Love by Deception (Age of Innocence) Page 4

  A father.

  It was an alien concept for her, one that had never crossed her mind before. To pine for either a father or mother. For as long as she could remember, she’d been here with Georgette and Mr. Condiff. She thought she’d never know who her own father was, but now that she did, she regretted that she would not have the opportunity to know him better. It would have helped her understand his mood swings, had she learned the truth earlier, but that wouldn't happen now. It seemed ironic that she’d found and lost her father within such a short span of time. It was over so quick. One short letter was all she would ever have of her father.

  And what of her mother? Was she still alive? Did she still reside in London? Did she ever think of her, or wonder if Isabel had survived infancy? And what of Isabel’s status? Was her mother aware that she would be raised to be Georgette’s lady’s maid instead of as a gentleman’s daughter?

  Too many questions with no one left to answer any of them. That was Isabel’s world. She had no choice, and resigned herself to never knowing the identity of her mother. It was clear from her father’s letter that it would remain a deeply buried secret. Now that he was gone, who was left to tell her? She could not dwell on it. It wouldn’t be good for her, and she certainly didn’t want to upset Georgette any more than her sister already was with the loss of her father. Tomorrow they’d be heading to London, and that was something she could look forward to and be happy about.

  She folded the blue cotton day dress and placed it in the trunk. Before she picked up the next dress to pack, Georgette came into the bedchamber. She saw her sister look at the chair in the corner where a few of Isabel’s dresses were laid out. “Hi, Georgette. Do you need something?”

  Georgette pointed at the chair. “Isabel, please don’t pack any of your dresses in that chest.”

  Isabel’s mouth fell open, hurt written across her face. “Pardon? I don’t have a chest of my own. I didn’t think you’d mind if I packed a few of my own pieces in with yours. I know they’re not as pretty…”

  Georgette rushed over to her and clasped Isabel’s hands in her own. “No, dearest. You misunderstand me. I have plenty of day dresses. There’s enough for both of us and no need for you to bring your more simple ones. You’re a gentleman’s daughter and should be dressed as such. I don’t want anyone to mistake you for a maid, that’s all I meant.”

  Isabel exhaled, relief flooding her. “Oh, thank goodness. I thought you were ashamed of me.”

  Georgette shook her head. “Never. Don’t ever question that. I love and respect you most highly. We’re both the same size and many of my dresses haven’t been worn very often. There are plenty, and if we need more, we can have them made for us.” She began to help Isabel with the packing by gathering up petticoats, stays and stockings.

  Isabel resumed her folding. “Tomorrow we’ll be on our way to London. I’ve never been to the city, and daresay that I’m getting excited about it. Can you believe it’s finally happening?”

  “Yes, although I’m not looking forward to the long carriage ride. It will take us most of the day to get there,” Georgette said.

  “I’ll pack us a basket of food. What do you think Mr. Ingham would prefer?”

  A smile lit up Georgette’s pretty face. “Believe me, anyone who has tasted your bread will be most satisfied. Do we have any cheese left?”

  “Yes, just enough for the trip. Can you finish folding the dresses while I go bake a batch of fresh bread?” Isabel asked.

  “Of course, dearest.”

  Isabel kissed her sister’s cheek and walked out of the room. She would try hard to banish her sadness and enjoy the coming adventure. What would London be like? What kind of invitations would they receive? Was Mrs. Quinn a regular attendee at the dances? She’d never been to a dance before. She wondered if any gentlemen would ask her to dance, or would she be left hugging the wall all evening? She shook her head to dispel those negative thoughts as she walked into the kitchen. Of course, she and Georgette would be asked to dance. Her sister was beautiful and would attract the eye of every gentleman in the room. She just hoped there would be one or two left over for her.

  ***

  The next morning Mr. Ingham knocked on the door at 9:00 o’clock sharp. Isabel rushed to open the door. “Good morning, Mr. Ingham. How are you this fine day?”

  “Well, thank you, Miss Knott. Are you ladies ready and packed?”

