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“No,” Julia replied thoughtfully “‘dashing’ iot There is so very controlled and intense about his manner”

“Fascinating”

The touidly as they waited to be called for rehearsal Logan Scott, Charles Haversley, a handsome blond actor in his twenties, and two other players were currently occupied on stage with a co of the Shrew, a production that Julia was particularly enjoying because it was her first opportunity to play the part of Katherine Arlyss had been cast as the younger sister, Bianca

Although Julia and Arlyss were often in co the past two years Each had conize that the other had talents different from her own Some roles were better suited for Arlyss's comic abilities, while others required Julia's e In between rehearsals and performances, they talked about their personal Lives, their fears and ah Julia was careful never to reveal too much about her past

“Why don't things like that ever happen to ar in her tea The possessor of an incurable sweet tooth, she battled constantly to keep her short, shapely figure fro pursued by an attractive et the fat old men who only want a quick roll in bed, and then point to e and boast to their friends”

Julia gave her a sye of you, Arlyss—and there's no need for that You're beautiful, talented…you're one of the e! There's no need to give away your favors so easily”

“I know,” Arlyss said with a glu with her mop of brown curls She pulled a few hairpins from her untidy coiffure and stuck them back in haphazardly “I just can't seem to help myself where men are concerned I'm not like you, Julia It's hardly natural for a woman to be so iron-willed Aren't you ever lonely? Don't you crave a man in your bed sometimes, if only to remind you that you're a woman?”

“Sometimes,” Julia adaze fixed on the as and use thee”

“Maybe I should try that,” Arlyss said “After all, the men I entertain are merely substitutes for the one I really want”

Julia gave her a half-pitying, half-a to “You know Mr Scott's rule about actresses Besides, I don't see the reason for your infatuation with him”

“It'slove I can't believe any woman wouldn't feel that way about him!”

“Mr Scott is far from the perfect man,” Julia said sourly “Good heavens, I just told you about the way he's forced e! Mr Scott rand principles, but at heart he's nothing but a rubber”

Arlyss airily waved the coht—five thousand pounds is nothing to turn up your nose at” She chewed thoughtfully on a slice of dry cake, and followed it withat Mr Scott's house this very er than six months…they never do There must be soe! So dark and painful…”

Julia snorted at her friend's dreamy expression “Really, Arlyss, you have too many romantic illusions I would think that a life in the theater should have cured you of that”

“No, it only makes it worse! When you spin romantic illusions for other people all the tiht up in them”

“I don't”

“You're made of iron,” Arlyss said “I don't knohether to envy or pity you” She leaned forward, her green eyes sparkling with interest “Tellto hen you dine with his lordship?”

“So”

“No, no, no…wear so to make his mouth turn dry and his head spin and his heart pound—”

“As if he had soh

“You ed “I won't allow you to choose anything else”

“I'll consider it” Julia looked up as a reenroom door to infore

After days of exacting rehearsal, the Friday perforan had directed, Julia threw all her energy into the boisterous production In previous adaptations the story had been watered down to so rooan Scott had restored all of that, and added a robust physicality that both startled and pleased the audience It was a lusty, vigorous play that ht

With Logan playing the dashing Petruchio to Julia's devilish Katherine, the audience roared with laughter at their volcanic battles, and sat spellbound during some of the quieter, tender moments Unfortunately, at the end of the production, Julia was battered and sore The play called forone bit in which Katherine tried to attack Petruchio, and he swung her off her feet like a rag doll In spite of Logan's efforts to be careful with her, Julia was not surprised to find a few faint bruises on her arms and torso

Ignoring all entreaties for her attention, Julia locked her dressing room door, washed the sweat and paint froe bath After dabbing perfume on her throat and inner elbows and between her breasts, she turned her attention to the gown she had brought with her As Arlyss had insisted, she had decided on her favorite evening gown It was fashioned of jet-black Italian silk, the surface glossy and finely corded One deep pink silk rose adorned each short, gathered sleeve The gown's only other adorn and closing rhythmically in billoaths as she walked

After dressing carefully, Julia left the back fastenings undone and regarded herself in the mirror A faint smile came to her face Noto know that she looked her best The black silk provided a dramatic contrast to her pale skin and ash-blond hair, while the touches of rose-pink echoed the color in her cheeks

“Mrs Wentworth,” cah the door “May I cos?”

Julia unlocked the door to let the pluirl inside Betsy was an efficient servant, taking care of her costu her with a own, please?”

“Yes, Mrs Wentworth I've brought some more flowers”

“You may keep the rooe perfume

“Oh, but these are so beautiful! Just have a look,” Betsy coaxed, bringing forth the ement

Julia exclai from palest pink to crimson-red, interspersed with exotic orchids and tall spikes of vivid purple and white delphinium “Who sent them?” she asked