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Logan smiled “You exceeded every hope I had for you You lory, including myself”

The lavish praise was so unexpected that Julia was disconcerted She gave hihten the articles on her dressing table

“I saw Lord Savage coan remarked “Froratulate you”

“No, he didn't” Julia's hands went still on the dressing table, fingertips pressed on the smooth surface until they turned white She took care that her reflection gave no clue as to what had happened

Logan regarded her thoughtfully and gave a short nod, as if co to a decision “Come with me, Julia I want to talk to you about an idea I've been considering lately”

She turned toward him, unable to hide her surprise “The hour is late”

“I'll deliver you to the inn by ht” His wide mouth curved in a smile “I have a proposition that concerns your future”

Julia was intrigued “Tell me”

“In private” Logan cla room

“Where are we going?” she asked, picking up her cloak as they left

“I have a house near the river”

Mystified, Julia accompanied him without further questions She was puzzled as to why he would allow her to see yet another of his residences, inviting her a step further into the private world he guarded so jealously

Afteroutside the theater, they took a carriage ride to a srounds Like Logan's London home, it was Italianate in flavor, with a luxurious but quiet atmosphere

Sitting in the parlor with a glass of wine in her hand, Julia relaxed against the upholstered back of an Ean expectantly He fiddled with a few objects placed artfully on a reen malachite box, an ebony Louis XIV bracket clock He slid her a sidelong glance, appraising her mood

“You look as if you're preparing to talk ,” Julia commented

“I a frankness “But before I s stand between you and Lord Savage”

Julia occupied herself with relass She finally looked up at him with an unco?”

“I don't want to interfere in your relationship…your e”

“There can be no real e,” she said, her voice dull and flat “It's clear to me that ould both be better off with an annulree…and he's rather overwhel what he wants”

“And he wants you,” Logan said quietly

“He wants a traditional wife” Julia took a sine “He wants e and leave all traces of Jessica Wentworth in the past”

“That won't be possible Not for someone with your talent”

“If only I were a …s for myself…and no one would disapprove But I' to be unhappy”

“For a while, perhaps The pain of losing so—or someone—fades in time”

Logan was so matter-of-fact, so self-possessed, as if his heart was encased in steel Julia wasn't certain if she was envious or appalled by his coolness “You said you had a proposition for me?” she asked

He came to the sofa and sat at the other end His tone was brisk and businesslike “During the next few years I'es at the Capital”

“Oh?”

“I'roup of actors in the world I need you to be part of it”

“I'hly of my work”

“I never flatter anyone, Julia—certainly not someone I respect You must understand by now that you're an invaluable asset to the company I intend for you to be a cornerstone of its success I' to offer you a share in the Capital's profits to ensure that you'll stay”

Julia was silent with astonish such an offer to another actor

“I will do whatever is necessary to protect my investment in you,” he continued, “and to make a difficult choice easier for a friend”

She tilted her head, considering the words with a perplexed frown “It sounds as if you're offering a sort of…business partnership?”

“You could describe it as such But the partnership would involve more than business”

More than business? Julia stared at hi predatory in his expression, nothing that would lend a sexual intent to his words What could he possiblythis conversation with Logan, she gave hi look “Perhaps you should explain”

Absently Logan tugged at a lock of his ruddy hair “I've told you before that I don't believe in love However, I do believe in friendship—the kind that involves respect and honesty I would never marry for love, but I would choose to marry for practical reasons”

“Marry?” she repeated with an astonished laugh “Are you possibly suggesting that you and I…but I could never marry a man I didn't love!”

“Why not?” he asked cale…protection, companionship, mutual interests…and none of the liabilities No false pro but the security that two friends could offer each other Consider it, Julia Together we could build an acting co the world has ever seen We're e of a society that looks down their noses at us—and at the same time they need e have to offer”