  “Yes, our trunk is all set and I’ve prepared a basket of refreshments for our journey.”

  “Good. Where is the trunk?”

  “Upstairs. The room at the end of the corridor.”

  Mr. Ingham turned to the two lanky boys waiting by the carriage. “Boys, go upstairs and fetch the trunk.”

  “Yes, sir,” they said in unison and disappeared into the house. They returned moments later, carrying the chest and strapping it down at the back of the carriage.

  “Is that all, sir?” the taller of the two boys asked.

  “There is a food basket in the kitchen,” Isabel said.

  The boy nodded and ran into the house. He quickly returned carrying the basket and put it inside the carriage.

  “Good job. Thank you,” Mr. Ingham said, giving each boy his promised payment.

  “I’ll go check on Georgette,” Isabel said. “We’ll only be a moment longer.”

  “Very good,” Mr. Ingham said.

  She found her sister walking through the house one last time. “Are you well, Georgette?”

  Georgette had pushed aside the white sheet and lovingly ran her hand over her father’s favorite leather chair in the front parlor. “Oh, yes. I wanted to say goodbye, that’s all. We may not be returning home for awhile.”

  Isabel held out her hand. “I know, but come now. Our adventure awaits.”

  Georgette nodded, pulled the sheet back in place and took her sister’s hand. “Yes, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

  The two young women walked outside, closing the heavy oak door behind them. Mr. Ingham helped them into the carriage and climbed in after them. He sat on the seat opposite the sisters. He tapped on the roof and the driver flicked the reins to get his team of horses moving.

  “Mr. Ingham, we cannot thank you enough for being our escort today,” Georgette said.

  “Miss Condiff, it is my pleasure. I knew your father for a good many years and it’s the least I can do. I do so miss our lively conversations.”

  “Did you see him often?” Georgette asked.

  “A few times a year. He would stop by to check on his affairs and share a brandy with me. It was always a pleasure to see him.”

  “We miss him too.”

  After their short exchange, the three fell into a comfortable silence. Isabel looked out the window, taking in the countryside while Georgette settled back in the cushions.

  The ride to London was long, but uneventful. They stopped at mid-day to enjoy the goodies Isabel had packed for their lunch. Both the carriage driver and Mr. Ingham complimented Isabel on the fresh bread.

  Isabel blushed. “Thank you kindly.”

  “Very thoughtful of you to pack us a lunch,” Mr. Ingham said. “An excellent excuse to stop for a while and enjoy the day, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, indeed. The countryside is lovely. This is the farthest I’ve ever been from home,” Isabel said.

  Mr. Ingham turned toward Georgette. “Miss Condiff, are you holding up well enough?”

  Georgette nodded. “I am fine, thank you. No need to worry.”

  “Well, we’d best be on our way again,” Mr. Ingham said. He stood and offered both Georgette and Isabel a hand. While he escorted them back to the carriage, the driver folded the blanket and secured it and the food basket in the back.

  The countryside flew by, and in late afternoon, the carriage finally stopped in front of Mrs. Quinn’s home.

  The driver hopped down from his seat and opened the door. Mr. Ingham got out and said over his shoulder, “Please wait inside the carriage until I can be sur
e Mrs. Quinn is at home.”

  Georgette nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Ingham.”

  Isabel grabbed her sister’s gloved hand. “We’re here. Isn’t it wonderful? London is such a bustling city. I’ve never seen so many folks walking about before.”

  “Yes, indeed. But, I don’t mind telling you that I’m looking forward to retiring early this evening.”

  “Are you feeling poorly?”

  “No, do not worry yourself, Isabel. I’m tired from the long drive, that’s all. A hot cup of tea will do wonders for me.”

  Before Isabel could probe any further, Mr. Ingham was back at the carriage. “Come, ladies. Mrs. Quinn is expecting you.” He held out his hand and helped them both out of the carriage.

  Mrs. Smithfield, the housekeeper, stood at the door. “Please come this way. Mrs. Quinn is waiting in the parlor.”

