Evening Star (Star Quartet 1)

“Oh my,” Derry said, drawing a deep breath. “Giana, you come back into my life like a whirlwind.” Derry suddenly raised her hand and waved. “Waiter, bring champagne.”

Giana returned to South Street in high spirits. “Is the king receiving?” she asked Anesley when she reached Alex’s office.

Anesley smiled, despite himself. “Yes, ma’am. He just finished arguing down the roof with Mr. Blairlock. He won, of course.”

“Of course,” Giana said.

Alex rose when she entered, and stretched. “Well, madam wife, you look like the cat who has just consumed a very large canary.”

“Not exactly. I convinced Derry to work with me.”

“Good Lord, you have been busy, Giana. First you kick out my clerks, then you hire a wealthy lady as your employee. Will you run for mayor next?”

“If women but had the vote, doubtless your city would be run more efficiently and with less corruption.”

“Behold a man who refuses to be drawn. My excited daughter told me the two of you are going to the park to feed the ducks tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, just the two of us, I might add. Leah is so adorable, Alex, and she loves you so much. And so very bright. I can see it now, Alex: Saxon & Daughter, Shipbuilders.”

Alex walked around the side of his desk to her, chuckling. “I missed you,” he said. “At least when I’m with you, I know my business and my person are still safe.” He leaned back against his desk and held out his arms to her. Giana snuggled against him without hesitation, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Such conduct in an office, sir.” She kissed his chin.

“Haven’t you wondered why I have that large sofa over there?”

She locked her hands behind his back and squeezed as hard as she could. But he only laughed. “You can make me suffer, Giana, but not like that.” He nudged her face upward with his chin, and kissed her lightly.

“Poor Anesley. But imagine his shock, Alex.”

“Then home it is, madam.”

“I fear not, Alex. I’m off to the furniture warehouse.”

Chapter 19

Giana set down a cup of strong India tea and joined Derry on the new pale blue brocade sofa. “Take your nose out of all those numbers, Derry, and drink your tea. It is the only civilized thing to do at teatime, you know.”

“What? Oh, yes, dear. I’ve nearly finished with the arrangements Alex made with Mr. Blairlock for the shipyard expansion. He’s done marvels, Giana. Van Cleve/Saxton should be in production by early February.”

“Speaking of production,” Giana said, her eyes flitting to the clock on her desk, “it’s two o’clock and his royal highness is due back from the shipyard.” She quickly downed the rest of her tea and rose. “Please carry on, Derry. I hope to be back in the not-too-distant future with good news.”

“Good luck Giana,” Derry said, smiling as she watched her friend pat her hair into place.

“Is he free, Anesley?” Giana asked a few moments later.

“I’m certain he is for you, Mrs. Saxton.”

Giana nodded and entered Alex’s office. He was standing with his back to her, staring down onto South Street.

“Good afternoon, sir,” she said.

“Ah, Giana, I was just on my way to see you. I believe I have some domestic news that should please you. Miss Guthrey will be leaving tomorrow morning. I have hired a Mrs. Anna Carruthers, an older widow, who will be better suited to you and Leah. I told her you would be able to see her tomorrow.”

Giana stiffened a moment at this unexpected bit of news. “Are you telling me, Alex Saxton, that you hired a woman I have never seen as a governess for Leah and dismissed Miss Guthrey, all without a word to me?”

“I believe that is what I said, yes.”

The lie was out of her mouth with her next breath. “There was nothing wrong with Miss Guthrey, Alex. We were beginning to deal better together.”