Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  LOVE BY SECRETS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Epilogue

  LOVE BY DECEPTION

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  DARE TO LOVE A SPY

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Epilogue

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  Author bio:

  LOVE BY SECRETS

  Age of Innocence, Book 1

  2013 Copyright © by Debra Elizabeth

  Image by Forgiss/Bigstockphoto.com

  ISBN: 13: 978-1-934342-20-6

  ISBN: 10: 1-934342-20-3

  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

  London, England

  1815

  Eighteen-year-old Emily Stanton waited for the coach to stop. “Come on, Nesmith. Let’s go see Mrs. Cardill. I hope she’s feeling better today. It must have been such a shock to her when Mr. Cardill had died so suddenly.”

  Her lady’s maid nodded and grabbed the basket of food sitting on the seat beside her. “Yes, I’m sure it was. Being a widow at twenty-five with two small children to care for will not be easy for her,” Nesmith said.

  “I hope that Sophia likes the ribbons I’ve brought. She kept playing with my bonnet the last time we were here. Do you think I’ve brought enough?”

  Nesmith chuckled. “Yes. She doesn’t have any of her own so I’m sure she will love them.”

  The driver jumped down and helped the two women out of the coach.

  “Please wait. We won’t be long,” Emily said.

  “Of course, Miss Stanton,” the driver said.

  The two women walked to the front door and Emily knocked. A baby was crying inside and it took a few moments before the door opened.

  In the doorway stood a young woman with a fussy infant in her arms. “Miss Stanton, what a lovely surprise. I didn’t think I’d see again so soon.”

  “Nesmith and I came to see how you’re faring?”

  Jane Cardill lowered her eyes. “I’m doing the best I can, but I miss my Nate.”

  “Yes, such a dreadful accident,” Emily said. “I offer you my sincerest condolences. May we come in? I’ve brought something for Sophia.”

  “Please forgive me. Where are my manners? Of course, please come in.” Jane said as she stepped aside to let her visitors enter.

  Nesmith put the basket on the table. “Cook has sent over a little something to tide you over, Jane.”

  “Thank you, Nesmith. That is so kind. Please thank Cook for me. It’s much appreciated. Shall I put the kettle on for tea?”

  “Please don’t go to any trouble,” Emily said.

  “Nonsense. No trouble at all.”

  “I’ll take little Nate. It’s been a long time since I held a little one,” Nesmith said as she took the baby from his mother.

  “He’s been most unsettled today,” Jane said. “I fear he knows my sadness.”

  Nesmith cooed to the baby and sat down at the table. “There, there, little one,” she said while patting his back.

  A shy little girl of five years peered out from behind the chair until she saw who had come to visit. “Em, Em, Em,” she shouted with glee.

  Emily knelt down. “Sophia, I’ve missed you and guess what? I have a surprise for you today.”

  Sophia ran into Emily’s outstretched arms. “What?”

  Jane turned from the fire. “Sophia, don’t be rude to Miss Stanton. Mind your manners.”

  The little girl nodded, but held tight to Emily.

  Emily scooped the little girl up in her arms and joined Nesmith at the table. While Sophia settled on her lap, she reached inside her reticule and pulled out several ribbons. She smiled when Sophia’s eyes lit up at the surprise. “I’ve brought you ribbons for your bonnet. Do you like them?”

  Sophia reached out with one small finger to touch the pink satin ribbon. “Mine?”

  Emily nodded. “Yes, Sweetie. Now you’ll be the prettiest girl in town.”

  Jane brought three cups of tea to the table. “Miss Stanton, thank you. That is so generous of you. I can never repay your kindness.”

  “It’s my pleasure.” Emily said and then whispered in Sophia’s ear.

  The little girl hopped off her lap. She ran to the front door and grabbed her bonnet from the hook and brought it back to Emily. “Here it is.”

  Emily took the bonnet and Sophia climbed up into her lap again. “Which one shall we use?” she asked.

  Sophia picked up the pink satin ribbon and gave it to Emily. “Pink.”

  Emily chuckled. “Of course, pink it is.” She pulled out a needle and thread and sewed the new ribbon on her bonnet. “There you go! Want to try it on?”

  The little girl nodded.

