October 31, 1860

Charity adjusted the sleeves on her blouse and looked over at Elena. She couldn't believe her friend had actually gone through with her plan to come to the party dressed as their hostess. The wig was a similar color to Meg's, and the dress was almost an exact copy of the one Mrs. Saunders had worn to her engagement party.

The two women entered the party and gawked at the elegant way the room had been decorated. Immediately Elena excused herself to flirt with a couple of her regular customers and seek out Luke, leaving Charity to fend for herself. A little while later Charity's eyes were drawn to a small group in the corner of the room and found that Elena looked like she was being chastised by the host and hostess of the party. Slowly she made her way to the group. If ever there was going to be any juicy gossip, that was where it would be. She got there in time to watch Meghan stalk off.

"Well that went well." Charity said as she approached Elena after Meg had left. "Do you really take some kind of enjoyment by making that poor girl crazy?"

Elena smiled and smoothed down the bodice of her low cut dress. "Yep, did you see how handsome Luke looked though?"

Charity rolled her eyes heavenward. "Meg is completely upset and you think Luke is going to give you even a moment of his time tonight?"

"A girl can be hopeful."

"You are something else Elena."

"And every man here knows it."

"Do we now?"

Both women stiffened and glanced at each other before turning to find Ian smiling down at them. "Ian Grant." He said as he held out his hand and introduced himself.

Charity and Elena were both dumbfounded and smiled weakly. Charity shook his hand and introduced herself but Ian was staring down at Elena intently. The other woman looked from one to the other and excused herself.

Elena eyed the tall man in front of her and for one moment in the dim lights, thought it was Luke. She smiled seductively and ran a finger up his tunic. "Do I know you?" She purred.

Ian smiled. "Not yet. Can I talk to you outside?"

Elena nodded and looped her arm through his. Ian led her to a secluded spot between the house and the stables and turned to her in the moonlight. "You're Elena aren't you?"

"I see my reputation has preceded me."

"That goes without saying." Ian replied. "I think you and I could help each other Elena."

Her eyebrows shot up. "Oh? How so?"

"You want Luke Saunders and I can help you get him."

Elena laughed loudly. "Yeah right."

Ian crossed his arms across his chest. "I grew up with Luke. I know him better than anyone."

"And what will you get from this."

"Meghan."

If he had sprouted wings and begun to fly, Elena wouldn't have been more shocked. "You want Meghan Saunders for yourself?"

"That I do, so do we have a deal?"

"Alright. Partners." Elena held out her hand.

Ian grabbed it and pulled her close. "Let's seal it with a kiss shall we?" Before she could pull away his lips were on hers. Against her better judgment she sighed and melted into him. He certainly was more than an adequate kisser, Elena thought, and wondered when was the last time she had kissed just for the pure enjoyment of it and it was over much too soon for her tastes.

Ian pulled away from her and smiled then saw a figure running out of the house and towards the stable. He strained his eyes for a better look and realized it was Meghan. "I think you should go now. I'll see you later and we can discuss what we're going to do."

Elena frowned slightly. "I don't wanna go."

He turned to her and spoke like he was talking to an obnoxious child. "You've done more damage than anything else tonight. Trust me when I say leave the house now before Luke gets a hold of you."

She paused to think a moment then nodded. "Fine, I'll go but your plan better work."

Ian smiled slyly. "It will."

A few minutes later Elena left and Ian went in search of Meghan. He found her sitting inside his workroom in the back of their barn. "Want to talk about it?"

Meg jumped and wiped at her cheeks. "No." She said softly. "I just want to be alone."

"Should I beat Luke up? Will that make you feel better? After all I am a knight and I'm supposed to help damsels in distress."

His joke got Meghan to laugh and some of the tension in the room dissipated, Ian made his way into the room and sat beside her. "Come on Meghan, talk to me."

"I had a horrible argument with my best friend and I'm sure she hates me now."

"Another argument?"

Meghan frowned, "Yes. We said horrible things to each other, but I don't think she should have come with that man to my house. At least not without telling me he was coming first."

"Of course she shouldn't have, it was rude of her to assume you'd like him." Ian agreed. "So who is he?"

"He's the casino owner at the bordello." Meghan explained.

"Ah well now I see. That girl is horrible, imagine she wanted to have a good time with a man who asked her to the party, the nerve of some people."

Meg's eyebrows shot up. "Are you mocking me?"

Ian couldn't contain his smile. "Just a little. Meghan, so what your friend is being courted by a man who you see as below her. It's her life let her live it."

"I guess you're right, but she said I was hypocritical then Luke stepped in and it was like they ganged up on me."

Ian saw his opportunity and jumped on it. He draped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close to his side. "I'm sorry, I wish I were there. It sounds like no one tried to see it from your perspective."

Meg almost lost her balance and moved her hand to his chest for balance. "Exactly what I thought. You'd think that Luke would be on my side."

He tilted her face up and stared down at her intently. "Sometimes Luke is as dumb as dirt but hiding out here isn't going to solve your problems."

"No, but it makes me feel better."

Ian laughed softly and kissed the top of her head before pulling away. "Come on, let's go back inside and dance. We'll show Luke and your friend Corey that you're not bothered by their disloyal attitude towards you."

Meghan smiled tenderly and nodded. "Alright let's go." She started to walk out, but Ian pulled her to a stop.

"Are you sure you're feeling alright? Should I get your father or stepmother to check you over?"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm fine, and there's no need to worry anyone else. Thanks for listening to me rant about this."

Ian smiled. "That's what I'm here for."

She hugged him tightly then rose on her toes and kissed his cheek. Ian held her longer than was necessary, and Meg told herself he was comforting her when no one else would so she didn't move. A few moments later he pulled away from her and stared into her eyes sincerely. "Luke has no idea what a jewel he has." He whispered as he caressed her cheek gently.

Meg blushed and stepped back a little to put some distance between them. "I think we should go inside now."

Ian cleared his throat and nodded, with a small bow he said, "Lead the way my queen and I will follow you always."

She laughed softly, grateful that he changed the tone of his voice and grabbed his hand. Together they headed back towards the party.