  The trio followed her into the front parlor where a lovely, silver-haired woman sat on the sofa. Iris Quinn's soft blue dress was elegant in its simple design and complimented her eyes. Around her neck, she wore a beautiful sapphire necklace, and small sapphire earrings graced her ears. The parlor itself was well-appointed, and reflected the elegance of its mistress.

  “Welcome, my dears,” Iris said as she stood to greet them.

  Mr. Ingham gave her a bow. “Mrs. Quinn, may I present Miss Georgette Condiff and Miss Isabel Knott.”

  Both girls curtsied.

  “Thank you for your generosity in hosting us, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said.

  “Nonsense, it’s you who are doing me the favor. I haven’t had the pleasure of company in this house for a good long while. No need to stand on formality. Please have a seat.”

  Georgette and Isabel took the chairs opposite the sofa and sank down in the opulent cushions.

  “Mrs. Smithfield, please have the driver bring their trunk upstairs.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Quinn. Right away, ma’am,” the housekeeper said as she scurried out of the room.

  Iris took her seat on the sofa. “Mr. Ingham, would you care to stay for tea? You must be parched after your long drive.”

  “Thank you kindly, Mrs. Quinn, but I must decline. I have secured rooms for my driver and I at the inn not far from here and I’d like to get there as soon as possible to bed down the horses for the night.”

  “Of course, perhaps tomorrow you can join us.”

  Mr. Ingham shook his head. “I’m afraid I must be returning home tomorrow, but if there is anything you need or anything either Miss Condiff or Miss Knott require, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am quite at your disposal.”

  “Of course, thank you for escorting my guests today. I wish you a safe journey home.”

  Mr. Ingham gave Iris a bow and turned toward Georgette and Isabel. “Ladies, good evening. I hope that you enjoy your stay in London.”

  “Thank you for everything, Mr. Ingham,” Georgette said.

  “Yes, thank you,” Isabel chimed in.

  “Again, it was my pleasure,” Mr. Ingham said as he walked out of the room.

  It wasn’t long before Mrs. Smithfield returned with a tray of tea and refreshments. She poured and handed each of them a steaming cup. “Will there be anything else, Mrs. Quinn?”

  “Would you please check with Rachel and have her unpack our guests’ trunk.”

  “Oh, I can do that,” Isabel offered.

  “Nonsense, dear. Mrs. Smithfield will see to it that the housemaid has everything in order in your room. You are my guests and I want you to enjoy yourselves during your stay.

  “We have a maid?”

  Iris chuckled. “Of course, my dear. Every lady must have a maid to help her dress and to keep her clothes tidy. I have secured the services of one maid to attend to both of you, but if you’d prefer to each have your own, it can be arranged.”

  “That is not necessary. One maid will be most sufficient for my cousin and I,” Georgette said.

  Isabel nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Quinn. That is very kind of you.”

  “Rachel is an excellent worker. She will put your clothes in each of your bedrooms.”

  “Bedrooms? We don’t need two bedrooms and will be more than happy to share one,” Georgette said.

  “Are you sure? There is plenty of room.”

  “It’s not that. Isabel and I do not mind sharing one room. It will give us comfort to be together, especially since being in London is new to us.”

  “If that is what you prefer, Mrs. Smithfield will see to it. Please tell Rachel that they will be staying in the corner bedroom.”

  Mrs. Smithfield nodded and left the room to take care of the details.

  ***

  Iris took a sip of her tea and peered at the young women seated across from her. Georgette was a delicate beauty with golden-brown hair, high cheekbones and hazel eyes, and looked very much like her father, but it was Isabel with her dark-brown, almost black hair and intense violet eyes who was the most stunning young lady she’d seen in a long time. There was no doubt that she would turn heads everywhere she went. “Well, you’re both finally here. I’m so very pleased.”

  “I’ve never been to London before. Are there always this many folks walking about?” Isabel asked.