  Emily tied the ribbons under her chin. “See, what did I tell you? You’re the prettiest girl around.”

  Sophia climbed off Emily’s lap and ran to her mother. “Mama, look at me.”

  Jane hugged her daughter. “So very pretty.” She looked at Emily and mouthed another thank you.

  Nesmith stood and put the sleeping baby in the cradle. “There. He should sleep now.”

  “Nesmith, you have the touch. He’s been fussing all morning. I don’t know how to thank you both,” Jane said, glancing between
Emily and Nesmith.

  “What will you do now?” Emily asked.

  Jane sighed. “My sister has invited me to join her. They can always use more hands at the farm.”

  “Oh, I see. When will you leave?”

  “As soon as possible. I will sell what I can before making the journey north.”

  The women talked a while longer before Nesmith and Emily rose to leave.

  “We must be going, but it was lovely to see you again,” Emily said.

  Jane walked them to the door.

  “I hope you fare well,” Emily said. She pressed a small money purse into Jane’s hand.

  “Oh, Miss Stanton. I can’t possibly accept this. You’ve been so generous already.”

  “Nonsense, I’m happy to help in any way I can. Hire a driver and wagon to take you to your sister’s farm. It should help with your immediate expenses.”

  Tears spilt down Jane’s cheeks. “Thank you for everything. I will never forget your kindness.”

  Nesmith hugged Jane. “Goodbye, Jane. I’ll keep you in my prayers.”

  Emily and Nesmith walked out the door and climbed into their waiting coach.

  “Do you think she’ll fare well?” Emily asked.

  “I don’t know. With two children, it will be hard for her to find a husband that will accept them as his own.”

  “I hope she finds love again.”

  “I don’t think love will be her deciding factor if a marriage proposal presents itself.” Nesmith patted her hand. “You’ve been most generous to her and we can only pray that Jane will fare well. You cannot save every widow in London.”

  “I know, but I must try. I wish there was something else to be done for Jane. Little Sophia is such a delightful child.”

  Nesmith nodded. “Put your mind at ease, Emily. You’ve done more than most and it’s time to turn your mind to other things. Have you thought about the dress you’ll wear tonight?”

  That brought a smile to Emily’s face. “Yes. I’m looking forward to it. It should be a wonderful night.”

  Several hours later, she stood at the bottom of the stairs gazing up to the second floor. “Papa, where are you?” Emily asked, a little too loudly as if her plea would induce her father to come down any quicker.

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

  “But, Mama, we’ll be late for the ball.” Emily smoothed down her ice blue silk dress for the hundredth time, and adjusted the choker of pearls around her neck. The modiste had outdone herself and the dress fit Emily to perfection with just the swell of her breasts peeking out of the lace and ribbon bodice. Matching gloves and a small, drawstring reticule rounded out her outfit for the evening.

  “Let’s wait in the parlor,” Catherine said. “Come, dear. Staring up the stairs will not make your father come down any sooner.”

  Emily followed her mother into the parlor to wait, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the ball. She was so excited. The April ball was being hosted by Lord and Lady Tisbury, and was the most anticipated event of the season for the ton in London. Everyone who was anyone would be there. It promised be a grand festive affair if past attendance was any indication. She’d been counting down the days waiting for the big night to arrive and it seemed that the days grew longer and longer the closer she watched and waited for the big day. She loved the balls and longed to be part of the sea of shimmering silk swirling around the dance floor.

  As if that wasn’t enough reason, she was even more excited because it 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 been very kind and promised to introduce her to a number of young men from well-regarded families. Emily shivered in anticipation. She hoped her dance card would 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 tagging along with her parents, but as an eligible young lady to be courted. She could hardly wait.

  She reached up and pushed the flower back into her golden brown hair. Nesmith had outdone herself creating a crown of cascading curls adorned with little white flowers and pearls for this evening’s festivities. She 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.

  Emily paced the floor before she turned to face her mother. “Mama, do you like my dress?”

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

  “Thank you, Mama.”

  “Now stop fidgeting, dear and come sit down. You must learn patience. It’s a woman’s place to wait quietly. You’ll have to do these things someday with your own husband, so let’s practice it now. Have you forgotten all of my lessons of being a proper lady?”

