Page 48 of His Scandalous Viscountess
“Yes, unavailable. He had to chase me. I was a challenge.” She tapped her lower lip as an idea sprang to life. “Fatima, perhaps we can help each other?”
Suspicion glinted in her dark gaze. “And why would you wish to help me?”
Julia smiled. “Because by helping you, I help myself. If Tariq finds you more of a challenge, then he will divert his attention back to you, where it belongs. And I can also rid myself of one of my current problems.”
By making her assistance sound self-serving, Fatima would be more accepting of the help. In her world, nothing was done for purely unselfish reasons.
The wary woman nodded. “How will this work?”
“We are going to turn you into a properly dressed English woman. I assume you have access to any funds you may require?”
“Of course. My husband is a generous man.”
Julia remembered how Tariq had tended to lavish gifts on a woman in lieu of discussing his feelings.
With their arms interlinked—she couldn’t risk Fatima changing her mind—Julia turned an eye toward finding just the right fabric to complement the other woman’s olive skin tone. Something bright and eye-catching was the order of the day. The culturally restricted woman would likely never wear it outside of her residence, anyway, so there was no such thing as too bold a color choice.
Madame Le Fleur appeared from the rear of the shop and nodded to the two women who were still shopping before she approached Julia. The shop owner’s fake French accent cut through the remaining tension between the women. “Lady Wallthorpe, are you ready for your appointment?”
“Indeed, I am, but we may need a bit more time than originally planned. May I introduce Shaykhah Fatima Hassan? She is the head wife of Sheikh Tariq Hassan.”
Madame Le Fleur looked briefly speculative, and then very pleased by this development. “Oui, welcome to my shop.”
Fatima nodded, but said nothing. Obviously still wary, she slowly followed the two other women into the back room.
Madame glanced from one woman to the other as they settled on the settee in her showroom. “Now, how may I help you, ladies?”
Julia settled her skirts and smiled. “I need to add a few gowns to my wardrobe. I have been unexpectedly attending more social functions, and am finding my selections too sparse. And then we need to outfit Shaykhah Hassan with one or two gowns of the latest fashion. I’m thinking a day dress and a ball gown. Something modern, yet sensitive of her culture’s expectations for a woman.”
“No,” Fatima interrupted. “I want what any infi—” She stopped and cleared her throat. “I want what any London woman would wear. He must see me as he sees you.”
She spoke firmly, and decisively.
“Well, then, you heard the Shaykhah. Nothing less than the most modern fashions for us both.”
Julia smiled and wished she would have the chance to see Tariq’s face when his first wife transformed herself into a London lady.
They spent the next few hours discussing dress design, fabric, and men. Along the way, Julia made sure to offer carefully couched advice on how to draw Tariq’s attention. Of course, Fatima knew what to do once she had it. While demure and modest in appearance, Julia had lived around the women of Tariq’s tribe long enough to know they had the amorous arts well in hand.
As she and Fatima left the shop much later in the day, the other woman turned to her. “I do not understand you.” The woman hesitated, not unsure but maybe more uncomfortable. “Why you would wish to help me with Tariq, but I am grateful for your assistance.”
“I hope that we can be friends. My time with Tariq was a period of healing and growth for me. It was something I needed, and I am thankful every day for what he did for me. For whatyour peopledid for me. I could never repay that kindness in full, but maybe this is one small way I can try.” Julia grinned. “I also really wish I could be there the first time he sees you in that ball gown. The deep red is a stunning shade on you. He will be transfixed, I assure you.”
Fatima smiled. “It is possible you will get your wish.”
Then they embraced and parted ways. Julia hoped that she had given Tariq both a bit of happiness, and something of a challenge. Because Lord knew, the man did not usually like the easy path. With a pleased sigh, she headed home. After all, she was to attend a masked ball tonight, and she suspected her escort had nefarious plans.
Wonderfullynaughtynefarious plans.
Chapter 20
The Crystal Palace glittered like a diamond on black velvet. The evening’s outing required two carriages to carry everyone, but all of Wolf’s friends and their wives had been excited for the event. A masquerade ball at The Crystal Place was not one to be missed, particularly when it was rumored to be hosted by a secret guild of courtesans.
Jules looked stunning in her violet gown and matching mask. The purple made her red hair and golden skin glow in the gaslight.
He grinned and contemplated the adventures that would soon find them. “Come, my fair maiden. A magical evening awaits you.”
Julia laughed as she swept from the carriage. “And are you my knight in shining armor?”
