Free Securing the Greek's Legacy by Julia James Page A

relishing the presence of lots of other babies and infants, that she found her eyes meeting Anatole’s as they shared Georgy’s enjoyment.
    But that sense of communication ended abruptly as they left the toy department.
    ‘While we are here, Lyn, I would like to look in at the women’s fashion floor,’ Anatole said.
    She halted. ‘What for?’
    He looked down at her face. She had tensed immediately and her expression was wary. Carefully, he sought the right way to say what he wanted.
    ‘I appreciate that your circumstances till now have been straitened financially,’ he began, keeping his tone neutral, ‘and of course you have had a great deal to cope with, looking after Georgy while pursuing your studies. I can understand those have been your priorities. Now, however, things are different.’ He took a breath. ‘New clothes for your new life—’
    ‘I don’t need any new clothes!’
    ‘Lyn, you need a whole new wardrobe,’ he said.
    ‘No, I don’t! It’s fine as it is! Really! ’
    He could hear the intensity in her voice and found himself wondering at it. Didn’t she want something better to wear than what she had to put up with?
    ‘Please,’ she went on, with the same intensity in her voice, ‘I don’t want you spending money on me!’
    His mouth pressed tightly. ‘Lyn, you are going to be my wife—of course I will spend money on you! I have quite a lot to spend,’ he reminded her. ‘I don’t mean to sound extravagant, and I know you have had to be very careful with money—I have a great deal of respect for you for that—but now things are different.’ He paused. ‘Don’t you want to have a new wardrobe? I thought new clothes were something all women wanted!’ He put a note of humour into his voice, as if to lighten the tension.
    It didn’t work. She was staring at him, and her expression remained fraught. Did he really think lashing out on expensive clothes would actually do anything for her? Of course it wouldn’t! She would just feel awkward and embarrassed and horrible!
    ‘I’m fine with what I’ve got,’ she managed to get out.
    Dark flashes glinted in Anatole’s eyes, but he veiled them. She might be fine with what she had, but he was not—it was absurd for her to be dressed the way she was. But he took a silent breath. For now he would not pressure her.
    ‘OK,’ he said, holding up his hand. ‘If that’s truly what you prefer.’
    ‘It is,’ she said gratefully. Then, casting about to change the subject, she said hurriedly, ‘But what I do need, however, is some more clothes for Georgy—he’s growing rapidly.’ She hesitated. ‘I’m sure the baby clothes here will be very expensive—I can get them much cheaper elsewhere, so—’
    ‘Here is fine, Lyn,’ Anatole interrupted her firmly, and set off towards babywear, next to the toy department.
    Lyn hurried after him, pushing the buggy. She felt weak at the narrow escape she’d had. It would have been unendurable to go down to the fashion department and have some snooty vendeuse look pityingly at her while she tried on designer fashions to try and conceal her nondescript looks. She would have writhed with embarrassment and self-consciousness!
    Instead, all she had to do now was try not to blanch when she looked at the price tags on the baby clothes that Anatole was holding up for her inspection. If he was going to spend his money at least it would be on Georgy, not her, so she made little objection. Nor did she object when, purchases made, Anatole had them taken down to his chauffeured car. Then, turning to Lyn, he suggested they find the store’s tea lounge.
    As she sat herself down on a soft banquette, tea ordered from the waitress and Anatole amusing Georgy with one of his smaller new toys, she found herself observing them.
    Emotion moved within her. He was so good with Georgy—naturally attentive and responsive, clearly enjoying interacting with him—and Georgy, too, was clearly enjoying being with