Beloved Scoundrel (25 page)

He turned and then said, “Here is one of them, Lord George Palmer.”

It was as abrupt as that. She almost fainted to find herself so suddenly face to face with a slightly older but still handsome, George.

He smiled and told his friend, “No need for introductions, Edward, we are old friends.”

Edward beamed. “But of course.”

George was devouring her with admiring eyes. “My dear Fanny, you are more lovely than ever, if that is possible!”

Slightly recovered, she said, “Thank you, George. You also look well.”

He glanced about the crowded room and said, “Surely there is some place where we can have more privacy?”

She said, “There is a kind of alcove by the window over there.”

And so the distinguished George, in his evening clothes, led her in her shining silver gown and white-feather decorated coiffure across the big room to the small area by the window. He led her into the shadow of the curtain and when they were discreetly cut off from sight of the others, took her in his arms!

“George!” she whispered.

“I’ve spent a tortured day, making myself wait to see you until after the evening performance,” he said.

Her eyes were moist as she gazed up at him. “I have known torture all the years we’ve been parted. Any happiness I sought was only to briefly rescue me from my mourning for you!”

“Dearest Fanny!” he said tenderly, and kissed her again.

“How long will you be here?” she asked.

“A few weeks,” he said.

“And how is your family?”

“All well.”

“Dora has recovered, then?”

His handsome face clouded. “You did not hear?”

“What?”

“She died more than two years ago. You will recall she was never of a strong constitution.”

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“I know,” he agreed, with a deep sigh. “You have known losses also. Barnum filled me in on your story.”

“Yes,” she said. “Much has happened! And now I have been asked to return to London and do one of Tom’s plays.”

“London is where it all began and where you belong,” he said.

Her eyes met his. “I left only because it had to be.”

He nodded. “And now the climate has changed. I can ask you to be my wife. The storm is over. Good days ahead!” And he held her close again and their lips met.