Love by Deception (Age of Innocence)

by Debra Elizabeth

  “Of course, sir. Please follow me.” She led him to the parlor where Iris, Georgette, and Isabel were seated.

  “Good day Mrs. Quinn, Miss Condiff, Miss Knott,” Dalton said with a bow.

  The ladies stood and curtsied to the young man.

  Dalton shuffled from one foot to the other. He had practiced what he was going to say on the way to the Quinn residence, but now that Georgette stood in front of him, nerves made everything fly out of his mind. She was so beautiful. When she looked at him, his heart thumped within his chest. “The weather has warmed nicely,” he said to no one in particular.

  “Yes, so it seems,” Georgette said.

  Before Dalton embarrassed himself any further, Iris came to his rescue. “A beautiful day for a walk, wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Hunt?” she asked.

  Dalton looked into her twinkling eyes. “Oh yes, it is indeed. Miss Condiff, Miss Knott, would you care to accompany me? And, of course, Mrs. Quinn if you’d care to join us as well.”

  Iris shook her head. “Thank you for the kind invitation, but I’ll have to decline. I have some calls to make of my own. Perhaps you’d care to come another day and take tea with us.”

  Dalton smiled. “I would be delighted, Mrs. Quinn. Thank you.”

  Mrs. Smithfield swept into the room and handed Georgette and Isabel their bonnets and gloves before she went to the front door and held it open for them.

  “Good-bye, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said.

  “Good-bye, my dears. Enjoy your walk.”

  “Good day, madam.” Dalton gave Iris a short bow before he led Georgette and Isabel out the door.

  They’d been walking for a short while when Dalton noticed that Isabel was staying a discreet distance behind him and Georgette. He leaned toward Georgette. “May I say that I’m delighted you’ve come walking with me.”

  Georgette gave him a pretty smile. “Thank you for asking me. I’m glad you came by today.”

  “Does your cousin dislike me, by chance?”

  Georgette wrinkled her brow. “No, of course not. Why would you think that?”

  “She has fallen behind and I wondered if she does not find me an appropriate escort for her cousin.”

  “She likes you fine. She is merely giving us a bit of privacy, that’s all.”

  He reached for her hand and a thrill shot through him. “I see. Well then, let me take the opportunity to tell you how beautiful you look today.”

  It was Georgette’s turn to blush. “Thank you. It is very kind of you to say.”

  He didn’t want to be overly familiar and he let go of her hand. “Kindness has nothing to do with it. You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”

  “Oh, Mr. Hunt. You flatter me so.”

  Dalton smiled at her. “It is my sincere pleasure and I do hope you’ll let me flatter you every day this week.”

  Georgette stared into his gentle eyes. “I would like that very much indeed.”

  ***

  Isabel slowed her pace to give Dalton and Georgette an opportunity to speak privately with each other. She was thrilled that Georgette had met someone, but her sister’s happiness only reminded her of her own turn of events. The ache in her heart threatened to consume her.

  She should be out walking with Mr. Tisbury, not trailing behind her sister and her new beau. She wanted desperately to believe that there was a valid explanation for Colby’s actions as Georgette had suggested last night, but how could there be? A kiss is a kiss, and he’d given his away to Kathryn instead of to her.

  A heavy sigh escaped her lips. With Georgette seemingly smitten with Mr. Hunt, there was no way Isabel could leave London now. She would never sacrifice her sister’s future happiness for her own selfish reasons. Why had she been so bold? If she hadn’t followed Colby out to the balcony, she would have remained blissfully ignorant of his actions, but was that what she wanted? Would she be happy with a man who lied to her? She was so confused.

  She had no answers for her own dilemma and decided that the best thing she could do at the moment was enjoy being out and about in London.

  Chapter 12

  The following Saturday evening, Georgette and Rachel were busy deciding which dress Georgette should wear to the evening’s dance.

  “Which one do you prefer, Miss Georgette?” Rachel asked holding up the ice blue satin next to the pale pink dress.

  “They are both so lovely, but I think I’ll go with the pale pink this evening.”

  Rachel nodded and hung the blue dress back in the armoire.

  Georgette turned as Isabel came into their bedchamber. “Oh, you’re just in time. Which dress will you be wearing?”

  Isabel shook her head. “I’m not going with you tonight.”

  Georgette walked to Isabel and grasped her hand. “Please come. It will be fun. I promise I won’t leave your side all evening. ”

  “No, I can’t let you do that. How will you dance with Mr. Hunt? He is sure to be there anxiously waiting to see you again, especially after his efforts of seeing you every day this past week. He is quite smitten with you, and I dare say he would be sorely disappointed if he couldn’t dance with you.”

  “He will understand, I’m sure,” Georgette said.

