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Magda shook her head ‘No—no, of course not It is very kind of her’
The cot was already in the bedroonificent affair, orthy of a di Viscenti, carved and painted, and clearly freshly spring-cleaned by Maria To her relief, Benji took to it in of coda wondered how fond he’d be of it once it dawned on him that with the wooden side raised and locked into position he would not be able to get out alone But since it was right up against the high bed she was happy enough for him to try
It certainlyhe was safely inside the cot, bathed and ready for sleep, having a last play with his toys, she could go about her ablutions with greater confidence, especially when it ca her hair She had had to wash it after the day at the beach, and orried she would not be able to recreate the chic style that Olivia’s salon had so effortlessly produced However, she followed the other wo it with the hairdryer she found in her bedside cabinet
The effect, when coda applied to the best of her ability, was much better than she had hoped As she stared at herself, at the gently waving e and her lipsticked mouth lush and vivid, she could not believe such a transformation really was possible
As Benji, hugging his teddy bear, silky hair sly back fro evening gown froe antique wardrobe and slipped it on
It was black, cut on the bias and clung to her hips, and folding softly over her breasts, held up by tiny shoestring straps She did not need a bra with it; any slight support she needed was built into the bodice As the fine-grained material slid over her head and shiin to work She walked to the mirror and stared, transfixed
Wonderingly she touched her throat
Is this really me?
It see back at her could not lie It showed a slender, graceful woowned, with her hair in a soft cloud and wide, luminous eyes
She could not take her eyes fro in wonder at herself
A soft knock on the door disturbed her reverie It was Gina, taking over on babywatch
‘Signor di Viscenti is downstairs waiting for you, signora,’ the girl said, casting an adda’s appearance