Somewhere I'll Find You (Capital Theatre #1)(78)

William grinned at Arlyss, his blue eyes sparkling with irresistible charm. “Of course I remember your name, my sweet. I remember that and a good deal more. I came to Bath because missed you and your considerable charms.”

It was clear Arlyss couldn't resist such blatant flattery. “You came to Bath just to see me?” she asked warily.

“Of course I did. There's no other attraction here.”

Michael Fiske joined the conversation, glaring fiercely at his rival in the manner of a handsome mutt challenging a polished thoroughbred. “Arlyss is with me now. Go now, and don't bother her again.”

Seeming amused, William addressed his reply to Arlyss. “Am I bothering you, sweetling?”

She stood between the two men, her mop of curls bobbing as she looked from one to the other. Tentatively she inched toward Michael Fiske. “I'm with Mr. Fiske now,” she murmured, in a tone that was far from certain. It was a small step, but it was all that Fiske required.

Seizing the meager encouragement, he jerked Arlyss close and planted a bruising kiss on her lips. As Arlyss laughed at the blatant display, Fiske hoisted her in the air and slung her over his shoulder. Feminine shrieks and uncontrollable giggles resulted, causing everyone in the marketplace to turn and stare at the pair as Fiske carried Arlyss away.

“Now see here…” William protested, beginning to follow them. He was brought up short as Damon caught him by the arm.

“Will…find some other pigeon to amuse yourself with.”

William hesitated, staring after the departing couple. “You know how I enjoy a challenge,” he said wistfully.

“Let this one go,” Damon said. “You've caused enough trouble. Besides, you're leaving for London with me tonight…remember?”

William grumbled and nodded. Quickly recovering his former high spirits, he cast a roguish glance at Julia and back to Damon. “Just remember my advice to you,” he said, winking broadly before taking his own leave.

Julia turned to Damon. “What was his advice?”

“He told me that women like to be charmed and seduced.”

Her mouth twisted wryly. “Your brother has a great deal to learn about women.”

“It appears your friends have left you. Would you like to be escorted somewhere?”

Murmuring a refusal, Julia shook her head. “It's only a short walk back to the inn.”

“You push me away with one hand and beckon me closer with the other. Some would say you are a tease, Mrs. Wentworth.”

“Is that what you think of me?”

“I think you're the most maddening woman I've ever known.” His gaze caressed her even as his mocking voice stung her ears. “Make up your mind about what you want, Julia. Soon. My patience has its limits.” He left her standing there among the bookstalls, her delicate face drawn in a scowl beneath the veil.

In spite of the reports of the bad luck My Lady Deception had experienced in London, every seat in the New Theatre was occupied, the building filled to overflowing. It seemed that everyone of note in Bath was attending, the audience infected with enthusiasm as they waited for the play to begin. Julia came to the wings to wait for her first entrance, smiling briefly at the encouragement the crew offered as they passed her in the semidarkness.

She made an effort to concentrate on the work ahead of her, making the play as successful as it deserved to be. However, it was difficult to push the events of the last few days from her mind. Her mind kept dwelling on the peace offering her father had given her, the scene with Damon today, the knowledge that she could free herself from him at any time. Damon was right; she would have to make a choice soon, if only for her own peace of mind.

Despite the hardships of her profession, she loved being an actress, loved the excitement and fulfillment of it. The idea of giving up the stage for good was unthinkable. But never to see Damon again…or, worse, to see him marry someone else, while her own life was devoid of companionship…that was equally repugnant.

“You're not thinking about the play,” a voice said behind her, and Julia glanced over her shoulder at Logan Scott.

“A thousand other things,” she confessed. “How could you tell?”

“You're so tense that your shoulders are at your ears.”

Julia made a face at him and relaxed her shoulders. She took a deep breath, held it for a moment, and let it out slowly. When she looked back at Logan, he seemed reassured.

“That's better.”

Thoughtfully Julia looked out onto the stage, the shadowy outlines of scenes and props barely visible behind the lowered curtain. She had always loved this moment just before a play began, anticipation coursing through her body. But for some reason the feeling was tainted with sadness now. She felt almost as if she were a little girl who had opened a brightly wrapped package and found it empty. “How long will my life on the stage last?” she asked, speaking almost to herself. “Will I have another ten years? Even twenty?”

Logan came to stand beside her and viewed her critically. “You'll have a long run, I would say. As you age, you'll have the talent to mature into other kinds of roles, including substantial character parts.”

A bleak smile touched her lips. “Will that be enough for me, I wonder?”

“You're the only one who can answer that question.”