A Proposal from the Italian Count

by Lucy Gordon

  He saw a strange, slightly puzzled look come into her face.

  ‘Yes, that surprises you, doesn’t it?’ he said. ‘I’m the last person you’d expect to understand you.’

  ‘People don’t easily understand other people,’ she murmured.

  ‘But I think we manage it. We must talk about that another time. For now, please just tell me that you believe I meant no harm and you forgive me.’

  ‘All right,’ she said reluctantly. ‘I realise you didn’t mean it badly.’

  ‘And I’m forgiven? Please Jackie. Let me hear you say it. Please.’

  She drew a sharp breath, stunned by the desperation in his voice and the intensity in his eyes. There was no way she could refuse this man anything he asked for.

  ‘I forgive you,’ she said.

  ‘And you mean it?’

  ‘Yes—yes—’

  ‘As long as you do mean it. Things could so easily go wrong between us—but we won’t let that happen. Best if you go to bed now and have a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day. Goodnight.’

  ‘Goodnight.’

  Before leaving he turned to look back at her once more. Jackie tried to understand his expression, but there was something about it that confused her.

  Nor was that the only thing about him so unexpected that she could hardly believe it. The way he’d almost begged her for forgiveness had startled her, revealing a side of him she’d never suspected.

  She was glad to lie down. She needed sleep, but for some reason it didn’t come. It was alarming that he’d been there while she spoke to her father. Had he heard her say that she didn’t trust him?

  She lay still, listening for the sound of his footsteps outside, wondering if they would return to her door. But nothing happened.

  At last the silence seemed to overwhelm her and she fell asleep.

  * * *

  As Vittorio had said, they rose early next day and were soon ready to leave.

  ‘You won’t be insulted if I pay your bill, will you?’ he asked as they went downstairs.

  ‘Would it make any difference if I was?’

  He grinned. ‘Not the slightest.’

  ‘Then I’d better give in—until I find a way to make you sorry.’

  ‘I’ll look forward to that,’ he said ironically.

  She watched as he went to the reception desk and paid. Then all was ready and they headed for the front door.

  But as soon as it was open she saw something that made her stop, frozen with dismay.

  ‘Oh, no!’ she groaned.

  ‘What is it?’ Vittorio asked. ‘Ah, I see. Him!’

  Rik was standing there, barring their way, his face full of spiteful hilarity.

  ‘So there you are!’ he jeered. ‘Just as I thought—you stupid woman!’

  ‘You told me to leave so I went,’ she said coldly.

  ‘Yes, you went running to him. Think you’re going to be a countess, do you? Don’t kid yourself! He’s playing a clever game to stop you suing him for the money his family stole. He’ll use you, then throw you out.’

  ‘The only one who’s being thrown out is you,’ Vittorio said coldly.

  Rik gave contemptuous laugh. ‘Don’t tell me you’re taken in by her—? Argh!’

  The scream was dragged from him by the feel of Vittorio’s hand about his neck.

  ‘I know all I need to know about this lady,’ Vittorio said harshly. ‘But let me tell you something about myself. I’m a man who won’t tolerate an insult to a friend, and who’ll do anything necessary to make someone sorry they caused trouble. Do you understand me?’

  ‘Yes...’ Rik choked.

  ‘Then get out of here while you still can. Otherwise I might do something we’d both regret.’

  He released Rik, who staggered away, looking terrified. He gave one last appalled glance at Jackie. Then he fled.

  ‘Are you all right?’ Vittorio asked her.

  ‘Yes—fine—thank you.’

  In truth she was far from all right. She’d seen yet another side of Vittorio—one that shocked her. The look in his eyes had been that of a man who would go to any lengths to punish someone who had defied him. She knew it had been in her defence, but that couldn’t ease her horror.

  ‘Would you really have hurt him?’ she whispered.

  ‘No, of course not. But I had to make him believe that I would. Scare someone enough and you don’t need to do anything else to them. Being frank. Isn’t that something you’ve tried yourself.’

  ‘Now and then,’ she admitted. ‘Not violently, but—’

  ‘But making him believe you know something he doesn’t want you to know? I’d give a lot to know how often you’ve used that one.’

  ‘You’ll just have to wonder,’ she said lightly.

  ‘Congratulations. You’re as bad as I am. Shake.’

  He held out his hand.

  Laughing, she took it. ‘I’ll never be as bad as you are,’ she said. ‘But I’m working on it.’

  ‘Perhaps he was right about one thing. Should I be afraid of you suing me?’

  ‘Of course not. How can I?’

  ‘I’ve admitted the theft.’

  ‘It was your father’s theft, not yours. And there were no witnesses when you told me. You could just deny it and there’d be nothing I could do.’

  ‘Maybe Rik overheard me?’

  ‘Don’t believe anything Rik says—especially that nonsense about me wanting to be a countess.’

  ‘Of course. I know you wouldn’t marry me in a million years. I heard you say so yourself, remember?’

  ‘Look, about that... I really am sorry—’

  ‘Don’t be sorry. You’re not the first woman who’s said that about me.’ He grinned wryly. ‘As you can probably imagine.’

  ‘I’m not going to be tricked into answering that!’

  ‘Very shrewd. I can see you’re a real discovery.’

  ‘Because I’m not trying to trap you into marriage? Never fear. You’re quite safe from me.’

  Was he safe? he wondered. Despite the circumstances, and the fact that she wasn’t beautiful, he found her fascinating. She was intriguingly clever and her sharp humour appealed to him.

  But more than that was the intense emotion that seemed to reach out from her in a way he couldn’t understand. They never spoke of it. There was just a feeling that their mysterious closeness was inevitable, and that it was bound to grow.

