Love by Secrets (A Romance Novella) Read online

  Love by Secrets

  By Debra Elizabeth

  2011 Copyright © by Debra Elizabeth

  Image by Forgiss/Bigstockphoto.com

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Chapter 1

  “Papa, where are you?” Emily Stanton asked, a little too loudly for a proper young lady.

  “Hush, Emily. He’ll be here when he’s ready, and not a moment sooner,” Catherine Stanton scolded her impatient daughter.

  “But Mama, we’ll be late for the ball.” Emily smoothed down her ice blue, satin dress for the hundredth time, and adjusted the choker of pearls around her neck. The swell of her breasts peeked out of the dress’s bodice that was adorned with lace and ribbons. Matching gloves and a small, drawstring reticule rounded out her outfit for the evening.

  The April ball was being thrown by Lord and Lady Tisbury, and was the first ball of the social season in London. Everyone who was anyone would be there. Emily had counted down the days waiting for the big night to arrive. She longed to be part of the sea of shimmering silk swirling around the dance floor.

  She had even more reason to be excited; this had been the best week of her life. Two days ago, she had turned eighteen--the age when the hunt for a husband begins in earnest for every young lady. Lady Tisbury had promised to introduce her to a number of young men from well-regarded families. Emily shivered in anticipation. She hoped her dance card would quickly fill with the names of every eligible bachelor in the county. She had attended balls in the past; however, tonight she would not be regarded as a child, but as an eligible young lady.

  Emily reached up and pushed the flower back into her light-brown hair. Nesmith, her long-time Lady’s Maid, had outdone herself creating a crown of curls, adorned with little white flowers and pearls, for this evening’s festivities. Emily had watched in amazement while Nesmith worked her magic with the pins. Sitting still for more than an hour had certainly been worth the results.

  “Mama, do I look pretty?”

  “Emily, you look radiant tonight. I’ve always loved that color on you. It compliments your eyes wonderfully well.”

  “Thank you, Mama.”

  “Now stop fidgeting, dear. You must learn patience. It is a woman’s place to wait quietly. You’ll have to do these things someday with your own husband, so let us practice it now.”

  Before a pout could form on Emily’s rosebud lips, her father, Mr. Riley Stanton, came into the parlor. “Oh, Papa, thank heavens you’re here,” she squealed with delight.

  “Emily, dear, must you shout?”

  She stood on her tiptoes, and kissed her father’s cheek. “Sorry, Papa, but you know I’ve been waiting to attend Lord Tisbury’s ball all week. You must have heard us come down the stairs nearly 30 minutes ago.”

  Mr. Stanton let a sly smile touch his lips. “I must have lost track of time. No matter, I’m here now. Are my ladies ready?”

  “Yes indeed!” Emily replied.

  Nesmith entered the parlor, and helped Emily and Mrs. Stanton into their evening coats.

  “Thank you, Nesmith,” Emily said. With a flounce of her skirt, she led the way out to the family coach.

  Mr. Stanton held out his arm for his wife. “Are you ready for this, Mrs. Stanton?”

  Catherine nodded. “Do we really have a choice, Mr. Stanton? We cannot treat Emily like a little girl anymore. The real question is, are you ready for the hordes of young men coming to court her?”

  Mr. Stanton chuckled. “I guess I will have to be. Time stands still for no man.”

  The housekeeper held the door open, and the Stanton family departed into the cool, night air. Mr. Stanton sat in the rear-facing seat of the carriage and Mrs. Stanton sat next to her daughter.

  Emily smiled as she settled her skirts. She glanced out the window. The sky was filled with twinkling stars. It was such a perfect evening and she could hardly wait for the festivities to begin.

  Chapter 2

  Emily placed her hand on her father’s arm. With her mother on his other side, they entered the ballroom together.

