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“Perhaps you have soested softly “I trust you will use it on my behalf”
Their gazes ray It was impossible for Damon to tell whether Scott wasfor Jessica Wentworth, or if his feelings crossed the threshold of actual jealousy Scott spoke tonelessly “I will not be responsible for urging Mrs Wentworth into a situation that could be co or difficult for her—”
“All I want is to spend a few hours with her,” Daive you my word that she will not be offended in any way I would like you to persuade her to accept my invitation If she doesn't, iven as promised”
Scott hesitated for a longa worldly man, he understood that soardless of Damon's assurances to the contrary One supper was hardly too much to ask in return for five thousand pounds “Very well I'll discuss the matter with her”
“Thank you” Damon kept his face blank, but he felt as if he could draw a full breath for the first time since Jessica Wentworth had cast her spell over him It would be done—Scott would convince her to meet with him, and he would have a few hours alone with her
Helike himself at all He was never moved by impulse—he calculated and planned his every action But he would allow himself this temporary lapse, if only because he didn't seem to have a choice
As he and Logan Scott parted coliroup of adaze was fixed on him as if she already knehat he had done
“What did you say to him?” Pauline asked as soon as he returned to her and Willia been abandoned even for a few minutes
Daave her a bland look “I've decided to become a sponsor for the Capital”
“You?” She gave hilance
“You never go to the theater unless you're knocked over the head and dragged there,” William commented “Why the sudden interest in the Capital?”
“Yes, why?” Pauline asked, her ht with suspicion
“I want to broadenthem both not to question him any further
“What did he say to you?” Julia deuests and take Logan Scott aside for a private word
Logan's eyes were pools of innocent blue “Who?”
“Lord Savage,” she said between her teeth “What did the two of you talk about? I saw the expression on your face—the look you alhen someone offers you money”
“Well, there you have it” He soing to enerous fellow Pleasant, gentlemanly—”
“Stop praising him and tell me what he wanted!”
“We'll discuss it later”
Driven by fast-rising frustration, Julia caught his sleeve, her fingers digging into the fine, dark amber cloth of his coat “Did he mention me?”
“Why do you ask that?” Logan's gaze delved into hers “He did, as aon between you?”
“Nothing,” she said i will I have no interest in him at all”
“That's unfortunate Because I made him a promise of sorts”
“You have no right tome!” she said hotly
“Quiet,” Loganto force you to do anything We'll talk later, when you've ed to control your emotions”
Julia willed herself to stay calm, and released her clutch on his sleeve “Tell o mad”
“Savage wants to have supper with you one evening”
“No!”
“Before you refuse, let her salary than anyone in the co costumes made for you of the best silks and velvets, and real jewels for you to wear I surround you with soe, and choose plays tailored to display your talents to the best advantage I don't think that having one platonic dinner with Lord Savage would be too much of a trial for you, in return for the five thousand pounds he's donating to the theater”
“Platonic dinner?” she sneered “If you're going to become a pimp, Mr Scott, you may as well be honest about it I'm hardly naive”
“No, rateful,” he said smoothly
“I've worked hard for you the past two years—that is all my contract requires”
“Any other actress in the coe's invitation with pleasure”
“Then send one of them in my place Send them all!”
“Dae, if you ht that you deserve the leading part in My Lady Deception—but you won't get it, or any other parts you want this season, unless you accept Savage's invitation And before you cry ‘unfair,’ reiven you, and my close attention to your career, you would probably be touring the provinces with a group of strolling players”
Julia shot hi by the gentleain introductions to her
Standing before the closed door of one of the second-floor bedroom suites, Julia lifted her hand to knock, then hesitated and let it fall to her side The hour was late, everyone having retired to his roo Behind this door, and many of the others, there were sounds of drawers and ar, as well as the e into their sleeping attire
After bribing a servant to tell her which roo in, Julia had come here with a mixture of fear and resolution She had never visited a man's room before, but this seee in private She had to confront him, and et nothing from her Perhaps then he would withdraw his dinner invitation
She was terribly nervous, al Taking a deep breath to restore herself, she forced herself to knock Her shaking knuckles barely grazed the panels As slight as the sound was, it had been noticed Julia blanched as she heard a muffled inquiry from within Seconds later the handle turned, and she found herself staring up into Lord Savage's shadowy gray eyes
Julia tried to speak, but her throat had closed, and all she could do was stand there silently Her heart beat frantically, until her ears were filled with the sound of rapid drues of undress, when quick costues made privacy impossible—but it was far different to be confronted with Lord Savage wearing only a burgundy silk dressing robe In the confines of the suite, he seeer than he had in the spacious ballrooolden throat level with her eyes