Black Rose

Roz leaned down, air-kissed Jan’s cheek. “Don’t y’all look wonderful.”
    “Mama, Daddy.” Shelby angled herself around to make introductions. “This is Joshua Carnegie, and his father Dr. Mitchell Carnegie. My parents, Jan and Quill Forrester, and Mr. and Mrs. Renthow.”
    Quill, a solidly built man with a glad hand and subtle comb-over, pushed himself to his feet to pump Mitch’s, then Josh’s hand, then inclined his head to Roz. “Rosalind, how are you doing?”
    “I’m doing just fine, Quill. How’s business?”
    He pokered up, but nodded. “Bumping right along.”
    “That’s good to hear. Jan, I swear, Shelby’s grown up to be an absolute beauty. You must be so proud.”
    “Of course. I don’t think I understood you were acquainted with Shelby’s escort.”
    “His father and I are great friends.” Beaming, she slid her arm through Mitch’s. “In fact, Mitch is researching the Harper family history. He’s finding all sorts of secrets and scandals.” Playing it up, she gave a little head toss, a little laugh. “We just love our scandals here in Shelby County, don’t we?”

    “That’s where I’ve heard the name,” Renthow spoke up. “I’ve read one of your books. I’m a bit of an amateur genealogist myself. Fascinating business.”
    “I think so. In any case, the Harper ancestors led me to Roz.” In a smooth move, Mitch lifted her hand, kissed it. “I’ll always be grateful.”
    “You know,” Renthow put in, “I’ve traced my ancestry back to the Fifes in Scotland.”
    “Really?” Mitch perked up. “A connection to Duncan Phyfe, before he changed the spelling?”
    “Yes, exactly.” Obviously pleased, Renthow shifted in his chair to angle toward Mitch. “I’d like to put something more detailed together. Maybe you can give me some tips.”
    “Happy to.”
    “Why don’t we all sit down for a few minutes?” Shelby began. “Then y’all can get acquainted while—”
    “We’re expecting friends,” Jan interrupted. “Our table’s full. I’m sure Rosalind and Dr. Carnegie can find another table. And we’ll all be more comfortable.”
    “Mama,” the word was a shocked whisper that Roz overrode with an easy smile. “We already have one, thanks. In fact, we’re going to steal this handsome young couple here. Shelby, why don’t I show you where we’re sitting, and Josh and Mitch can get us both a drink?”
    Hooking her arm through the girl’s, Roz led her away.
    “Ms. Harper, I... I’m sorry, Ms. Harper, I don’t know what’s the matter.”
    “Don’t you worry about it. Here we are right here. Let’s sit down, and you can tell me how you met that gorgeous young man before they get back. And you call me Roz, now. Why, we’re practically on a double date here.”
    She put the girl at ease, chattering away until their dates returned with drinks and canapés. Only when Josh took Shelby to the dance floor did Roz show any fire.
    “She didn’t have to embarrass that child the way she did. If she had a brain in that spiteful head of hers, she’d have known I wouldn’t have sat with them. That’s a sweet girl. I can only conclude she does not come by it naturally.”
    “You smoothed it over. One of the reasons I eased out of academia was to rid my life of these little snarling matches and petty grudges. But wherever you go, life’s just pocked with them, isn’t it?”
    “I suppose. I mostly stay out of this arena, too. I have no patience for it. But I feel obliged to make an appearance now and then.”
    “You’re not the only one,” he said, and linked his fingers with hers on the table. “How much is it going to upset you to know Bryce Clerk just came in, with that same blonde he was with when he tried to crash your party?”
    Her hand stiffened in his, then slowly relaxed. “I had a feeling he’d show. Well, that’s all right. I’m just going to slip off to the rest room for a minute, give myself a little talking to, and freshen up. I don’t intend to have another public scene, I promise you.”
    “Wouldn’t bother me.”
    “That’s nice to know, in case the talking to doesn’t work.”
    She rose, walked out of the room, and turned down the corridor toward the lounges.
    Inside, she freshened her lipstick and began to lecture herself on proper decorum.
    You will not lower yourself to his level, no matter what the provocation.
    You will not allow that silly girl to draw you into a catfight, even though you’d leave her bleeding