“Indeed, tell us at once, Vern,” Star encouraged.
“I…I had no choice,” Vern said.
“Indeed, my young lord, I think it is time to come clean. Why did you have no choice?” Sir Edward said kindly as he pulled up a chair for Star and saw her seated. He stood with his hands folded into one another behind his back. Even in that moment of stress and uncertainty, Star watched him, admired him and felt all would be well with him at the helm. “You must have realized that stampeding into a ball willy-nilly would cause undue attention to yourself.”
Vern stared at Sir Edward through eyes that would not focus. He ran his hands over his tussled hair “You don’t understand…how could you?”
“Ah, but I think that I do and I mean to help you, if you allow.”
“Thank you. I am a beast and a terrible burden to my sister. I am certain I have plunged us into something I shan’t recover. If only you could find a way to spare her the shame of it all.”
Star saw that he was about to cry and reached out and touched his hands, “Nonsense. It is no such thing. All you ever wanted to do was repair the damage our father brought down on Berkley. We shall do it. See if we don’t.”
“No, Star…you don’t know what has happened. By morning, I shall be ruined,” Vern cried out loud. “And you…because of me.”
“Rest easy, no one shall ruin your sister,” Sir Edward interjected. “Now, tell me why you think you have ruined yourself and perhaps we shall find a way to repair it.” Sir Edward’s voice though kind was commanding.
“Ran off my legs…”
“Well, as to that, there isn’t a man worth his salt that hasn’t found himself doing that at one time or other in his career,” Edward said on a frown, noting that Miles had a fist to his mouth and was looking grim.
“You don’t understand,” Vern groaned. “I am involved with the worst kind…of scoundrels.” He glanced at his sister, “You know, sis, that matter you handled for me recently?”
“Yes, Vern?” she answered on a frown.
Sir Edward glanced her way, his brows drawn together. She saw it and blanched. What would he think of her if he knew?
“Just spit it out and be done with it, young lord,” Edward demanded.
“Everything has gone awry,” Vern said dolefully as he put a hand to his forehead. “Please believe me. I did not realize things would grow out of proportion as they have done. Now, I have reason to believe there will be trouble here…tonight.”
Star’s hand went to her mouth and she leaned further forward, taking her brother’s hand to her cheek. “Hush love, it can’t be that bad…”
“But it is! That was precisely what I was threatened with tonight,” he said, his voice filled with misery.
“But why?” Star asked aware of Sir Edward’s scrutiny. She knew he was beginning to put matters in place. She saw it come together in his eyes.
Vern stared at her, unable to speak. Miles paced at some distance. She was certain Vern had confided in him from his mannerisms.
Sir Edward sat finally beside Vern on the other winged chair and said, “Will you two trust me?” He glanced at Star, “I think—I am certain, I can help.”
Star turned away from studying her brother’s face and stared up at Sir Edward once more. Instinct pushed her to answer him in the affirmative. She said instead, “It is not a matter of trust, forgive me, Sir Edward, it is a family matter.”
“Is it?” he answered doubtfully. “Well, shall we then get this family member home?”
“Oh, yes, please,” she said thankfully.
“No, no…they will come here later tonight and they will…”
“Enough. No one will make it past the doors if they dare to arrive at Sefton without invitation. Rest easy on that,” Sir Edward returned on a grave note. He moved off and pulled the bellrope.
Star could feel his eyes on her as she argued with her brother in a hushed whisper. A servant arrived and Sir Edward requested that Jules’ carriage be brought around and that Vern’s horse be tethered to the boot. He turned to Star and under his thoughtful gaze she felt the heat rush to her cheeks. Until that moment, watching him take control in such a perfect way, she hadn’t realized how very kind and thoughtful this man could be.
He went to her and as she was still holding her brother’s hand. He took her other hand and gently pulled her up from her chair and away from her brother.
“Come, my dear…” he said and pulled her close. “We will see him through this, whether you trust me or no.”