  Iris couldn’t help but chuckle. “My dear Isabel, wait until you see London in the full noon hour. Sometimes there are so many folks crowding around the shops, one has to stop and let them pass before you can resume your journey.”

  “That must make running errands a long, drawn out affair.”

  “Indeed it does, but you shall see for yourself tomorrow.”

  That got Georgette’s attention. “Tomorrow?”

  “Yes, I have made an appointment with the modiste. The sooner she can take your measurements and start on your wardrobe, the better. May I ask if you brought any dresses suitable for evening?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Georgette said. “There was little need for them back in Essex.”

  “No matter,” Iris said. “We shall order some tomorrow.”

  “That is very kind of you. Thank you.”

  “You both must stop thanking me with every other sentence out of your mouths. Trust me when I say that I’ve looked forward to this visit since I received your letter. I’m quite sure you’ll like Mrs. Phillips. She’s the best dressmaker in town and will have your wardrobe completed in no time.”

  Georgette stood and put her teacup on the tray. “If I may be excused, Mrs. Quinn? The journey was more tiring than I thought, and I would very much like to lay down for a bit.”

  “Of course, my dear.” Iris picked up the little silver bell from the table beside the sofa. It took mere moments for Mrs. Smithfield to appear.

  “Yes, ma’am? Do you require something?”

  “Please show Miss Condiff to her bedchamber.”

  “Perhaps I should go with her and get her settled,” Isabel said. “That is, if you don’t mind, Mrs. Quinn.”

  “No, not at all. Dinner will be served in the dining room at 7:00.”

  Isabel nodded and linked arms with Georgette. Her sister was about to fall asleep on her feet. It would be best to get her into bed as quickly as possible. The last thing she wanted was for Georgette to catch a chill on their first day in London. “Thank you. I shall join you at dinner.”

  “I’m afraid I must give my regrets for dinner. It’s been a very long day and would prefer not to embarrass myself by falling asleep in my soup. Good evening, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said as she leaned on her sister and left the parlor.

  “Such a delicate one,” Iris murmured as she took another sip of tea.

  Chapter 5

  London, England

  It was 5:30 in the evening when Colby bounded down the stairs and walked into the parlor of their London family home. His mother, Lady Mary Tisbury, was hosting a small dinner party this evening, and he was looking forward to seeing his cousin Ethan and his lovely bride Emily again. He hadn’t seen them in months and it would be good to catch up with them.

  “Good eveni
ng, Mother. May I say you look as lovely as ever,” he said placing a kiss on her cheek.

  Mary smiled. “Thank you, Colby. Always the flatterer, no wonder the ladies love you. By the way, I’ve asked the Hunts to join us for dinner.”

  Colby walked to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy. “Oh?”

  “Yes, they’re back in London for the Season. From what I understand, Dalton will be searching for a bride.”

  He picked up his drink and walked back to the chair opposite his mother and sat down. “Really? I remember the shy young man who could barely look you in the eye when he was spoken to. Of course, I haven’t seen him for a number of years.”

  “He was twenty and one this past winter. His parents think that he’ll need a few Seasons before he finds the right young lady for him.”

  Colby raised his glass in salute. “Then here’s to Dalton finding the perfect woman. Frankly, I don’t think she exists.”

  Mary’s mouth thinned. “Colby, how can you say such things? There have been several suitable young ladies presented in the past few years. It seems you are being quite particular in your search and are not giving anyone a chance to get to know you properly. Kathryn Larkinson is especially lovely. I heard that she did not enter into a marriage contract last year. I’m sure she’ll be in London for the Season.”

  He took a gulp of brandy, not liking the turn in the conversation. His parents were quite clear in their plans for him this Season, and he knew they were running out of patience. As the heir to the Tisbury fortune, it was his duty to marry and produce an heir of his own, but he had not met anyone who interested him enough to propose -- certainly not Kathryn Larkinson. He didn’t know what it was about her, but he could not see himself sharing a life with her. There had to be a more suitable candidate for his wife.