Georgie turned an arched brow to Miles and asked, “Why Miles, don’t you think me delightful company?”
Miles Denning had the good grace to stammer before he snapped, “That…that is not what I meant, and well you know it!”
She laughed and took pity. “So I do. Good night gentlemen.” She allowed Jules to push the front door open for her before she turned, closed and bolted it on them.
A moment later, she picked up the skirts of her tight fitting gown and hurried upstairs to Star’s bedroom. She gave Miles and Jules no choice but to wait till morning, but she had no intention of doing so. If Star was already asleep, she meant to wake her.
She burst into the room she would be sharing with her friend and was not in the least perturbed to find the room (with the exception of the light thrown off from the low burning fire in the grate) in darkness.
Georgie went right up to the four poster bed that housed her friend, drew away the cover Star had pulled over her head and demanded, “Well?”
*
Star had heard her friend’s entrance and knew in advance what was coming. She dove under her covers.
Georgie’s demands drew a resigned laugh as the covers were flung off her and a cool draft hit her in the face. Star knew her friend too well to believe she would let the matter rest.
Her brother’s outrageous entrance at the Sefton Ball had been a completely startling and stressful event. What followed had been a confused piece of heaven, for being with Sir Edward was like having a foot in hell and paradise all at once.
She had thrown herself into Sir Edward’s expert arms. So indeed, she had a great deal on her mind and perhaps it was time to confide in Georgie?
Georgie plopped on the bed and said, “Miserable girl. Laughing after such a night as we have had?” With which she did in fact laugh. She fell backward onto the bed and holding her midriff released all the pent up concerns with a fit of nervous mirth.
Finally, both girls collected themselves and Georgie leveled a look at her friend and said, “Now, don’t try to fob me off for I won’t have it. Tell me at once, what the deuce is going on?”
Star pulled her friend up alongside her against the headboard. Georgie, clothes still on clamored under the covers and waited expectantly before Star said, “So I shall…don’t you want to change into your nightdress and be comfortable?”
“Comfortable? I shan’t be comfortable until you answer my questions.”
“How shall I start? Perhaps you should ask me specifics?” Star said on a heavy sigh.
“Start with everything. What was wrong with Vern? Why did he come to the ball in such a state? What have you been hiding from me for days and days?”
Star considered the questions. She didn’t trust anyone quite as much as she did her Georgie, but not all of this story was hers to tell. She couldn’t betray Vern. As to tonight’s escapade, she didn’t really understand it at all. She had no notion what had motivated Vern to come charging wildly into the ball like he did. He had offered no explanation and she had not wished to press him in front of Sir Edward.
“Georgie…all I can say is that Vern—finding himself in financial difficulties, well, they were the worst kind of difficulties as you already must realize. I know you understand what the past year has been like. Well, oh my, this is not my secret but his. So what I will tell you is he did something he should not have done. This led to a situation where I became involved as he was ill…too ill to complete…something he had to do. Why Vern came to the ball and behaved so…wildly? I don’t know as Sir Edward was with us and he would not say, for how could he with Edward present?”
“If you and Vern were in such straits…you should have come to me,” Georgie said.
“How could we? You know that was impossible,” Star said and sighed heavily.
“Still…perhaps I could have arranged something,” Georgie clucked and then eyed her friend. “Never mind, what is done is done. We shall move on and repair it somehow, whatever it is. Now tell me and do not try to pitch your gammon at me for I already know that something has occurred between you and Sir Edward. Did he try and kiss you?” She scanned Star’s face and gasped, “He succeeded, didn’t he? He kissed you!”
Star was astonished, “How could you know that?”
“Stands to reason, silly chit. You look like a satisfied cat. How did it happen? When you saw him to the door…and were alone?”
“No, not exactly,” Star hemmed.
“Where then?”
“In the library,” Star answered on a soft smile.
“In the library—you took him alone to the library, you outrageous tart!” Georgie laughed.
