Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Arriving at the Huntveldt Estate

Josie and Talia watched out the windows of the large ballroom, waiting for the Thanturnam brothers to arrive. She had worn her dark green traveling suit but had removed the jacket for tea. Talia felt her stomach ache with nervousness.

Josie saw a carriage arrive, but then she realized it was the Garland family. Prissy Garland climbed out of the carriage along with her parents. She was dressed in the latest fashion, which included matching fur earmuffs, gloves and a muff, along with a beautiful red wool cloak.

Moments later, Josie saw the Thanturnam carriage arrive. Josie ran immediately out to greet Ridge. Talia froze as she saw Roman for the first time. He was magnificent. His long black hair hung to his shoulders. His clean-shaved face showed the chiseled features of his profile.

Talia watched Ridge greet Josie with a giant hug as he twirled her off her feet. Then, he showed the coachmen the trunk and food basket. He and Josie held hands as they talked and smiled at each other.

The next moment, Talia saw Prissy Garland greet Roman like a long-lost friend. She even had the audacity to climb in the carriage next to him.

Roman did not look as thrilled to see her, and Talia saw the dark, penetrating glare of his eyes as he looked at Prissy. Talia wasn't sure what Roman said to her, but Prissy climbed out of the carriage, and Roman steered the carriage down to the livery area. Prissy tried hiding the disappointment in her face as her mother scolded her for being too forward with the gentleman.

Josie and Ridge walked into the foyer along with the Garlands. Mrs. Huntveldt greeted all of them and showed the ladies to their rooms.

"Talia, I would like you to meet Ridge Thanturnam," said Josie.

Talia offered her hand to Ridge and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you. Josie has told me so much about you."

"All good I hope," said Ridge.

Talia admired his outstanding good looks and manners as they visited in the foyer. Ridge was tall but not as broad-shouldered as Roman. He wore his hair in a shorter style. He still had lots of black wavy hair and dressed like a gentleman.

"I know my brother is eager to see you, I mean, meet you, Miss Talia," said Ridge. "He went to take care of the horses. He is very particular about his horses."

"I am looking forward to meeting him, also," said Talia. "If you will excuse me, I going to get dressed for this evening's dinner party."

Talia went up the stairs to find Myrna to help her get ready for tonight's festivities. When she arrived in the room, Prissy and Luella were greeting one another and gossiping as fast as they could talk. When Talia closed the door, the talking ceased.

Prissy looked at Talia with suspicion as she ignored the rest of the girls. Myrna sat in the corner sewing on a gown for Talia, listening to the girls' talk. She immediately put down her sewing when Talia came into the room and stood next to her.

Talia and Myrna began preparations for the evening. Louisa had designed and sewn a beautiful A-line gown in the lavender material Talia had selected. The dress was long-sleeved with short puffy gathers at the shoulder. The high-waist dress was decorated with a dark lavender braid around the waist.

The neckline was higher and more demure than the other dresses she saw the girls wearing. After putting on the corset, Talia still felt self-conscious of the generous display of her bosoms, but she was thankful for her beautiful new undergarments in front of the other girls.