Page 56 of Somewhere I'll Find You
“No need…” the man gasped, choking for air. “Please…I'll go…”
Abruptly Damon let go, and Langate collapsed against the door. Strathearn went to him immediately, looking cowed and pale as he lent a supporting arm to his companion. Together the pair made their way through the door, back into the eager throng that waited outside.
Damon turned to Julia, his eyes still glittering with rage.
“How…?” she asked breathlessly.
“I came through the back entrance of the theater. There's a crowd waiting for you there as well.”
“And for the other actors,” she said with a flicker of returning spirit.
“Mostly for you.” He gave her a hard smile. “You seem to be considered public property, Mrs. Wentworth.”
“I'm no one's property.”
“I can produce a certificate of marriage that states otherwise.”
“Your certificate is worththis,” she retorted with a snap of her fingers. “Our marriage is of questionable legality, as you're well aware. Any court would set it aside with no hesitation, considering the fact that neither of us was of an appropriate age.”
After a long moment Julia's gaze fell, and she wondered why they were suddenly so angry with each other. She softened her voice considerably. “Thank you for getting rid of those buffoons.”
Damon didn't reply, his features still tense.
“I'll have to wait here until the crowd begins to disperse,” Julia commented.
“That won't be necessary,” he said grimly. “I'll escort you to my carriage.”
She shook her head and drew back. “No, thank you. I don't think it would be wise to spend another evening with you.”
“Not even to share supper? As far as I know, you haven't eaten today.”
“I don't object to sharing a meal with you, it's just…afterward…”
As Damon saw how flustered she had become, he turned strangely gentle. He reached up to her hat and adjusted it a half-inch, his fingers smoothing back a few soft wisps of blond hair. “I didn't come to Bath merely to chase you around the bedroom—though the idea does have merit.”
“Then why are you here?”
“I want to spend some time with you. I want to know more about the life you lead, and why it holds such attraction for you. And I want you to know more about me. The fact is, we're still strangers. Before we discuss how to end our marriage, it wouldn't hurt to become more familiar with each other.”
“I suppose not,” Julia said cautiously, looking up at him. She made a move to unroll the black veil from the crown of her hat. He did it for her, carefully arranging the netting over her face.
“Then have supper with me tonight at my terrace. I'll deliver you to the inn afterward, completely untouched. You have my word.”
Julia considered the offer. The thought of having a meal by herself at the inn, or with other people in the acting company, sounded none too appealing at the moment. “I suppose anything your cook prepares will be better than the fare at the inn,” she said.
Her grudging acceptance provoked a smile from him. “You have my word on that as well.” He pulled her hand into the crook of his arm. “Let's go, madam, before your public become even more unruly.”
It had always been necessary for Julia to fend off overeager suitors and admirers by herself. It was a pleasant change to walk out on a strong man's arm, letting him assume control of the situation. She made no protest as Damon slid a protective hand onto her slender back and guided her through the crush of inquisitive strangers outside. Immediately she was assaulted by eager questions and hands plucking at her hat, veil, and cloak.
Startled, Julia felt her hat being pulled off her head. Smarting tears came to her eyes as the anchoring pin tugged sharply. Turning away from the slew of excited cries, she clung to Damon until they reached the carriage. She managed to smile and wave at the crowd before entering the vehicle. Damon wasn't nearly so forgiving, shoving the people at the front of the mob to keep them at bay, ignoring their protests.
Tucked safely inside the carriage, Julia sighed in relief and rubbed her sore scalp. “I thought they might pluck my hair out by the roots,” she exclaimed as the carriage pulled away.
Damon's gaze was imperturbable. “Basking in public adoration, pursued by everyone…it must be what every actress wants.”
Julia considered the remark and replied carefully. “I suppose I like knowing that people are pleased with what I do…and their approval means that my position at the Capital and my salary are secure.”
“Their approval means more to you than that.”