“Yes and I have never been kissed like that before,” Star said wistfully. “I wanted it to go on forever.”
“I knew it. I knew this was coming. I saw the way you two looked at one another when you were waltzing,” Georgie pronounced and laughed again.
“How did you get here, Georgie?” Star decided to change the subject. “Did the Seftons send you home in their coach?”
“Yes, with Miles and Jules in attendance,” Georgie answered.
“And?”
“And what?” Georgie evaded.
“I am not sure. There were moments this evening—the way Jules looked at you that made me think he might be besotted with you and doesn’t know it…but I am not yet certain.”
“Nonsense. He is besotted with you, not with me…” Georgie sighed.
“That is so completely false! Georgie, he doesn’t even really know me,” Star answered. “He and I would never suit and when he thinks about it, he will see it. The fact of the matter is that you two would suit beautifully.”
“Never mind, Jules. Tell me about you and Sir Edward and the kiss.”
“He is a contradiction of himself. One moment he is arrogant and goes about as though he is bored with everything, then the next moment, he is the kindest, gentlest…most wonderful man. He knows just what to do in a crisis. He knows just when to let matters be. He…”
“Ah, it is confirmed, you are in love with him,” Georgie said knowingly.
“Am I?” Star twinkled at her friend. “Why bother to ask me, if in fact, you think you know everything?”
“I do know quite a bit more than you realize and I will tell you this. I don’t think he is the sort you want to play games with. I think he is not one of the country swains falling at your feet, ready to bend to your will. I think you will have to be honest with him about what you feel.”
“I am not playing games with him. You mistake, if you think that. I was not coy, I did not tease,” Star said somewhat surprised. “And I certainly don’t want him to follow me about like a lap dog. I like him, just the way he is and he is a masterful man who knows his own mind.”
“Right then, he swept you off your feet when he kissed you.”
“He did.”
“Did he kiss you when you two went into the garden at the Sefton Ball as well?”
“He did… then continued to do so in the library,” Star recalled his kiss and closed her eyes.
“Oh, Star…this is quite wonderful and exciting.”
“Georgie, I was quite swept away. I think I would have…well, if he had tried to do…more, I think I would have without demur.”
“La, but Star…you should be more certain of him before that happens,” Georgie cautioned.
“Why? You are always saying women should enjoy the same pleasures as men.”
“Yes, but there are consequences to hearts like ours. We are the sort that whether we want to or not, we put our hearts into it and therefore, we could be broken. We could break, Star. I don’t want you to break!”
“Georgie, until tonight, Sir Edward only saw a child, a hoyden, a short-haired rough and tumble girl. Now when he looks at me, he will see a woman.”
“Yes, but is that enough?”
“You tell me, Georgie. You said you saw him looking at me. What did that signify to you?”
“He seemed more interes
ted than just a connoisseur of women. He seemed more than a little taken with you, but even so, I should like to be certain you are not hurt in this.” She reached over and grabbed Star’s hands under the quilt and shook them, “Star, a man can kiss and walk away without a backward glance. Can you? No, do not try and tell me you can. Well, you could if your heart wasn’t in it, but I see perhaps, all this talk might be too late. Your heart is in it, isn’t it, Star? And what is worse, you mean to fall into bed with him, don’t you?”
“I don’t know, Georgie, perhaps.”
*
Jules knocked on Sir Edward’s bedroom door, “Ed…Edward, I say, ‘ole boy, are you awake?”
“How could I not be with you banging down my door!” Edward called out in an amused voice.
Jules opened the ornately molded door and stepped within to find a warm scene. Sir Edward was clothed in a dark maroon brocade dressing gown and stood by a small fire which burned low, but brightly with the grate. Branches of candles on the nightstand illuminated the room with a soft light. Sir Edward watched his friend saunter inside, sigh heavily and plop on a nearby winged chair.
“Let’s talk,” Jules suggested. He opened his waistcoat and undid his cravat.
