Love by Deception (Age of Innocence)

by Debra Elizabeth

  “Yes, I’m sure she is, 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 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?

  ***

  The next afternoon the coach 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. Will I see you both there?”

  “Yes, we are planning to attend,” Georgette said.

  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, indeed it is. Aunt Mary spares no expense. The musicians in past years have been top notch. 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.

  “It will be, I’m sure.”

  The ladies talked for the next hour non-stop until Georgette saw Emily stifle a yawn.

  “Oh, please forgive me,” Emily said. “I find I’m quite exhausted these days.”

  “We should be going anyway,” Georgette said. “Thank you again for inviting us today.”

  Emily hugged them both. “It was lovely to see you both. I look forward to seeing you both again at the ball.”

  “Good-bye,” 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 nervous 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 nobody from the country. I cannot tell them who my father was and, of course, I don’t know who my mother is. Do you think I’m reaching too far?”

  Georgette squeezed her sister’s hand. “No, I don’t think so. Remember that out of all the young ladies, Mr. Tisbury chose you.”

  “I suppose you’re right, but I can’t help but wonder.”

  “Do not fret on it. I’m sure all will be well.”

  ***

  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 patted Georgette’s hand. “I hope you’re right. I don’t know how I will cope if I cannot marry Colby. I love him dearly, and heaven help my poor heart if we are parted.”

  “Let’s not worry about that. Have you decided what dress to wear?”

  “Yes, the lavender one.”

  “Oh, 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 the first outing since our engagement was announced.”

  “You will be the most beautiful woman at the ball tonight.”

  Georgette kissed her sister’s cheek. “Thank you, but I think my rival is sitting right in this chair.”

  Rachel came into the bedchamber. “Are you ready to have your hair done, Miss Isabel?”

  Isabel nodded. “Yes, I would like curls with a few wisps around my face like you’ve done before.”

  “Of course. That won’t be a problem,” the maid said.

  For the next hour Rachel worked her magic until Georgette and Isabel were absolute visions of loveliness.

  “There you go, misses. You both look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Rachel,” Georgette said.

  Isabel glanced in the vanity mirror. “Yes, you’ve really outdone yourself tonight. Thank you so much.”

  “Are you ready, Isabel?” Georgette asked.

  “As ready as I can be.”

  Iris was seated in the parlor when the girls came down the stairs. She looked up and her eyes welled with tears. “Oh, my dears. You both look so lovely.” She came over and hugged them. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Indeed we are,” Georgette said.

  ***

  Colby paced the parlor and checked the time again.

  “What are you waiting for?” Mary Tisbury asked her son. “That’s about the tenth time you glanced at the clock.”

  “Have I?”

  “Yes, you have. Now do you want to tell me what’s on your mind?”

  “Mother, what makes you ask that?”

  “I think I know my son well enough to figure out when something is bothering you.”

  Colby sat next to his mother on the sofa. “There is something and it’s wonderful.”

  “Really? Now I’m intrigued. Pray tell.”

  “There is someone I want you to meet tonight.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes, she is…”

  Lord Tisbury coughed as he entered the room. “Good evening, Colby. I trust you’ll be at the ball this evening?”

  “Of course, Father. Wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Good. Good to hear.”

  “Now if you and Mother will excuse me, I’ll go change,” Colby said as he kissed his mother’s cheek and strode out of the room.

  Chapter 15

  Isabel took a deep breath as they walked into the ballroom. She had never been to the Tisbur
y home and it was magnificent. Candles lit up every corner of the room and the air was scented with fresh flowers. The musicians played a lively tune while smartly dressed gentlemen led lovely ladies in beautiful dresses around the dance floor. She had never seen such a sight before and it set her nerves on edge. This was wealth on a grand scale. How could she possibly fit into this world? Her father was a gentleman, but not titled and not on this scale. And what of her mother? Was she a Lady? She wished her father had at least given her a tiny clue in his letter to her.

  “Isabel, are you listening?” Iris asked.

