Rowland, The Senators Son

Chapter 3 Rainbow Room

Stepping out of the elevator of the 65th floor in the Rockefeller Center he entered the Rainbow Room. The opulent glamour of the space had always charmed Rowland. The 1930s icon was the perfect destination to draw the dollars from some pretty big pockets.

Floor to ceiling windows showing the New York skyline were the perfect backdrop to the large round tables each covered with large white cloths and massive floral arrangements that were fresh, crisp and in season. The finest crystal goblets were set and ready for no doubt some sophisticated wines all matching perfectly to the fine bone china plates and gleaming cutlery.

By Rowland's quick count there would be about two hundred and fifty punters ready to splash their cash.

This charity event was more than the usual high-end palaver offered up to make the rich of Wall Street reconcile their ill will. None really understood what they were supporting just that they could reaffirm their position by shoving some extra cash in front of those who would take note.

Rowland had always hated these events, when his mother was alive she had been the charity queen but unlike those he now found himself surrounded by she took up causes that really meant something to her.

When he was younger he had watched and helped her physically 'get in and get dirty' as she liked to call it, building homes cooking, doing dishes and even picking up trash.

Zara Jeffers truly had a kind heart and sweet spirit she always made sure her boys respected everyone, especially those that would often go under the radar of the privileged few.

Lost in memories, he suddenly found himself confronted by Miss Kingstone, again her curves were restrained but this time it was in a full length evening gown of emerald green.

The v-neckline of the sleeveless garment plunged only a little further than what would be seen acceptable by the charity fashion police. The beading of the tight bodice was simple and very elegant.

The "v" of the neckline was replicated at the bottom of the bodice and from underneath cascaded a waterfall of soft fabric that hung down in long individual curtains that touched the floor allowing for the glimpse of a luscious leg as she walked.

His attention was drawn to three-inch strappy black heels that were decorated with sequins and crystals. But it was her feet that had him momentarily catching his breath. Slight feet and delicate toes that were perfectly manicured and finished with the beautiful red polish the same colour she used on her lips. He had never given much thought to the beauty of a woman's foot but he now found himself with a desire to touch the skin he knew would be soft.

It was only the clearing of a throat that had him lifting his gaze back to her face. Her look was bemused and expectant.

Realising his bad manners, he rose quickly drawing her chair back he assisted Miss Kingstone to sit, "apologies I seem to have forgotten all the manners my mother drilled into me."

As she sat and he pushed her chair forward he caught the intoxicating fragrance of Rose.

Returning to his seat he took it upon himself to introduce Miss Kingstone to the other guests at their table.

The usual 'thousand dollar a plate' dinner was littered with copious amounts of benign small talk from all the guests at the table. The most amusing being an insincere comment of "I love your shoes" from an out classed young man trying to get it on with the debutante daughter of a socialite.

Alexia whispered to Rowland "Maybe he would have had better luck if he asked her the name of her favourite pony." Her comment saw them both attempting hiding their amusement.