  Candles lit up every corner of the room. There was a dazzling, oversized, crystal chandelier in the center of the ballroom, and a dozen wall sconces scattered around the room. Musicians played a lovely tune. Couples danced in the center of the ballroom, and the swirl of silk dresses was like one of Sir David Brewster’s kaleidoscopes; dazzling the eyes with color.

  “Oh, Papa, it’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” Emily whispered.

  Mr. Stanton patted his daughter’s hand. “Indeed it is.”

  Before they had gotten too far into the room, they ran into Miss Mia Gardner standing at the edge of the dance floor.

  “Good evening, Miss Gardner,” Mr. Stanton said.

  Mia curtsied. “Good evening, Mr. Stanton, Mrs. Stanton.” She turned to her best friend. “Emily, I’m so glad you’re finally here.”

  “Did I miss anything?”

  Mia whispered in her ear.

  Emily giggled. She let go of her father’s arm. “Papa, may I take your leave?”

  Mr. Stanton nodded. “Of course, Emily. Miss Gardner, a pleasure to see you this evening.” He bowed to the young woman.

  Mia curtsied. “Thank you, Mr. Stanton.”

  The two young women hurried over to the nearest alcove to confer in private, and away from prying eyes.

  “Let me see it,” Emily demanded.

  Mia held out her dance card for her friend’s inspection. Neatly scribbled were the names of six young men: the handsome Mr. Connor Preston being the first name, and the reserved Mr. Charles Giles rounding out her dance partners. “Can you believe it? Mr. Preston wants to dance with me?”

  “Of course he does. Why wouldn’t he? You look beautiful tonight,” Emily said.

  Mia gave her friend a sad smile. She was not a beauty, but had a sweet disposition. She was from a good family; not wealthy, but comfortable on 2,000 pounds per annum. With four children, however, there wasn’t any extra to go around. Nineteen-year-old Mia had already been through one season without a marriage proposal. Would she land a husband this season? Or would she wait season after season for that elusive marriage proposal?

  “Thank you, Emily. You are a dear friend to say such sweet things. I must confess that I do have high hopes for this season.”

  Compared to her friend, there was no doubt that Emily would have her pick of suitors. She was the prettiest girl in the room with her high cheekbones and bright blue eyes.

  Emily grasped Mia’s hand. “I just know you’ll find someone this season.”

  The two young women remained huddled together on the bench talking in whispers about who was there and more importantly who wasn’t in attendance. Neither of them noticed Lady Tisbury approaching, with two gentlemen in her wake, until their shadows fell over them.
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  “Good evening, Miss Gardner, Miss Stanton,” Lady Tisbury said.

  Both Mia and Emily looked up, and immediately stood.

  “Lady Tisbury, a pleasure to see you again,” Mia said as she curtsied.

  “Good evening, Lady Tisbury,” Emily chimed in with a curtsy of her own. “Thank you for your kind invitation to attend this evening.”

  “It is my pleasure. I would like to present Mr. Connor Preston and Mr. Ethan Richardson.”

  The young women curtsied to the gentlemen.

  Lady Tisbury swept her arm out toward Mia. “Gentlemen, you both are acquainted with Miss Gardner. She has been a frequent guest of mine.”

  Lady Tisbury nodded in Emily’s direction. “And this is Miss Stanton.”

  Both Connor and Ethan bowed to the young ladies. “Miss Gardner; Miss Stanton,” they said in unison.

  Emily watched both young men. Connor had black hair, neatly trimmed at his shirt collar, and intense blue eyes. He looked dashing in his smartly cut jacket. Ethan had blond hair and deep-brown eyes. He wore a serious countenance, and seemed rather dull next to his gregarious friend.

  “Lady Tisbury, thank you for your kind introduction to Miss Stanton,” Ethan said.

  Lady Tisbury nodded. “I’ll leave you all now. She leaned toward her nephew, Ethan, and whispered, “Please speak with me later. It is Colby again and I need your assistance.”

  “Yes, of course, Lady Tisbury.”

  When Lady Tisbury had departed, Connor turned his attention to Mia. “Miss Gardner, I believe it is our turn to dance the quadrille.”

