She showed no sign of protest, following closely beside him until they reached the entrance in front of The Savoy. He released his tight grip on her hand and searched his pockets. After a moment or two, he produced a small ticket for the valet. The night air had picked up a bit and Audrey shivered slightly, wishing she'd remembered to bring a wrap. He sensed her temporary discomfort and immediately he removed his jacket, draping it lightly around her shoulders while they waited for his car.

"I thought you said you have a driver." She mentioned after a lengthy silence.

"I do have a driver." He confirmed with a nod.

"But the valet is retrieving your car?"

"No, he's calling my driver. See?" He pointed as the young man dialed a red phone atop the valet stand. "As much as The Savoy would love to display a host of expensive automobiles outside their main entrance, it's just not practical. All drivers are directed to a parking garage."

"So your automobile is expensive, is it?"

"I didn't say that."

"You don't have to." Audrey smiled as a Rolls Royce Corniche pulled slowly around the corner, stopping precisely in front of them. A tall, thin balding man promptly exited the vehicle, nodding at Audrey's escort.

"Good Evening, Sir."

"Good Evening, Rodney. Allow me to introduce this lovely woman on my arm. Rodney, this is Audrey. No last name. Just Audrey." He winked at her.

"My pleasure, Madam." The gentleman offered a slight bow.

"We thought we might have a small nightcap with a touch of jazz."

"Did you have somewhere in particular in mind, Sir?" The driver asked.

"Yes, I do. Three Raps. But I think we can manage on our own." He turned to Audrey, extending his hand. "Your valet ticket, please."

"I don't have one."

"No ticket? What is your driver's name?"

"He's not my personal chauffer...just a limousine driver that I hired for the evening." She answered with slight embarrassment. "I do have his business card."

"Did you get his name?" He inquired.

"His name's Tobin with Elite Limousine Service." She quickly searched her handbag for the card.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his wallet. "Rodney, would you please settle up Audrey's account with Elite? You can send Mr. Tobin on his way." He placed a collection of bills in Rodney's hand. "And here's a little something extra for you."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

"I'll ring you in the morning if I need you." Again he retrieved Audrey's hand, guiding her around to the passenger's side. With a genteel smile, he opened her door and waited until she was comfortably seated.

"Very good, Sir." The driver gave a confirming nod.

In seconds, he was behind the wheel and they were alone again, with Rodney standing by himself in front of the hotel.

"What just happened?" Audrey asked as the Corniche pulled away from the curb.

"Change of plans." He kept his gaze fixed firmly on the street.

"But what about your poor driver?" Audrey glanced out the back window.

"He's very resourceful. He'll find his way home."

"And what about my poor driver?"

"After he sees the tip you left for him, he'll be anything but poor." He winked.

"You certainly didn't need to do that."

"I know I didn't, but I wanted to."

"Well thank you."

"So what will it be? The city of London is yours for the taking."

"The small jazz bar?"

"Excellent choice...but only if you can answer one question." He quickly glanced her way.

"And what would that be, Richard?" She tried to suppress a giggle as she turned her head to look at him. Instantly she found the hint of a smile on his lips.

"Well, well...clairvoyant as well as beautiful." He commented, stealing another quick glance at her. "Shall we dispense with anonymity and exchange last names as well?" He asked.

"And give up the air of mystery? What could be more stimulating than secrecy?"

"Are you asking for a list?" He couldn't hide the seductive quality in his voice and Audrey felt a slight blush on her cheeks.

"Are you always this flirtatious?" She asked after a pregnant pause, trying to be demure and failing miserably.

"Do you always answer a question with a question?"

"That depends."

"Upon what?"

"Are you asking for a list?" She countered with coy expression.

"Only if my name's on it." He winked at her once more.

They found a parking spot on a side street and walked hand in hand to the jazz bar, still laughing and talking. As they rounded a corner, Audrey realized that she was literally a stone's throw from her hotel. She considered mentioning the fact, but changed her mind for fear of sounding too forward. What would he think? By the way, my hotel's just a few blocks from here...

He held open the door in a dimly lit alcove that led up a flight of narrow stairs. She climbed the stairs with a sudden uncomfortable feeling inside. The champagne and Scotch that so easily induced carefree feelings were beginning to wear off, and now she wondered if she was following a path that she'd regret when sunlight entered her suite. Unaware of it, her pace slowed and Richard bumped into her.

"Audrey? Are you alright?" He asked with a sincere tone.

