“Courtney,” Deirdre drawled. “Of course I’ve heard of you. Can’t believe it’s taken this long for us to meet.” She took one of the flutes from Paul.
Birdie refused the flute he offered her with a shake of her head. The way her stomach was roiling, she’d only burp it right back up again.
“Pleased to meet you.” Well, she was anything but, however, this was her brother’s reception and not a honky-tonk. Not that she’d ever been in one, but she was tempted to give this woman a wallop.
Paul bent toward Birdie, and she turned to accept his kiss on her cheek. “You look lovelier than ever, dear cousin. You and our boy Oswald looked like a perfect matched set of bookends up there today. Pity the boy won’t smile.”
“I was just saying something about that to him,” she muttered.
“I’ve been sent to gather you, cousin dear.” The phrasing sounded mocking coming from Paul. Probably more from the formality demanded by the situation than anything else. “They want more family pictures, and you and I are all who are missing.” He spared a glance for his date. “Don’t tear Oswald apart while we’re gone. I’m sure he has more wedding duties. Save it for later.”
Deirdre wrapped a perfect, lethally manicured hand around Ozzie’s arm. “I wouldn’t dream of causing a scene here.” Sunlight danced off the facets of the diamonds on her fingers and wrapped around both wrists.
Birdie felt practically naked beside her. Her only jewelry were the diamond earrings her mother had given her for Christmas a couple years back, a simple sapphire and diamond bracelet, a Christmas gift from her father, and the storybook locket from her grandmother. Nothing to compete with what the brunette wore.
Paul grinned at her. “Good to know. Guard your bollocks, Attenborough.”
A few steps, and what she hoped was far enough not to be heard by the pair left behind, Birdie glanced up at Paul, who was looking very handsome in an oatmeal colored linen suit. “Are those two an item? Or were they?”
Paul rubbed his chin. “Not sure I know the true extent of their relationship, but I know he’s escorted her to many society events. Rumor has it she thinks he’s her toy, but if it’s any more serious than that, I have no idea. She clearly expected him to invite her to this event, but when she saw the announcement in today’s paper, she called me and insisted I bring her. Not that I know her all that well, but I’ve escorted her once or twice.” He gave her a long look. “Thinking of claiming him for yourself?”
Heat flashed over her skin, and Birdie looked away, tightly gripping the stems of her bouquet. “Of course not. He’s far too stiff for me.”
“Right. That would explain why I heard you murmur something that sounded like Ozzie in your sleep on the plane the other night.”
Birdie snapped her head around to stare at him. “I did not.”
Taking her elbow, Paul laughed. “My mistake.”
* * * *
“Oswald.”
He wanted nothing to do with Deirdre today. So far she’d ruined the church part of the day for him. Staring over her head, he watched Courtney walk away with Paul.
What was it she’d called him this time? Ozibutt? He almost smiled over that one. She had quite a growing list of nicknames for him.
It struck him then just how attached he was growing to her. Blonde, sunny, sweet, beautiful Courtney who often imitated her nickname. Happy as a chickadee on a sunny morning. A canary who sang for the pure joy of it.
And a walk that drew attention to her ass, lovingly caressed by the narrow silk dress hugging her body.
“Oswald,” Deirdre cajoled.
Right, honey instead of vinegar.
“Yes, Dee. I wanted to invite you, but the parties were formed up last night, and I had a full car this morning. Not to mention, my attention needed, needs, to be focused on the event.”
“Darling, your attention is wandering. Was Courtney the second party in your car?”
“No, she was the fourth. I also had Drew and Meilin.” He finally looked down to see Dee peering up at him from beneath the ridiculous brim of her hat. “You know, Drew’s sister, Meilin’s sister-in-law.”
“Aw, you got stuck with her, and now again as best man to her maid of honor.”
“Something like that.” Well, nothing like that, but better not to mention that to Dee. “So, you snagged Paul into driving you down. Didn’t realize you knew him that well.”
