5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I ris sat quietly in the breakfast room at Rosewood Manor with her family, squinting as the morning sun streamed through the window and into her eyes. Her attention was divided between the steaming cup of tea before her and the animated conversation between her sister and mother.

"Oh, Mama," Maude exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement, "Mr. Hartley was so attentive yesterday. Do you not think he might call again soon?"

Lady Rosier smiled indulgently at her elder daughter. "I should not be surprised if he did, my dear. He seems quite taken with you."

Iris suppressed a sigh, her thoughts drifting to her promise to Lord Thornbrook. She had yet to broach the subject with her parents, fearing disapproval or, worse still, outright refusal.

"Iris," her father's voice cut through her reverie, "you seem rather pensive this morning. Is something troubling you? "

Startled, Iris looked up to find her family regarding her with varying degrees of concern. "Not at all, Papa," she assured him, forcing a smile. "I was merely lost in thought."

Before further inquiries could be made, the butler entered, bearing a silver salver upon which rested a single envelope. "A message for you, My Lord," he announced, presenting the tray to the Marquess.

Lord Rosier's brow furrowed as he broke the seal and unfolded the missive. His eyes scanned the contents, his expression growing increasingly perplexed.

"Well, this is most unexpected," he murmured, glancing at his family. "We have been invited to attend a musical soirée at Thornbrook Manor next week."

Iris felt her heart leap in her chest. A musical soirée? Had Lord Thornbrook decided to start playing publicly? She watched as her mother's face contorted into an expression of barely concealed disdain.

"Thornbrook Manor?" Lady Rosier repeated, her tone dripping with disapproval. "Surely you cannot mean to accept, my dear. The rumors surrounding that man are most distressing."

The Marquess sighed, setting the invitation aside. "I am well aware of the gossip, my dear. However, we cannot deny that Lord Thornbrook is one of our nearest neighbors of consequence. It would be most impolite to refuse such an invitation outright."

Maude, who had been listening with rapt attention, leaned forward eagerly. "Is Mr. Hartley to be in attendance as well, Papa?"

Lord Rosier consulted the invitation once more. "Indeed, it seems he is among the invited guests."

A plan began to form in Iris's mind. She saw an opportunity not only to secure her own attendance at the soirée but also to further her sister's burgeoning romance.

"Surely we must accept, then," Iris said, striving to keep her voice even. "It would be a shame for Maude to miss such an opportunity to further her acquaintance with Mr. Hartley."

Lady Rosier's expression softened slightly at the mention of her elder daughter's potential suitor. "Well, I suppose there is some merit to that argument," she conceded reluctantly.

Emboldened by this small victory, Iris pressed on. "And think of the cultural benefits, Mama. Lord Thornbrook is a most accomplished musician. It would be a rare treat indeed to hear him perform."

The Marquess nodded approvingly. "Well said, Iris. I believe the experience would be most edifying for you both."

Lady Rosier pursed her lips, clearly still uncertain. "But what of the rumors? They say he was involved in some dreadful scandal in London. And there are whispers of tragedy surrounding his family. Can we truly expose our daughters to such an influence?"

Iris felt a flicker of irritation at her mother's words. "Surely we cannot judge a man based solely on idle gossip, Mama. Is it not better to form our own opinions through direct acquaintance?"

For a moment, Lady Rosier looked as though she might object further. But then, with a resigned sigh, she nodded. "Very well. We shall attend this soirée. But I expect you both to be on your best behavior. We must not give rise to any whispers of impropriety."

As the family dispersed to attend to their various morning activities, Iris found herself practically bursting with barely contained excitement. She longed to share her feelings with someone but knew that no one in her family could fully grasp the depth of her emotions.

Instead, she made her way to the music room, seating herself at the pianoforte. Her fingers moved over the keys, drawing forth a tempestuous melody that seemed to capture her confusion, fear and frustration, uncertainty, and an undercurrent of excitement .

So engrossed was she in her playing that she failed to notice Maude's entrance until her sister spoke. "That was beautiful, Iris. Is it a new piece?"

Startled, Iris's hands stilled on the keys. She turned to find Maude regarding her with a look of admiration and curiosity. "It is," she admitted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Though it is far from finished."

Maude moved to sit beside her on the bench, her expression thoughtful. "You've been composing more often of late. Is there a particular reason?"

Iris hesitated, uncertain how much to reveal. While she and Maude had always been close, there were times when she felt her sister could not truly understand her passion for music.

"I suppose I've found myself rather inspired of late," she said carefully. "The change of scenery, perhaps."

Maude's brow furrowed slightly. "Inspired by what, precisely? Or should I say, by whom?"

Iris felt her cheeks grow warm under her sister's scrutiny. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Maude."

A knowing smile played about Maude's lips. "Come now, Iris. I've seen how you react whenever Lord Thornbrook's name is mentioned. And your eagerness to attend this soirée... it's most unlike you."

For a moment, Iris considered denying her sister's observations, but the weight of her secret longings pressed heavily upon her, and she found herself yearning for a confidante.

