Valentine #29 October 1960

Laura Franks returns to her hometown, where her past as a shy, overlooked girl now contrasts with her current beauty and success. When Mike Laver’s car, Liza, breaks down again in Orton Lane, he’s torn between his old habits and the new, complicated feelings Laura stirs—especially as she refuses to be just another conquest.

Nina Rhodes watches Hildy Williams kiss Brett Richards with quiet resignation, her focus already on the future she’s built for Alexi Rassine—enough money to launch a new ballet. When Alexi arrives in a flashy new sports car, Nina’s calm demeanor flickers as she asks how much of her gift remains.

Briony finds unexpected comfort in Fred’s attention after her mother’s passing, but his affection comes with strings attached—his possessiveness grows clearer when she dares to flirt with another boy. Late one night, Fred returns at midnight, only to be cornered by police, leaving Briony caught between fear and the strange loyalty she’s begun to feel.

Gloria is assigned to write a feature on Hollywood star Jon Bryant, a man she once knew as the struggling actor Johnny Jones—someone who once thought of her as his girl. Reconnecting after years apart, the past stirs up old feelings as she navigates the glittering world of fame and the quiet ache of what might have been.

Julie is surprised when two men approach her, asking her to arrange a meeting with the Duke—especially since he’s been kissing every girl in England except her. With the Duke’s mysterious parchment granting him the right to kiss any woman, Julie can’t help but wonder why he’s drawn to her now, especially when the men seem more than a little suspicious.