff?”
“I am engaged as well. Mr. Hunt proposed to me last evening.”
“He did? That is marvelous news. I like Dalton a great deal. He’s a fine young man who I’m sure will make you very happy.”
Georgette nodded. “Yes, I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve never so happy before and I’m looking forward to sharing a life with Mr. Hunt.”
“Looks like there will be a double wedding this Season,” Iris said. She glanced between Georgette and Isabel. “Oh, I haven’t had this much fun in years. There will be much to do, starting with Mrs. Phillips. You both will need new dresses for the wedding. We cannot have you getting married in a dress you’ve worn already.”
“Mrs. Quinn, do you think that is prudent,” Georgette asked. “We both have so many lovely dresses already.”
“Of course, it is necessary. You two will be the most beautiful brides London has seen in quite a long time. Not to worry, my dear. Everything will be taken care of.”
“Perhaps we should at least wait until the engagements are made public.”
Iris nodded. “If that is what you wish, but I will send a note to Mrs. Phillips to be ready once the news is announced.”
Chapter 14
News of Georgette’s engagement spread quickly through the ton. It didn’t take long for even more invitations to arrive.
Mrs. Smithfield handed Georgette a stack of letters. “These came for you in the afternoon post, Miss Condiff.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Smithfield. My goodness. I’ve never seen so many letters at once.”
Isabel put her embroidery down when Georgette sat on the sofa with her. “How exciting. Who are they from?”
Georgette opened the first letter. “This one is from Emily Richardson, inviting us for tea tomorrow afternoon. She has been so kind to us during our stay in London. Shall I accept for us?”
Isabel nodded. “Yes, I would very much enjoy seeing Emily again.”
Georgette read through the rest of the letters. Most were well wishes on her engagement.
“Is there one from Lady Hunt?”
“No, not in this stack. She’s probably very busy.”
“Yes, that is true, but don’t worry. An invitation for tea should be coming soon.”
Georgette stood and walked to the desk. She pulled out a sheet of paper and penned her reply to Emily. “I’ll just take this to Mrs. Smithfield. I’d like it to be delivered today.”
Isabel nodded and while Georgette went in search of the housekeeper, her thoughts wandered to Colby. It was another five days until the Tisbury ball. She was excited and nervous at the prospect of meeting Lord and Lady Tisbury. Would they like her? And more importantly, would they accept her as a suitable wife for their only son? That was what worried her the most. Colby might not have minded that she had no family, but would his parents object? Even more troubling was the possibility they found out her secret? Being a poor cousin was one thing, but being illegitimate was something that would not be taken lightly. She dared not think about it, for if she did, her heart would break especially if his parents refused to allow her to marry Colby.
***
The next afternoon the coach carrying Georgette and Isabel stopped at the Richardson home. Mrs. Fullerton received them at the door. “Mrs. Richardson is in the parlor. Please follow me.”
“Thank you,” Georgette said as she and Isabel followed the housekeeper.
Emily was seated, but when she saw her guests, she stood and greeted them warmly. “I’m so very pleased that you both could join me for tea.”
“It was kind of you to invite us,” Georgette said.
“Nonsense, come sit. I’ve heard your happy news, Georgette. You must be thrilled. Dalton Hunt is a fine gentleman.”
“Do you know him well?” Georgette asked.
“Yes, I’ve known him for years. Our parents are great friends. I wish you much happiness.”
“Thank you, Emily. As you can imagine, I was surprised, especially since I’ve only known Mr. Hunt a short while.”
“That’s true, but love does not always have a timetable.” Emily glanced at Isabel. “And you, Isabel. Are you enjoying the Season?”
Isabel paused. “Yes, thank you. Will you be attending the Tisbury ball on Saturday?”
Emily nodded. “Of course. Ethan and I wouldn’t miss Aunt Mary’s annual ball, although I won’t be dancing much this year.”
“Oh?”
Emily leaned forward. “Can you ladies keep a secret?”
“Of course,” Georgette said. “Please tell us.”
“It is the most happy news. I am with child.”
Both Georgette and Isabel squealed in delight. “How wonderful,” Isabel said.
“It is indeed, but I have not told anyone beside Ethan and my mother. I thought to wait until after the Tisbury ball. I wouldn’t want to overshadow the festivities. Will I see you both there?”
“Yes, we are planning to attend,” Georgette said. “I’ve heard it’s the most lavish event of the Season.”
“Indeed it is. Aunt Mary spares no expense and it certainly shows.”
Isabel wanted to tell Emily her engagement news, but she thought it best to hold her tongue. The engagement had not received the blessing of Colby’s parents yet and she was afraid to say anything in case they were against the union.
“Mrs. Quinn tells us that the Tisbury ball is the highlight of the Season,” Isabel said.
“Oh, it is. The musicians in past years have been the best in the county. There aren’t many couples who can forego a turn around the dance floor once they begin to play.”
“Sounds like it will be a wonderful evening,” Georgette said. “We are looking forward to attending.”
“It will be most entertaining. No one entertains like Lady Tisbury.”
The ladies talked for the next hour non-stop until Georgette saw Emily stifle a yawn.
“Oh, please forgive me,” Emily said. “I find myself quite exhausted these days.”
“We should be going,” Georgette said. “Thank you again for inviting us for tea today.”
Emily hugged them both. “It was lovely to see you both. I look forward to seeing you both again at the ball.”
“As are we. Good-bye, Emily” Isabel chimed in.
On the carriage ride home, Isabel wondered what would happen at the Tisbury ball. Would it be her dream come true, or something out of a nightmare if Lord and Lady Tisbury rejected her because of her parentage or lack thereof?
“Would you care to share your thoughts?” Georgette asked.
Isabel sighed. “I guess I’m ner
vous what the Tisburys’ will think of me.”
“They will love you, of course.”
“You’re sweet to say that, but I don’t know if that is true. As far as they’re concerned, I’m a poor girl from the country with no connections. I cannot tell them who my father was and, of course, I don’t know who my mother is. I can’t imagine the horrid scene if they found out that I’m illegitimate too. They will be outraged. Do you think I’m reaching too far in loving Mr. Tisbury?”
Georgette squeezed her sister’s hand. “No, I don’t think so. Remember, out of all the young ladies available this Season, Mr. Tisbury chose you.”
“I suppose you’re right, but I can’t help but wonder. I don’t know what I’ll do if they refuse to accept me and forbid the marriage to go forth.”
“Do not fret on it. All will be well.”
“I pray that you are correct.”
***
The next five days crawled by for Isabel. By the time the day of the Tisbury ball rolled around, she was a bundle of nerves. She sat at the vanity waiting for Rachel to come and attend to her hair.
Georgette rubbed her shoulders. “Relax, dearest. Everything will be fine this evening, I just know it.”
Isabel reached up and squeezed Georgette’s hand. “I hope you’re right. I don’t know how I will cope if I cannot marry Mr. Tisbury. I love him dearly, and heaven help my poor heart if we are parted.”
“Let’s not worry about that. I have faith that Mr. Tisbury will succeed in convincing his parents that he loves you and you are the one he wants to marry. Have you decided what dress to wear this evening?”
“Yes, the lavender one.”
“Oh, that is a perfect choice. You will look stunning in that one.”
“And you? Will it be the ice blue for you tonight?”
“How did you know?” Georgette asked.
Isabel giggled. “It wasn’t hard to guess. Your favorite color is blue and I’ve never seen a more beautiful shade of blue than in the dress that Mrs. Phillips designed for you.”
“I know. I love it. I do want to look my best, since this is my first outing since our engagement was announced.”
“You will be the most beautiful woman at the ball tonight.”
Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 28