  Isabel turned. “I’m terribly sorry, Mrs. Quinn. I was taken by surprise by the splendor here in the ballroom. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

  “Yes, it is one of the most beautiful ballrooms in London. The annual Tisbury ball is the highlight of the Season. Anyone who is anyone wants to be invited.”

  “I can see why.”

  “I was telling Georgette that there are quite a few of my old friends in attendance this evening that I’d like to chat with before we leave for home. I haven’t seen them in such a long time. I trust that you girls will be fine on your own.”

  “I’m sure we will. Enjoy yourself, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said.

  “Thank you, my dears,” Iris said as she walked away.

  “Are you ready, Isabel?”

  Isabel nodded. “I guess as ready as I’ll ever be. Do you see Mr. Hunt or Mr. Tisbury anywhere?”

  “No, but the room is crowded. I’m sure we’ll find them quickly enough.”

  Georgette and Isabel strolled around the perimeter of the room.

  “Look, there’s Kathryn Larkinson. Do you know who she’s dancing with?” Isabel asked.

  Georgette shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

  “She looks beautiful tonight, don’t you think?”

  Georgette squeezed Isabel’s hand. “Not as beautiful as you. Have courage, dearest. Remember, Colby chose you, not Kathryn.”

  “I know. You’re right. Every time I see her, I think…”

  “Hush, no more of that. It is over and you shouldn’t dwell on it any longer.”

  “Of course, you’re right. I will put it out of my mind.”

  ***

  Colby searched the ballroom trying to locate Isabel. He had seen Mrs. Quinn chatting with friends so he knew she had arrived. He was anxious to find her before any more mishaps could occur. Until he got his parents' blessing for the engagement, nothing could be announced and he had wanted to do that this evening. He wanted everyone to know that he loved Isabel.

  His gaze found her. She was looking even more beautiful than he’d ever seen her look before and his heart raced at the sight of her. This stunning creature loved him. It was a heady notion and he chuckled to himself when he remembered how he had dreaded the Season this year. If he had not promised to take Dalton Hunt under his wing, he might have missed ever meeting Isabel Knott. That was something he didn’t even want to think about.

  He saw Dalton walking toward Georgette and Isabel and he made his way to the group. “Good evening, ladies,” he said with a bow. “I must say that you both are the most beautiful women in the room. Wouldn’t you agree, Dalton?”

  Dalton bowed. “Indeed, I most heartedly agree with you.”

  Both Georgette and Isabel curtsied. “You flatter us so,” Georgette said.

  “Nonsense. I only speak the truth,” Colby said with a twinkle in his eyes. “Miss Knott, may I steal you away from your cousin for a bit? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

  “Of course,” Isabel said and placed her hand on Colby’s proffered arm.

  “We shall find you later,” Georgette said.

  As Colby steered Isabel away from the dance floor, he noticed that she was trembling. “Isabel, what is the matter? Why do tremble so?”

  Isabel swallowed hard. “I’m very nervous about meeting your parents. I’ve never met a lord before. What if they don’t like me?”

  He patted her hand. “Don’t be silly, they will love you. Are you ready?”

  Isabel nodded. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

  ***

  Lady Mary Tisbury glanced around the ballroom and was pleased to see such a tremendous turnout for her annual ball. Every year the invited guest list seemed to grow tenfold, but even though it was stressful preparing for such an event, she had to admit that she loved every minute of it. It was wonderful to see the fresh new faces that turned out every Season. To witness newly formed attachments as the young men and women worked at finding husbands and wives was a pleasure that she’d never tire of.

  She had the feeling that Colby was on the verge of telling her of his own attachment. She had been sorely disappointed when Albert had interrupted Colby earlier, but she felt confident she’d know of his choice before the evening was over.

  “Mother.”

  Mary turned to see her son standing with a stunning young woman. She wore a beautiful lavender dress that set off her violet eyes and dark hair to perfection. She inhaled sharply.

  “Mother? Is there something wrong?” Colby asked.

  Mary composed her face. “No, not at all, my dear.”

  “I would like to introduce you to Miss Isabel Knott.”

  “Good evening, Miss Knott. I’m so pleased you could attend this evening.”