  “I’m sure he would, but it’s not necessary. I would prefer to stay home this evening. You do understand, don’t you?”

  Georgette pulled Isabel into a hug. “I do, of course. I just hate the thought of you being alone this evening.”

  “I will be fine. I told Mrs. Quinn that I have a headache and would prefer to rest this evening.”

  “Are you sure you won’t change your mind?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. Now which dress did you choose to wear?”

  “The pink one.”

  “You’ll look absolutely stunning in that one. Wait until Mr. Hunt sees you. He’ll definitely fall in love with you -- that is, if he hasn’t already. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

  “Do you think so? I must confess every time I see him, I like him more and more.”

  “Yes, I do. I think you’ll be engaged before the Season is over, perhaps even sooner.”

  “Engaged…I don’t know.”

  “I do. Now let Rachel get you ready. You don’t want to be late this evening.”

  ***

  Colby positioned himself alongside the wall inside the ballroom so he could keep an eye on the entrance. He wanted to go to Isabel the minute she arrived and explain what had happened at the last ball. He hoped that with a little bit of time, she would be more amenable to listening to him. It was the only reason why he had not rushed over to Mrs. Quinn’s the next day after Isabel had seen him kissing Kathryn. Or, more like it, Kathryn kissing him.

  He also had not written her a note because he was afraid that she wouldn’t read it and return it unopened. No, this conversation needed to happen in person. It would be easier to gauge Isabel’s reaction that way. It took every bit of reserve he had to give her space, but he couldn’t wait any longer. He wanted to hear her laugh, see the mischief in her eyes, and hold her in his arms again as they danced around the floor.

  He looked around and saw Dalton Hunt coming his way. The young man had confided to him that he was positively smitten with Georgette Condiff. Colby was glad to see him so happy. From the interactions he’d had with Georgette, he thought she was a perfect match for the shy and normally reserved Dalton.

  “Hello, Colby. Waiting for Miss Knott?” Dalton asked as he stood beside his friend.

  “Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing her this evening.”

  “I am, as well.”

  Colby raised an eyebrow and looked at Dalton. “What?”

  “Oh, sorry. I mean that I’m looking forward to seeing Miss Condiff, not Miss Knott. Umm…not that Miss Knott isn’t a fine young lady to see, as well. It’s just…”

  Colby slapped Dalton on the back. “I knew what you meant. Couldn’t help myself, though.”

  Dalton chuckled. “Our wait is over. Look there, I
do believe they have arrived.”

  Colby’s eyes traveled to the doorway. He saw Mrs. Quinn and Miss Condiff, but Isabel was nowhere in sight. Where was she? “Come on, let’s go and pay our respects to the ladies.”

  Dalton nodded and followed Colby across the floor.

  “Good evening Mrs. Quinn, Miss Condiff,” Colby said with a bow.

  “Good evening, Mr. Tisbury,” Iris said. “A pleasure to see you this evening.”

  “Mr. Tisbury, Mr. Hunt,” Georgette chimed in with a curtsy of her own.

  Colby looked behind them. “And Miss Knott? I don’t see her this evening.”

  “No, Miss Knott was not feeling well this evening. She is resting at home,” Iris said.

  Colby was crestfallen, and felt like he had been punched in the gut. He doubted Isabel was feeling ill. The more likely reason was that she was avoiding him. Why hadn’t he thought of that? She was more deeply hurt by Kathryn’s actions than he originally thought, and now he’d have to wait another day before he could explain everything to her. “Well, please do give her my best,” he said with a bow before walking away.

  “Of course, Mr. Tisbury,” Iris said.

  ***

  Dalton offered his arm to Georgette. “Miss Condiff, would you care for some punch?”

  Georgette hesitated and looked at Mrs. Quinn.

  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 part.”

  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 linked her arm with her husband’s. “Gilbert, come. Dalton has a young woman on his arm,” she whispered as she walked toward her son.

  “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 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.”

  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. She has no connections, but at least she’s not poor,” Gilbert said before he walked away.

  Charlotte squeezed Georgette’s hand. “Please forgive my husband’s rudeness. It was in poor taste.”

  “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 truly love me?”

  Georgette smiled. “Yes, I suppose I do.”

  “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. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Georgette. 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. 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 w
alk 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. 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 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 with a shy smile.

  On the carriage ride home, Georgette could hardly contain her excitement. “Mrs. Quinn, I have the most wonderful news.”

  “Yes, my dear? Does it have anything to do with handsome Dalton Hunt?”

  “Indeed. He has asked for my hand in marriage.”

  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 are a wonderful match for Dalton.”

  “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?”

  Georgette sighed. “I should not break her confidence, but you have been like a mother to us. Perhaps you can shed some light on the situation.”

  “Of course, if I can. What happened?”