She wanted to tell him that she did trust him. At that moment, she knew she would trust him with her life, but she couldn’t tell him what Vern’s secret was. That was for Vern to do. She did however, say “Sir Edward…I am concerned. My brother has reason—good reason to believe…well, what I am saying is…” She sighed heavily, “Do you think the Seftons are amply protected against a possible…er…raid of some sort?”
He considered her question then glanced at Miles who was frowning darkly over the question, but saying nothing and appeared to come to his own conclusion. She bit her lip as she wondered what he must be thinking.
“Why do you ask, my dear? Please tell me that much,” he answered softly and she could see something heartfelt in his eyes. He wanted her to tell him everything, she wanted to tell him everything… but how could she?
Breathlessly Star attempted to respond with something that might work and finally came up with, “I am not certain, but Vern seems to think everyone at the ball is in danger…I cannot think why. I am at quite a loss to explain this.” It was not a complete falsehood, she told herself. After all, she didn’t have all the facts as yet.
“Now why would we be in danger at Sefton Ball? And why would Vern suddenly in his state of health feel he had to ride over and warn us in such a bizarre manner?” Sir Edward asked reasonably.
She could see he would not let go easily, “Honestly, I do not know what prompted him to do so.” That was the truth. She knew it must have something to do with Farley, but as yet, had not any information from her brother. “He must have taken too much laudanum and with the quinsy and all…perhaps he is delirious.” She eyed Sir Edward worriedly, “But oh sir, just to be on the safe side, do you think the Seftons and their servants should arm themselves?” She could see her brother’s face as she spoke and she could see this was the one thing he wanted above all else.
Sir Edward’s penetrating gaze scanned her face and without creating a fuss, he offered his hand to Vern and helped him up from the sofa, saying quietly and firmly, “I think it is time for you to return home and sleep, my lord Berkley. We will talk further tomorrow.”
“Yes, but…” Vern tried to object as Sir Edward assisted him to his feet.
“Miles,” Sir Edward said. “Will you help your friend to the carriage?”
“Indeed I will,” Miles said coming forward to steady Vern as he walked him out of the room.
Vern turned to Sir Edward, “I know I can depend on you.”
“You can,” Sir Edward answered and turned to Star, his eyes full of warmth as she surveyed his face. Softly he addressed her, “Do not worry, my sweet. I will immediately attend to the matter which occupies your mind.”
She suspected he was about to inform the Seftons’ to arm their staff and be ready. She could never thank him enough for what he had done this night, but gratitude was nothing compared to what she realized she felt for this wonderful man, and that was how she saw him. She had witnessed some of his faults. She had realized early on that he must have done any number of things she might not like, but now, when it counted, he had been there for her and her brother, helping without question.
*
Georgie watched Jules manage the crowd. She felt an overwhelming admiration for him. He knew just what he was doing as he backslapped, jested over absurdities and before long had the orchestra set up a cotillion as he sent people back onto the dance floor.
As the guests began dancing and enjoying themselves
once more, he pulled her along and away from the curious stragglers who might still try and talk to her about Lord Berkley’s very odd behavior.
Georgie stopped him and said with some concern, “I should go to Vern…and Star.”
“Should you? I don’t see that,” he answered firmly and with a frown.
“Indeed, they may need me,” she returned frowning back at him.
“Again, I don’t see that. Edward has the problem well in hand. There is no one quite like Edward for handling a crisis. He always knows what needs to be done and does it. No doubt the young lord is foxed on drink and laudanum, but questions will be turned on you…questions you shan’t be able to answer. Everyone knows how close you are to the Berkleys.” He shook his head, “Best stay with me, my dear.”
“Yes, but Jules, he is not foxed. He is not the sort to get foxed. When we left him, he had promised of course to take the laudanum the doctor had left him and go to sleep. He would not drink on top of that. Something has occurred to put him out. You may depend upon it!”
