by Ruth Langan
“Now, now.” Loretta was clearly enjoying herself. “Our Beth has work to do. She hosts the dessert table, you know. Very important job. She hardly ever dances with anyone at our annual dance. Oh, except Reverend Watson.” The old woman’s eyes were twinkling with mischief. “I suppose he’s safe enough.” She turned away, leaning heavily on her cane. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow night, Colin.” Then she seemed to think of something more and turned back. “In case you’re thinking of bringing me a corsage, I’ll be wearing a rose satin dress.”
Colin winked. “I’ll remember.”
She glanced at her young neighbor. “What color dress will you be wearing, Beth?”
“Um. White, I think.”
“White?” The old woman frowned. “Don’t you have something a bit more daring? Like red? Or hot pink?”
“Hot pink?” Lizbeth shot her an incredulous look. “Loretta, what’s come over you?”
The old woman shrugged, then glanced at Colin and smiled. “I guess it’s true what they say. It’s a pity that youth is wasted on the young.” She waved a hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow night, Colin. I can’t wait to see how you’ll look in a suit and tie. Oh, and I’ll see you tomorrow night, too, Beth.”
Colin turned away and busied himself lifting the basket of laundry to hide the laughter that was nearly choking him. Loretta Mayfair might be ninety-two. But in her heart she was about nineteen, and full of the devil.
Lizbeth stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room and studied her reflection. Loretta was right, she thought with a sigh of disgust. The white dress she’d planned to wear to the dance was bland. Like her. Bland and so sticky-sweet she wanted to gag. High-necked, long-sleeved, and completely uninspiring. She unzipped the back of the dress and tossed it on her bed, then began rummaging through her closet for something else. She tried on a yellow dress that made her look like a daisy. A pink chiffon that she’d worn in a friend’s wedding. All she needed was a basket of flowers to look like the proverbial bridesmaid.
A glance at the clock had her tearing frantically through her closet. She could already hear the shower running in the other room and knew that Colin would be dressed and downstairs waiting for her.
Oh, what to wear?
She studied the designer dress her sister Celeste had sent her from New York. She’d never worn it, simply because she thought it completely unsuitable for the town of Stafford. It was, to her way of thinking, a big-city dress. Sleek. Sophisticated. And not at all what she would have ever chosen for herself. Furthermore, the narrow straps at the shoulders and the low, low back made it impossible to wear anything under it.
She fingered the column of Chinese red silk and decided to slip it on just to satisfy her curiosity. Once she had, she would simply discard it with the others that littered her bed.
As soon as the silk whispered over her flesh and settled at her ankles, she studied herself in the mirror with a look of astonishment. Oh, it was anything but bland. It was hot. It was sexy. It was…simply wonderful. And unlike anything she’d ever worn before.
Caught up in the moment, she brushed her hair long and loose, then pulled it behind one ear with a jeweled comb. Then she dug out a pair of black strappy sandals she hadn’t worn in more than a year, and a tiny black beaded bag. She added gloss to her lips, then studied herself critically.
She looked positively sinful. She couldn’t wait to see Loretta’s eyes.
Not to mention Colin’s.
Pressing a hand to the butterflies in her stomach, she tore open her door and headed down the stairs before she could lose her nerve and talk herself out of it.
Even before she reached the bottom step she saw Colin standing in the hallway. At her footfall he turned, his hands behind his back. Though he said not a word, the look on his face spoke volumes.
His gaze moved slowly over her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes peeking from the sandals. He cleared his throat. “Excuse me for staring, miss. I was waiting for Lizbeth Sullivan. Have you seen her?”
She laughed and shook her head, sending golden curls dancing. “She decided she couldn’t make it tonight. She’s sending me along as her substitute.”
“Then I suppose I’d better give these to you.” In his hand was a nosegay of perfect red roses, tied with lace.
“Oh, Colin.” Moved to tears she lifted the flowers to her face and breathed in their perfume, struggling for composure. “How did you know what color to get?”
