by Claudy Conn
Miles sighed and grumbled, “Still think I don’t need Jules or Sir Edward here…” He glanced at Sir Edward and said, “No offense intended.”
“None taken, lad,” Sir Edward said swallowing a laugh.
Star giggled and felt her naughty streak rise up. “You know, he is right Vern. Miles is all the escort we need.”
Jules started to bluster again and Sir Edward glanced her way and a slow smile curved his sensuous lips as their gazes locked.
“Oh, but Star,” Georgie stuck in with her usual good sense. “Only think how it will add to our consequence to walk into Sefton’s tonight with three distinguished escorts—two of which are notable London beaus.” She made a dramatic show of sighing. “Why, it will drive Marigold mad with envy!”
Star laughed and clapped her hands. “So very, very true, you naughty girl.” She turned and with a flirtatious smile, dismissed their guests, “Till tonight, then.”
They waited until they were certain the three gentlemen had left the house before she and Georgie left Vern to his rest and glided over the distance to Star’s room. There they clasped one another and fell into whoops of laughter, landed on Star’s bed and sighed at length over their sudden good fortune. They exchanged glances and Star said, “Can you see her face? Marigold will be green, she will turn green! This will teach her to sneer at us!”
Georgie smiled and said, “La, but you are too sensitive, Star. Why do you allow her to annoy you? She is not a nice person and therefore, her opinion should not matter to us.”
“Right you are. Never mind, Marigold. Are you still going to wear that lovely russet gown?”
“That or the ivory, but Star, tell me…” Georgie hesitated.
Star had gotten up from her bed and was rummaging through her wardrobe. “Tell you, tell you what?”
“Star, look at me,” Georgie said.
Surprised by her friend’s tone, Star turned and gazed at her inquiringly. “Yes, right then, I am looking at you. What is it? What is wrong?” She went forward, sat on the bed again and took her friend’s hands.
“I want to know if you want him,” Georgie demanded.
“Star stared at her friend for a long time. “This is not funny. What sort of a question is that? What do you mean, do I want him—who?”
“I am not trying to be funny.” Georgie said gravely. “I am most serious. I want to know if you want him.”
“Georgie, again…want who?”
“Jules Stamford, of course,” Georgie said and looked at her folded hands in her lap.
“Georgie. He is not a piece of jewelry, and I am not a buyer on the loose.”
“Of course not, but he has displayed a marked partiality toward you that I find most obvious and you don’t seem to take notice of him at all.”
“Georgie…?” Star studied her friend with a question. The answer glared at her but she couldn’t quite believe it.
“So, I want to know if you want him.”
Her friend could be most tenacious, Star thought as she gave her a hard once over, “Right, so to be clear, you want to know if I want Jules Stamford,” Star said with a shake of her head and a quirky smile. “I rather thought you knew my mind better than that. I thought I had made it clear already. Jules is a good man, with wit, and a sweet disposition. He is fun and he is any woman’s dream catch, but no, I don’t have a passion for him.” She arched her brow. “Does that answer you?”
“Yes, it does,” Georgie said smiling sweetly.
“Yes it does pudding. So now, you answer me Miss Georgina Madison, why do you want to know?”
“Because, you ninny, if you don’t want him, I do.”
Star stared at her friend for a long moment. Here was a problem. Jules had been chasing after her, but she had never thought he honestly wanted her. She considered the situation and came to a conclusion, “Georgie…why Georgie, it suits. I swear it does. Why did I not see it before? You and Jules would be perfect together…”
“So I have thought, but he seems to be in love with you, Star, and it has made me terribly jealous,” she returned on a sad note.
Star snapped her fingers in the air. “Nonsense. He came at me on the rebound from what he thought was a tragic affair. The truth is, he wasn’t in love then and he isn’t in love now with me.” She went quiet for a moment and then offered, “I tell you what Georgie, when he looks at you, it is with great interest. If you want him, you can’t just sit back as you have done.”
