Love by Deception (Age of Innocence) (9 page)

The
couples moved back and forth across the floor in time with the music. When it
was her turn to touch Colby’s hand, she gave him her prettiest smile.

“I
hope you’re enjoying yourself, Mr. Tisbury,” she said.

“I
am indeed.”

Before
too long the music ended and the men bowed while the ladies curtsied to their
partners.

Colby
strode off the dance floor and went straight to the balcony for some fresh air.

Isabel
looked around room in search of Georgette. She desperately wanted to tell her
what Colby had said, but when she spotted her cousin, Georgette was deep in
conversation with the very handsome Mr. Hunt. They looked quite smitten with
each other and she did not want to disturb them, but she was torn. She
shouldn’t meet Colby alone. It wouldn’t be proper. Perhaps, if she
was
careful, no harm would be done.

While
Isabel searched for her cousin, Kathryn never took her eyes off Colby. This was
the opportunity she’d been waiting for. He was alone and heading for the
balcony. She longed to have him all to herself before the night ended. Tonight
was the night she wanted to show him how much she cared for him and she
followed in his footsteps. “You’ll be mine before the night is over, Mr.
Tisbury,” she whispered.

Isabel
worked her way around the perimeter of the dance floor on her way to the
balcony. She was trembling with anticipation, but she decided she would be bold
tonight and meet Colby on the balcony. His declaration of mutual admiration had
unbalanced her momentarily, but it was what she had been hoping for since their
first meeting at the Stanton dinner. He cared for her as much as she cared for
him, and she couldn’t be happier about it. She smiled when she thought about
him and could hardly believe her good fortune in finding such a wonderful man.

It
took her longer than she expected to reach the balcony doors because of all the
couples lining up on the dance floor. She smoothed down her dress, pushed a
curl away from her face and stepped out on the balcony. At first she didn’t see
Colby, but when she took a few more steps forward, she couldn’t believe what she
was saw.

Her
hand flew to her mouth as a wave of nausea rose in her throat. Standing in
Colby’s embrace was Kathryn
Larkinson
, and they were
sharing a passionate kiss. Her Colby was kissing Kathryn. How could he do that,
especially after what he had told her earlier this evening? Was he playing with
her affections? She didn’t want to believe it, but the evidence was like a slap
in the face. Tears stung her eyes. She had been played for a fool.

“Oh,
no!” she cried before she dashed back through the balcony doors.

***

Colby’s
head snapped up when he heard Isabel’s strangled cry. He pulled Kathryn’s arms
away from his neck. “Kathryn, what are you doing?”

“My
dear Mr. Tisbury, I know you’re familiar with a kiss. Didn’t you enjoy that?”

“No.
You presume too much.”

Kathryn
reached for his arm. “Don’t be like that. I know you liked it. You can admit
it. I’m not one of those women who plays silly games with a gentleman’s
affections.”

Colby
pushed past Kathryn. “Games? Is that what you think I’ve been doing? You’re wrong
and I think you’ve done quite enough. Good evening, Miss Larkinson,” he said as
he stormed past her and left her standing alone on the balcony.

A
sly smile spread on Kathryn’s lips. She hadn’t known if Isabel would follow
Colby out on the balcony, but her timing with their kiss had been perfect. It
got the desired response from that country girl. Isabel had been unnerved by
their passionate embrace and had run crying from the scene. No doubt she’d tell
whoever would listen what she had seen. Let Colby try to talk his way out of
this one. He was a gentleman who had been found compromising a young lady’s
reputation. That should speed along his marriage proposal. It was perfect. Who
did Isabel Knott think she was, coming into her home and trying to steal her
intended away? She had put Isabel in her place. No one took away the things she
wanted, absolutely no one.

“It
won’t be long before you and I are engaged, Mr. Tisbury,” she said. “You’ll see
I’m the perfect match for you.” With a flounce of her skirts, she walked back
into the ballroom in time for the next gentlemen to claim her for their dance
together.

