Page 66 of Somewhere I'll Find You
“It doesn't matter,” he said casually, reaching for the books in her arms. “May I take these for you?”
“No, thank you.” She withdrew a step, holding her burden tightly.
Damon gave a short nod, as if her refusal was what he had expected. “I have something to tell you,” he said matter-of-factly. “I'll be leaving for London tonight. There are matters I've left unattended for too long.”
“Oh.” Julia managed an indifferent smile, thankful that she was wearing a veil. It wouldn't do for him to see any sign of her sudden deflation, the hollow feeling that seeped through every nerve and fiber. “Will you be seeing Lady Ashton?” some inner devil prompted her to ask.
“I expect so.”
The brusque reply did not invite further comment. Questions brimmed inside her, and Julia was seized in the grip of gnawing anxiety. What would occur between Damon and Lady Ashton? Perhaps he would attempt some kind of reconciliation. Pauline would accept, of course. She would welcome him back eagerly, and they would begin to make plans for the life they would share with their baby.
Trying to banish the rankling images from her mind, Julia asked quietly, “Will you be returning to Bath?”
He hesitated while his gaze held hers. “Is that what you want?”
Yes, her heart cried, but she was paralyzed with indecision. All she could do was stare at him mutely.
“Damn you,” he muttered. “What do you want from me, Julia?”
Before she could reply, she heard Arlyss's pert voice nearby, half-accusing, half-teasing. “…surprised you still remember my name, my lord…you made it clear I was only a passing fancy.”
To Julia's dismay, William had seen Arlyss among the bookstalls and had wasted no time in approaching her. Turning, Julia watched the scene unfolding before them… William eyeing the small actress with roguish appreciation, Arlyss's posture of saucy challenge, and Michael Fiske, all bristling masculinity as he strode toward the pair. It was likely there would be a fight. Julia hated the thought of what such a scene might do to Arlyss's budding romance with Fiske.
“Please,” Julia said, instinctively looking to Damon for help, “don't let your brother cause trouble.”
Damon seemed unsympathetic. “There won't be, unless your featherbrained little friend offers William encouragement.”
Julia cursed beneath her breath. William and his randy impulses were going to ruin everything for Arlyss. He would soothe Arlyss's wounded pride by making blatant advances to her, and he would leave her again when the seduction was over. And Michael Fiske would want nothing more to do with her.
William grinned at Arlyss, his blue eyes sparkling with irresistible charm. “Of course I remember your name, my sweet. I remember that and a good deal more. I came to Bath because missed you and your considerable charms.”
It was clear Arlyss couldn't resist such blatant flattery. “You came to Bath just to see me?” she asked warily.
“Of course I did. There's no other attraction here.”
Michael Fiske joined the conversation, glaring fiercely at his rival in the manner of a handsome mutt challenging a polished thoroughbred. “Arlyss is with me now. Go now, and don't bother her again.”
Seeming amused, William addressed his reply to Arlyss. “Am I bothering you, sweetling?”
She stood between the two men, her mop of curls bobbing as she looked from one to the other. Tentatively she inched toward Michael Fiske. “I'm with Mr. Fiske now,” she murmured, in a tone that was far from certain. It was a small step, but it was all that Fiske required.
Seizing the meager encouragement, he jerked Arlyss close and planted a bruising kiss on her lips. As Arlyss laughed at the blatant display, Fiske hoisted her in the air and slung her over his shoulder. Feminine shrieks and uncontrollable giggles resulted, causing everyone in the marketplace to turn and stare at the pair as Fiske carried Arlyss away.
“Now see here…” William protested, beginning to follow them. He was brought up short as Damon caught him by the arm.
“Will…find some other pigeon to amuse yourself with.”
William hesitated, staring after the departing couple. “You know how I enjoy a challenge,” he said wistfully.
“Let this one go,” Damon said. “You've caused enough trouble. Besides, you're leaving for London with me tonight…remember?”
William grumbled and nodded. Quickly recovering his former high spirits, he cast a roguish glance at Julia and back to Damon. “Just remembermyadvice toyou,” he said, winking broadly before taking his own leave.
Julia turned to Damon. “What was his advice?”
“He told me that women like to be charmed and seduced.”
Her mouth twisted wryly. “Your brother has a great deal to learn about women.”
