Truly I do by Katherine West

museums and archaeological sites.' She drew a deep
breath and started to tell him about her knowledge of the arts and
art history. She explained about how she'd done all the background
work for a Masters degree in Art Conservation and Restoration, at
the same time as completing the third year of her bachelors'
degree. Her interested and talent had enabled her to start the one
before truly finishing the other. She chattered about how the
university boff's had encouraged her to shine as a gifted student,
and what a joyful time she'd had immersed in her studies. She'd
enjoyed working with the professors and other students. She stopped
talking when Russell pulled in at Blythe services and turned off
the engine to sit watching her.
    "You're
beautiful when you are talking about something you're really
interested in you know", he said throatily.
    Julie-Anne
wanted to say 'I do know! - That's why my husband employed me for
all his dinner engagements, to give his clients something to gaze
upon and drool over!' In fact she'd never thought of herself as
beautiful before and no-one else had ever suggested that she was.
She was flattered but determined not to allow herself to imagine
that Russell's comment was anything more than a friendly gesture of
encouragement.
    As she didn't
answer him he turned his attention to their surroundings and said
"We'll just grab a quick comfort break here. We can get a fresh
coffee to carry out if you like, but I really want to just stretch
my legs, then keep motoring. I'm keen to get there in time to go
around the shops a bit without having to hurry."
    *
    Eventually
they turned off the A1M and made their way into the elegant spa
town of Harrogate. By the time they'd parked and found their way
out of the car park it was almost two o'clock. They had at least
two hours to grab a sandwich and go around the shops buying
overnight necessities and maybe some new clothes. 'If nothing
else', Julie-Anne thought eagerly, 'it's been far too long since
I've indulged in a good shopping spree.' She was glad to be out of
the car, in the fresh air and she was suddenly determined that this
was going to be the beginning of some sort of new start for her.
New clothes and a positive attitude to indulging herself seemed
just the right thing.
    As they walked
away from the car park, into Station Parade, she eyed the
semicircular frontage of the Victoria Shopping Centre. Happily she
gazed up at the features designed by British architect David
Cullearn who had cleverly taken his inspiration from Palladio's
famous Basilica at Vincenza. The architraves and statues around the
inward curve of the big building made Julie-Anne feel as if she was
really going to enjoy this visit. "Goodness, I feel as if I should
be wearing eighteenth century gowns, it's like going on the 'grand
tour'!" she laughed.
    "Later we'll
come back and go sight seeing if you like." Russell looked pleased
with himself. He reached out and grabbed her slender hand in his,
"Time to get some shopping, but not here I think." he told her, his
eyes twinkled with merriment. "Come on." And with that he led her
down a steep hill, past several rows of fine looking shops until
they arrived at Jaeger.
    "You can start
in here if you want to, but there are some lovely independent shops
in this quarter. We're also close to some good tea shops so when
you've got what you want we'll have a nice cup of tea. No expense
spared!"
    Julie-Anne
pulled her hand free, "I told you before we left, I am a woman of
independent means. Thanks for the offer but I'll buy my own
clothes."
    Russell
shrugged. "Well maybe you'll let me buy you one present somewhere,
eh?"
    "Maybe." She
grinned at him and went into the shop to look at the beautiful
suits and casual wear. By the time she left that store she was the
proud new owner of a beautiful Pernod Frill cuffed jacket and
matching pencil skirt, a wool pinstripe trouser suit and two very
smart blouses that tied at the neck with sumptuous bows. She'd