***

Isabel
couldn’t breathe. The intense pain she felt in her chest kept her from taking a
breath. She had to get away, but she was blinded by her tears and didn’t see
Mrs. Quinn standing in her way.

Iris
reached for the young woman before they collided. “Isabel, what’s wrong, my
dear?”

Isabel
stopped short. “Oh, Mrs. Quinn. Please forgive me. I didn’t see you standing
there.”

“I
can see that, but why are you crying?”

“Can
we just go home? I can’t stay here any longer. Please.”

Iris
put her arm around her shaking shoulders. “Of course. Let me tell Florence that
I’ll send the carriage back for Georgette later.”

Isabel
nodded and went into the foyer to wait.

“Would
you care for your wrap, Miss Knott?” the butler asked.

“Yes,
please,”
Isabel
answered.

Iris
was back within minutes and the butler had brought her wrap as well. He held
the door open for them and signaled for their carriage to come to the door.

The
driver jumped down and helped them inside before he was back in the driver’s
seat and snapping the reins signaling the horses to move.

Inside
the carriage Iris pulled a linen handkerchief from her reticule and handed it
to Isabel. “Here, my dear. Dry your tears. Do you want to tell me what has
upset you so this evening?”

Isabel
shook her head and a new round of tears burst forth.

Iris
patted her hand. “Very well, we’ll talk about it later. Try not to be so upset.
We’ll be home soon.”

Once
inside the familiar home, Isabel ran up the stairs and burst into her
bedchamber.

Rachel
was stoking the fire and turned at the sudden entrance. “Miss Knott, you’re
home early this evening.”

Isabel
nodded, but couldn’t stop her tears.

Rachel
went to her side. “I’m so sorry. Did I say something to upset you?”

Isabel
shook her head and flung herself on the bed not caring if she wrinkled her
dress.

Rachel
didn’t know what to do. “Shall I leave?”

“Yes,”
came the strangled response.

***

Georgette
felt giddy as Dalton led her around the dance floor. She had only met Dalton
this evening, but it seemed like they’d known each other for a lifetime. He was
kind and a bit reserved like she was, but when he talked about his love of
books, she knew he was someone special. She began to understand what Isabel had
been talking about. She was quite smitten with Dalton and she’d just met him
this evening.

Neither
noticed anyone else as they talked for hours before Dalton led her out on the
dance floor for the last dance of the evening.

“Miss
Condiff, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself this evening and I do hope you’ll
allow me to call on you.”

Georgette
gazed into his beautiful brown eyes and a shy smile played on her lips. “I
would like that very much indeed.”

He
squeezed her hand. “Would tomorrow be too soon then?”

Georgette
nodded. “That would be lovely. My cousin and I are staying with Mrs. Quinn. Do
you know where she resides?”

“Yes,
I do. Perhaps if the weather holds, we may take a stroll outside. Of course,
your cousin is most welcome to come along. It would be lovely to see her
again.”

“Isabel
loves London and I’m sure she’d enjoy a pleasant walk.” She looked around the
dance floor, but there was no sign of Isabel. She had been so wrapped up with
Dalton, that she had not thought of Isabel in hours.

“Are
you looking for someone?”

“Yes,
I don’t see Isabel or Mrs. Quinn.” An uneasy feeling started in Georgette’s
belly. “I don’t like this. I must find them. Please excuse me, Mr. Hunt.”

“Not
a problem. Let me escort you.” Dalton walked with her off the dance floor.

Georgette
spotted Mrs. Larkinson across the room. “I should like to ask our hostess if
she has seen them.”

“Of
course, come,”
Dalton
said as he led her around the
perimeter of the room.

Dalton
and Georgette stood within Mrs.
Larkinson's
line of
sight. It wasn’t long before their hostess excused herself from her group of
friends and came to them. “Miss Condiff, there you are. I have a message for
you.”

