Twins of Tenby Hall

Chapter 3

During their adolescent years the twins spent the great majority of the time developing their accomplishments.

They learned French, Spanish, Italian, and Latin (Miranda thought Latin unnecessary and boring until Isabel reminded her of their studies on ancient Rome; then Miranda thought it a language of luxury and romance and Isabel thought Miranda silly).
They practiced piano until they were proficient in all the classics and could write pieces of their own.
They sang beautifully, their voices maturing with age; Miranda's voice becoming rich and soft (and sultry by design, much to her sister's disgust), and Isabel's sweet and clear.
They read as many books as they could get their hands on (Miranda still loving romances and mysteries and Isabel still preferring adventures and books of information), they decorated hats and arranged flowers and wrote letters with precise and flowing hand.
Miranda wrote poems and ballads as often as she could, and Isabel wrote poems begrudgingly when instructed to by the governess.
They acquired as much knowledge of politics and history as was necessary for a lady (Isabel acquiring more than was necessary, much to her governess's delight and her sister's chagrin) and were always up to date on the latest trends and fashions.
They carried themselves and danced with such grace their dancing instructor considered them his best pupils; as though if they paid him less he would love them the same. 

When asked by Lord Riley, Elizabeth Lawrence declared them most accomplished young ladies and most definitely ready to be presented this season, and if you asked her they had been ready to be presented last year. Lord Riley was reluctant, but agreed that since most girls were presented at sixteen or seventeen it was reasonable they be presented now, at eighteen.

He steeled himself, looking no longer at young men as boys but as wolves stalking their prey; any wolf to approach one of his little lambs would be doing so under the watchful eye of their protective father.

There was to be an elaborate summer house party at Tenby Hall for the girls' coming out into society; a week, beginning with a ball and ending with a ball five days following. Games and dinners and excursions were planned; every day must be eventful lest any of the one-hundred-fifty-or-more guests find themselves neglected or bored.

The girls were very put out when a note came from Westbrook stating his business in London, which had kept him away for nearly five weeks already, may hold him in Town until after their party; but their spirits were lifted again when Aunt Lawrence arrived two weeks in advance to help prepare; bringing with her fabulous gowns for the girls.

Miranda was beside herself with joy being fitted and draped for hours on end; Dinner dresses, ball gowns, walking dresses, riding habits. Isabel was less enthusiastic, exhausted after a day of standing in one place, anxious in anticipation of being stabbed by a pin (though it happened only once). 

Lord and Lady Bertram were expected a week before the ball, but their carriage broke a wheel so they would not arrive until later. Cousin Edwin Lawrence arrived they day his sister was meant to. 

The closer time drew to the party the more palpable the excited tension grew; the promise of long nights full of music, desserts, and dancing was forefront in the minds of the twins, and the men welcomed the opportunity to converse on topics of parliament. 

Two days before the event the great hall was abuzz with the bustle of servants as last-minute preparations were made for the first ball of the season; the Tenby Hall staff were run off their feet readying rooms, entertainment, and delicacies to carry over the next seven days. After an evening of gleefully chasing butterflies and adding new grass-stains to their old 'walking' dresses, Isabel and Miranda Riley walked into the sitting room to see a new arrival stood chatting with their father and Cousin Edwin. 

"Em! Izzy!" the girls' father smiled, waving his daughters in. "Come see who has also come early!" The twins immediately recognized the tall young man who turned to greet them, with unkempt mahogany hair threatening to obstruct mischievous grey eyes. His lazy smile did not charm them as it did other ladies (not that he realized this inherent charm). 

"Matthew!" Isabel exclaimed joyfully, running to clutch one of his arms. "You have come!" 

"You!" Miranda laughed as she grasped his other arm and scolded. "What misery we have endured thinking you would abandon us during such a pivotal point in our lives!" 

"Ah but look, is not my presence now rightly appreciated?" He smirked playfully. "I had to leave you girls in suspense lest I be taken for granted." 

Isabel scoffed and Miranda returned, "What pomp! Arrogance does not look well on you Matthew!" 

The trio took a seat on the plush settee and Westbrook rested his arms on the back of it, a twin on either side. Lord Riley peered over the top of his paper at them as they bantered together on the couch. He folded it and took up his coffee from the side table, commenting casually before taking his sip, "You know what this house party represents I assume, Matthew." 

"The girls announcing they are ready to leave the nest." Westbrook grinned. 

"Yes, we are ladies now." Isabel smiled. 

"So you must begin treating us likewise!" Miranda finished. 

"You'd best behave Westbrook." Edwin Lawrence laughed. 

Matthew snorted disagreeably. "The day I believe you two have become ladies is the day I'll eat my cravat! Especially this one," he looked to Miranda, squeezing an arm around her shoulder, then turned back to Izzy to inform, "There is dirt on her nose; I think she needs a few more years, she's not quite presentable material yet. My reputation couldn't risk being seen with her." 

Miranda gasped at him in indignation as Isabel guffawed. She removed his arm from around her and dumped it unceremoniously in his lap, applying a handkerchief vigorously to the imaginary dirt spot. "Well then, Matthew, if you think you're such a catch do feel free to flirt with all the ladies at Saturday's Ball. I for one think you are a troll, and I'd willingly eat your cravat as well rather than burden you with my un-ladylike company!" Mr Westbrook's arm returned to her shoulders. 

Lord Riley cleared his throat and spoke seriously. "They are considered young ladies now, being eighteen, and of marriageable age." 

Mr Westbrook's face took on an expression of alarm, then shame, and he quickly placed his hands in his lap. Isabel and Miranda also settled down quickly, scooting to make more space between themselves and their male friend. They all sat in chagrined silence. 

"Gracious Papa, how severe you are." Miranda muttered. Lord Riley continued reading his paper. Edwin Lawrence chuckled.