Lady Star (Sir Edward 2)

Vern sighed heavily. It was true. If Star could but bring herself to look at Miles as a viable suitor, it would solve all their problems. However, she had told him that she thought of Miles as a brother. “Star cares for you…like she does me, so you have a problem there Miles. The truth is… I would like nothing better than to have my sister wed to my best friend.” He shook his head and lay back against his pillows suddenly and a groan escaped him.

“I say, Vern…what is it? You have gone deathly white…” Miles went toward him, concern lining his words.

“Miles, Oh hell. Miles, what a tangle I’ve gotten myself into.”

“What’s this? Tell me at once,” Miles returned and pulled up a chair to sit up close to his friend.

* * *

Sir Edward returned to Stamford Manor and stopped at the stables where he dismounted and handed his horse and a coin to one of the grooms that hurried to take the reins. Sir Edward smiled kindly and said, “I shan’t be needing him again today, so you can just put him in the pasture and let him graze.”

“Edward!”

Sir Edward turned and found Jules striding toward him. “You old rogue you! Why didn’t you tell me you were off for a gallop? I would have accompanied you.”

“Precisely why I didn’t tell you,” Sir Edward said and grinned broadly.

“Impudent dog,” Jules rallied. “However, I forgive you. Today I am feeling generous to one and all.”

“Are you?” Edward fell into step beside his friend as they walked the long drive toward the house. “I wonder what else I can do that will require forgiveness today?” His voice was dry and teasing. His brows went up when Jules clapped his hands and sighed dramatically and against his better judgment he asked, “Do tell…what has you in the clouds?”

“Tonight is the Sefton Ball. Star will be there and I shall waltz with her. I shall take her into my arms for the first time, waltz her around the floor and make her fall in love with me.”

Sir Edward barked a laugh and then shook his head at his friend’s startled expression. “So sorry to tell you this, indeed very sorry, since I shall once again find myself falling out of favor, but the beautiful Miss Berkley will not be attending the ball tonight.” He witnessed Jules’ jaw drop as his eyes grew wide with the unspoken question. “Ah, I see you are about to ask me what I mean,” Sir Edward quickly interjected.

“What do you mean?” Jules returned and watched his friend remove his kid gloves, and then stop to lean against the post and rail fence that lined the pasture running along the drive.

“Only that Miss Berkley will not be attending the Sefton Ball,” Edward said and watched his friend’s absurd expression. He could not help but burst into laughter.

“What?” Jules shrieked.

“Certes, man!” Sir Edward said still chuckling. “It isn’t the end of the world. There will be other balls, other chits and other amusements.”

“I don’t give a monkey for other amusements!” Jules snapped and then flung out his arms. “I only want one,” He frowned and regarded Edward with a penetrating glance. “And, how do you know this? I don’t understand. Star and Georgina were supposed to attend…I am sure of it.”

“That’s right they were, but the young lord is ill. Remember? Apparently, he is still not quite up to the rigors of a ball…and Mrs. Madison is too sickly to attend.”

“Ah, yes…but wait,” Jules interrupted. “How do you come by this information?”

Edward beamed mockingly at his friend, “Look at you, like a school boy. How you can tumble from one love into another is beyond reason.”

“Edward, don’t play fast and loose with me now. How do you know Star won’t be there tonight?”

“She told me,” Edward answered maddeningly, his eyes twinkling as he tortured his friend.

“She told you?” Jules screeched. “Damnation man! If you are stealing a march on me, why….it is beyond anything the blackest thing you have ever done!”

“Oh calm down you and don’t be such a dolt,” Edward laughed. “’Tis no such thing. I have already told you that the Berkley chit isn’t even in my style.”

“Then why did you go to see her?” Jules demanded.

“I did not go to see her. As it happened, I chanced upon her during my ride.” Sir Edward watched his friend’s flitting expressions with some amusement.

Jules made a wide circle around Edward, his fingers to his chin as he considered all of this, but he stopped short and asked hopefully, “What did she say?”

“She said that she and Miss Madison were unable to attend, since they lacked proper escort.”

“Lacked…proper…” Jules’s eyes suddenly lit up. “I have it!”