Hi guys, well here is a very short chapter, I am sorry it’s not longer but rI eally wanted to give you at least something as a thank you for your patience, love and encouragement.  I promise to post again soon (maybe in a week, if work slows down) as this is in no way what I wanted to give you for Ch 12, so tYES here will be a Part I and a Part II.  Please keep in mind this is completely unedited and to my sleep deprived mind looks and sounds great.  I’m sure in the morning I will regret posting this LOL.  

Kisses and sweet dreams Love always Your JoJo.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 12.

Choosing to stay away from the group that has now gathered around the Count, Steven intently observes how both Vanessa and Nicolette hang on to his every word.   Irking him more is how easy and relaxed Nicolette is around Nicholas, smiling in the carefree way she was whilst running free with the children.  An ache begins to build in his gut and with ever touch of the Counts hand, every smile she smiles just for him the dull pain grows until it finally etches his face. 

 Declyn observes his little brothers reaction to Nicki, chuckling to himself he continues their earlier conversation. 

  Snapping out of the fog which has descended upon his thoughts “Ummm…. Pardon?” Steven asks confused.

  Declyn smiles deviously “I said, you won’t truly understand little brother until he is fawning over the woman you love, till then he is just a mild annoyance, or rather an inconvenience to your prowling.”

 Pausing for a moment he continues "Unless.... there was more to that walk than what meets the eye" he raises his eyebrow in question.

  "Don't be ridiculous I was just being cordial.  I would be more than happy to be her escort if she knew no one, I could have had an excuse not to have to spend the night entertaining the marriage vultures and their irksome mothers.”

 Reluctantly drawing his gaze from Nicolette he continues “ Mother has informed me that Nicolette will be with us only for the season, which is of course perfect for perhaps a bit of fun, for both of us"  replies Steven eyebrows wiggling.  

 "That's my little brother carrying on the family tradition" he harps slapping Steven on the back.

  Nicki saunters over to the brothers "Wakefield" he nods to the Duke.

  "Devereux, I thought we wouldn’t be graced with your presence just yet."

  “I dare not leave my Nicolette on her own with all the young bucks just waiting to occupy her attentions and whisk her away from me.”

 Steven visibly flinching at the words ‘my Nicolette’ causes Nicki to smile.

 Not able to stand to be in his presence any longer Steven excuses himself and bids goodnight to all, and lastly stops before Nina.  He takes her hand cupping it between his, he bows and places a gentle kisses upon both her hands, whilst gazing at her through his dark lashes.

 “Goodnight, my dear” he raises himself to his full height his eyes never leaving hers, he reaches up and caresses the flower still vibrant in her hair.

 Surprised Nina’s breath hitches in her throat, she answers rather flustered “Goodnight your Lordship”.

 Turning his attentions back to her face he focuses on her mouth and smiles “Please call me Steven, we are friends there is no need for such formalities.”

 “Sss…Steven” she stammers as a small smile creeps upon her lips.  Just then Nicki walks over, standing behind her with his hand on the small of her back glaring at Steven.

 Looking him squarely in the eye Steven grins mischievously nodding his head ‘Two can play that game’ he thinks to himself as he turns on his heels and disappears through the darkened doorway.           

             “Where are you off to” asks Vanessa catching Nina just as she is rushing out the door to a ready coach.  

 “I am having a meeting at the shop in regards to the design of the dresses” she says tapping her sketch pad “I will be stopping at Fiona’s first and together we will go to Evangeline’s.”

 “And how is my dress coming along, may I see?”

 “Very well and no you may not I wish for it to be a surprise, thought if you have a preference to a color or material please do tell me, it will make it easier.”

 “I shall think about it and let you know.”

 And I will look through the inventory and give you a choice of the best” smiles Nina just as she slips through the door and into her carriage.

 Pulling up to the Dartmouth estate she sees Fiona eagerly waiting her arrival. 

 Nina steps out of the carriage to an anxious Fiona.

 “Hello dearest” Nina whispers as she embraces her friend.  

 Fiona squeezes her back but when she pulls away Nina can see her young friend’s brow is furred in worry.

 “What is amiss, sweetheart?” questions Nina as she holds Fiona at arm’s length.

 Fiona looks her in the eye and breaks down “I have no escort!”

 “What do you mean you have no escort, what of all those young men that you danced with at your gala?”

 Hiccupping Fiona answers “The Queens ball is an annual event and apparently all of them secured their partners ahead of time.  I said I am prepared to go alone but Auntie has come up with the brilliant solution of having Jacob be my escort.  I will be the laughing stock if I walk into the biggest event of the season with my little brother as my escort.”

 “Oh no that simply will not do, there must be someone else we can ask.  Calm yourself my dear we will find a solution” wrapping her arm protectively around Fiona they walk into the house. 