“Has
something happened to my cousin? I don’t see her anywhere?”

“Mrs.
Quinn took her home earlier this evening. She wasn’t feeling well.”

Georgette
felt the color drain out of her face and she clutched at her stomach. This did
not sound good and was entirely out of character for Isabel. Her sister rarely
got sick, and had been in high spirits earlier in the evening. What could have
possibly happened to make Isabel leave, especially when she knew that Isabel
was looking forward to seeing Mr. Tisbury this evening? “I must leave at once.
Thank you for inviting me. Good evening, Mrs. Larkinson.”

“The
pleasure was mine. I do hope your cousin is not too terribly ill.”

“My
carriage is outside. I’ll escort you home immediately,” Dalton said.

“Thank
you, Mr. Hunt. That is so very kind of you.”

The
butler handed Georgette her wrap and called Dalton’s carriage forward. The
driver jumped down and helped them inside. Georgette counted the minutes as the
horses flew across the cobblestones.
Something dreadful had
happened
,
she just knew it
.
But
what?
She was at a loss to puzzle it out.

It
didn’t take long to reach Mrs. Quinn’s home. Dalton pushed open the carriage
door and helped Georgette out.

“Thank
you, Mr. Hunt. I have enjoyed our evening very much,” Georgette called over her
shoulder as she ran for the front door.

“Good
night, Miss Condiff. I hope all is well with your cousin.”

Mrs.
Smithfield had the front door open before Georgette had a chance to knock.
“Mrs. Quinn is waiting in the parlor for you, Miss Condiff.”

Georgette
nodded and hurried into the parlor. “Mrs. Quinn, is Isabel all right? Mrs.
Larkinson said she left early and I’m sorry, but I didn’t see her go.”

Mrs.
Quinn stood and patted Georgette’s arm. “Something upset her. I found her
crying at the dance. She begged me to take her home. She’s upstairs, but
wouldn’t tell me what happened.”

Georgette
nodded, flew up the stairs and raced down the corridor to their bedchamber. She
flung open the door and found Isabel rocking back and forth on the edge of the
bed, tears streaming down her face.

She
pulled Isabel into her arms and stroked her back. “Dearest, whatever is the
matter?”

“Oh,
Georgette, I was so happy tonight,” Isabel said swiping at her tears. “Mr.
Tisbury told me he was falling in love with me and then…” Another round of sobs
wracked her slender body and she slumped into Georgette’s embrace.

Georgette
held her tight and spoke in gentle soothing tones while rubbing her back. “Take
your time. When you catch your breath, tell me what happened next.”

Isabel
turned swollen red eyes toward her sister. “It’s all ruined now. If I had not
seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.”

“Believed
what?”

Isabel
sat up. “I saw him kissing Kathryn Larkinson out on the balcony!”

That
was not what Georgette had expected to hear, and didn’t sound like the Mr.
Tisbury she had come to know over the past several weeks. “Really? Were you
perhaps mistaken in what you saw?”

“Georgette,
I know I’m not as sophisticated as some young ladies, but I know what a kiss
looks like, and they were definitely kissing.”

“Oh,
my. Did you talk to him? Give him a chance to explain?”

“No.
I was too upset and I ran from the balcony. I found Mrs. Quinn and begged her
to bring me home. Oh, Georgette, whatever am I going to do? I think I love him,
but now I feel like such a fool.”

“You
love him?”

Isabel
nodded and another round of sobs escaped her throat. When they subsided, she
whispered. “I wish we had never come to London. I cannot bear such heartache.”

Georgette
held her sister. “Dearest, don’t despair. We’ll think of something, but first
let’s get you into your nightdress. I’ll ask Rachel to bring you a cup of tea.
Would you like that?”

Isabel
nodded. “Yes, please. That sounds good.”

Georgette
stood and went to the bedchamber door. Rachel was waiting in the hallway.
“Rachel, could you bring us some tea, please?”