Jules had by this time, slipped outdoors with Georgie on his arm. He walked her well away from the house, though he stayed to the flagstone path. After he was comfortable that they would not be overheard he turned to her and said, a frown drawing his brows together. “You of course would know just what Vern might do or feel, considering how close you are to him.”
In spite of herself, Georgie blushed. Why should she blush? She couldn’t fathom a reason. She wasn’t the sort to blush, yet this man made her feel and do and say things that were not logical or in keeping with her nature.
She put up her chin hoping he could not see her cheeks in the dim light, which judging from the heat she felt consuming her, must be bright red. “Well, to answer you, we have been friends forever.”
His brow cleared and said, “Friends…only friends?”
“Of course,” Georgie said and frowned.
“Good, very well then, I cannot fathom what brought him out in the middle of the night like this if not to protect you and his sister from some unknown threat.” He shrugged, “We must safely assume he came for what he believed a very good reason. But what?”
Georgie frowned for she didn’t have the answer but at that moment. She heard the carriage wheels on the gravel drive pulling up to the front doors, “Look…is that not Vern? They are putting him in your carriage…”
“Well done,” Jules said. “Edward is the best of good fellows. Knows how to handle a situation and avoid scandal.” He looked at Georgie and said, “Come on.”
Georgie had no idea what Jules planned as he pulled her along and circumvented the house. “What are you doing?” she almost giggled but choked it back.
“Must get back into the house…look for another way,” he answered and gave her chin a flick with his finger. “You are a jolly good sport, Georgie.”
“Thank you, but why must we find another way into the house?”
“Don’t want to draw attention and we need a private word with Star and Edward,” he answered her conspiratorially.
He came upon a window and said portentously, “Ah, this must be the study they went into. There is a light.” He looked at Georgie and asked, “If I knock on the window, do you think, well, would you mind, what I mean is… will you be able to climb through if I hoist you up? ‘Tis a long window and you shan’t need much hoisting.”
She laughed, “What? Now I must climb through windows, in my gown?” she sighed, “I suppose ‘tis what a good sport does! So, no, I don’t mind, but I shall have to hike up my hem.” She eyed him flirtatiously, “Do you mind?”
He laughed and there was a light in his eyes that made the blood rush to her head as he said, “Shall I say I will be a gentleman and look the other way?”
“Oh I hope not,” she answered audaciously.
Jules threw back his head and laughed, “Naughty, plucky girl, just my sort!” He then knocked on the window. He saw Sir Edward at that moment leading Star out of the room.
“Damn!” he cursed out loud and then, “Oh, sorry.”
She laughed and said, “Never mind, I am not above reiterating.” He had her hand again and she found herself pulled along once more.
She tripped over something and let out a small screech. He turned in time to catch her from falling. “Steady,” he said as he held her up, neatly ensconced in his arms.
Georgie found herself pressed against him, his arms around her as he looked down at her face and she heard him as he murmured, “My word…but you are a beauty.” He then apparently realized what he had said and set her apart, “Come on then.”
She was trembling from their encounter. She had hoped he would kiss her. She had yearned for his kiss at that moment, but was willing to settle for his compliment and told herself it was a start. She laughed and said, “Come on where?”
“Back into the house.”
“Ah, of course. Where else would we be going?” she returned with sweet amusement.
He laughed at that, stopped and tweaked her nose. “That’s my good girl.”
They reached the main entrance and central hall shortly afterward, but discovered they were too late. Star and Edward were nowhere to be found.
They went in search of Miles, who saw them coming and made a very good attempt to escape. Jules managed to catch up and put a hand on Miles’ shoulder.
Apparently resigned, Miles turned and said, “Oh hallo.”
“Well?” Jules demanded.
“Well? Well what?” Miles pretended innocence.
“Where are they? Are they on their way to Berkley? What has happened? What in all that is thunder and turf, is going on? Tell me now Miles, what are we dealing with here?”
“Hmmm,” Miles offered glibly. “Truth—I haven’t got a notion.”
