"So I've seen. "
"Mostly when they see him they just commit suicide and get it over with. "
"Shut up, Josh. "
"Just don't want you to pull a fast one on her. " He gave his father a lightning grin. "Shelby says you live in that amazing house we passed on the way here. "
"Yes, it's been in my family a long time. "
"It's totally huge, and great looking. " He angled his head enough to send his father a quick, and not-so-private, leer. "Dad's been spending a lot of time there. "
"Working. " Mitch managed, through years of practice, to give his son a light elbow jab in the ribs.
"I hope you'll come spend some time there yourself, very soon. "
Roz paused by the table where Jan and Quill sat talking to other friends. "Hello, everyone. " As Roz had expected, Jan stiffened, went a little pale. Deliberately, Roz leaned down, air-kissed Jan's cheek. "Don't y'all look wonderful. "
"Mama, Daddy. " Shelby angled herself around to make introductions. "This is Joshua Carnegie, and his father Dr. Mitchell Carnegie. My parents, Jan and Quill Forrester, and Mr. and Mrs. Renthow. "
Quill, a solidly built man with a glad hand and subtle comb-over, pushed himself to his feet to pump Mitch's, then Josh's hand, then inclined his head to Roz. "Rosalind, how are you doing?"
"I'm doing just fine, Quill. How's business?"
He pokered up, but nodded. "Bumping right along. "
"That's good to hear. Jan, I swear, Shelby's grown up to be an absolute beauty. You must be so proud. "
"Of course. I don't think I understood you were acquainted with Shelby's escort. "
"His father and I are great friends. " Beaming, she slid her arm through Mitch's. "In fact, Mitch is researching the Harper family history. He's finding all sorts of secrets and scandals. " Playing it up, she gave a little head toss, a little laugh. "We just love our scandals here in Shelby County, don't we?"
"That's where I've heard the name," Renthow spoke up. "I've read one of your books. I'm a bit of an amateur genealogist myself. Fascinating business. "
"I think so. In any case, the Harper ancestors led me to Roz. " In a smooth move, Mitch lifted her hand, kissed it. "I'll always be grat
eful. "
"You know," Renthow put in, "I've traced my ancestry back to the Fifes in Scotland. "
"Really?" Mitch perked up. "A connection to Duncan Phyfe, before he changed the spelling?"
"Yes, exactly. " Obviously pleased, Renthow shifted in his chair to angle toward Mitch. "I'd like to put something more detailed together. Maybe you can give me some tips. "
"Happy to. "
"Why don't we all sit down for a few minutes?" Shelby began. "Then y'all can get acquainted while - "
"We're expecting friends," Jan interrupted. "Our table's full. I'm sure Rosalind and Dr. Carnegie can find another table. And we'll all be more comfortable. "
"Mama," the word was a shocked whisper that Roz overrode with an easy smile. "We already have one, thanks. In fact, we're going to steal this handsome young couple here. Shelby, why don't I show you where we're sitting, and Josh and Mitch can get us both a drink?"
Hooking her arm through the girl's, Roz led her away.
"Ms. Harper, I . . . I'm sorry, Ms. Harper, I don't know what's the matter. "
"Don't you worry about it. Here we are right here. Let's sit down, and you can tell me how you met that gorgeous young man before they get back. And you call me Roz, now. Why, we're practically on a double date here. "
She put the girl at ease, chattering away until their dates returned with drinks and canapes. Only when Josh took Shelby to the dance floor did Roz show any fire.