Love by Deception (Age of Innocence) Page 5

  Find a wife.

  It seemed as if every other conversation was about him selecting a young lady to marry. It made his head swim, but he could understand his mother’s motivations. Both his friend Connor Preston and his cousin Ethan had married last year. He was the only bachelor left in his circle of friends.

  A long sigh escaped his lips. He did not want to marry for duty alone. Was it too much to ask for him to marry someone who was his choice and not his parent’s choice?

  “Colby, are you well?” Mary asked.

  “Yes, Mother. Quite well, no need to worry.” Colby knew his mother still worried about him ever since he’d been shot last fall and came close to dying. He was her only child, and he understood that, but it didn’t make it any easier when she hovered over him. He often wondered why he was an only child, but it was not something you asked about in polite company, and his father would never speak about such a personal matter with him. He would have liked very much to have a brother or even a sister growing up, and especially now, anything to take the spotlight off of him. It was difficult to live up to your parent’s expectations when you were their sole focus. It was why their subtle hints about finding a bride grated on him.

  He also knew that he might not have much of a choice with young ladies this Season in light of his scandalous behavior last year. Even though they had tried to contain the details, word of his duel and the reason for it leaked out and spread like wild fire through the ton. He could imagine the whisperings.

  He’s an out of control gambler.

  He gambled away the Tisbury fortune.

  He’s reckless.

  No father wanted his daughter to marry a gambler. What would happen to her and any children they had if he returned to his gambling ways? Many fortunes had been lost at the card table. He was determined not let that happen, but knew it might be difficult to convince people that he had changed his ways.

  “Where is Father?”

  “I believe he’s in his study. I heard him come down the stairs not too long ago.”

  Colby drank the last of his brandy and put the glass on the table. “If you’ll excuse me, Mother. I would like to discuss a matter with him.”

  “Of course, dear, but don’t get too caught up with business. Our guests will be arriving shortly.”

  He nodded and strode out of the room.

  ***

  Emily Richardson reached over and grasped her husband’s hand. She loved the feel of his warm skin against hers, and couldn’t be happier with the way her marriage had turned out. To think she almost gave up on such a wonderful man before she even gave him a chance. It was her greatest embarrassment. Her actions last year on their wedding night still shamed her, and she’d done everything in her power to make it up to him. It was hard to believe that dreadful night was nearly ten months ago. “Ethan, are you well, my darling? You seem quiet this evening.”

  Ethan brought her hand to his lips for a soft kiss. “I’m fine. No need to worry.”

  Emily’s brow furrowed. “When you say that, that’s exactly when I start to worry. What’s on your mind?”

  “I guess I’m worried about Colby being back in London. I don’t want him to be tempted by the gambling parlors again.”

  “Do you think he might be even after what happened last year?”

  “I fear for his resolve. It may be too difficult for him to resist.”

  “Getting shot is no small thing to brush aside. It was a daunting lesson to learn.”

  “You’re right, of course. With the passage of time, even the most horrendous experiences tend to fade.”

  Ethan’s words stabbed at Emily and she inhaled sharply. Was he only talking about Colby, or did he mean to include her as well? “Yes, I agree, but I hope you realize that I’ve tried very hard to be a good wife to you and erase that horrible memory from your mind. I cannot begin to tell you how shamed I am about it even after all this time.”

  Ethan turned to face her. “What? You’re shamed about Colby?”

  Emily shook her head. “No, not Colby.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Our wedding night.”

  He saw the hurt on her face and pulled his wife into his arms. “My darling Emily, you must know I didn’t mean you when I spoke earlier. Forget your shame. That is over and done with and not for you to worry about ever again. You are my dearest wife, my love, my Bright Star. I love you with every fiber of my being. Please don’t ever forget that.”