  “Sorry, Mama. I remember your lessons well and will remember them tonight. You needn’t worry,” she said and took a seat beside her look-alike mother. Both had light golden brown hair, but Catherine had green eyes, as sparkling and vibrant as Emily’s blue. Catherine was still a stunning beauty and turned heads wherever she went.

  “How was your visit with Mrs. Cardill?”

  “It was good, but I will miss them when they leave.”

  “Oh, they’re leaving London?”

  “She’s moving north to be with her sister. I hope she fares well. You should have seen little Sophia. She loved the ribbons and I sewed the pink ones on her little bonnet before we left.”

  “That’s nice, dear. I’m sure she appreciated your visits.”

  ***

  Upstairs Riley Stanton had heard his daughter’s plea while he finished dressing for the ball. He eased into his well fitting jacket, which in his opinion was an absolute must for every gentleman. His London tailor had outdone himself with this new wool one. Even in his mid-forties, Riley cut a handsome figure. His dark-brown hair had started to show a few steaks of white, but those gave him a more distinguished air. His strong jaw line and ready smile made him a favorite of the ladies. The Stanton family may not be as wealthy as some of the families in London for the Season, but one thing he had always insisted upon was properly fitted clothes.

  Riley’s thoughts floated back to Emily. His sweet daughter would more than likely become a young man’s wife within a year and maybe even this Season.

  Wife.

  Could it be so? He could swear that only yesterday she was still the little girl holding tight to his hand while they walked around London. Time marched on and waited for no man. His child was now a young woman of marriageable age and it was time for him to accept it.

  He remembered the day Emily had pushed her way into the world. Her lusty cry told her parents that she was a fighter, but it was also the day she’d tore-up up her mother’s insides beyond repair. When the doctor shared the devastating news, he and Catherine did not believe it. They would keep trying for another child, but as the years flew by without another pregnancy, they resigned themselves to the fact that Emily would be their sole child. He and his beloved Catherine had mourned the loss of ever having any more children, but Emily had turned out to be such a delightful child, that it took away a bit of the sting of never having a son.

  He had spared no expense when it came to his daughter and had hired the best governess to teach her the finer things in life—reading, writing, drawing, and, of course, piano and singing lessons. His money had not been wasted. Emily was an accomplished young lady who would make any man proud to call her his wife.

  He sighed. He was not looking forward to this Season as it marked the end of Emily’s childhood. She was a young woman now and he had no doubt there would be a line of suitors eager to court her. Time to get on with it. There was no use in stalling any longer. He pulled open the door to his bedchamber and headed down the stairs.

  The moment Riley entered the
parlor. Emily jumped up. “Oh, Papa, thank heavens you’re here,” she squealed with delight.

  “Emily, dear, must you shout? I’m standing next to you.”

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

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

  “Yes, we are indeed!” Emily replied.

  Right on cue, Nesmith entered the parlor and helped Emily and Mrs. Stanton into their Spencer evening coats.

  “Thank you, Nesmith. I’ll tell you all about the ball later,” Emily said. With a flounce of her skirt, she led the way out to the family coach.

  “I look forward to it,” Nesmith said. “Have a good time.”

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

  Catherine nodded. “Do we 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 that will come to court her?”

  Riley chuckled. His wife knew him well and would have guessed that he was struggling with this very thing while he dressed. “I guess I will have to be. What other choice do I have?”

  Catherine patted her husband’s arm. “Indeed, Mr. Stanton. Indeed.”

  The housekeeper held open the door, and the Stanton family departed into the cool night air. Riley helped the women inside their waiting carriage and sat in the rear-facing seat while Catherine sat next to her daughter.

  The driver grabbed the reins and the coach lurched forward before the horses found their rhythm.

  “It’s all so exciting, isn’t it?” Emily asked as she settled her skirts. “I hope Mia is there when we arrive.”

  Catherine clasped her daughter’s hand. “I’m sure she will be, dear.”

  Emily nodded and glanced out the window. The sky was filled with twinkling stars like beautiful jewels sparkling bright for her pleasure alone. It was a perfect evening and she could hardly wait for the festivities to begin.

  Riley glanced at his daughter’s delightful face. Could he really give her up to another man? In the end, he knew he would have no choice except in approving who she would marry. He would have to be content with that.