Free Lady Star by Claudy Conn

to take care of a wife…” she sighed and stopped
herself.
    “Ho, although I am enjoying all this
flattery, I hear a but coming.”
    She smiled, “Indeed, I am curious…you are all
these things, but …your lady actually still said no?”
    “Love is a peculiar thing. She loved someone
else and I didn’t realize it in time. I did an outrageous
thing…unspeakable…” he still couldn’t believe that he had actually
abducted Lady Babs.
    “Oh? I wonder what that unspeakable thing
was?” she said curiously. “However, I fear you aren’t quite ready
to speak of it yet, so tell me, who was your rival?” Star asked
with sympathy lining her words.
    “Ah, suffice it to say that he was quite a
catch.”
     “I see. Still, I find it hard to
imagine that she did not fall in love with you and all your
charms.”
    He laughed, “Again, I am not sure if you are
baiting me or complimenting me. Baiting me no doubt.” He sighed.
“No, to answer you, she never allowed my charms as you say to
overcome those of my rival.”
    “He must have been someone very special
indeed…at least to her,” she said almost to herself.
    Sir Edward laughed with genuine appreciation,
“Why, thank you, and yes, I suppose one might think a duke quite
special indeed.”
    “ A duke ?” she returned with interest.
“How exciting, you lost out to no one less than a duke, but tell
me, who…which duke?”
    “Ah, some things I must keep to myself,” he
answered softly.
    “Does that mean you will never tell me?”
    “Probably not.”
    “Not even when you know me better?” she
pursued.
    “If instinct serves me, there will be even
less chance of my telling you when I get to know you better.” He
grinned broadly at her and reached over to flick her nose.
    She liked his touch. She smiled softly and
told him, “That is most disagreeable of you, but never mind, I
shall work on it.” Her eyes twinkled, for they had reached the
small pasture behind the Madison stables. Star was all too aware
that she didn’t want these moments with him to end.
    “Here is where we part company, for that is
Georgie’s place,” she said.
    “Tell me, do you attend the Sefton Ball
tonight?” he asked curiously.
    Star sighed heavily. She had wanted to go to
this ball above all things, even more so when she realized that Sir
Edward would be there. He was entertaining and conversation with
him was easy and lively.
    In addition to that, she and Georgie had
helped one another with their gowns. They had taken their mother’s
beautiful ball gowns, adjusted, trimmed, cut, sewn and come up with
masterpieces. How sad to think they would not get to wear them.
    “I am afraid not,” she said sadly.
    “Oh?” he was surprised. “Jules tells me it is
the grandest affair of the summer. I am sadly disappointed. I had
hoped you would be there and liven up the evening.” His hazel eyes
were brightly lit.
    He was teasing her again, but she didn’t
mind. She saw reluctant affection deep in the recesses of his eyes
and sighed. No doubt he liked her, but thought her no more than an
amusing schoolgirl, in spite of the fact that she was over twenty
years old.
    “Don’t you want to know why we won’t
be there?” she asked when he didn’t.
    His brow went up and he said on a chuckle,
“You are the most audacious little brat I have ever encountered. I
assumed it was because your brother is still unwell and therefore,
unable to escort you.”
    “That’s right, so both Georgie and I won’t be
there.”
    “Jules and I will have a very dull evening
without you two, of that I am certain. I am persuaded you and Miss
Madison are the loveliest creatures in all of Rye,” he answered and
his hazel eyes glinted gold as he found hers and looked deep.
    Ruefully Star countered, “I rather think you
two will manage to go on without us.” So saying, she inclined her
head and turned her horse away from him, “Good day, Sir
Edward.”
    He tipped his hat to her, “Miss Berkley—I
hope my