“You said you’d be wearing white. I thought these would add some color. But I’m afraid they’re extremely dull next to you, Lizbeth.”
She glanced down at herself, still amazed at her boldness. “You don’t think it’s too…daring?”
He shook his head, unable to tear his gaze from her. “You look so beautiful I’m speechless. Come on. Let’s see what Loretta has to say about this.”
He offered his hand and she accepted, taking the last two steps without even feeling them beneath her feet.
He kept her hand tucked in his as he led her outside and helped her into the truck. They drove the short distance to her neighbor’s house in silence. When he came to a stop at Loretta’s door he turned with a smile. “Okay. Come with me while I pick up my date.”
They were both laughing as they walked up the path. Even before Colin had a chance to knock, the door was pulled open and Loretta stood framed in the doorway. When she caught sight of Lizbeth her smile grew until she was positively beaming. “Now that’s what I call a dress fit for dancing. Don’t you agree, Colin?”
“I certainly do. And I must say, Loretta, you look ready for a dance or two as well.”
She ran a hand down the skirt of her lovely rose-colored dress, fresh from the cleaners. “Thank you. I do favor strong colors. And even stronger perfume.”
“Then these should do nicely.” He held out his hand to reveal a corsage of glossy white gardenias. “I bought these for my date.”
“Oh, Colin.” She breathed in the fragrance and sighed. “My Henry bought me gardenias on our first date. And every year on our anniversary he bought them for me, knowing how much I loved them. How could you possibly know?”
He shrugged. “Call it an educated guess. Helped along by the woman at the florist shop, who mentioned that you had a fondness for them.”
“Oh, you.” Her eyes misty, Loretta touched a hand to his cheek.
He reached for her shawl. “Would you like me to carry that?”
She handed it over, then reached down and petted her cat. “Don’t wait up, Brandi,” she cooed. “I think I’m going to be out very late tonight with the best looking man in Stafford.”
With a laugh, Colin offered an arm to each of the women and led them toward his truck.
“This is a bit of a climb, “Lizbeth called as she settled herself in the middle.
Colin easily lifted Loretta up to the seat and handed up her shawl and cane before walking around to the driver’s side. Lizbeth felt a little shiver when his thigh pressed against hers. He glanced over and smiled as he turned the key in the ignition. From her position Loretta watched. And in the darkness gave a nod of smug satisfaction.
The annual Spring Fling was held in the community center, a converted mansion in the heart of town, which housed the arts council, the historical society and the garden club. Each organization had been busy for weeks turning the old building and its grounds into a showplace. And because each club tried to outdo the other, it was a dazzling display.
The lighted walkway was lined with showy tulips and daffodils, and beds of fragrant peonies. Twinkling lights had been strung in the huge old lilac bushes and magnolia trees that were heavy with blossoms. Inside, the air was perfumed with lavish bouquets of spring flowers.
The huge, domed entrance foyer had been turned into a gallery displaying local artists’ wares. The walls were hung with framed watercolors and portraits. Several pieces of pottery and even some oversized bronzes were positioned around the room. The effect was at
once elegant and charming.
The meeting room had been transformed into a grand ballroom. Ancient chandeliers had been polished to a high shine. Along one wall, clusters of balloons were anchored over tables that groaned under the weight of their treasures. One table held every imaginable kind of appetizer. Another held an ornate punch bowl and crystal cups. A third contained mouthwatering desserts. A dozen different varieties of cakes. As many pies. Fancy, bite-size pastries. Even hand-dipped chocolate truffles.
When Colin escorted Loretta and Lizbeth into the room, heads turned, and there was a sudden silence, before voices began to murmur.
“Wow.” Amy Mullins, the girl who worked in the cleaners, came racing across the room. “Beth, you look…” Lost for words, she simply shook her head.
“She means you look hotter than a movie star.” Billy Barton paused beside Amy, his eyes as big as saucers.
“Well. Thank you, Amy. Billy. Aren’t you sweet.” Lizbeth could feel her cheeks growing hot. To cover her embarrassment she said, “I’d better get over to the dessert table and see if they need any help.”