  Emily snuggled into Ethan’s embrace and breathed in his musky scent. Whenever she was near him, she craved his loving hands on her body. She couldn’t get enough of him and her love had grown for him until she thought she’d burst with happiness. “I’m so glad, because you mean the world to me. I wanted to wait a little longer before I told you, but I think this is the perfect time.”

  Ethan let go of his wife. “Tell me what? Are you getting involved in more charity work? My dearest, you do so much already. I don’t know how you’ll find enough time in the day to take on another project.”

  Emily smiled at the man she loved with all her heart. “No, my darling, it’s not that, but I do believe I’ll have to curtail my activities this summer.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, it’s what most women do when they are with child.”

  She watched her husband’s face—first the disbelief, then the absolute joy shining in his eyes.

  “Are you sure?”

  Emily nodded. “Quite sure, my love. I longed to tell you earlier, but I was afraid to be too happy in case I lost the child.”

  Ethan cupped her beautiful face in his hands. “My darling Bright Star, you’ve made me the happiest man in the world. I love you more with each passing day.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers, lightly at first before it deepened into everything he’d wanted to say and then some.

  When they broke apart, Emily couldn’t stop smiling. “Isn’t it wonderful? By winter we shall be holding our own child.”

  “It’s hard to comprehend that we are so blessed. I must tell you, that’s the last thing I expected you to tell me tonight.” He kissed her again.

  “I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure. I talked with my mother about it when we arrived in London last week. I hope you don’t mind that I consulted her, but I wanted to be sure of my happy news.”

  Ethan picked up Emily’s hand and brought it to his lips. “No, my darling, I don’t mind at all. I would like nothing better than to shout this happy news from the rooftops.”

  Emily giggled at the image Ethan had planted in her mind. “I hardly think that’s the proper way to announce it. I’m so excited to tell Mia tomorrow. It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other, but she’s been busy with little Lucas. It will be such a pleasure to hold the little one in my arms, knowing that soon I’ll be holding our own child.”

  “Getting in a little practice?” Ethan chuckled.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact I am. What do you have to say to that, Mr. Richardson?” Emily asked in a teasing tone.

  He leaned over and kissed her again. “I’d say that’s wonderful. Do you want to tell Aunt Mary this evening?”

  “No, not yet, but we’ll tell everyone soon. Is that agreeable?”

  “Of course, my darling. Whatever you prefer is fine with me, but only if you kiss me again.”

  Emily chuckled before she obliged her husband with a sensual kiss of her own.

  “Perhaps, we should not celebrate any more or else we will not be going to Aunt Mary’s for dinner,” Ethan said.

  “Your aunt would be so disappointed, but are you saying you don’t wish to kiss me anymore?”

  Now it was Ethan’s turn to chuckle. “I always want to kiss you, my darling wife.”

  “Then kiss me once more before we reach Aunt Mary’s.”

  “Gladly.”

  ***

  Lady Charlotte Hunt looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror. Her long-time maid, Mayson, had
done a beautiful job with her hair this evening. Dark curls cascaded down the nape of her neck. Even in her fortieth year, Charlotte was blessed with lustrous black hair with only a few strands of white peeking through.

  “Would you prefer the pearls or sapphires this evening?” Mayson asked.

  “Sapphires, please. They will go nicely with this dress, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, ma’am. That’s the most beautiful navy silk I’ve ever seen. Did Mrs. Phillips order that specially for you?”

  “No, but as soon as she saw it, she wrote to me. Once I saw it, there was no doubt in my mind that it would make the most extraordinary dress. The fabric shimmers and appears to change color when it moves.”

  Mayson pulled out the sapphire necklace and matching earrings from the jewelry box. “This necklace will look stunning with that dress. Lord Hunt has outdone himself with these pieces. The vibrant colors of the stones are so beautiful.”

  “Come now, Mayson. There’s no need to pretend with me. We’re both aware he only gave them to me to keep up appearances, nothing more.”

  Mayson didn’t say anything. She slipped the necklace around Charlotte’s neck and fastened the clasp before stepping back. “There you go, my lady. You look stunning this evening.”

