Isabelle
The invitations for the Summer festival arrived by courier to the Aswold Estate. Margaret was handing Belle to the nanny after her afternoon feeding, when the cards arrived. She opened the letter and read it, then with a shrill scream of delight she called for her best friend in all the world to come to the sitting room.
“Isabelle!” Margaret’s face was filled with excitement.
The first evening summer party of the season was announced. The party that would set the tone for the whole season.
The Marquess Eclave was hosting a the party with a Greek Mythology theme, in honor of the recent archaeological finds abroad. Everyone was encouraged to come dressed accordingly to the theme, non-participants would be turned away at the door.
“It’s almost scandalous!” Margaret squealed with delight. “I’m going as Helen of Troy!” she gasped with excitement over the prospect. “What will you go as Isabelle?” she watched her friend shy away slightly.
The servants had done wonders for Isabelle’s looks since she resided at Aswold Estate. She no longer looked plain or unbecoming. She looked radiant and full of life.
“Isabelle.” Margaret scolded. “That scoundrel has been no where around. For years he left you here alone. What crime against him did you ever commit that he would sentence you to this confinement? Think for yourself while you are still unwed and have a mind of your own.”
She took a softer tone, “Dearest Isabelle. You are a beauty among women now. You rival even the young. This season is yours, reach out and take it.”
Margaret leaned forward and grabbed Isabella’s hands in hers. “Let him go, Isabelle. Let us find you a man who will defend your honor against the likes of this scoundrel.”
Isabelle felt a glimmer of hope in Margaret’s speech.
Margaret could tell she was making a difference. “A man who will stand up to Thomas and say, I defend this woman. The love of my life. The one whom I have sworn with my life to protect.”
The two giggled at their nonsense, but Margaret carried on.
“And he will be a big man, tall and strong. Bronzed with the sun, not pale and pasty like that thief. He will have a billowing voice that stands out, and makes people stare. Then.” Margaret let go of Isabelle and made a swing with her right fist. “Down will go the scoundrel. That will teach you to toy with honor of such a fine lady!”
The two regaled in laughter.
“You will come with me wont you, Isabelle? I shan’t go alone.” Margaret pouted at her as she had when they were younger.
Isabelle laughed lightly, “Of course I will go with you. As a servant girl though, I think.”
Margaret’s eyes sparkled with delight.
The courier arrived the next day at Isabelle’s Uncle’s Estate, with another invitation. The maid brought it inside and set it on the mantle.