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Alannah found Maria and was taken to the guest quarters on the southern side of the chateau She learned that Nicolò was out working in the gardens and would not be joining them for their afternoon meal Alannah drew a bath, added bubbles, and before undressing all the way she looked out the ardens below There she saw Nicolò, he had changed into so a little cooler and had doned a hat to keep the sun out of his eyes He looked up and saw Alannah watching hi but her white underdress, which with the brightness of the day he could see the perfect outline of her body He waved to her and she back to hi the curtain closed as she walked into the bathroom She stepped into the clawfoot tub that was filled to the bri her ties since she had taken a real bath She sat in the bathtub, her head resting on the edge of the tub, trying to relax and let go of the past Closing her eyes she tried to iine what a future would be like here on this island, could she really find peace and happiness? She washed her hair, and then grabbed the hand made soap that Maria had left for her, it s the feelings of her long journey wash out of her with each pass of her fingers This was in no way a sensualand reflection Herfrom the monster she called her father appeared to be over, and for once she finally felt free

When she stpped out of that bath, nearly an hour later, she felt cleaner that she had felt in a very long time - cleaner than just on the surface, but deep down into her soul Alannah got dressed and discovered that a bath and a change of clothes did much to revitalize her sullen mood As she did back home at her families estate in Ireland, she wore a si underneath, she felt the deliciously cool abreezes and she felt free froo barefoot but decided upon a pair of light leather sandals that matched her dress