- The disclaimer is in Chapter 1 if you're looking for it.
- Thank you so much to everyone who sent in a review, it makes my work all the more pleasurable.
Chapter 3
"What do you think?" Ned showed Roxton the diamond engagement ring he bought two days earlier.
"Beautiful".
"Marguerite recommended the jeweler; she promised me that he would give me a good price".
"That's Marguerite for you" John couldn't help but smile when he thought about her, her eye for gems was one of a slew of her many talents that he found irresistible.
"Would you excuse us one moment?" Ned pulled Veronica aside.
Marguerite and Roxton shared a secret smile as the younger couple stepped into the drawing room.
"Your sweating, what's wrong?".
"Nothing, just sit down, please".
"Ned, tell me what's going on".
With his heart beating a thousand miles an hour, he slowly got down on one knee.
"I know I've made some foolish mistakes and I've hurt you. But I also know that I love you and you're the one I want to spend my life with".
Veronica sat silently, in shock.
"We can have a long engagement, we can return to the plateau and get married there...".
"Yes".
"Are you serious?" her silence had temporarily scared him.
"Of course".
"It's not as big as Marguerite's...".
"I love it, it's beautiful".
"And I love you" they fell onto the floor laughing and kissing.
"Everything ok in here?".
"Everything is wonderful".
"Do we have time for a toast?" Marguerite asked.
"Afraid not, the invitation said 9:30 and its 9:20".
"There's nothing wrong with being fashionably late" Marguerite offered.
"Let's make is short" Roxton agreed.
"To Ned and Veronica, may you two be as happy we are".
The wine disappeared as they drank and exited.
"Enjoy the party, Miss Krux" Daniel closed the door behind them.
Daniel's eye's glowed dark as the car drove off. He fell to the ground, unconscious, as the dark cloud followed the car.
News of the engagement spread quickly, Ned and Veronica receiving congratulations from all, except one.
Noticing the lone man in the tuxedo, the dark cloud made its move.
"They make a handsome couple" the man over Glady's shoulder commented.
"Some people have no taste" came the tart reply.
"Champagne?".
"Why not?" the champagne disappeared in one gulp.
"Miss Layton has nothing on you".
"Tell that to Ned" Gladys sulked.
"I heard about your fiancée, Miss Avigdon, my condolences".
Gladys returned Gerard's ring that afternoon, very few knew of the un-engagement.
"How do you know my name?" she demanded.
"There are many things I know" there was something about this man that was dangerously seductive.
"Do I have the pleasure of your name?".
"Danubis".
"What do you do, Mr. Danubis?" she questioned as he led her onto the floor.
"Let's just say that I'm traveling on business. My name is Danubis, no need for Mr.".
"What exactly is your business?" something was not right about this man.
"Nothing specific, a little here, a little there".
The musicians paused as Challenger stepped up the podium.
"A toast, to Ned and Veronica".
"Here, here" the crowd toasted them.
Gladys turned away in disgust.
"I believe you and I may be of service to one another".
"How?".
"My business pertains to Miss Layton. My employer has contracted me to return Miss Layton to the Amazon".
"And you need my help how?" Glady's patience was disappearing fast; she was in no mood for games tonight.
"You will assist me in creating a diversion so I may return with my charge".
They shared a wicked smile. Gladys knew Ned would return to her, it was just a matter of time.
"Is Miss Layton home?" Gladys asked Daniel days later.
"I'm sorry, Miss, she and Mr. Malone left several hours ago".
"Could I perhaps leave a message?" she asked sweetly as the car stopped in front of the door.
"Ned, really, you're acting like Roxton" they had been unable to keep their hands off each other all day.
"I can't help it" he pulled her back into the car for one last kiss.
"Enjoy it while you can, jungle princess" Gladys forced a smile as Veronica finally slid out of the car, Ned right behind her.
"Gladys, what are you doing here?",
"I came to speak to Miss Layton".
"I think I'd better go. I have articles to write, editors to see" sensing the tense situation, he kissed Veronica lightly on the cheek before departing.
"What can I do for you?" Gladys may have looked innocent, but Veronica knew a predator when she saw one, even if it was born and bred into the upper class.
"May I speak to you in private?" with her guard still up, Veronica led Gladys to the salon.
"Would you care for a refreshment?" Daniel offered.
"No thank you, I won't be staying" Waiting for Daniel to depart, Gladys turned to Veronica.
"I wish to apologize about my behavior. I had my chance with Ned, but I guess we weren't right for each other. You're very lucky; Ned is a catch for any woman".
"Ned is a catch, I accept your apology".
"I apologize for rushing out, but we must do lunch someone, you can tell me about your jungle adventures with Ned" Gladys rushed out.
Veronica watched the blond disappear, thinking maybe for once, her instincts were wrong.
"Did she buy it?" Danubis asked as the car drove away.
"Like a child on Christmas day".
Their plan was working. The jungle girl might have looked civilized, but she was a savage underneath. And soon, she would return to the savage land where she belonged. Ned would need consoling and she would be right by his side. And she would be Mrs. Malone, not the jungle girl, Veronica Layton.