“No, not really, but he’s been useful a time or two. And since I know he’s related, it only made sense to call him. Had I been ten minutes later I would have missed him. He was just on his way out.”
“What a shame that would have been.”
“Don’t you dare be angry with me, Oswald. You promised to bring me. Add to that ignoring my dinner invitation, then turning me away at your door, I’d say you now owe me three. And I have the perfect way for you to make it up to me.”
“No.”
“What?” Deirdre blinked up at him. “Did you just tell me no?” Sharp nails dug into his arm. Figuring it was a better way to pay than shaking her off, he didn’t flinch at the bite.
“Yes, Dee. I said no. In the next twelve months I have to play mentor on top of other increased duties at the office. I won’t have time for running off to long weekends in the country, or intimate dinners for two.” He stared into her startled brown eyes. “I’m terribly sorry, but I can’t be your plaything anymore. Certainly there are plenty of others ready to step into the role.”
Her grip softened and she used the fingers of her other hand to walk up his arm. The move was pure coquette and ridiculous. “You’re not my plaything, Oswald. You’re a good friend who just happens to share some pretty awesome benefits with me. I’ve always seen us as a team. The two of us against society.”
Of course she did. Oswald shook his head. “Dee, I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about. I do know you set me aside to go play with your other friends with benefits often enough we’ve never had any exclusive understanding between us. It’s merely time to acknowledge that. I’m stepping aside to let someone else step in. I know you have legions of men who would love to team up with you. I’m sure you can pick one smarter, richer, and better connected than I am. I’m pretty sure there’s at least one Viscount with his eye on you.”
By this time her eyes were narrowed on him. If he were the type to squirm, he’d be doing it like a bug on a pin. Other than a mild disgust, he didn’t feel a thing for Deirdre and wondered if he ever really had. When she was in a good mood she could be witty and good company. Of course she was also quite experienced at shagging. Again, he wondered how he’d ever been amenable to sleeping with her. Today he found the scent of her regular perfume cloying and overly sweet. It didn’t mix well with the flowers around them in the garden. Unlike a certain scent of fresh lemons.
“This is not the end of it, Oswald. I’ll let you alone to do your duties today, but back in town we’re having dinner Tuesday night and talking this thing out. Pick me up at seven.” Eyes on him, she spun away, then snapped her attention to the party still posing for photos. “And sunny little miss won’t be a part of it.”
Gut churning, Oswald watched her saunter away, skirt flaring, then swinging side to side with her sensual stride. And not because she’d chastised him, but because she’d taken a swipe at Courtney. Logically he’d known sooner or later Deirdre would tear into him with those claws he knew she had. He always figured his hide was tough enough to bear it. But if she brought Courtney any deeper into this… Well, never having to defend a woman before, he had no idea what he’d do. But he wouldn’t let Deirdre rip Courtney apart before she ever had a chance to become known in society.
Chapter 10
By the time the guests started filing out, a migration begun when the elder aunts and uncles had been picked up by the bus from the senior home, Birdie was ready to collapse. Inside, at one of the tables set up in the great hall, she flopped herself in a chair and kicked off her h
eels. If she took the time to think over the past several hours, she’d guess she’d spoken with every single person who’d been there. Sitting and chatting with Paul had been especially fun. His irreverence for the society around him translated into stories of infidelity, underhanded business dealings, and other shocking scandals.
Sadly he’d taken off back to London. On the other hand, he’d taken Deirdre with him, so the good more than balanced out the lack of his company. A shudder snaked down Birdie’s spine at the thought of the beautiful but viperous woman. How could Oswald associate with her?
One of the servers brought an ice bucket with a barely opened bottle of wine and a handful of clean glasses.
“Thank you,” Birdie said. “You’re an angel.”
The young woman smiled and returned to clearing the tables in the Great Hall.
Drew and Meilin had already departed for their suite upstairs. Chased up an hour ago so guests could start making their own ways home.