“Of
course, miss. Be right back.”

“Georgette,
I’ve been so rude burdening you with my problems,” Isabel said. “I haven’t even
asked about your evening. Did you have a good time at the dance?”

Georgette
turned toward her sister with a smile on her face. “I did indeed. I spent most
of the evening talking with Mr. Hunt.”

Isabel
moved to the vanity and started pulling pins out of her hair. “He seemed a
pleasant enough fellow. Do you like him?”

“Well,
I’ve only met him so I don’t know yet, but I dare say he and I share a mutual
love of books. We talked and talked for most of the evening, it seemed,”
Georgette said as she helped pull the rest of the pins from Isabel’s hair.

“You
did?”

“Yes,
he was the one who escorted me home this evening when I couldn’t find you or
Mrs. Quinn. He was very gallant the way he took charge.”

“Oh,
wait. I did see you chatting with him earlier.”

Georgette
nodded. “Isabel, I’m so sorry I was not there when you needed me. I feel
terribly bad about that.”

Isabel
reached up and squeezed Georgette’s hand. “It’s all right, really. I’m very
happy that you’ve met someone you like. That’s so exciting.”

Georgette
picked up the brush and began to comb out Isabel’s hair. “I’m glad you feel
that way, because Mr. Hunt is due to call on me tomorrow afternoon. He’s asked
me to take a stroll with him, but I couldn’t possibly accept unless you
accompanied us. Do you feel up to that? I can send word and cancel if you’re
not.”

“Yes,
of course. I’d be delighted to go with you and your Mr. Hunt.

Georgette
chuckled. “He’s hardly my Mr. Hunt.”

“Give
him time. Anyone who knows you can’t help but fall madly in love with you.”

Georgette
leaned over and kissed Isabel’s cheek. “Thank you for saying such sweet
things.”

Isabel
nodded. “I only tell the truth.”

The
bedchamber door opened and Rachel brought in a tray of tea. “Here you go,
misses. A nice cup of tea to settle your nerves.”

“Thank
you, Rachel,” Georgette said.

The
maid nodded and went to Isabel and began unbuttoning her dress. She helped her
into a nightdress before turning her attention to Georgette. “Ready to brush
your hair, Miss Georgette?”

Georgette
nodded and sat at the vanity. Rachel undid the pins before brushing and
braiding her hair and helping her into a nightdress.

“Will
there be anything else this evening?”

“No,
thank you,” Georgette said. “We will be fine now. Good night, Rachel.”

Rachel
gathered up both dresses. “Very good, miss. See you tomorrow,” she said as she
left the room and closing the door behind her.

Both
young women sipped their tea for long moments, each lost in their own thoughts.

Georgette
was the first to put her teacup down. She went to the pitcher on the chest and
poured water into the basin. She dipped a cloth into the cool water and
squeezed out the excess. “Isabel, into bed with you now. Put this on your eyes
to help with the swelling. Can’t have you going out tomorrow with puffy eyes,
now can we?”

Isabel
nodded and climbed into bed. “Thank you for taking such good care of me.”

Georgette
laid the cloth across her sister’s eyes. “It’s my pleasure, you know that.
You’re my sister. I would do anything for you.” She kissed her cheek before
blowing out the candle and then climbing into bed beside her. “Try to get some
sleep now. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

“I’ll
try. Good night, Georgette.”

***

The
next day dawned bright and the sun streamed in through the lace curtains in
their bedchamber. Georgette woke first and a smile ghosted her lips. The day
promised to be a wonderful one and she was looking forward to seeing Dalton
Hunt again. She had thought about him long into the night and found it
difficult to fall asleep. Was Isabel right? Was he her Mr. Hunt? Could one fall
in love in one night? Perhaps that was only true in fairy tales, but whatever
the case, Georgette longed to be in Mr. Hunt’s company once again.