"Yes, I'm fine." She lied, continuing up the stairs to yet another door. She reached for the handle, but found the door was locked. Again, self doubt flooded her mind and she wished she was back safely at Grevel's side.

"Give it a knock. Three hard raps." He commanded.

Audrey did as instructed and in a moment, the door opened to reveal a small, dark, smoky club on the other side.

"That's amazing. How did you do that?" She asked, nodding at the door attendant as she stepped inside.

"Do what?"

"Make a bar appear from thin air?"

"It's a secret. And I know how secrecy stimulates you." Again his hand found the small of her back as they moved to an empty table in the back corner. He pulled her chair out with a smile before sitting down across from her. A votive flickered inside a blown glass hurricane lamp in the center of the small round table. A young waitress approached them, tray in hand, and for a second Audrey wondered if she'd tell Richard that he had a phone call. The scene was eerily reminiscent of their final moments together in the piano bar at The Grand. Instead, she greeted them with a pleasant look and asked to take their order.

"Bin Twenty-Seven?" He asked.

"Perfect." Audrey confirmed.

"Make it two, then."

The waitress nodded and left them alone. Richard let out a heavy sigh; his eyes cruising the perimeter of the bar.

"Looks like the band is on break."

"I'm rather enjoying the quiet." Audrey rested her arms on the table.

"The party was smashing, wasn't it?"

"Yes it was. I think my uncle really enjoyed himself."

"I don't know him very well, but I can't remember a time when we've attended similar events and he wasn't enjoying himself."

"With a nice prize on his arm, no doubt?"

"Grevel Hartley does have an eye for the ladies, from what I've seen."

"An eye or a bank account?"

"A little of both, I suspect."

"You mentioned that you move in similar circles-with my uncle, I mean. Are you a member of the O.B.N.?"

"What's that?"

"Old Boys Network. Are you an Oxford man? Cambridge?"

"Neither, I'm afraid. Just getting by on me looks and wits at the moment." He responded with a heavy cockney accent.

"I don't think looks and wits pays the bill on a Corniche."

"You'd be surprised what looks and wits can buy these days."

The waitress returned, placing snifters of plum-colored port in front of them. Audrey raised her glass with smile.

"To looks and wits."

"Two qualities you have in spades." He clicked his glass lightly against hers.

About halfway through the port wine, three very young gentlemen approached the small stage to begin what Audrey would later describe as one of the most talented trios she'd ever heard. The flavor of their music was torchy and soulful, containing an almost sensual quality. Several times she found herself closing her eyes, completely entranced by the sultry sounds of the piano, bass and drums. Each time she opened her eyes to find him smiling back at her. It'd happened before, in Gstaad, when he'd played a string of jazzy tunes for her. This time, however, she wasn't embarrassed and simply smiled back. They'd spoken only a handful of words, exchanging knowing looks and glances to the rhythm of the music around them. There was definitely a connection between them...one that Audrey had never felt before.

"How are your feet?" He asked, breaking a long silence.

"Much better, thank you."

"Do you think you might be able to persuade them for one more dance?"

"I thought this was a dance-free zone."

"It is...'No dancing on the tables'. See? It says so right on that small green sign behind the bar." He pointed across the room.

"That sign says 'Cash only.'"

"Is that what it says? But I could've sworn..." He grinned.

"I don't remember seeing a coat check girl. No bunny slippers."

He moved his chair closer to hers, reaching under the table and resting his hand lightly on her knee.

"Give me you leg." He whispered.

"Excuse me?" She asked.

"Your leg please, Madam."

Audrey looked into his dark brown eyes, unsure how to respond to such an obvious advance. The calming nature of the jazz was immediately forgotten as her heartbeat kicked into high gear. Cautiously she raised her left leg, letting it rest on his lap. His hand lingered momentarily on her ankle before sliding down and removing her strappy healed shoe. He dropped it to the floor, reaching then for her right leg. His actions lasted less than thirty seconds, and it was somehow both sexual and innocent at the same time. He stood, never breaking eye contact, and took her hand in his as they slowly made their way toward the tiny vacant dance floor.

His arm slipped comfortably around her waist, just as it had inside the elegant Savoy ballroom. Only this time, he held her closer. Much closer. The smoke and music rolled around them like a fog and Audrey began to feel herself slip away. Resting her cheek against his, she smiled and closed her eyes. It was then, after a minute in his arms, that she recalled the vivid dream she'd had the night at The Grand-of a tuxedo-clad Richard holding her in much the same way on a moonlit patio. Their bodies melted into each other until the final jazzy notes began to fade. He pulled back slightly and looked down into her eyes.

