A March to Marquess | A Regency Romance

Chapter Seven

Matilda placed the tray on Isabella's lap. The porcelain dishes rattled slightly at the movement. Isabella opened up the small covered dish that held fruit preserves for the biscuit on her tray. She cautiously took a sip of the chocolate, she didn't want to burn her tongue. She wanted to remember everything tonight at the ball.

Today, she would send a letter to Lady Jane and Lady Madeline and see if they would meet her at the park. Her stomach had butterflies of anticipation for the night. Pushing aside the news from her father the other night, she was looking forward to the entry into the Season. Years of dance lessons, etiquette practice and learning small bits of Latin had prepared her for all types of conversation.

After she finished her biscuit and cup of chocolate, she got up and slipped into a morning dress. She walked down the stairs and into the front drawing room. The light was bright and streamed through the windows. It looked like it was to be a warm spring day.

"Good morning Isabella," her step-mother acknowledged her from the small writing desk in the corner.

"Good morning," she replied. "Are we expecting callers today? I sent a letter to Lady Jane and Lady Madeline to meet me in the park before it is time to dress for the ball."

"I do not have any caller scheduled for today. I daresay, I shall accompany you to the park. It would be good to get some fresh air."

That was the last thing that Isabella wanted to hear, but all she could do was accept.

The pressed gravel footpath crunched slightly under the thin half boots Isabella and Lady Welton were wearing. The air was still and Isabella caught the slight sweet spring smell as she walked past the manicured gardens.

"I know your father spoke with you the other night in regards to the proposal from Lord Dunmore," she said as they continued travelling down the pathway, passing other men and women. They were all dressed beautifully in a parade of colors. It reminded Isabella of a peacock showing its feathers to attract a mate. "I believe Lord Dunmore will be at tonight's ball. Please be cautious about the amount of time you spend with him. I know he is most handsome and is close to being your betrothed, but you do not want to seem like a vapid, loose girl in front of everyone else."

Isabella fought correcting her step-mother. She didn't want to be engaged to Lord Dunmore. "Of course, I will do my best to make you proud."

Lady Welton seemed satisfied with the answer and didn't respond. They walked in silence until they were stopped by a familiar figure and a young woman locked arm and arm.

Before she could place the man's face, her step-mother quickly bowed pulling Isabella with her. "My Lord, it is a wonderful day, is it not?"

"Yes, good afternoon Lady Welton and Miss Isabella." His voice was smooth and deep. When Isabella looked up, she was staring into eyes that were a deep emerald green. She thought they were dark before, but up close they looked as if they were a luxurious crushed green velvet with gold thread trimmings. His eyes looked down her face and his brow furrowed slightly, and then relaxed, when he saw the shadow of the scar on her cheek. Isabella wished she could place her hand over it for cover. He looked back up at her and continued. "I would like to introduce you to my dearest cousin, Lady Katherine. She has just arrived to Town for tonight's festivities."

"It is a pleasure for this introduction," they both said and inclined their heads forward.

Lady Katherine took Isabella's gloved hands in hers and looked into her eyes. Similar to her cousin, it felt like she touched Isabella's soul. Her eyes were a similar color of green, but brighter with a friendly sparkle. "I am most excited for tonight, are you Miss Isabella?" Her excitement was contagious as Isabella couldn't help but smile and nod her head. "I daresay, my cousin must dance with you tonight! I told him he cannot simply dance with just me." She looked up to her cousin, her rich dark hair shining in the spring sunshine.