Twins of Tenby Hall

Chapter 31

One week found the Riley family back at Tenby Hall. The twins and Matthew Westbrooke began wedding planning immediately, the matter of the date being decided on first thing; conclusively: mid-July.

They spent one day meticulously inspecting a few nearby venues, returning home as the sun began to sink below the horizon. While Miranda, and Matthew heatedly discussed their options with Lord Riley and debated on where they would most wish to be married, Isabel wandered a few steps behind, her gaze settled on the great pillars that led up to the cathedral ceilings of Tenby's massive front hall; oblivious to the others entering one of Tenby's many sitting rooms, Isabel stood in the hall looking up at the clouds and cupids dancing above her, deep in thought.

What was the reason for having murals so high above that one cannot even make out what is painted there, besides naked body parts and the occasional ray of plaster sun? The empty echo of feet on marble as a maid hurried by caught her attention. Isabel didn't recognize her, the girl must be new, or service a part of the manor Isabel did not frequent. How large Tenby was, there was no doubt fifty rooms or more that she had not stepped foot in more than once in her whole life, if even that many – was it odd to be unfamiliar with much of one's home? It felt odd, all of a sudden.

She resumed removing her bonnet and wandered towards the parlor where the voices of her family emerged, a man standing by leaned forth with the express purpose of opening the door for her – she had never noticed him before – what a singular profession. A strange sadness filled her, a tedious loneliness that lingered even as she accompanied her twin on the setee and joined in on the conversation.

Isabel Riley soon came to the realization that Tenby Hall now felt less like home than Blackstone Abbey; and it was a realization that concerned, nearly frightened, her; for she could not go back again for quite some time without insulting her family and presumptuously inserting herself into the Dunsworths' lives.

She desperately missed the abbey, and more so Mr Eugene Dunsworth; it was likely that her love for the place largly derived from her love for the man. A thought in her mind overwhelmed all others and she pulled aside her father to ask him quietly. 

"Papa, do you recall the conversation we had in the courtyard at Blackstone regarding Mr Dunsworth." 

"Yes." 

"Did...Did he ever speak to you?" 

"He did not; not that circumstance ever promoted an opportunity." 

"Yes. True." Isabel sighed. "...I am going to visit the gardens; I feel the need to take some air." 

"Very well, shall I come with you?" 

"My thoughts will be ample company, thank you Papa." She smiled. She trotted outdoors but did not make far before her sister linked arms with her. 

"I will not allow you to brood alone. Come, tell me what is on your mind." 

Isabel opened her mouth to answer. 

"I'll wager you're pining for your Mr Dunsworth aren't you?" 

Isabel shut her mouth. 

"I must apologize, Izzy, I have always belittled the Dunsworths and discouraged you from forming any sort of permanent attachment to their family...but now we quite owe them, for preserving your life.. thrice over! They are a lovely family, and I underestimated their worth greatly, for they are very fashionable and I was not left wanting at any point during our stay at the Abbey. I give you leave to marry him and, in fact, I encourage the match!" 

"Very well and good. All that is left – this is something I find myself repeating often of late – is for the man himself to wish to marry me – and evidence of that is not substantial."