  Charlotte finished off the look by dressing her ears with the sapphires. “Thank you, Mayson. As usual, it’s your expertise that has helped me look presentable tonight.”

  “You need no help from me or anyone else, my lady. You’re a beautiful woman, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

  Charlotte chuckled at Mayson’s over-protectiveness. She’d been her maid for close to twenty years and had seen her through the ups and downs of her marriage although it had been mostly downs for as long as she could remember. The moment she gave birth to Dalton, Gilbert had withdrawn from her. She had learned soon enough the only reason why he married her was to get an heir. Once that bit of business was done with, Gilbert had no further need of her. He didn’t even want a second child as insurance that something might befall the first one. It was hard to accept, at least at first.

  She’d been a fool to be taken in with his sweet courtship. She thought him kind and considerate, and overlooked his awkwardness around her. Her parents approved of the union, and they were married within three months. She had been looking forward to being the mistress of her own home. With Gilbert by her side, she thought they would enjoy a happy and fulfilling life filled with love and children.

  It didn’t take long for her to learn the truth. Gilbert didn’t have a romantic bone in his body, and his clumsy lovemaking those first few months confirmed for Charlotte that her husband detested sex, or at least sex with her. After the birth of their son, he never touched her again. She had cried and pleaded with him, but he was steadfast in his refusal to come to her bedchamber ever again. It was a devastating lesson for a young woman to learn that her husband detested the sight of her.

  “Thank you Mayson. You’re a dear. We won’t be late. See you later.”

  “Enjoy your dinner with Lady Tisbury. Good night, my lady.”

  Charlotte grabbed her shawl and went downstairs. At least she was happy to be seeing her dearest friend this evening. That was one of the few blessings from her union with Gilbert. She had met Mary Tisbury and they had became fast friends.

  Gilbert and Dalton waited for her in the front parlor.

  “Are you ready to leave?” she asked.

  “We’ve been ready for quite awhile,” Gilbert snapped at her.

  Charlotte glanced at her husband, but his stare held nothing but contempt for her. His cold blue eyes held no warmth. He was easy to pick out in a crowd with his shock of white hair, although he had a trim physique for a man nearing sixty. He saved his charm for his friend’s wives or anyone that could benefit him. She was used to his ways and ignored him.

  “Fine. Let’s go,” she said.

  Dalton stepped forward. “You look beautiful, Mother.” He offered her his arm and she took it with pleasure. No matter how unpleasant her marriage was, she would never regret it because it had produced her beloved son.

  “Thank you, Dalton. You look very handsome yourself.”

  Chapter 6

  Isabel looked in the vanity mirror as the maid put the final pins in her hair. Their bedchamber was a large and airy room with a over-sized four-posted bed. She’d never seen such a pretty room before, and the blue and cream décor was perfect for them. She had changed into a navy dress and Rachel had combed her hair and secured it in a bun.

  “There you are, Miss Knott. Will you be needing anything else?” Rachel asked.

  “No, thank you. That’s all for tonight.”

  “I’ll come back and help you undress when you’re ready to retire for the evening.”

  “That won’t be necessary. I will be fine and I don’t want to wake Georgette. She needs her rest.”

  Rachel nodded and slipped out of the room.

  Isabel made sure Georgette was resting comfortably before she left her dozing. She looked so small in the large bed. Her sister could barely keep her eyes open and there was no way she would have the energy to come down to dinner. The journey to London had tired her more than she wanted to admit, but Isabel hoped with a good night’s sleep, Georgette would soon regain her strength.

  She bounded down the stairs a few minutes before seven o’clock and walked down the hall. She looked in the front parlor, but Mrs. Quinn was not there. Perhaps she was already in the dining room. She turned and went back the way she came and peeked in the next door. Success. This was the dining room. She walked in and noticed the three dinner settings already placed on the large oak table. She glanced around the room. It was tastefully decorated in shades of blue and gold and the drapes were still open, letting in the last rays of the sun. She wondered if blue was also Mrs. Quinn's favorite color.