Edward watched him with interest and said, “About what in particular?”
“Well, as to that, well…I mean, Ed…you said, she wasn’t even in your style,” Jules answered.
“Who, dear boy?” Edward’s brow was up. He knew who Jules was speaking about, and had been expecting this, just not so quickly. Had he been so obvious in his attentions to Star? Could he give her up to Jules now that he had tasted her?
Jules’s eyes narrowed. “We have been friends a long time. Don’t mean to allow a woman to come between us…do you?”
“Depends on the woman and the circumstances,” Sir Edward said quietly. “Speak your mind, Jules and let’s get to the meat of it.”
“Star…you know very well, I am speaking of Star,” Jules snapped.
“Are we? I rather thought your head had turned in another direction as of late,” Sir Edward said quietly.
Jules’ brows arched, “What can you mean?”
“I am neither blind, nor a fool,” Sir Edward returned.
“You mean…? What do you mean?” Jules hedged.
“Miss Madison is what I mean. You seemed rather…protective of her, shall we say?”
“Shall we say that? I don’t know,” Jules frowned. “It doesn’t signify. I told you that Star was the object of my…”
“Indeed you did tell me that and yet tonight, you seemed more than a little distracted by Miss Madison. It was she you immediately took in hand, not Star. You left Star to me. Remember?” Sir Edward said and seeing Jules’ dumbfounded expression, grinned broadly. “Let’s face it, Jules. You and I both know that you and Star would not suit.”
“Don’t know anything of the sort!” Jules said obstinately.
“Very well, then if Miss Madison does not interest you, perhaps…she might do for me!” Sir Edward said glibly.
Jules frowned darkly, “She is not a plaything!”
“No, she is not,” was all Edward returned.
Jules sighed, “So, that is how it stands does it?”
“How what stands?”
“Don’t play me for an idiot! I have enough competition from Miles Denning…and now you? Star will have her head turned by you and what chance then do I have?”
“You do not give her enough credit and that is why you and she would never suit. Star knows her own mind. She will do exactly what she should,” Edward answered thoughtfully.
“And what should she do?” Jules asked curiously.
“Ah, time will tell,” Edward answered enigmatically.
“Yes and Miles is not the only one panting at her feet. Did you see that young buck, Lawrence Oberly? I thought for a moment she rather liked him.”
Sir Edward sighed, “He is just a lad, which also displays how little you know her. She never gave him a second thought, but tell me Jules, how much do you know about Star and her brother in general?”
Jules looked at him for a long moment. “And what should I know?”
“Nothing, nothing,” Edward returned.
“He did behave rather strangely this evening. I thought it was just the medication,” Jules said on a frown. “What do you know?”
“What I know is that they are the Berkleys from Berkley Grange. That their blood is noble and their name an old and respected, one dating back to our illustrious Saxon days. I know that the young lord still has to find his way…and that his sister should have had a season to find hers, but their pockets are to let. What more is there to know?” Sir Edward answered.
Jules laughed. “What stuff is that? Are you warning me off because they are booked?”
“No, a man in earnest would not care how much money his beloved had,” Sir Edward said quietly.
“Since I don’t give a fig about her dowry, it must mean I am in earnest?”
Edward laughed, “Are you asking me or yourself?”
Jules shook his head, “I don’t know at the moment. Right now…I suppose I had best sleep on it.” He sighed heavily, “However, it was a bit havey-cavey the way the lad descended on the ball like he did. Something is off there and I don’t think I would like Georgie…Miss Madison drawn into it.”
“Ah, would you not?” Sir Edward’s brow arched.
“Oh go to the devil. It is just that…I find her…a very fine young woman,” Jules snapped.
“Indeed, do you?”
“Stuff it,” Jules answered.
Sir Edward chuckled and then also sighed as he played with his lower lip, “At any rate, there was more than medicine that prompted young Vern to descend on Sefton House the way he did and I mean to find out just what that was.”