Georgie nearly giggled for it was clear to her that Miles wished he was anywhere else on earth but standing there answering Jules’ questions.
“You must.” Jules was nearly exploding with impatience.
“About Vern you mean?” Miles shook his head. “No…no…don’t know a thing.”
Georgie reached out and rapped Miles’ shoulder. “Don’t pitch your gammon at us, Miles. I have known you too long. You know why Vern came here, now tell us at once.”
Jules regarded her admiringly and then turned back to Miles, “Indeed, my man. Now, do I choke it out of you, or do you tell us what the deuce is going on?”
“Really Miss Madison, pitching gammon? What sort of talk is that for a lady?” Miles said to Georgie and dodged as she made a fist.
“Faith, Miles,” she answered after finally connecting once more with his shoulder, “And the language is precisely what I have learned at your elbow over all the years. Don’t evade our questions.”
Jules beamed with pleasure and his eyes connected with hers as he said, “You heard the lady, sir, now out with it.”
“Well, I don’t mean to cast a rub at your expectations,” Miles said apparently trying to stall. “The truth is… I just don’t know what I can tell you. Vern was fevered, seemed to want Star to go home with him. Sir Edward thought it best to allow her to do just that and accompanied them in your carriage. That is the long and the short of it.”
Georgie’s eyes narrowed. She knew him and knew he was not telling the truth, “You know more and don’t mean to tell us. You know I am staying the night with Star and I shall badger her for an answer later.”
“Ah, yes, badger Star. Good notion, that,” Miles agreed, definitely pleased to be free from interrogation. He suddenly looked as though he had an idea and put a finger up to say, “Is that a waltz I hear being struck up? Indeed, it is a waltz. Miss Madison, will you do me the honor of waltzing with me?”
Georgie looked flabbergasted but laughed and said, “Miles, I never know what you are about, but indeed, I shall waltz with you.”
Jules looked as though he were about to object, but stood quietly by frowning darkly, apparently displeased with this outcome.
&nb
sp; As they moved to the lively melody, Miles said sternly, “Georgie, if you mean to be friend to both Vern and Star, you won’t ask any more questions in front of strangers, like Jules Stamford.”
“Why, what are you saying? Is Vern in trouble? What is it, Miles?”
“Trouble?” Miles looked suddenly distressed. “No, no, I did not mean to imply that and there is no reason to believe that…what I mean is…well private matters must remain private.”
“Miles! What is it? Something must be very off, something awful has happened, hasn’t it? What?”
“No, no, but it is just that strangers may not understand, you see.”
“Oh my faith! What has Vern become embroiled in?” Georgie knew in her heart for some weeks that something had been troubling Vern. She had noticed the little things left unsaid.
“I have nothing to tell. I cannot. I gave my word.”
Ah, she thought. She understood—it was a thing of honor. Miles would not be budged on this. “Very well, sir. If you won’t—can’t tell me, you know Star will tell me.”
“Indeed, I think she may,” he answered.
Suddenly all attention was diverted to the other side of the ballroom where the punch bowl reposed on a linen covered table. There was apparently a jolly colonel of some merry reputation present. As he dipped one more time into the bowl, he noticed his reflection in the light colored champagne libation and grinned at what he saw therein.
He had apparently dipped quite a few times already. His intimates standing nearby noticed and laughed out loud as they wondered how it was he was still standing. He then found something amusing and roared with laughter just before he passed out, going head first into the bowl.
A roar of raucous mirth ensued as his friend rushed to save him from drowning and dowagers clucked their tongues with disapproval. Quite a stir continued for some moments and Miles found that Georgie was distracted enough for him to slip away.
Miss Madison found Jules coming immediately to her side. He maneuvered her away from the hubbub with ease. They regarded one another and burst into laughter. She touched his chest without thinking and felt a shockwave of sensation.
His hand covered hers and their eyes locked. Oh, oh my, thought Georgie…dare I hope?
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