Isabelle
“This is a business acquaintance of my uncle.” Isabelle knew Margaret would have Thomas arrested should his identity become public knowledge.
“Sir John Kenton.” Thomas extend out his hand. “I had no foreknowledge my Dearest Love had gotten betrothed without her Uncle’s approval.” Thomas passed Isabelle a glance, “However I have been abroad with my business ventures, and kept quite out of the local happenings.”
“I had no knowledge you had another suitor.” Charles snapped at Isabelle.
Thomas stepped between the disapproving glance Charles was aiming at Isabelle. “Is our Dearest Isabelle a psychic? I did hear tale of one in Yorkshire that could foresee your entire future for a six pence. A Medium, no less, so I have no doubt of her instincts. I have not yet made my intentions clear to anyone other than Isabelle’s uncle.”
Thomas then turned to face Isabelle, “I also was unaware she had acquired any new suitors. However, to look at her beauty is to understand autumn itself. The warm, long days of youthful summer are slowly beginning to transition to the cold, longer nights of winter. Dare I miss the seasons pass.”
Isabelle felt herself blush at Thomas’ words.
“There is the Rose, lingering amidst the fallen leaves hidden on your cheeks.” Thomas smiled at her.
“It is not proper to take a young lady into the back corridors unescorted. No matter how well connected to her family you are.” Charles interrupted.
Thomas glanced sideways at his rival.
Isabelle quickly moved past the two and sprinted towards the party.
Thomas and Charles walked behind her.
“I wont give her up, you know.” Charles insisted. “You may be quick with poetry, but I have something you will never have.”
“That being?” Thomas inquired.
“I am solid, dependable, and respected. I can give her a life she will never have to question.” Charles said as if he had won the fight, “Where have you been the six months of her life while she and I were getting acquainted?”
Thomas said nothing.
“I have not heard one mention of you before. Did you neglect to write your Dearest Love? Or perhaps you heard she had found a suitable suitor, and you realized she just might be gone?” Charles accused. “All that wealth just out of reach.”
“You know nothing of me or my intentions.”
“I know your sort alright.” Charles continued his accusal. “Silver tonged snakes, seduce this woman and the next. What’s wrong? Were you afraid she was going to get away? Even after you married her, you would never be faithful. Your sort become bored after conquest.”
Thomas felt every urge in his body burn with anger. He glanced over at Charles as they neared the party. This was the problem with the hierarchy, they thought they knew everything. Everyone but Isabelle. He drew in a deep breath, thoughts of her calmed him. ‘Silver Tongued’, yes he was that indeed, and he would use it to every advantage.