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“How could I not be with you banging down my door!” Edward called out in an amused voice.
Jules opened the ornately molded door and stepped within to find a warm scene. Sir Edward was clothed in a dark maroon brocade dressing gown and stood by a small fire which burned low, but brightly with the grate. Branches of candles on the nightstand illuminated the room with a soft light. Sir Edward watched his friend saunter inside, sigh heavily and plop on a nearby winged chair.
“Let’s talk,” Jules suggested. He opened his waistcoat and undid his cravat.
Edward watched him with interest and said, “About what in particular?”
“Well, as to that, well…I mean, Ed…you said, she wasn’t even in your style,” Jules answered.
“Who, dear boy?” Edward’s brow was up. He knew who Jules was speaking about, and had been expecting this, just not so quickly. Had he been so obvious in his attentions to Star? Could he give her up to Jules now that he had tasted her?
Jules’s eyes narrowed. “We have been friends a long time. Don’t mean to allow a woman to come between us…do you?”
“Depends on the woman and the circumstances,” Sir Edward said quietly. “Speak your mind, Jules and let’s get to the meat of it.”
“Star…you know very well, I am speaking of Star,” Jules snapped.
“Are we? I rather thought your head had turned in another direction as of late,” Sir Edward said quietly.
Jules’ brows arched, “What can you mean?”
“I am neither blind, nor a fool,” Sir Edward returned.
“You mean…? What do you mean?” Jules hedged.
“Miss Madison is what I mean. You seemed rather…protective of her, shall we say?”
“Shall we say that? I don’t know,” Jules frowned. “It doesn’t signify. I told you that Star was the object of my…”
“Indeed you did tell me that and yet tonight, you seemed more than a little distracted by Miss Madison. It was she you immediately took in hand, not Star. You left Star to me. Remember?” Sir Edward said and seeing Jules’ dumbfounded expression, grinned broadly. “Let’s face it, Jules. You and I both know that you and Star would not suit.”
“Don’t know anything of the sort!” Jules said obstinately.
“Very well, then if Miss Madison does not interest you, perhaps…she might do for me!” Sir Edward said glibly.
Jules frowned darkly, “She is not a plaything!”
“No, she is not,” was all Edward returned.
Jules sighed, “So, that is how it stands does it?”
“How what stands?”
“Don’t play me for an idiot! I have enough competition from Miles Denning…and now you? Star will have her head turned by you and what chance then do I have?”
“You do not give her enough credit and that is why you and she would never suit. Star knows her own mind. She will do exactly what she should,” Edward answered thoughtfully.
“And what should she do?” Jules asked curiously.
“Ah, time will tell,” Edward answered enigmatically.
“Yes and Miles is not the only one panting at her feet. Did you see that young buck, Lawrence Oberly? I thought for a moment she rather liked him.”
Sir Edward sighed, “He is just a lad, which also displays how little you know her. She never gave him a second thought, but tell me Jules, how much do you know about Star and her brother in general?”
Jules looked at him for a long moment. “And what should I know?”
“Nothing, nothing,” Edward returned.
