Free Sylvie Sommerfield - Noah's Woman by Unknown Page A

I'll come and buy the painting from you myself." She left him and went into the next room to take off the beautiful gown she would never wear again. When she was dressed in her own clothes again she returned and picked up her cloak from a chair. "For now I have to get back to my life."
    "Come back soon. Charity, what about you . . . and Beth having dinner with me one night? To sort of celebrate the completion of the portrait?"
    "Sure. One of these nights we'll be here."
    Jason nodded and watched her leave. A subtle fear filled him. Charity and Beth were closer than most sisters, and he had no doubt that Charity was the stronger and more ambitious of the two. He knew she sensed his deepest emotions, just as he knew she was the one with the power to whisk Beth from his world. He couldn't let that happen.
    Charity walked down the three steps to the street and started to walk back to the Round. She was so

    caught up in her own thoughts that she was unaware of the carriage that slowed as it came up beside her.
    "Hello, Miss Gilbert." The voice was deep, and Charity turned in surprise to face the man who had come to Jason's studio and tried to purchase the half-finished portrait of her.
    He smiled at her, and she was aware of even more. Of how handsome he was . . . and how obviously rich. For a second a calculating look reached her eyes, and Gregory almost laughed. For it was exactly the look he wanted to see.
    "May I give you a ride home?" he asked pleasantly.
    Charity was already wondering how he knew her name. She knew Jason had not said it. She was curious about why this stranger would take the time to talk to her when it was now obvious that he knew just who and what she was.
    "I'm in no mood for games. The girls you're looking for are on Delancy Street. You can afford your choice."
    "You have mistaken my intentions. I have no other motive than to drive you home," he protested amiably.
    Charity stopped and looked directly at him. "Why?"
    "Because it is a long walk."
    "Who are you?"
    "My name is Gregory Hamilton." He smiled. "And I promise I shall not lay hand on you or try to abduct you. My carriage is recognizable. Attacking you in broad daylight would cause some consternation among onlookers." He laughed. ''Consider my reputation."

    Charity had to laugh at the way he had turned the tables on her. His ready wit made her feel a bit more confident . . . and besides, she wouldn't mind seeing everyone's faces when she came home in a carriage that shouted wealth.
    Gregory extended his hand, and she was sure his look was challenging. She put her hand in his, stepped up into the carriage, and sat opposite him.
    "Drive through the park, Maxwell. Miss Gilbert and I have something to discuss. Then on to the Round, where we can deliver our passenger safely home."
    The carriage began to move and Charity felt delicious. She intended to enjoy herself. As they rode through the park, she savored the comfort of the carriage and the almost sensual pleasure she felt as a soft breeze touched her skin and ruffled her hair. Her arrival home was satisfying, and when Gregory helped her disembark, she heard him say what she had least expected.
    "Miss Gilbert, I would like very much to see you again. Would you join me for dinner tomorrow night?"
    Charity felt a moment of discomfort, remembering Charles and his "dinner" invitation. But now she had friends, and she knew better than to drink.
    "Yes, I would like that."
    Gregory smiled, kissed her hand lightly, and then he was gone.
    The night of the dinner passed pleasantly, and the invitation was repeated. They went to the theater, for rides, and to visit museums and art galleries. Charity

    had never enjoyed herself more . . . and Gregory seemed to appreciate her company.
    He watched her with a pleased smile when he thought she wasn't looking.
    She had a fine-boned and delicate beauty, but that was not all Gregory was looking for. He found much more satisfaction in the aura of