  Isabel curtsied. “Good evening, Lady Tisbury. Thank you for the invitation. I’ve never seen anything so grand before.”

  “Well, Colby. Who do you have here?” Albert Tisbury asked as he joined his wife.

  “Father, this is Miss Isabel Knott.”

  Isabel curtsied. “Good evening, Lord Tisbury.”

  Colby took Isabel’s small hand in his own. “Mother, Father, Miss Knott and I are engaged.”

  “You’re what?” Albert exclaimed.

  “Engaged, Father. This is the young woman I plan on marrying.”

  Albert turned an icy blue stare on Isabel. “Knott? I don’t know that name? Where are you from?”

  “A small town in Essex County, my lord.”

  “And your people? Where are they from?”

  Isabel glanced at Colby before she answered his father. “I’m afraid I don’t have any people, my lord.”

  “No family? No connections? This will not do,” Albert said, his voice rising.

  “Father, it doesn’t matter to me. I love Miss Knott and intend to marry her.”

  “Well, it matters to me. You will not marry without my approval.”

  Mary could hear the anger in both her husband’s and son’s voices. Their argument was escalating, and she would not have it play out here in public. She grabbed Albert by the arm and nodded toward Colby. “Come. Let’s not discuss this in the ballroom. Please, let’s go into the library for some privacy.”

  As they walked to the library, Isabel whispered to Colby. “I told you this was going to be a problem.”

  Colby patted her hand. “Do not worry. I will not give you up, no matter what my father says.”

  As soon as they were in the library, Mary excused herself. “Please take a breath and calm down the both of you. I’ll be back in a moment.” Neither her husband nor son spoke as she slipped out of the room.

  The situation was worse than she could have ever imagined. Of all the young ladies Colby could have fallen in love with, why did have to be Isabel? She hurried back to the ballroom and frantically searched for her friend.

  Lady Charlotte Hunt turned when she felt the tap on her arm. “Mary, how delightful to see you. I was just looking for you to commend you on another beautiful affair.”

  Mary leaned in and whispered. “You must come quickly. I don’t know how long I can keep them apart.”

  “What are you talking about? Keep who apart?”

  “Albert and Colby,” Mary said as she led Charlotte from the ballroom back to the library.

  “Mary, you’re not making any sense. What is going on?”

  “It’s Isabel. She’s here.”

 
Charlotte faltered and her hand flew to her mouth. “Isabel?” she whispered in a strangled cry. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, quite sure. She is your mirror image and the young lady that Colby is in love with, but Albert is opposing the union because Isabel has no social status or family connections.”

  As the two women neared the library, they heard the argument growing louder.

  “Kathryn Larkinson is a much more suitable match for our family,” Albert said.

  “I do not love Kathryn.”

  “Love. What does love have to do with it? I’ll not have the next Lord Tisbury marry a nobody from the country.”

  Isabel was mortified listening to Lord Tisbury disparage her family and tears welled in her eyes. “I should go.”

  Colby slipped his arm around her waist. “No, you should stay.”

  “This young woman is entirely unsuitable. She doesn’t even know who her parents are,” Albert shouted.

  Charlotte burst into the room. “Albert, stop arguing about her parentage.”

  Albert turned toward Charlotte, his face livid with rage. “This is none of your concern, Lady Hunt. How dare you interrupt me?”

  “I dare because you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “And you do? This young woman of questionable birth has set her sights on my son, a gentleman of title and wealth to raise herself above her own lowly station. This is what I see and I’ll not have it.”

  “She’s not of questionable birth. She is a gentleman’s daughter of good standing.”

  “And how would you know that?”

  “Because she’s my daughter.”

  Chapter 16

  Every head swiveled to Charlotte and the silence was deafening.

  “Your daughter? You have no daughter,” Albert argued.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. I do not have a daughter with Gilbert, that is true, but Isabel is my daughter nonetheless.”

  Mary stood beside Charlotte and squeezed her hand. “She speaks the truth. The child was born in Bath, and I witnessed the birth.”

  “You did what--?” Albert stopped in mid-sentence, and from the contortions his face made, it was evident that he remembered something.