Chapter Fifteen
THE BARMAID AT the Mermaid set down her tray and passed around four bumpers of ale to the burly men gathered there.
She tried to avoid Farley who reached out for her and grabbed hold of her skirts. She gave him a warning glance and told him sharply, “Leave off, if ye know whots good fer ye.”
Her threat didn’t serve to spare her, for Farley felt the thrill of the chase as he pulled her up close against his body. She put her nose up in the air and told him loudly, “Ye stink ye do, get off!”
He was not deterred by his and pinched her butt. She screamed out an objection laced with heavy swearing as she hauled off and slapped his shoulder.
This however, made him laugh as he leered at her and as she struggled to get away, he had her in his lap and pulled down the white bodice to expose her full breasts to his men. “Let’s have a taste sweetheart, let’s have a taste, while m’lads look on and see how it’s done.”
All at once, she produced a sharp and glinting knife and stuck its point into his neck and drew a line of blood. She clamored off as he released his hold and hissed, “Next time, ye touch me, Farley, I’ll cut ye from ear to ear.”
He smeared the blood over his fingers and laughed as he answered her, “Next time, ye’ll have to kill me, if ye want to stop me, fer Oi’ll have ye right here, on the floor…whot say ye to that?”
“Try it and find out,” she snapped before she ran to the back of the Inn. She could be heard screaming at the innkeeper and Farley and his men snickered.
Farley turned his toothless grin to his lads and rubbed the scar on his hawked nose. “There lads, ‘ave yer ale and then off wit ye. That’s enough entertainment for now. Oi have somewhere Oi wants to be.”
“Don’t like her hollering and squawking back there,” said one of his men. “Want us to shut her up?”
“The little doxy. Oi could have ten of her if Oi so wanted,” Farley answered. “Now then, no sense taking this any further just now.”
“We should have gone last night to that ball. Should have prigged those jewels loike ye said. Oi know Oi would have enjoyed getting close to some of those fancy pieces, touching them before
we took the jewels,” one of his men said darkly.
“Johnny Raw!” Farley spat at him. “That’s why Oi run this ken. Whot now, should we go and get ourselves snabbled? If we had done that, they would have had us surrounded in no time. The gentry don’t take kindly to their women being accosted. No, Oi jest wanted our young lord to worrit about it.”
“Aye,” said another man, “But the young lord, he won’t come across, will he?”
“Oh, won’t he just? We’ll see,” Farley retorted.
“That ain’t good enough, Farley,” said yet another man.
Farley could see they were greatly dissatisfied. He held up his hands and shook his head at them, “Thinking ye can do better without me? Go on then…go…do better.”
The men started shouting at one another, settled down and grumbled that they didn’t think they could.
“Right ye are. Ye are nothing without me and my planning, and me…Oi got a plan,” Farley said.
“Whot plan? Maybe it’s time we signed on with the gentlemen…and hit the seas. There is always some money to be had in that quarter.”
“Go on then, clunch. Reckon ye be ready for the brine? Oi’m thinking none of ye be sailors.” Farley scoffed at them and drank down his ale before leveling an eye at them one and all. “Oi gots a plan and never ye mind asking whot it is.”
“Whot ye be wanting us to do in the meantime?” asked a quiet man eyeing him thoughtfully.
“Ally, me man, ye’ve always trusted me. Oi wants me boys to lay low and Oi’m looking to ye to see to it that is whot they does.”
They agreed to it and he sat back and watched them rise and shuffle out of the inn. He had in fact, not been bluffing as some of his men thought. He had a plan and it centered around Star Berkley, the young lord’s sister.
In fact, he knew it hadn’t been any male relative of Vern’s that night in the inn. He knew the only relative that resembled him in the immediate area was his sister. Aye then, she had dressed up like a lad and passed herself off as a cousin—fine. He couldn’t prove otherwise, but he still meant to use it as far as he could. He hadn’t worked out all the details in his head, but he meant to and soon.
*
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