Free Breaking the Rules by Barbara Taylor Bradford Page B

was quoting a line from Tennyson’s poem about the charge, so I responded by quoting another line.’ He grinned. ‘You know what we Brits are like, Georgiana, steeped in our history.’
    ‘So it seems,’ Geo responded pithily. Then she hurried on, ‘And what did you mean when you said I might be arrested for loitering with intent?’
    ‘Intent to solicit men,’ he told her and winked. ‘But I’m sure the police don’t follow that practice here. So don’t worry.’
    Geo did not respond, but she had the good grace to laugh. She had met James at several parties over the past year and she liked him. Also, he usually made her laugh.
    Seizing the moment, M exclaimed, ‘We’d better hurry, Geo. It’s already nine thirty, and we really shouldn’t be much later, you know. It’s awfully rude.’
    ‘Right! Let’s get a move on then,’ James Cardigan said, taking charge. Manoeuvring himself between the two young women, he took one of their hands in each of his and ushered them up Park Avenue towards the building where Iris Ingersoll lived.
    ‘How long have you known Iris?’ James asked Geo as they drew closer to the building.
    ‘We’ve never met,’ Geo said. ‘But M and I know Dax, the actor she’s giving the party for. It was Dax who invited us.’
    ‘I see. Well, she gives smashing parties, you’re both going to have a terrific time.’
    ‘Let’s hope so,’ Geo murmured, quickly looking at M, who remained silent.
    A uniformed maid ushered them into the Ingersoll apartment, and the three of them stood for a moment in the long entrance foyer.
    M glanced around, quickly took everything in, and understood immediately that it was typical Park Avenue decor: the floor was composed of black and white marble squares, the walls covered in a silver wallpaper patterned with large branches of orange blossoms, a faceted crystal chandelier dropped from the ceiling. Traditional decorating: high quality and safe.
    James Cardigan led the way down the hall, followed by Geo; M was at the rear as they edged slowly past the guests who were assembled there. As they made it through into the large living room, M’s eyes swept the gathering.
    She spotted Dax immediately. He was standing near the white marble fireplace, and looking much better than he had when he left New York. He had obviously been enjoying the California sun, and boasted a perfect tan. His blond hair was much blonder than before, and he had a confident air about him.
    Dax saw her with Geo and waved, instantly excusing himself to the man he was talking to. He manoeuvred his way as best he could through the crowd, intent on reaching them.
    M propelled Geo towards him and stepped aside, so that the two of them could greet each other and hug. A moment later he was kissing M’s cheek and enveloping her in a bear hug. Then he held her away from him, stepped back to stare at her.
    A wide smile broke across his face. ‘So this is the new look you told me about? The Audrey Hepburn look…’
    ‘Only half an Audrey,’ M corrected him, grinning. ‘It’s just the hairstyle really, and slightly thicker eyebrows.’
    ‘So I see, and I approve, definitely and absolutely approve. Let’s find a corner and catch up.’ His gaze took in James, who was standing with them. Stretching out his hand, he said, ‘Hi, I’m Dax.’
    ‘James Cardigan. Pleased to meet you.’
    ‘Come on, let’s go over there to the window, it seems quieter.’ Dax went on: ‘Come with us, James, the girls and I have no secrets.’
    They pushed through the crowd; Dax grabbed a glass of champagne from a waiter passing with a tray of drinks and handed it to Geo. James did the same, taking two flutes of champagne, one for M and the other for himself.
    Grouping themselves in the window area, Dax lifted his glass. ‘Cheers! You two are certainly a welcome sight. I’ve missed you both.’
    ‘So did we, miss you,’ Geo exclaimed, smiling warmly.
    M simply nodded, then said swiftly,