 Stepping in they see Contessa Parish waiting for them before the doors to the parlor. 

 “Your ladyship” Nina curtsies before the stern woman. 

 “Welcome my dear” says the Contessa ushering them both in, Nina seats herself across the way from the Countess whilst Fiona seats herself next to her aunt.  

 “Fiona do cease your pouting it is simply unladylike, it is no wonder we were unable procure you a chaperone.”

 Seeing this as her way into the discussion  Nina interjects “Your ladyship I would be most honored if you would allow me to assist you in this predicament, I am certain I could find someone that will be more than delighted to escort Fiona.”

 “No need child I have taken care of the matter already” she says with an air of finality.

 “You have? Well that is wonderful, who is the most fortunate gentleman?” in quires Nina.

 “ Jacob.”

 “J…Jacob…w”

 “Yes and as the matter is settled we will not speak of it any longer.” As the words leave her lips Fiona whimpers as another bout of sobs escapes her.

 “With all due respect Contessa, Fiona cannot be escorted by her own brother it is unseemly and she will be scorned by the ton.  It would be best if she have no escort at all than to be seen with her brother moreover, one her junior.”  

 Shocked by her forwardness the Contessa is quiet for a moment and Nina continues.

 “If you give me until the end of the week I am sure I can find her a suitable escort.”

 “You are most kind Miss Martin, but there is simply no need to tire yourself, the matter is as I have stated previously not open for discussion.”

 At that Fiona begins to weep profusely begging her aunt to allow Nina to try. 

 Her face softening at the anguish of her young niece Contessa Parish concedes “Very well but you have until noon tomorrow to find someone suitable, I expect you to bring the fortunate man here for tea.  If you cannot find anyone, or I do not deem the gentleman to be fitting we will revert to my original suggestion” she ends patting Fiona on the hand. 

 Fiona throws her arms around her aunt “Thank you, oh thank you auntie” kissing her on the cheek. 

 “Well, that was unexpected” Contessa Parish smiles but quickly her composure changes and she is as composed as ever whilst pouring the tea.

 Tea time comes to an end Fiona and Nina take their leave to continue on to Evangeline’s.

 “Thank you Nina I know not how I would have been able to convince her otherwise.”

 Nina laughs “I do believe it was your tears that convinced her more than my words, she is good and kind despite the hard facade.”

 Who will you ask?” Inquires Fiona.

 “You need not worry I think I know just the man for the job.” Smiles Nina.

             Pulling up to the shop, they are welcomed by an exasperated Evangeline “You are always late!” she bellows as she herds them into the shop. 

 “We have had quite a day Evangeline; do not add to our stresses please.”

 Nina catches Evangeline up as Fiona tries on the dress Nina herself designed. 

 “Well that is a predicament you have found yourself in Nicolette.  Do you have a certain someone in mind?”  Evangeline eyes her suspiciously. 

 “Perhaps” smiles Nina.

 Fiona steps out of the dressing room and both women fawn over her.

 “You are a vision, Fiona, just stunning!!! The color is perfection, Evangeline you have outdone yourself.”

 “Oui, mon chere, but it is your design that is spectacular, seductive and sweet all at the same time. After the ball you will not have to worry about your current problem ever again.” 

 Fiona blushes in her peach colored gown, unlike her previous gown which resembled a sunrise this one has all the colors of a sunset.  Peaches and pinks and yellows, the dyeing of the fabric is brilliant to say the least.  The gown is a simple empress style gown with caped sleeves and a square neckline.  Pearls and crystals cover the bodice and became sparse as ones gaze travels downward.

 “Put yours on Nina, I wish to see it.”  Exclaims Fiona.

 “Have all the alterations been made?” inquires Nina.

 “Yes they have, do not delay I have yet to see it on you” says Evangeline as she shoos her off to her private room.

 “Nina steps out in an exquisite blue silver gown, unlike Fiona’s Nina’s is an A-line corseted at the top and flowing outward from the hip.  Her gown is made up of two layers; the underlay being a sky blue, a bright and striking color.  The bodice is a strapless sweetheart corset, a silver gauze like material makes up the second layer which is overlays the blue.  The see-through material covers the entire gown, from the high collar to the plunging v-neck which ends just below her navel, exposing the underlying bodice to her fingertips where the sleeves end. 

 “My goodness Nina, this is … words escape me I…”

 Evangeline interjects “It is brilliant, I was unsure how the silver would be, the way you have combined with the raw silk, it looks like a spider web of silver moonlight, it is enchanting.  You will surely be the talk of the ball.” 

After a few modifications to the original designs Nina and Fiona depart from the shop still a buzz with excitement of the day.  Nina drops off Fiona and continues on home, glad for the peace and quiet to contemplate how to exactly go about procuring a chaperone for her young friend.