“Indeed, what then should I do?” Miss Madison asked on a heavy sigh.
“Well, a little more positive action will be needed. You must make a real push to bring yourself to his notice. You must look at him just so,” Star posed and they both laughed, “But, the thing is you must. And you must contrive to get him into a private conversation, where he can discover you have like minds, for you do.” She took Georgie’s hands, “You must win his attention just at the moment when you have managed to find yourself besieged by another man’s notice. You must make him aware of you as a desirable woman, Georgie. Men always want what other men what. It is their way. You must make him aware that other men want you, that other men think you are irresistible.”
“Star, that is your style, it is not mine,” Georgie said and laughed. “I would feel a fool.”
“Don’t be absurd. It doesn’t matter if it is your style or not. We are talking about getting his attention. Win that—make him take notice, then be who you are, exactly who you are and he will fall madly in love with you. How could he not?”
“I am not sure I know the knack of doing what you suggest. I have always been so straight forward,” Georgie pulled a face.
“Ah, you are a practical minded woman, but you are also quite, quite lovely and should use that loveliness to your advantage.” Star clapped her hands. “You will see!”
Chapter Ten
GEORGINA SPUN AROUND in a circle for Star to have a good look at her and in an anxious voice inquired, “Well?”
Star examined her friend from head to foot. Tawny curls were neatly arranged. Hazel eyes were bright. Dainty ears were adorned with delicate pearls. The gown of ivory satin with lacey draping short sleeves and lace trim at the high waist was perfect as were the matching ivory slippers on her feet.
“You will break hearts tonight,” Star said at last and with great conviction. They had rushed with the Berkley wagon to Georgie’s home and collected everything she needed. They looked in on her mother who was sitting to tea with a friend and contentedly waved them off, before they returned to Berkley Grange where they had spent the rest of the afternoon sprucing up their gowns.
Star stuck up her long white gloved hand for dramatic effect and asked, “And I?”
Georgie smiled ruefully. “Your hair swept away from your face with the flaxen wisps at your forehead suits you brilliantly, Star. Perfect for your tiny face.” She touched the small diamond studs in Star’s ears and said, “These are lovely and compliment your gown…silver so completely suits your coloring. And this material just shimmers...” she sighed and added, “I do think your bodice cut a bit low for your full breasts though.”
“Do you?” Star dimpled. “Wonderful, we are after all, all grown up and it is the acceptable mode of fashion these days, even here in the country, Georgie.”
“Yes, I know, but Star…” she pointed at Star’s bodice.
“Oh, it isn’t that bad. Just popping out a bit,” Star returned and laughed.
“Well, if I am going to break hearts as you say, you are going to smash them into dust! You are exquisite.” Georgie sighed. “I shall never get Jules to look at me with you there.”
“Nonsense. I am not what he wants. He is forever talking about ‘when my hair grows’ and I shall make it clear that I don’t mean to allow it to grow—ever. Also, he thinks I shall outgrow my impulsive behavior. I shall show him that impulsive is who I am. When he rejects me it will be because he finally sees me. And then he will realize that the woman he wants is you.” Star glanc
ed at the clock. “Oh faith! Look at the time! They will be arriving any moment.”
“Yes, yes they will. What will this modern woman do when Jules looks her way?” Georgie asked sardonically.
“You know very well, Georgie, so don’t be coy. Use your eyes to speak to him and you will have him in your pocket.”
Georgie laughed but Star waved her hand nervously, “We will have to go downstairs. I am sorry, but first, I promised Vern we would look in on him…do come.”
A few moments later, they left Vern chuckling and made their way downstairs, as Star heard the scraping of the coach wheels on the front drive. “Cook and her husband Bankes are asleep, so there is no one to answer the door. Thus, it is up to us,” Star said looking at her friend. “I am so sorry…do you mind?”