Cook had outdone herself, and there weren’t many leftovers. The crowd had done justice to the groaning sideboards loaded with every treat imaginable. Beef, ham, and even a turkey or two had been reduced to bits. Dim sum demolished. Cake and pastries reduced to mere crumbs. Personally, Birdie didn’t think she’d eat for two days.
With a sigh, her father dropped into the chair next to her. “I think I was overly ambitious in thinking we’d jump up tomorrow and head into the office. I’m declaring a one day holiday. We’ll laze about tomorrow before heading back into town late afternoon.”
Birdie raised a brow she now recognized as a Robinson inherited trait. “Are you sure? Because I stayed mostly sober in order to be ready for jumping into work tomorrow.”
Her father reached for the bottle of champagne and filled her glass. “I’m positive. I’ll even give Oswald the day off. Lord knows we could all do with an easy day. I want to bask in the glory of the summer garden before burying myself in the office for the next month. Lots to do before your mum and I head across the Channel.”
He grabbed a glass, then half filled it for himself. Before sipping, he stopped and gazed at her, his bright blue eyes soft with love and affection, and raised the glass.
She raised hers.
“Here’s to the most beautiful daughter a man could ask for. Brilliant, strong, capable, loving, and cheerful under adversity.” The toast made her throat tighten. “My wish for you is to find happiness above all in this life. I hope part of that happiness includes a life partner who will appreciate all those qualities and do his best to protect and shelter you from life’s storms. One who sees not only the outer beauty, but the far more compelling inner beauty as well. All of which will add up to a full and joyous life.”
Unable to speak, she cleared her throat and gave him her most brilliant smile. They clinked glasses, the sound of crystal ringing between them, then drank.
She heard footsteps on the ancient, creaking, polished wooden planks on the floor and glanced over her shoulder to see Ozzie approaching, his eyes carefully averted from her.
“What time do you wish to leave in the morning, sir?”
Just the sound of his voice touched something deep in Birdie. Something that ached to be filled. A hunger she’d only ever felt with him. And although he’d been the one to kiss her, to touch her, to awaken this need, he pretended it had never happened. That he’d never seduced her into baring her body, and a bit of her soul, to him.
“About three tomorrow afternoon, Oswald. I’ve just told Birdie I’ve declared a holiday. It’s a lovely time to be in the country and I want to enjoy brunch on the terrace and a stroll through the woods before heading back to the hectic pace of London.”
Oswald stopped in his tracks, only inches from the back of her chair. She could feel him there, sense his shock. Could even detect his spicy scent. Squeezing her thighs together didn’t help alleviate the need down there.
“Are you sure? I’m happy to drive. I figure if we leave about half past five, we’ll miss the worst of morning traffic.”
“I’m sure, Oswald.” Dad’s voice was firm. “The holiday includes you too. If you wish to have a lie-in to make up for all the travel fatigue, I wouldn’t blame you a bit, since I want the same and Birdie has a few shadows to chase from under her eyes. I know you youngsters have greater stamina, but even you two are showing a little wear around the edges. There’s nothing at the office that won’t keep for one more day.”
“Right. Anyone you need me to run to the airport?”
“Sit down, Oswald. It’s hurting my neck to look up at you.” From the smile on her dad’s face, she guessed not, but it seemed they all conspired to get Ozzie to unbend just a little.
The chair he pulled from the table scraped on the wood floor as he dragged around so he’d face Birdie and her dad.
“Thank you,” Dad said. “No, no one’s headed for the airport tomorrow. Meilin’s parents are staying until the end of the week. The grandparents will take them on a tour of the local surroundings and then they fly out on Saturday. It’s all arranged.”
Oswald nodded, his face solemn as always. “Not sure I know what to do with myself. Can’t remember the last time I lazed about the country.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Dad patted him on the shoulder. “More champagne? We have more in the bottle and clean glasses here.”
“No, no thank you. I’ve had plenty enough to insure a basic headache in the morning.”
