Prince Charming by Julie Garwood Page B

Jane,” she warned. “You wouldn’t want that, would you?”
    â€œDear heavens, no,” Catherine blurted out, appalled by the very idea. “I promise I won’t be ruled by possessions. At least I’ll try not to be ruled by them. I feel like a princess wearing this necklace. Is it proper to feel that way?”
    Taylor laughed. “Yes, of course. I’m glad they bring you such joy.”
    â€œI shall make certain Papa hides these in a safe place. Tomorrow I shall personally deliver them to you.”
    Taylor shook her head. “I won’t need them tomorrow,” she explained. “They’re yours to keep. I’m not ever going to need such jewels again.”
    Catherine almost fell over. “But . . .” she began. She was clearly too astonished to continue. “But . . .”
    â€œThey’re my gift to you.”
    Catherine burst into tears. She was obviously overwhelmed by Taylor’s generosity.
    â€œI didn’t mean to make you cry,” Taylor said. “You look beautiful, Catherine, with or without sapphires. Wipe your tears away while I find a suitable dance partner for you.”
    Milton Thompson caught her eye. Taylor motioned to the young man. He came running. A scant minute later, Catherine was being escorted onto the dance floor.
    She looked radiant. She was giggling and flirting and once again acting like a fifteen-year-old.
    Taylor was content. The feeling didn’t last long. Where was her escort? She decided she would circle the ballroom, being sure to make a wide arch around her cousin, of course, and if she came up empty-handed, she would simply leave. She had arrived fashionably late and would leave fashionably early. She had smiled enough for one evening, and Grandmother would never know she only stayed fifteen or twenty minutes. Yes, Madam would approve of her performance.
    Taylor was waylaid from going anywhere by three well-meaning friends. Alison, Jennifer, and Constance had all attended Miss Lorrison’s School of Charm and Scholarly Pursuits with Taylor. They had all been fast friends ever since. Alison was a year older than the others, and for that reason alone, she believed she was far more sophisticated.
    She led the procession over to Taylor. Alison was tall, a bit ungainly, and had dark blond hair and hazel-colored eyes.
    â€œDarling Taylor, you look beautiful tonight,” she announced. “I do believe I look drab just standing next to you.”
    Taylor smiled. Alison called everyone darling. She believed it made her appear to be more sophisticated. “No one can make you look drab,” she replied, knowing instinctively that was what Alison wanted to hear.
    â€œI do look lovely, don’t I? The gown is new,” she went on to explain. “It cost Father a fortune. He’s determined to get me married this season even if it bankrupts him.”
    Taylor found Alison’s honesty refreshing. “I’m certain you could have your pick of any gentleman here.”
    â€œThe only one I’m interested in won’t give me a single glance,” Alison confessed.
    â€œShe’s done everything possible to gain his attention,” Jennifer interjected. She reached up to pin a strand of her brown hair back into her coiled braid before adding, “She could try swooning in front of him, I suppose.”
    â€œHe probably wouldn’t catch her,” Constance said. “Do leave your hair alone, Jennifer. You’re making a mess of it. And put on your spectacles. Squinting makes wrinkles around the corners of your eyes.”
    Jennifer ignored Constance’s suggestions. “Alison’s father would have heart palpitations if that man did pursue her.”
    Constance nodded agreement. Her short, curly bob bounced in reaction. “He’s quite the bad boy,” she told Taylor.
    â€œBoy? Darling, he’s a man,” Alison chided.
    â€œA man with a black