“What sort of snob do you put me down as, you miserable girl? Do I mind? Indeed!” Georgie said on a huff and laughed. They heard the door knocker and glanced at each other for a moment.
“Calm, we are calm, it is only a dance and they are men…only men,” Star laughed.
“Yes, but not quite ‘just a dance’, but a ball. The ball of the season and the men on the other side of that door are not just men, but such extraordinary men!” Georgie said practically.
“Now you have gone and done it, you twit,” Star wagged a finger. “I was succeeding in shooing away my butterflies and you have brought them right back and they are taking over my stomach.”
* * *
The ball proved to be everything a young woman could wish for. Star was rapt as she gazed around and thought everything and anything was now possible.
As predicated, she and Georgie did in fact, most certainly turn heads when they were announced, and they kept those heads turned in their direction for some length of time. Star could not help but notice the appreciative stares directed their way.
Star sighed with great pleasure as her white gloved hand fluttered toward the profusion of colorful flowers set around the room. “Aren’t they lovely…” she said to her friend.
Georgie answered, “Yes, yes, but do you see the mamas looking our way? Envy, my friend, those are the faces of undisguised envy. We have three of the most eligible bachelors in all the county at both our sides.”
“Oh, my…Georgie…that group looks as though they could strangle us.” Star said on a laugh. She thought about it. How lucky they were. Miles, Jules and Sir Edward were hovering about them and they were indeed, three most desirable and eligible bachelors. After many of the snubs and snide remarks she had sustained after her father’s death regarding hers and Vern’s financial woes, this struck her as funny. She couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
The evening was sultry and Star fanned herself as she watched many of the dancers, waltzing toward the double doors and the flagstone patio outside.
All at once, Star found her hand in that of some fine young buck’s as he pulled her onto the dance floor. As the dance movements took them around the floor, she could not help but notice Sir Edward watching her intently and wondered what he was thinking.
Suddenly, she saw him moving toward them and she knew he was going to cut in. Her heart fluttered with excitement. She was about to feel his hand on her waist. She was about to be in close proximity to him. Oh faith!
Miles, however, had evidently the same notion and Star’s eyes opened wide as she saw the two converge on her and her dance partner.
Sir Edward’s smooth maneuvering brought him to her first and he tapped the young man on the shoulder to say, “Off with you, puppy. The first waltz was promised to me.” He took Star’s waist firmly in hand and maneuvered her away from Miles who had been trapped between the dancers on the floor.
“I know I have already told you that you are stunning, but I must say it again, Miss Berkley. Your eyes…are alive and in their depths, I see such a flames, enticing flames therein. There isn’t a man here who doesn’t want to look into them and unclothe their mystery.”
Star laughed, “Very prettily said.” She looked at him and arched a brow, “It isn’t easy to mind my steps and keep up conversation, but I shall try and not step on your feet.”
He choked back a laugh, “Are you…minding your steps?”
“Indeed! You see, I was only able to practice with Vern and Georgie as the waltz is relatively new here in the country and only recently sanctioned. So before tonight I haven’t honestly really done much practicing.”
“Well, I would not have known it. You are light and graceful. I would have thought you have been doing the waltz all season.”
Star smiled warmly at him and asked, “So then, are you beginning to enjoy country life, or are you missing London—or was it Brighton you just came from?”
“It was Brighton, though most of the time I am found in London and no, I do not miss either place, because yes, I find country life, country hours, country simplicity completely…refreshing,” he said softly.
She dimpled, “Indeed, I have always thought it was so, but it is not very exciting. I am sure, for someone used to the bustle of…”
“On the contrary,” he offered, cutting her off. “Country life is proving to be quite…intriguing. And you know, I find country manners most relaxing.” He looked at her intently for a long moment and added on a low, husky note, “As to excitement, I find myself…at the edge, in your company.”
Star felt her heart go thump in her chest. A smile quivered and she looked past his shoulder, if only to recoup. However, she saw Miles waving at her and giggled setting herself back at ease once more, and said. “You know sir… it wasn’t nice…what you did.”