"It's getting late. Shall we go?" His expression was serious and Audrey was confused by the sudden change in his demeanor.

"Of course." She replied.

She collected her shoes and handbag from their table while he paid their tab at the bar. With a quiet nod, he motioned toward the door then helped her into his dinner jacket once more. The silence between them remained until they found themselves back on the deserted street in front of the hidden jazz bar. They walked half a block before she summoned the courage to break the uncomfortable silence.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. Why?"

"No reason." She replied, noticing his hands tucked firmly in his pockets-a marked change in his body language.

They continued on in silence until they reached his car where he fumbled for his keys. After a second he unlocked the passenger side door and opened it for her. She approached him, checking her watch for the first time since leaving the hotel. He was right...it was getting late.

"My hotel is just a couple of blocks from here." She motioned back behind them. "If you wouldn't mind dropping me...or I could just walk. The night air is really quite refreshing. And I hate to inconvenience you any further this evening."

"Audrey..." He closed the car door and turned to face her. Their bodies were almost touching and the air around them had suddenly grown still.

"Yes?" She looked up at him. He could see it in her eyes-a look that was questioning and in need of reassurance.

"Something is wrong." He confessed.

"Okay." She nodded, feeling that now familiar flutter inside.

"If I'd stood with you on that dance floor for another moment..." He reached out, gently tucking a strand of blond hair behind her ear.

"Richard, please..." She sighed and leaned back against the car.

"The safest thing for both of us was to get you out of that bar." He stepped closer, closing the gap between them.

"How do you know I'm the type of woman that likes to play it safe?"

"If you weren't, then I wouldn't be trying so hard to be a perfect gentleman right now."

"But you've been a perfect gentleman all night." She reached up and adjusted his bow tie; her hands barely peeking out beneath the cuffs of his jacket.

"And it hasn't been easy."

"Well I can't remember a night when I've enjoyed myself more."

"I remember this one particular night when a mysterious blond wearing a plaid skirt and sweater strolled into a piano bar in Gstaad. Now that was a night..." He said, turning and leaning against the car. They were now standing shoulder to shoulder and Audrey liked the feel of his strong arm against hers. "But she disappeared without a trace. One minute we're ordering coffee and next minute she was gone. No clues, other than her name was Audrey and she drank cognac like a fish."

"That's because she thought you were married."

"How on earth did she come to that conclusion?"

"Because your wife called down to the bar."

"My wife?" Richard thought hard for a moment, then laughed out loud. "That wasn't my wife. That was my mother."

"Your mother?"

"I promised my mother a trip to the mountains. Then I broke my leg. Well, she was heartbroken at the thought of cancelling. So I did what any guilty son would've done. I grabbed a sturdy cane and took her to Gstaad...cast and all."

Audrey laughed, both amused and touched by his story-and disappointed that she'd bolted from the piano bar so quickly.

"Well that explains it then." She turned to him.

"Explains what?"

"Why you're the perfect gentleman. If a man respects his mother, then he respects all women."

"Now hold on, respect is a pretty strong word. I think 'fear' is more appropriate in my mother's case." He joked.

"A little fear is not necessarily a bad thing. It keeps you honest." She smiled; her eyes sparkling in the glow of the street lamp.

"Are you afraid of me, Audrey?" He asked, turning his body to face her; the somber tone returning to his voice once more.

"Should I be?"

He looked into her eyes, taken by their expressive hue. He couldn't define their true color, but her gaze reminded him of the ocean with tinges of deepest blue and green. Suddenly the street lamps and darkened store fronts disappeared around them. He leaned into her and felt the softness of her lips for the first time. It was the kind of kiss that a man like Richard feared most. Delicate. Delicious. Dangerous. A kiss that signified only one thing: he was standing on the edge about to fall head first.

He pulled away quickly, worried that he may have crossed the line. They stood staring at one another for several moments before Audrey spoke.

"You forgot to Duke it." She whispered. Her expression was serious as she moved her hands up his pleated shirt front.

"I'm sorry?"

"Like this..." She slipped her arms around his neck, pulling his body closer. His hands moved underneath his tuxedo jacket and firmly around her waist. All the lights of London seemed to vanish as she found his lips once more. The dancing, the jazz, the laughter...all just a prelude to what they'd really wanted. They lost themselves for a minute before Audrey finally regained control and pulled away. She looked up at him with a breathless grin before wiping her mouth in dramatic fashion on the sleeve of his tuxedo jacket.

Thank for reading!