Those last words of Edward’s kept repeating themselves over and over and his sleep had been a fitful effort. When he awoke, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what he had to do next. He would call on her. He hadn’t liked the way they had left things. Why, she very nearly called him a libertine and he was not…well, not like Edward had been. It disturbed him that Georgie thought so poorly of him and he had suddenly realized that he wanted to shine in her eyes.
The coach pulled up at her front doors and a few moments later, the Madison butler had taken his hat and cloak. He put a hand to his hard chest and took in a long gulp of air as a door opened and closed and he imagined a servant advising Georgie that he was awaiting her.
She appeared, a vision in blue with her tawny curls piled high on her perfect head and her eyes glinting brightly at him.
“Jules,” she said softly.
“Georgie,” he answered.
“Would you like to have tea in the morning room?” she asked as she moved closer to him.
He reached for and took her fingers, stared at them as he played with their lengths, held them tightly in his two hands and met her gaze, “I would like to have tea with you…anywhere on this earth if you would allow.”
She smiled and he saw that it was a quirky curve of her lips. It tickled him and suddenly all his fears, all his tensions were gone. He barked a laugh and hugged her to him. “I am forgiven?”
“Yes, you are forgiven. Now…do come so that we may be comfortable,” Georgie said and led the way, a secretive smile playing with her face.
* * *
Dusk had settled, the rain had drizzled itself out, and a quiet softness had fallen over Berkley. Star turned from dream gazing out her window and returned her attention to her brother.
“Here Star…sign here,” he said and handed her the quill.
She eyed him quizzically and laughed. “I thought women couldn’t own property and such? Georgie is always going on about such things.”
“Papa put a codicil on the deed. The yacht belongs to both of us…you, unlike I, did so enjoy sailing, so I suppose he thought you might like to keep it.” He stopped and looked at her, “I swear, sis, if I ever get things turned around, I shall get you your very own sloop.”
She smiled softly and touched his cheek, “I know you would, but honestly, I am not certain I want to sail. It was something I enjoyed with Papa,” she sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “Never mind…where do I sign?”
He pointed to the line and he sat back, his hands going behind his head, “Again, Star…I am so sorry…I hope you know that?”
She waved it off, “Nonsense, there is nothing to be sorry for.” She heard something out in the hall and looked around to the sound.
Dilly had already left for the day and they had left the front door unlocked as they were expecting Miles to arrive for the night.
This was not the first time Miles Denning had let himself in. He opened the door wide into the dimly lit central hall, turned, closed and locked it before taking his firm hard strides down the corridor much as he always did. He called out for Vern, “Vern ‘ole boy!”
“Here, in the library,” Vern answered him and smiled as his sister giggled.
“Honestly, you two will never grow up,” she said fondly.
At the library doors he patted his flat belly and stepped inside, “Ah,” he said happily, “When do we eat?”
He went forward as he could see brother and sister were at the desk with a set of papers laid out before them.
He went immediately to Star, took her hands in his and kissed her fingers fervently. “Star, as always, you soothe my eyes.”
“Oh, are they sore?”
“Vixen, yes they are sore, when they don’t have you in their sights,” he returned gallantly.
“You twiddle-poop,” Vern said with a shake of his head.
She laughed, “Come sit with us. Dinner will be served shortly, but we want to just finish these last forms for the bank. Mr. Port left them with us, you see.”
“Ah, then you know?” he said on a frown.
“Know what?” Star asked and saw that her brother looked puzzled.