“What did I do that wasn’t nice?”
“Cutting poor Miles off earlier. He is my brother’s dear friend and I am sure…”
Again he interrupted, “Not nice, but expedient.”
“Do you always do what is expedient regardless of whose toes are stepped on?”
“Certainly, as long as the toes are not mine,” he answered, giving her one of his most charming smiles.
“You should not,” she admonished, but amusement curved her lips none the less.
“So I have been told, but at least I am honest and if nothing else, entertaining,” he returned easily. They were outdoors before she knew it. He had without her realizing it guided her toward the fresh summer breeze at the open patio doors.
Star was immediately thankful as he led her outdoors and took in a long gulp to say, “Oh, but this is delightful. It was getting stuffy indoors.” She looked around at the brightly burning torches and the handsomely decorated garden furniture. Couples laughed as they strolled through the maze of evergreens and flower beds and Star sighed happily.
“Yes,” she said suddenly. “You are entertaining…and honest, I think. Am I right? Are you honest, sir?”
“I think I am, but,” he answered. “I am more interested in what you think.”
“Ah, so we shall allow, honest, entertaining…and what other qualities do you think you possess?”
“Should I enumerate? I don’t think so. Why don’t you tell me what very excellent qualities I possess,” he returned on a tease.
“Ah, so you think you have so many--too many to count?” She released a short laugh and shook her head. “Well, for one, and not an attractive one, I think you are a bit too puffed up in your own consequence. To be certain you have reason and I am sure London’s haute ton dotes on you, but it is not a good thing, is it?” His expression coaxed the tickle of a laugh and her laugh sugared the hard words.
His eyes met hers and he said low and seductively, “Then I must endeavor to improve myself for my lady.” He had already reached for and taken her gloved hand, but as he raised it to his bent head, he did not kiss the covered fingertips, but instead found and kissed her bare wrist.
Star felt a rush of sensation shoot through her veins. Had she a fan, it would have been working hard. She found she couldn’t speak, but as he continued in that low hoarse voice, “The moonlight becomes you, Miss Berkley. I am nea
rly overcome with…”
“Star,” she interrupted him. She was sure he was going to say something outrageous and she wasn’t ready. “You may call me Star. As far as the moonlight is concerned, I rather think it would become everyone.”
He laughed and still holding her gloved hand, walked with her down a stone path to a lovely set of evergreens and there he stopped her. Easily, gently and before she knew what he was about, he had her expertly in his strong embrace.
In truth, Star admitted to herself, she had been waiting for this moment. She knew what was going to happen the moment he took her outdoors. In her heart, she knew. In her head, she knew. If she listened to both, she also knew she wanted this to happen. She probably wasn’t ready, but that didn’t matter.
She wanted this.
His lips brushed hers lightly and beneath the gentle pressure she parted them as his mouth closed on hers.
All at once, what had started out as a light kiss upon the lips, grew into something quite out of control. Yearning for more filled her veins as her mind went blank and she gave herself over to desire.
His tongued tempted hers to meet and join his, as she found herself clinging to him, wanting that kiss to go on and on and never stop. She had never had a kiss like this. She had never known that her body could respond in this way.
However, the kiss did not go on, but abruptly stopped.
He yanked himself away and set her apart as though he had been burned. He stared at her with a look that said he couldn’t believe his eyes and he frowned darkly at her almost accusingly.
Star was surprised. She could not understand what was wrong. She had not expected this from him. In fact, she had expected more kissing, much more kissing. Her eyes were wide open with shock as she whispered, “Is that it?”
She saw that her question had nearly bowled him over.
It was obvious by the expressions that flitted across his countenance that he was torn between laughter and chagrin.
He opened his hazel eyes wide and she could see her question had him off tilt. He responded to her in astonished accents, “And what, then? Did you expect me to ravish you just outside our hostess’s ballroom?”