Loretta tucked her arm through Colin’s. “You go ahead, dear. Don’t worry about my date. I’ll take good care of him.”
Colin patted her hand. “Would you like some punch, Loretta?”
“That would be nice.” She waited until Lizbeth was out of earshot before saying, “But not just yet. What I’d really like to do is sit down now with my friends. I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding women willing to dance with you. I see Alfreda and Winifred, the Lassiter twins, looking like they’d love to pounce. I’ll have to remind them that you’re with me.”
He chuckled as he walked her to a cluster of chairs that were quickly filling up. By the time she was seated, the mayor gave his welcoming speech, and the band broke into the first song of the evening.
Within minutes the dance floor was filled with couples.
Loretta touched a hand to Colin’s. “I’ll take that punch now, if you don’t mind.”
Colin excused himself and started toward the opposite side of the room, hoping to spend a few minutes with Lizbeth before returning to Loretta. As he approached he saw her chatting with the minister and his wife. Before he could reach her side she was walking toward the dance floor with Reverend Watson, while his wife stepped behind the dessert table to take her place.
“Would you care for desserts, young man?” Mary Lyn Watson greeted him with a friendly smile.
He shook his head. “Just some punch, please.”
“You’re Beth’s new boarder, aren’t you?”
He nodded.
“Been hearing all about you from folks in town. The Yardleys are so pleased with the work you’re doing.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” While Colin waited for her to pour, he saw a man tap the minister on the shoulder and cut in.
Looking slightly surprised, Lizbeth waltzed off with a new dance partner. No sooner had the music ended than another man stepped up and smoothly danced her around the room. But in no time yet another man cut in, and she moved off in his arms.
“I think you’ve forgotten something.” The minister’s wife touched Colin’s arm and indicated the two cups of punch which lay forgotten on the table.
“Yes. Thanks.” Colin threaded his way among the milling crowd on the dance floor until he paused beside Loretta’s chair.
She was looking very pleased with herself. “It looks like our Beth is having a grand time.”
“Yeah.” He was surprised by the quick flash of feeling. Jealousy? Impossible. He’d never in his life been jealous of anyone. But right this minute, seeing the way Lizbeth was looking up into the eyes of a burly man who was built like a line-backer, he found his hand curling into a fist at his side.
Very deliberately he forced himself to relax. He sipped his punch, wishing for something stronger.
When the music ended he expected to see Lizbeth return to her position behind the dessert table. Instead she was surrounded by a group of men. One of them handed her a cup of punch, which she gratefully drank. Another offered her a bite of his appetizer, which she refused.
When the next song started, Colin set aside his punch and started toward her. But before he was halfway there, she was moving to the music in the arms of another man. Minutes later they paused, then she began dancing with Jack Nowack, her mail carrier.
He returned to Loretta, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the show. She looked up as he approached. “I think I’d like that dance now, Colin.”
“All right.” He offered his arm.
Loretta left her cane beside her chair and held onto him as he led her to the dance floor.
“It looks like our Beth is having the time of her life.”
“Yeah.” It occurred to him that Loretta was, despite her limp, an excellent dancer. “You’re very good at this.”
“Dancing?” Her eyes twinkled with devilment. “Or matchmaking?”
“Is that what you’re doing? Matching Lizbeth with every eligible man in town?”
She looked up at him. “Is that what you think?”
“Wasn’t that your plan?”
She merely smiled and executed a smooth turn. “It’s a pity that young people are so dense. But I’m sure that sooner or later you’ll figure it out all by yourself.”
As Lizbeth and Jack Nowack whirled past, they were stopped by another man who neatly cut in. Lizbeth whirled past in his arms, and Colin heard the sound of her laughter, as light as an angel’s.
He saw the smile on Loretta’s face and leaned close. “It sounds like she’s having the time of her life.”