Isabel
turned over and flung her arm over her waist. Georgette looked at her sister’s
face and sighed. It pained her to know that Isabel was so unhappy, but she
wasn’t willing to give up on Mr. Tisbury yet. She was sure there was a
reasonable explanation for what Isabel witnessed although she couldn’t imagine
what it could be. Why would he kiss Miss Larkinson when he had professed his
love for Isabel? He didn’t seem to be the type of man to trifle with a young
lady’s heart, so perhaps there was something they were missing.

Isabel’s
eyes fluttered open. “Morning.”

“Morning,
sleepy head. I’d thought you’d sleep the day away.”

Isabel
rolled over on her back and raised her arm over her eyes. “That sounds like a
better idea. Would you mind?”

Georgette
reached over and tickled her sides. “Oh no, you don’t. We’re going walking with
Mr. Hunt, remember? You promised.”

“Stop
tickling me,” Isabel said. “I was merely teasing you, that’s all.”

“That’s
my girl. It looks to be a lovely day out and the fresh air will do you good.”

There
was a soft knock on the door.

“Come
in,” Georgette said.

The
door opened and Rachel entered the room. “Good morning, misses. Are you ready
to dress?”

Georgette
slipped out of bed. “Yes. We’ll be going out later today.”

Rachel
nodded and went to the armoire and began pulling out day dresses, petticoats,
and stockings. She held up the dresses. “Are these to your liking?”

Georgette
nodded. “Those are perfect. Isabel, do you have a preference? Cream or blue?”

“It
doesn’t matter to me. I think you’ll look stunningly beautiful in the blue
dress, though.”

“Thank
you, dearest. That’s so kind of you to say.”

“I
agree with Miss Isabel,” Rachel said. “Blue compliments you very well.”

“The
blue dress it is, then,” Georgette said with a chuckle.

Once
dressed, they went downstairs and found Mrs. Quinn in the dining room enjoying
her breakfast.

“Good
morning,” Iris said.

“Morning,
Mrs. Quinn. I trust you slept well,” Georgette said.

“Very
well, thank you.”

“Morning,”
Isabel mumbled as she took her seat at the dining table.

“Isabel,
are you feeling better today?” Iris asked.

Isabel
nodded and sipped at her tea.

“Mrs.
Quinn, I have some delightful news,” Georgette said.

“Oh?”

“Yes,
Mr. Hunt will be calling later and he has invited us to go walking with him.”

“Dalton
Hunt?”

“Yes,
that’s him. Do you know him?”

Iris
smiled. “I haven’t seen him in a number of years. Charlotte Hunt is a friend of
mine. The Hunts are a highly regarded family, and you would be well taken care
of if you two were to marry.”

Georgette
reached for the toast and jam. “I’ve only met him last night, but he is a very
pleasant fellow and I very much enjoyed talking with him.”

“That’s
wonderful, and a good first step. I knew it wouldn’t be long before you
attracted the eye of an eligible gentleman.” Iris turned her attention to
Isabel. “And you, Isabel? Will Mr. Tisbury be coming to call today as well?”

Isabel
shot Mrs. Quinn a glance that spoke volumes. “No, he will not.”

“I
see. Well, I’m sure you’ll enjoy walking with Mr. Hunt. The weather is quite
pleasant.”

***

It
was early afternoon when Dalton reached Mrs. Quinn’s home. He wiped his hands
on his trousers, trying to wipe away the sweat before he knocked on the door.
Georgette was the first young lady he’d ever courted, and he hoped his nerves
would not ruin their walk together. Would they have anything to say to each
other? They had talked and talked last night; what if that was everything they
had to say to each other?

Within
moments, the door opened. “Good day, sir. May I help you?” Mrs. Smithfield
asked.

Dalton
took off his hat and swiped his hand through his thick dark hair. “Good day.
I’ve come to call on Miss Condiff.”

“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.”