by Claudy Conn
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 yo
u 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.
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 anymore 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?
Chapter Thirteen
STAR BENT OVER her brother and adjusted the covers around him. She pushed a stray strand of hair off his forehead and dropped a kiss on his cheek. “There, you may be my elder, but you are far more trouble than I ever was to you or Papa,” she said on a giggle.
He grinned at her, but he was fast drifting off into the sleep he badly needed, “Go on, little sister. I am sorry I’ve ruined the ball for you, but I was so…convinced…”
“Never mind. You have not ruined it. You have quite made it the event of the season. I do believe the Seftons have never before had such excitement at one of their affairs. They are no doubt quite thrilled.”
Sir Edward smiled and touched her arm to say softly, “Come Star, I think he will sleep now.”
She allowed him to take her ungloved hand and lead her out of the room. However, he could feel her tense. She was worried about what he was going to ask her. He knew something now beyond a shadow of a doubt. Her brother was in dire straits.
He had suspected it earlier during the day when he saw brother and sister together and then tonight when he saw Vern walking into the ballroom.
It had not been a Berkley cousin he had seen that night in the Mermaid Inn, but Star. She had tried to pretend she was a male relative to cover for her brother, but when he looked into her eyes, he knew at once, the lad at the Mermaid and Star were one and the same. She was impulsive. She was heady and lively, but she would not have done such a horrendous thing had her brother not requested it of her, and he would not have asked it of her had things not been gravely serious.
What could possibly have sent her alone into such a place? What sort of tangle was the young lord embroiled in?
Hell and Brimstone, why should he care? However, he did care, probably too much. He couldn’t fathom why, but he did.
He took Star’s hand and felt a rush of heat infuse his blood. Every single time he touched her he was filled with wanting. When he looked into her dark eyes, he was filled with longing. What was that? Lust? For an innocent? That was not his style. He did not play with innocents. There was no need for that, but Star moved him beyond his normal needs.
Something about her made his internal temperature blaze. Something about everything she said, everything she did, made his mind feel fuzzy. He found himself staring at her when she walked, when she laughed and talked. He discovered that he desired more of her, not only sexually, but he simply wanted to be in her company.
This was not good.
Jules wanted her as well—or thought he did. Jules believed he might be in love with her. Jules was one of his dearest friends. He couldn’t take her from Jules even if she wasn’t right for his friend. He simply couldn’t…
Yet, he found that all he wanted to do was take her into his arms and kiss her, hold her, touch her in the most inappropriate way!
Hell! Bloody Hell! His cock was hard, so damn hard and…
He should just bid her goodnight.
What was driving him to get any deeper involved? He shouldn’t and yet, he found it impossible to leave.
“I don’t know how I can thank you for all your help this night,” Star said as they reached the central hall at the bottom of the stairs. She leaned into him, touched his vest and the pressure of her hand even through his waistcoat sent shivers through him.
It was all he could do to stop himself from taking her into his arms.
Drawn to her in more ways than he had ever thought possible. Her nearness made his manhood throb in his breeches and negate all logic. If she pressed in any closer, he might lose control, he might pull her in and hold her against that hardness…holy hell, what was wrong with him? He couldn’t do such a thing.
He said on a low husky note, “I could do with a glass of brandy before I leave. That will be all the thanks needed.” Damnation—certes! Brandy? That wouldn’t maintain his control. What was he doing? He hadn’t meant to ask for brandy when he opened his mouth. No, he had meant to simply bid her good-night.
She smiled, evidently pleased, turned and led him toward the library. He watched her enter the darkened room and followed thinking he should ru
n. Was he mad? He had to get away. This woman, who he had thought he was not even seriously attracted to when they first met, actually had him burning with a desire that was threatening to obliterate any good sense he had left in his brain. Back away from her now, he told himself and moved forward.
He heard Star chattering nervously to him about something inconsequential as she lit the candles on the sideboard table. She rubbed her arms and he said, “You are cold. I will light the fire.” Light the fire? He asked himself. What the deuce is wrong with you? You aren’t staying. She should go up to her room…to her bed. Bed? The thought of her naked in her bed nearly undid him. He felt breathless all at once.
He grabbed some kindling and set it in place in the grate as he worked to get the fire started, vigorously attempting to think of anything other than her lovely full breasts naked and ready to be…
Bloody hell. You are doing it again. Stop. He demanded of himself. He usually knew what he was doing. He usually knew how to escape when needed, but now all he wanted and needed was Star in his arms. He wanted to taste her. He wanted to put his hands all over her body and caress her. He wanted to pleasure her and watch that pleasure express itself on her face.
She came up to him and he unbent from the fire to take the glass she handed him. He stared at her over the glass as he sipped.
He was in control. His thoughts were wayward, but he was in control, he told himself. Damn, but hadn’t he said, she wasn’t even in his style. Yet, now he found he adored the way her short hair framed her beautiful face. He loved her frank manner of speaking, the way her full lips curved and the pertness of her nose…
Stop!
Not for you, Edward, he told himself. Your friend Jules wants her.