"Is it so very obvious?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maude's expression softened, and she took her sister's hand. "Only to one who knows you as well as I do. But Iris, you must be careful. Lord Thornbrook is not a man to be trifled with. His reputation... "

"I care not for his reputation," Iris interrupted, a hint of defiance creeping into her tone. "I care only for his music, for the passion with which he plays. When I hear him perform, it's as though he's giving voice to the very depths of my soul."

Maude regarded her sister with concern, yet Iris could see the admiration in her eyes, perhaps at her courage. "Oh, Iris. I had no idea you felt so deeply. But surely you must see the danger in such an attachment?"

Iris sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I know it's foolish. He likely sees me as nothing more than an impertinent child. And yet, I cannot help but feel that there is more to him than the cold, disdainful facade he presents to the world."

"Perhaps," Maude conceded, her tone gentle. "But you must promise me you'll be cautious, Iris. I could not bear to see you hurt."

Iris managed a small smile, squeezing her sister's hand gratefully. "I promise. And what of you? Are you not excited to see Mr. Hartley again at the soirée?"

A becoming blush spread across Maude's cheeks at the mention of the gentleman's name. "I confess, I am rather looking forward to it. He is so very amiable and attentive."

"And handsome," Iris added teasingly, delighting in her sister's obvious infatuation.

Maude's blush deepened, but she did not deny the observation. "He is that," she admitted. "But I find his kindness and good humor most appealing. When I'm with him, I feel... cherished."

Iris felt a pang of envy at her sister's words. How simple Maude's path seemed in comparison to her own tumultuous emotions. And yet, she could not begrudge her sister's happiness.

"I'm so happy for you, Maude," she said sincerely. "Mr. Hartley is very well suited to you. I can already picture the two of you married with children."

Maude's eyes widened at the suggestion. "Oh, Iris, you mustn't tease so!"

Iris giggled, the tension of the earlier conversation dissipating. "I'm not teasing, dear sister. Look into my eyes and tell me you've never thought of it!"

A shy smile played about Maude's lips. "Well, perhaps I have entertained the notion once or twice, but let us not get ahead of ourselves. There is still much to be learned about one another."

As the sisters continued talking, their conversation turned to more mundane matters. Despite their differences, she was grateful for Maude's understanding and support.

"I must say," Maude remarked, her gaze sweeping over the lush countryside outside the window. "Surrey is proving to be far more agreeable than I had initially anticipated. The air here is so fresh and invigorating.

Iris nodded in agreement. "It is rather lovely, isn't it? I find myself quite taken with the woods. There's a sense of peace here that was sorely lacking in London."

A shadow passed across Maude's face at the mention of their former home. "I confess, I'm rather relieved to be away from the city," she said, her voice lowered as though she feared being overheard. "Particularly after that dreadful business with Lord Pembrook."

Iris squeezed her sister's arm sympathetically. Lord Pembrook had been a most persistent and unwelcome suitor, his attentions bordering on the inappropriate. It had been one of the primary reasons for their hasty relocation to Surrey .

"You needn't worry about him anymore, Maude," Iris assured her. "Papa was quite clear in his rejection of Lord Pembrook's suit. I doubt he'd dare show his face in Surrey after the dressing down he received."

Maude's shoulders relaxed visibly at her sister's words. "You're right, of course. It's just... well, the whole affair left me feeling rather unsettled. I'm glad to have the opportunity for a fresh start here."

"And what a fresh start it is!" Iris exclaimed. "With Mr. Hartley paying such devoted attention to you, I'd say Surrey is proving to be quite fortuitous indeed."

For the soirée, Lady Rosier insisted on new gowns for both daughters, declaring they must look their absolute best for such an important social engagement.

Iris found herself swept along in the preparations. Standing for what felt like the hundredth fitting, she couldn't help but wonder what Lord Thornbrook might think of her appearance.

"Do hold still, My Lady," the seamstress admonished gently, adjusting the fall of the skirt. "We want everything to be perfect for your debut at Thornbrook Manor."

Iris bit back a sigh, forcing herself to stand straighter. "Is it much longer, Mrs. Hodges? I fear my arms are beginning to ache."

The seamstress clucked sympathetically. "Just a few more moments. We must ensure the fit is absolutely impeccable."

As Mrs. Hodges fussed with the gown, Iris let her mind wander. She imagined herself entering the grand ballroom at Thornbrook Manor, all eyes turning to admire her as she glided across the floor. In her mind's eye, she saw Lord Thornbrook's gaze soften as it fell upon her, a hint of a smile playing about his lips.

"There now," Mrs. Hodges's voice broke through her reverie. "What do you think, My Lady?"

Iris turned to face the full-length mirror, her breath catching in her throat at the sight that greeted her. The gown was a vision in periwinkle blue silk, its simple elegance ideally suited to her slender frame. The modest neckline hinted at the promise of womanly curves, while the delicate embroidery at the hem added a touch of whimsy.

"It's beautiful," Iris breathed, turning this way and that to admire the gown from every angle. "Thank you, Mrs. Hodges. You've outdone yourself."

The seamstress beamed with pride. "I'm so pleased you like it, My Lady. You'll be the belle of the ball, mark my words."