Dad laughed. “I haven’t seen you with a hangover in nearly, what, is it fifteen years now?”
“Close to it, sir. That once was enough.”
Birdie inspected the slight flush crawling up Ozzie’s neck. “Sounds like a story.”
Ozzie scoffed. “Not a very interesting one. A lesson learned, is all.”
The closed look on his face was a sure sign he wouldn’t budge if pressed. Besides, she was too tired to dig.
“Well, since it’s a sleep-in day, I’ll take myself off to a bath and bed.” She bent to retrieve her shoes and straightened to find her father’s hand extended to help her stand. The manners were taking some time to get used to, but all in all, she liked them. Good, old-fashioned men were something new and quite attractive in her world. Standing, she went up on tiptoe to kiss her father’s cheek. “Night, Daddy.”
“Good night, princess.”
“Ozzie.” She gave him a nod, then did her best to walk gracefully toward the stairs.
“Courtney.” His reply was soft, but she heard it and smiled, assured he couldn’t see her. At least one person accepted her wish to be called by her birth name. Not that she cared much anymore, but just Ozzie’s acceptance of her wish was enough. At the office she’d insist on it as well. Just one way to keep a professional barrier between her and the stone-faced man who she hated to admit confused her.
* * * *
Oswald watched Courtney walk away, her stroll no less enticing without her heels on. He could see her barefoot in the garden, stopping to touch the flowers, or inhale their scent. He could see himself taking her down onto the grass and making love to her in the fresh air.
No. No, he was not going to indulge in that fantasy anymore.
The sun on her golden head had been like a special spotlight all afternoon. Although he’d purposely put as much distance between the two of them as possible, he’d still known exactly where she was and to whom she spoke. She’d laughed the most when sitting with Paul when Deirdre was off elsewhere. Hammond and Whetmore had cornered her more than once, although she hadn’t been as relaxed with them. Smart girl. Phillip Hammond was all right, but Calvin Whetmore wasn’t. More than once she’d looked Oswald’s way, meeting his gaze boldly. He’d wanted nothing more than to cross to her and whirl her away into a private corner, or even into the woods, and forget the rest of the world existed.
Now he was faced with the possibility of too much privacy. The only thing separating their rooms was a shared bath. The very fact she w
as heading for a long soak in the oversized tub made him feel very dirty and in need of a bath. With her. A fact her father—his employer—probably wouldn’t like very much.
“Will it be a problem working with her?”
Court’s voice brought Oswald back into the great hall. “I’m sorry, sir?”
“Working with Birdie this next year. Will it be a problem for you?”
“I don’t expect it to be. No more than working with any other intern or new hire.” He’d mentored a few before, as had all the department heads. Although he’d never once dreamed of covering them with bubbles. Would his quarters smell of her lemon scent? Or would she choose lavender to bathe in?
“Ah, but you’re not usually attracted to the interns or new hires. Randi and I have both noticed you can’t always keep your gaze off her.”
Oswald’s eyes widened as the older man he admired so much smiled at him. Bloody hell. Court wasn’t trying to play matchmaker, was he?
“She’s a pretty girl. Most of the time I’m trying to figure out what she’s saying. The American accent throws me.”
It was no surprise when Court met that idiotic statement with a skeptical look.
The sound of a woman’s heels click-clacking on the tiles of the kitchen reached them as the door to the kitchen swung open.
“Brilliant job today!” Randi sang out as she left the kitchen and headed across the great room. “There you are, honey,” she said to Court. “I’ve been looking for you. We need to get some sleep if we’re taking off early.”
“Come sit down, my love. Have another glass of champagne, since Oswald won’t drink with me. Birdie’s just gone up.”
“Well one of our group appears to be smart.” She laughed when Court pulled her down onto his lap.
“I’m the smart one,” he told her. “I’ve declared tomorrow a holiday. We won’t head back to town until around three.”
Her Improper Affair Page 9
