Page 76 of Her Beast

She wasn’t a fool, either. The woman had looked so much like her that she’d been taken aback by the resemblance.

Why? Who was she?Whatwas she to him?

More importantly, will you venture down that corridor again? the taunting voice asked.

Julia couldn’t think about that right now; she needed to get through the day, first.

Besides, she’d had the strangest feeling he’d seen her and known she was there—that he’dlookeddirectly at her.

The feeling was so strong that all day long, as Julia read and painted and played the piano, at the back of her mind there lurked the fear that Malcolm would summon her and confront her.

But all that happened that afternoon was Mrs. Kemp delivered a new dress to her.

“I didn’t ask for anything,” Julia said.

“Mr. Barton sent this.” She handed Julia a small envelope with the wordJuliascrawled in an elegant script across the front.

Julia turned away to read it, her fingers fumbling as she opened the envelope. Inside was a plain card,This color was made for you. I look forward to seeing you in it. Your servant, Malcolm Barton.

Julia swallowed convulsively, crushing the card in her hand before she turned to the huge glossy black and gold Barton’s Emporium box. Her hand shook s she lifted the lid and peeled back layers of tissue.

Julia sucked in a breath. “Oh, my goodness.”

“That is a lovely color for you,” Kemp said.

Julia reached out to stroke the deep red—an odd shade that was almost the color of a ripe tomato. “My stepmother says I can’t wear red.” She petted the rich velvet like it was an animal.

Kemp leaned back and gave her a contemplative look, her gaze lingering on her hair. “No, in general I’d say not.” She glanced at the gown again. “But this isn’t reallyred. It’s…” she shook her head. “I don’t know what shade I’d call it, but it’s certainly unusual. See how it flatters your hand.”

Indeed, Julia’s skin looked warmer—a creamy white rather than pasty—against the luxurious material.

“And he sent this.” Kemp lifted a black velvet box and opened the lid.

Julia gasped and again her fingers moved closer to touch and stroke. But she pulled back just shy of the satiny orbs. “These are black pearls, aren’t they?”

“I believe so.”

Julia dropped her hand, almost afraid to touch the necklace. “They must cost afortune.”

The maid shrugged. “Mr. Barton is an extremely wealthy man.”

“I can’t accept such expensive gifts.”

“You will offend him if you do not.”

Julia chewed her lip. “Why is he giving me these things?”

Kemp’s narrow, pale face flushed slightly. “He means no insult; it is his nature to be generous.”

“With gifts,” Julia said. Because he certainly wasn’t generous with information, or even with his attention. At least not with her.

And that was what she really wanted from the man. Especially after last night…

Kemp held her gaze for a long moment and Julia flushed at the understanding in the older woman’s eyes, as if Kemp could see how infatuated she’d become with her captor.

“I don’t believe he wishes to place you under an obligation to him, Miss Julia.”

Unfortunately, Julia didn’t think he did, either.

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