  “Yes, uh, of course, Mr. Preston,” Mia stammered, suddenly flustered by the handsome, young man.

  “Miss Stanton, may I sign your dance card?” Ethan asked.

  Emily took her dance card out of her reticule, and handed it to Ethan. “Thank you, Mr. Richardson. I would enjoy that.”

  Ethan signed his name for the next quadrille dance. Before he could give it back to Emily, Connor reached for it.

  “My turn,” Conner said, with a twinkle in his eye. He signed the dance card for the last quadrille of the evening, and handed it back to her. He then turned his attention back to Mia and offered her his arm. “Shall we, Miss Gardner?”

  Mia took Connor’s offered arm, and he led her out to the dance floor.

  “Miss Stanton, I shall return shortly for our dance. Good Evening until then,” Ethan said.

  “I look forward to our dance, Mr. Richardson.” Emily watched Ethan walk to the far corner of the ballroom where he guided another young lady onto the dance floor. Not having a partner for this dance, her gaze returned to Mia and Connor. How handsome he looked as he stepped lively with her friend. She could hardly wait for her turn to dance with the dashing Connor Preston.

  When the music ended, Mia came rushing back to Emily. “Oh my, that was wonderful. Mr. Connor is an excellent dancer.”

  “Indeed. You looked like you were enjoying yourself.”

  “I did. It was lovely.”

  It wasn’t long before Ethan returned for his dance with Emily. “Miss Stanton, shall we dance?”

  “I would love to.” Emily took his arm, and they proceeded to the dance floor. They stood opposite Connor and Miss Elizabeth Curry and waited for the couples to line up for the quadrille dance. The dance was announced, and the music started. The women curtsied, and the men bowed.

  Emily’s hand met Ethan’s, and they circled one another. “Don’t you just love to dance Mr. Richardson?” she asked.

  Ethan looked up into Emily’s blue eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but he did not have a chance to answer her question before they parted once again.

  The dance continued. Emily and Elizabeth crossed paths and Emily was now paired with Connor. He winked at her and her eyes widened in surprise. When their hands met, a shiver of delight went down her spine. By the time the dance ended, Emily wanted nothing more than to dance again with the handsome Mr. Preston.

  The men bowed to the ladies, and Elizabeth and Emily turned to leave the floor.

  Connor held his arm out to Emily. “Miss Stanton, I’m looking forward to our dance.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Preston,” Emily said. For the rest of the evening, Emily thought about the dashing Mr. Preston. She could hardly wait for their dance together. When it was finally announced, she was not disappointed. He was charming and witty, and she floated around the dance floor with a smile that lit up her beautiful face.

  ***

  “Oh, Nesmith, you should have seen the room. It was so beautiful. Mia and I danced almost every dance.”

  “Whom did you dance with?” Nesmith asked, helping Emily out of her dress.

  “With almost every gentleman in the room, but I danced twice with Mr. Connor Preston,” Emily said. “He’s so handsome and I think he likes me.”

  “Really? Did he say anything to indicate that?”

  “No; but he winked at me, and we danced two dances together.”

  “Miss Emily, don’t get your hopes up. Men love dancing with pretty girls. When he comes to see your father, then you’ll know he’s serious.”

  “Oh, Nesmith, don’t be so harsh. You weren’t there. I just know he likes me.”

  “If you say so,” Nesmith said, a frown creasing her face. The older woman combed out Emily’s hair and helped her into her nightgown. “Do you need anything else?”

  “No, thank you Nesmith.”

  “Good night, Miss Emily.” Nesmith left the room, and hurried down the hall to attend to Mrs. Stanton.

  Emily grabbed her evening reticule. She brought the candle over to the bed, and set it down on the table. She climbed up into bed and snuggled into the soft, feather pillows. She pulled her dance card out to look at Connor’s name again, and a slip of paper fell out. “What?”

  She unfolded the note and her eyes widened as she read it.

