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“Thank you, but why must we find another way into the house?”
“Don’t want to draw attention and we need a private word with Star and Edward,” he answered her conspiratorially.
He came upon a window and said portentously, “Ah, this must be the study they went into. There is a light.” He looked at Georgie and asked, “If I knock on the window, do you think, well, would you mind, what I mean is… will you be able to climb through if I hoist you up? ‘Tis a long window and you shan’t need much hoisting.”
She laughed, “What? Now I must climb through windows, in my gown?” she sighed, “I suppose ‘tis what a good sport does! So, no, I don’t mind, but I shall have to hike up my hem.” She eyed him flirtatiously, “Do you mind?”
He laughed and there was a light in his eyes that made the blood rush to her head as he said, “Shall I say I will be a gentleman and look the other way?”
“Oh I hope not,” she answered audaciously.
Jules threw back his head and laughed, “Naughty, plucky girl, just my sort!” He then knocked on the window. He saw Sir Edward at that moment leading Star out of the room.
“Damn!” he cursed out loud and then, “Oh, sorry.”
She laughed and said, “Never mind, I am not above reiterating.” He had her hand again and she found herself pulled along once more.
She tripped over something and let out a small screech. He turned in time to catch her from falling. “Steady,” he said as he held her up, neatly ensconced in his arms.
Georgie found herself pressed against him, his arms around her as he looked down at her face and she heard him as he murmured, “My word…but you are a beauty.” He then apparently realized what he had said and set her apart, “Come on then.”
She was trembling from their encounter. She had hoped he would kiss her. She had yearned for his kiss at that moment, but was willing to settle for his compliment and told herself it was a start. She laughed and said, “Come on where?”
“Back into the house.”
“Ah, of course. Where else would we be going?” she returned with sweet amusement.
He laughed at that, stopped and tweaked her nose. “That’s my good girl.”
They reached the main entrance and central hall shortly afterward, but discovered they were too late. Star and Edward were nowhere to be found.
They went in search of Miles, who saw them coming and made a very good attempt to escape. Jules managed to catch up and put a hand on Miles’ shoulder.
Apparently resigned, Miles turned and said, “Oh hallo.”
“Well?” Jules demanded.
“Well? Well what?” Miles pretended innocence.
“Where are they? Are they on their way to Berkley? What has happened? What in all that is thunder and turf, is going on? Tell me now Miles, what are we dealing with here?”
“Hmmm,” Miles offered glibly. “Truth—I haven’t got a notion.”
Georgie nearly giggled for it was clear to her that Miles wished he was anywhere else on earth but standing there answering Jules’ questions.
“You must.” Jules was nearly exploding with impatience.
“About Vern you mean?” Miles shook his head. “No…no…don’t know a thing.”
Georgie reached out and rapped Miles’ shoulder. “Don’t pitch your gammon at us, Miles. I have known you too long. You know why Vern came here, now tell us at once.”
Jules regarded her admiringly and then turned back to Miles, “Indeed, my man. Now, do I choke it out of you, or do yo
u tell us what the deuce is going on?”
“Really Miss Madison, pitching gammon? What sort of talk is that for a lady?” Miles said to Georgie and dodged as she made a fist.
“Faith, Miles,” she answered after finally connecting once more with his shoulder, “And the language is precisely what I have learned at your elbow over all the years. Don’t evade our questions.”
