O'Brien's Lady - By Marsha Doss Page 0,40

upstairs to slip it on. The snug fit of the bodice made her waist appear two inches smaller and the soft layers of white lace ruffling fell from one hip. The puffed, off-the-shoulder sleeves were dotted with pearls and Austrian crystal beading.

"Do you like it Sondra?" Pierre's eyes were bright and he watched her with great admiration.

"Oh, its beautiful. I've never seen anything quite like it."

"Then, if you are pleased with it, I have been a success." Pierre slipped an arm around her waist and drew her gently to him. "You are truly beautiful," he said just before he kissed her on the lips.

It was a warm, pleasant, non-committal type of kiss that left Sonny in full charge of all of her faculties. Her legs and hands didn't tremble, her heart was still beating regularly and there was no evidence of any electric charges shooting through her body.She watched Pierre, as he backed away, a satisfied, look on his neatly groomed face.

"Now then, about your hair," he said abruptly as he circled around her, touching the loose strands that fell past her shoulders. "You need to wear it up, to get the full impact of the bare shoulders. And, before I forget, I have a little present for you."

"A present? Pierre, really, wearing this dress is all I need."

"Nonsense. Now then, open this please." He had pulled a small box from his pocket that was

wrapped in silver and white paper. She looked numbly at the package and her heart was suddenly in her throat. "No, Pierre, I couldn't," she said backing away.

"Please, Sondra, it is not what you think.

Open it." Pierre took her hand and placed the small package in her palm, closing her fingers around it.

Sonny hesitated, then slowly tore into the paper. When she opened the box, she found a ring with a cluster of diamonds that surrounded a single ruby. The faceted stone caught the light and sparkled in a million images of color.

"Pierre, I can't accept this."

"Yes you can. Now wear it and enjoy." He placed the ring on her right ring finger, then smiled proudly.

"This doesn't mean..?"

"No," he responded quickly. "It is not an engagement ring, just a token of my appreciation for your work and for opening your home to my guests."

Pierre kissed her lightly on the cheek. "And now, is there some place where I could change?"

By the time Sonny had applied her make-up and styled her hair the way Pierre had suggested, the caterers had arrived and he was already downstairs showing them where to set up.

As always, Pierre was smartly dressed. He wore a white tuxedo of his own design with wide cream colored satin lapels and matching shirt and tie. The combination was striking against his black hair and beard.

While he gave his usual list of instructions and supervised the setting of the table, Sonny turning on strategic lights in every room. The October night air was crisp without being cold and the moon added illumination to the small mushroom lights that lined the driveway.

There was a certain feeling of excitement that came with the planning and actual participation of an elegant dinner party, and Sonny was enjoying every minute of this one.

By seven o'clock she stood in the arched doorway of the living room that was filled with women in glittering gowns and men in elegant formal wear.

It was indeed an awesome sight and she was happy to have the house so full of people. It was wonderful to hear laughter and feel movement around her. Until now she hadn't known how lonely it had been here since her return home.

"Sondra, there is someone I'd like you to meet." Pierre graciously ushered her over to a very tall, thin man of about fifty and the noticeably younger blond woman at his side.

"Sondra this is Jonathon and Ernestine Corey, who have interest in marketing my new line here in the states."

Jonathon Corey exchanged small talk while Ernestine kept her eyes enviously focused on Sonny's gown. Eventually her husband took a breath and she was able to join in on the conversation.

"Pierre, you are wonderful. I have been

admiring this gown all evening." Her green cat-like eyes narrowed as she exhibited her dazzling smile.

"Then I must create one especially for you," he said smoothly.

"I'll take you up on that. But promise me you'll not make me look too ravishing…Jonathon is the jealous type." Ernestine threw her head back and laughed.

"Pierre tells me your photographic work is nothing short of genius," Jonathon said.

"I