  I have eyes for only one

  In the sea of colorful silks

  With eyes of blue

  And a smile that

  Gladdens my heart

  You are my Bright Star

  “Such a beautiful love letter. Oh, Mr. Preston; I knew you liked me.” Emily sighed and hugged the slip of paper to her breast.

  Chapter 3

  “Miss Stanton, you have visitors,” the housekeeper announced.

  Emily put down her embroidery hoop and stood. She smoothed down her dress, and pushed a wisp of hair off her face.

  “Mrs. Jannell, who comes to call?” she asked.

  “Mr. Preston and Mr. Richardson. They are waiting in the parlor with Mrs. Stanton.”

  Emily’s heart skipped a beat. “I knew it,” she whispered, following the young woman down the hall.

  Connor and Ethan both gave Emily a slight bow when she came into the room. Emily curtsied.

  Connor was the first to speak. “Miss Stanton, we were in the area and would be remiss if we didn’t stop in and pay our respects to you and your mother. How are you on this fine day?”

  “I am well, thank you, kindly. I’m pleased to see you both.” She thought about Connor’s note and a slight blush washed over her cheeks.

  “Would you care to sit?” Mrs. Stanton asked.

  They all took a seat. Connor and Ethan sat in the chairs opposite Emily and Catherine. Emily folded her hands in her lap and waited with nervous anticipation.

  Ethan spoke first to Catherine. “How is Mr. Stanton?”

  “He is well. Thank you, Mr. Richardson.”

  An awkward silence filled the room. “And your parents, Mr. Richardson?” Emily asked.

  “They are well, thank…” Ethan started.

  Connor stood suddenly, interrupting his friend in mid-sentence. “Well, we must be going. Thank you for seeing us, Mrs. Stanton, Miss Stanton.”

  Emily jumped in her chair, startled by Mr. Preston’s sudden movement. She stood immediately. She didn’t understand what had happened. He had been in her company for only moments and now he was leaving. “Thank you for c
oming, Mr. Preston.” She turned towards Ethan. “Both of you, of course, Mr. Richardson.”

  “Please do come again,” Catherine said. “And, perhaps stay for tea next time.”

  Connor and Ethan gave the ladies a bow. Mrs. Jannell appeared and showed the gentlemen to the door.

  When the door closed, Catherine turned toward her daughter. “Well, that was curious.”

  “Oh, Mama, isn’t it wonderful? I had my own gentlemen callers. I must tell Mia all about it. You don’t mind if I visit, do you?” Emily said.

  Catherine smiled. “No, of course not, but be sure to take Nesmith with you. You mustn’t walk alone.”

  Emily leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you, Mama. I won’t stay long.”

  Emily rushed upstairs to find Nesmith. The older lady’s maid was like another mother to her. She couldn’t remember a time when Nesmith was not part of her life and wanted to share this with her. She spotted Nesmith coming out of her mother’s room and she rushed up to her. “Nesmith, I’ve had my first gentlemen callers.”

  “Is that so?” Nesmith cocked an eyebrow. “Who came to visit?”

  “Mr. Preston and Mr. Richardson. See, I told you Mr. Preston liked me,” she gushed.

  Nesmith patted her arm. “Did they stay for tea with you and your mother?”

  “No, not this time. I’m sure the next time they visit they will stay longer. I must go see Mia, and tell her all about the visit. Nesmith, would you please fetch my bonnet and gloves?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Thank you.”

  Nesmith addressed Mrs. Stanton before they headed out to visit Mia. “Ma’am, is there anything you require before I escort Miss Emily to Miss Gardner’s home?” She handed Emily her bonnet and gloves.

  “No. Thank you, Nesmith. I must look over the household accounts. It will keep me busy for quite some time. Have a nice walk,” she said.

  “’Bye, Mama. Come, Nesmith; let’s go tell Mia the news.” Emily turned and rushed out of the room, with her lady’s maid trying her best to keep up with the young woman.