“I like that,” she whispered. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
“What did you mean when you said we’re all many people?”
“What I said.” He brushed the hair back from her temple. “Look at yourself. You’re Juliette’s friend and Jean Marc’s meek little cousin. They each see you differently.”
“And how do people see you?”
“They see what they want to see.” He reached up and shifted the heavy swath of her hair over her right shoulder, his warm fingertips brushing her nape and igniting a faint tingling sensation that made her shiver. Then the light touch was gone and the bristles of the brush were once again moving through her hair.
“How do you see me?” she asked impulsively.
He hesitated in mid-stroke. “I see you in a garden.”
“Because you wish to see me there?”
“Perhaps. There haven’t been many gardens in my life.”
“But you said you wouldn’t choose to live in—”
“I’m not always logical.”
“Juliette says you’re clever and kinder than you pretend.”
“And do you always trust Juliette’s judgments?”
“I have been lately. It’s…easier.”
“I can see how it would be. If you want to remain a child forever.”
“I’m not a child.”
“Because you were raped?”
She stiffened. “It’s not kind of you to mention—”
“If you find me lacking in kindness, then could it be that Juliette’s judgment isn’t infallible?”
She frowned as she glanced at him over her shoulder. “Why are you arguing with me?”
“Because evidently no one else does. They just pity the poor, wounded Mademoiselle. Do you wish me to pity you too?”
The corners of her lips suddenly turned up with rueful humor. “No, but if I did, it would do me no good. You obviously will do as you please.”
“Ah, now we understand each other. No pity.”
Catherine abruptly felt lighter, as if some tremendous burden had been lifted. “No pity.”
He put the brush on the nightstand. “There, I’ve done my penance for offending you. Tell me, for what sin is Juliette paying penance?”
She frowned in bewilderment. “Sin?”
“It doesn’t seem unnatural to you that she cossets you as if you were a small child?”
“I don’t demand she do anything. She says—”
“It’s time.” He stripped off his coat. “The servant woman will be back to clear away soon. Lie down and turn your back to me.”
