Mockingbird's Call by Diane T. Ashley Page B

was roused by the obvious discomfort on the young lady’s face. He shook hands with Benjamin’s parents when introduced then turned to the poor uncomfortable girl.
    â€œThis must be the sweet cousin I’ve heard so much about.” He smiled down at her, hoping to ease her discomfort. “Hello, I’m Jared Stuart, Benjamin’s roommate at East Tennessee University.”
    The young lady’s mouth dropped open in shock. He wondered at her surprise. She was the guest of honor, after all. She dropped a stiff curtsy as he bowed.
    She said nothing, so he cast about in his mind for something to say. “I understand that you are also from Nashville, where my family now resides.”
    â€œN–no, sir.” Her voice was so low he had to bend forward to make out what she was saying. “I. . .my. . .fa–family is fr–from Knoxville.”
    Jared frowned. Had he been mistaken? He looked around for Benjamin and spotted his friend some distance away, standing on the edge of a circle of guests. He turned back to the girl, who looked like she’d rather be anywhere than standing next to him. Her hands picked at the material of her skirt, and her gaze flitted from one place to another in the room.
    â€œThere you are, Faye.” A round-faced woman in a white dress more suited to a debutante than a matron advanced on them. Her brown hair was pulled tightly back from her face and disappeared under a fancy lace kerchief. She turned a smile on Jared, making him feel a little like a rabbit about to become dinner for a mountain lion. “And who is your new friend?”
    The girl swallowed twice and shook her head.
    Irritation was evident on her mother’s face, but she pushed it back and smiled at him. “Hello, I am Beatrice Downing. I see you’ve already met my daughter.”
    So this was not Benjamin’s cousin. Jared introduced himself again and made his escape as quickly as possible without appearing rude. As the orchestra began tuning up in preparation for the dancing, he strolled over to the knot of people to find Benjamin. Why had his roommate deserted him amongst all these strangers?
    The thought was swept away when he saw the person Benjamin was talking to. It was Amelia, his Amelia, the girl who’d captured his imagination and appeared in his dreams with regularity. The girl who’d intrigued him from the first moment he saw her. She was standing at the very center of the group, which he now realized consisted only of young men. These men were acting like idiots, vying for her attention, offering her outrageous compliments, and begging her to dance with them.
    Benjamin elbowed his way past a few of them. “I’m afraid I must claim precedence.” He bowed over her hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Cousin Amelia.”
    Several of her admirers groaned, and one of them complained loudly that Benjamin was not giving the rest of them a sporting chance.
    Her laughing blue eyes made Jared catch his breath. She was adorable. It was no wonder all the young men crowded around her. Even now, he could see a blush of innocence cresting her cheeks. She turned to the young man who had complained. “I am sorry, sir.” Her voice held a note of sincerity. “You and your friends have been very kind, but I must give precedence to my family.”
    â€œMay I call on you tomorrow morning?” The young man’s disappointment of a moment ago seemed to have disappeared. “I have a nice carriage. Perhaps I can take you for a ride in the park.”
    â€œI appreciate your kindness, Mr. Castlewhite, but I already have another commitment.”
    A chorus of groans came from the others standing near her, but before they could begin to importune the young lady, Benjamin put her hand on his arm and pulled her away.
    â€œI have a very special friend I’d like you to meet, cousin.” He pulled her toward Jared. “Jared Stuart, please