“Yes. Doesn’t it?” She nearly laughed at the little frown line between his brows. Instead she sighed. “You know, when my Henry and I were younger, we loved to go dancing. I suppose it was because it was the one way we could have our arms around each other without fear of scandalizing our neighbors. There’s just something about being young, and in love, and holding each other while swaying gently to the music.”
“Yeah.” He glanced over her head to where Lizbeth’s partner swung her out, then drew her back for a quick turn.
When the music ended he graciously asked, “Are you up to another dance?”
Loretta shook her head and leaned heavily on his arm. “I think I’d better sit awhile. But if you’d like to find yourself another partner, don’t let me stop you.”
“Thanks.” He helped her to her chair, then glanced around.
Lizbeth was already dancing with Bill Yardley, and Seth Simpson, the druggist, was making his way toward them. Much as he’d like to cut in, it wouldn’t be polite until the older man had his turn.
Colin spotted open French doors and walked through them to find himself on a balcony. The music was softer out there; the air perfumed with spring flowers. Leaning a hip against the railing he pulled a cigar from his pocket and held a match to the tip. As he expelled a cloud of smoke he saw Lizbeth dance by. He really was happy for her. She deserved to be the belle of the ball. He only wished she’d glance his way once or twice.
He turned away to stare out into the darkness. Who was he kidding? He resented every man who got the chance to hold her, to look down into her laughing eyes. And it wasn’t just because of that killer dress, or that sexy body, though heaven knew they certainly had everybody sitting up and taking notice.
So why wasn’t he doing something about it? Was he going to stand out here all night and act like some lovesick schoolboy? Or was he man enough to go after what he wanted?
He tossed aside his cigar and started through the doorway. The music was just beginning again. A low, soft, bluesy ballad. There was no need to look around for Lizbeth. She was heading directly toward him. When she caught sight of him her smile dazzled. “Loretta said I might find you out on the balcony.”
“Yeah. I was just coming to ask you to dance.”
“I’m so glad. I was just coming to ask the same of you.”
He felt his throa
t go dry as she stepped into his arms. And then, as he gathered her close, he thought he saw Loretta clap her hands together.
He started to chuckle. “That old schemer,” he muttered.
Lizbeth lifted her face, brushing her lips against his cheek. “What?”
“Nothing.” His mind was wiped clean of every thought save one. She was finally here in his arms. Moving with him. Her perfume filling his lungs. Her body imprinting itself on his.
He’d thought this was all he wanted. And it was. For the moment.
But if he didn’t get her home and out of that dress soon, he’d go slowly mad.
Chapter 9
“Sorry I made you stay so late.” Loretta sidled up beside Lizbeth and Colin, and caught hold of Colin’s arm. “But I wanted the chance to visit with all the neighbors I haven’t seen all winter.”
Colin closed a hand over hers. “I understand.”
She looked up at him adoringly as they walked out into the night. “I had so many compliments on my corsage.”
She paused at the curb and waited for Colin to help Lizbeth into the truck. Then she allowed him to lift her up and settle her in beside her young neighbor.
“He’s so strong,” she whispered as he circled the truck and climbed in the driver’s side. “Don’t you just love a strong man?”
She assumed the little hum was Lizbeth’s affirmative response.
“Wasn’t this just a perfectly lovely evening?” Loretta drew her shawl around her shoulders as Colin turned the key in the ignition.
Beside her, Lizbeth was holding herself so still, so silent, she seemed to be hardly breathing.
Colin glanced over. “Stafford really knows how to throw a party.”
“This is just the start of our fun.” The old woman placed a hand over Lizbeth’s. “Have you told him about our Memorial Day Parade?” Without waiting for a reply she said, “The whole town takes part. Girl scouts, the senior dance troupe, who call themselves the Guys and Dolls, even children on bicycles and toddlers in wagons, pulled by their parents. Everyone who can’t walk sits along the parade route and cheers. That night there are fireworks in the park. And then there’s the Yardleys’ Fourth of July picnic.” She seemed to have a sudden thought. “You will have their place ready for the fourth, won’t you?”