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He considered her question then glanced at Miles who was frowning darkly over the question, but saying nothing and appeared to come to his own conclusion. She bit her lip as she wondered what he must be thinking.
“Why do you ask, my dear? Please tell me that much,” he answered softly and she could see something heartfelt in his eyes. He wanted her to tell him everything, she wanted to tell him everything… but how could she?
Breathlessly Star attempted to respond with something that might work and finally came up with, “I am not certain, but Vern seems to think everyone at the ball is in danger…I cannot think why. I am at quite a loss to explain this.” It was not a complete falsehood, she told herself. After all, she didn’t have all the facts as yet.
“Now why would we be in danger at Sefton Ball? And why would Vern suddenly in his state of health feel he had to ride over and warn us in such a bizarre manner?” Sir Edward asked reasonably.
She could see he would not let go easily, “Honestly, I do not know what prompted him to do so.” That was the truth. She knew it must have something to do with Farley, but as yet, had not any information from her brother. “He must have taken too much laudanum and with the quinsy and all…perhaps he is delirious.” She eyed Sir Edward worriedly, “But oh sir, just to be on the safe side, do you think the Seftons and their servants should arm themselves?” She could see her brother’s face as she spoke and she could see this was the one thing he wanted above all else.
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.”