  “There you are,” Iris said.

  The voice startled Isabel, and she turned as her hostess walked into the room. “Good evening, ma’am.”

  “Hello, Isabel. Will Georgette be joining us?”

  “No, I’m sorry, Mrs. Quinn. She is tired from our journey today and begs your forgiveness.”

  “Nothing to forgive. I had hoped she would join us, but its best for her to rest and regain her strength. Has she always been so frail?”

  Isabel nodded. “Yes, but she’s doing much better now. I think with some fresh air and exercise, her health will continue to improve. She has made such strides in the last four months.”

  “Indeed. She’ll need more stamina if she is to endure the Season. I have no doubt once the ton see the both of you, there will be plenty of invitations sent around.”

  Isabel eyes widened. “Do you think so?”

  “Yes, of course, my dear. Now come sit and let’s enjoy our dinner.”

  “Who do you think we should send invitations to?”

  “It’s hard to say, but I will tell you all about the ton when Georgette can next join us.”

  “Mrs. Quinn, I cannot thank you enough for hosting us. It’s a dream come true for me. Who would have thought my life could have taken such a turn? Imagine me, here in London. No one back in our village would believe I deserved to be here.”

  Iris chuckled. “Nonsense, of course you deserve to be here. Besides, it’s you and your cousin who favor me with your presence. It’s been too long since I last had guests. This big old house can get pretty lonely. You girls fill it with light and laughter. I dare say that I’m looking forward to the Season myself this year.”

  As the seven o’clock chimes filled the air, the maid began bringing in dish after dish for their dinner. Isabel gaped at it all. She had never seen so much food at once. When Mr. Condiff was alive, they were on strict rations. She’d always thought it was because there was a lack of funds, but that had not been the case. Mr. Condiff had been saving his money for her and Georgette. It made her sad to think that he deprived himself of so much to secure their future.

 
“Isabel, are you well, dear?”

  Isabel looked into Mrs. Quinn’s concerned face and gave her a weak smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Was just thinking about Mr. Condiff, that’s all.”

  “It’s too bad he left us so early. He was a dear friend of mine. I miss him especially now, because it’s been too many years since I last saw him. Now I’ll never have that chance to visit again. How long did you live in his household?”

  Mrs. Quinn’s question caught her off-guard. Should she lie about how long she’d been there? What did Mrs. Quinn know of Mr. Condiff? She tried to rack her brain to see if she ever remembered Mrs. Quinn coming for a visit, but she was sure she’d have remembered such a pleasant woman if she had. In the end, she thought it best not to lie.

  “I’ve been in Mr. Condiff’s household since I was a small child. I don’t remember my life before that.”

  “Nothing of your parents?” she asked, as she passed the potatoes.

  Isabel shook her head. “No, ma’am,” she said while piling her plate with food. Her stomach growled in response to the mouth-watering aromas.

  “How sad for you, my dear, growing up never knowing your mother or father.”

  Isabel longed to tell her kind host that she had known her father, but she would not break the confidence Mr. Condiff had tasked her with. “Mr. Condiff was a kind man and, of course, I had Georgette. She seems almost like a sister to me.”

  “I’m sure she does. Let’s hope she’s refreshed in the morning, for we have an appointment with Mrs. Phillips.”

  “I’ve never been to a modiste before.”

  “You’re in for a treat then,” Iris said in between bites of food. “She’s truly a wonder.”

  “I’m look forward to meeting her.”

  When dinner was through, Isabel followed Mrs. Quinn to the parlor.

  “Do you like to read?” Iris asked.

  “Yes, although we didn’t have many volumes to choose from.”

  “Well, my dear, you’re in for a treat. There are plenty to choose from in the library. Help yourself to whatever strikes your fancy.”