  The thought made him cautious. Developing warmer feelings for her would put him in her power, and that was something he always strove to avoid.

  As the son of a count, he was used to young women pursuing him for the sake of his title. He’d thought himself well protected until the girl who’d once won his heart had betrayed him with the son of a duke. He would never forget the moment he’d discovered them in bed together—or the look she’d bestowed upon him, as though she despised him for daring to hope for her.

  That had been several years ago, but the memory stayed with him. Love was unsafe. It caused danger and pain, and a wise man kept his distance.

  But life without love did not mean life without marriage. One day he would have to take wife for the sake of producing an heir. His father had spoken of it in the last moments of his life.

  ‘Marisa,’ he’d murmured. ‘She’s perfect for you.’

  Marisa was the daughter of a barone and an ideal choice for Vittorio’s wife—at least according to his father. For a year he’d made his wishes plain. But Vittorio had resisted. He was on good terms with Marisa, but only in a brotherly way. Despite her youth and beauty, she did not attract him. Nor did he want a wife he hadn’t chosen for himself.

  When he returned to Rome he knew that Marisa and various simila
r problems would be waiting. But with Jackie’s friendship to support him he felt more at ease.

  The taxi was waiting to take them to the airport.

  ‘You’ll like Rome. Your Italian is good enough to help you feel at home.’

  ‘Do you spend a lot of time in the city?’

  ‘Yes—plenty.’

  ‘But isn’t your time taken up with managing your estates?’

  ‘I have to do that as well, of course, but I have an estate manager who handles the difficult stuff. Mostly my time is taken up with the department store.’

  ‘You actually work there?’

  ‘Does that surprise you? You think I’m useless for anything except lying around enjoying my title while others do the work?’

  ‘After the way you’ve rescued me I’m not likely to think you useless.’

  He gave her a teasing glance. ‘Very tactfully said.’

  ‘Yes, I’ve got to stay on your right side, haven’t I? Why don’t you tell me some more about the store so that I can flatter you further?’

  ‘It sells a wide range of goods which I buy from all over the world. You’re going to be very valuable to the business. But I’ve already told you that.’

  ‘Yes, you grabbed me because I could be useful. Sheer cynical self-interest. Just what a businessman needs. Well done.’

  They shared a laugh.

  ‘Glad to see you’re a realist,’ he said. ‘Would it be insulting to suggest that you too have some cynical self-interest?’

  ‘No, I’d take it as a compliment.’

  ‘Good for you.’

  ‘Working for you is going to teach me a whole lot of things that I can use in my future career.’ She gave him a thumbs-up sign. ‘Here’s to cynical self-interest.’

  ‘The most useful motive in the world,’ he agreed, making the same gesture.

  ‘Cheers!’

  They shook hands.

  At last the airport came into view. Soon they were queuing for their flight and boarding the plane.

  Jackie was taken aback to discover that Vittorio had booked the most expensive first class seats. But then, why wouldn’t he? He was a count and a successful businessman, wasn’t he?

  ‘Take the window seat,’ he said. ‘It’s more interesting that way.’

  ‘Is it a long flight?’ she asked as the plane began to move slowly down the runway.

  ‘Only two and a half hours.’

  Never having flown before, she was nervous. But she managed to stay at ease until take-off, and then gazed out of the window as the ground fell away.

  ‘What will happen when we get there?’ she asked.

  ‘We’ll be met at the airport by my Aunt Tania. She lives with me and looks after the house. I called her this morning and asked her to prepare a room for you.’

  Before she could reply, the plane quivered. She took a sharp, nervous breath and clenched her hands.

  ‘It’s all right,’ Vittorio said. ‘Planes always shake when they go through clouds. We’re not going to crash.’

  ‘No—I realise—it’s just that—’

  ‘It’s just that you’re afraid of flying.’

  ‘I’ve never flown before.’

  ‘Is there anything else bothering you?’ he asked, regarding her with concern.

  ‘Just a little headache. It’s not too bad.’

  He took her hand in his. ‘Probably caused by nerves. Don’t worry. We’ll soon be there.’

  CHAPTER FOUR

  AT LAST THEY landed at Leonardo da Vinci Airport. They spent a few minutes collecting their bags and then they were able to make their way out. Jackie looked around, trying to come to terms with what was happening.

  ‘Ah, there she is,’ Vittorio said suddenly.

  He began waving into the distance at a middle-aged woman who was waving back to him. The woman began to run forward and he hastened towards her until they were in each other’s arms. Jackie reckoned this must be the Aunt Tania he had mentioned.

  She moved a little closer, waiting for him to introduce them. But then his aunt turned aside, revealing a young woman who ran forward and threw herself into Vittorio’s arms.

  Jackie could see that he was tense. He embraced the girl formally, before standing back and turning to indicate Jackie. She couldn’t make out exactly what he was saying, but she gathered it wasn’t revealing.

  ‘This is my Aunt Tania,’ he told Jackie. ‘And my friend Marisa. I’ve told them that we are planning a business arrangement that has made it necessary for you to see Rome.’

  ‘Welcome to our city,’ Aunt Tania said politely. ‘Vittorio says you will be staying with us. That will be lovely.’

  ‘Did you give her the best guest room?’ Vittorio asked.

  ‘Yes, just as you said. Now, let’s go home.’

  ‘Have you got a taxi waiting?’.

  ‘No, Marisa drove me here.’

  ‘And I can drive you home,’ Marisa said quickly. ‘This way.’

  When they reached her car she pulled open the door next to the front passenger seat, indicating for Vittorio to get in beside her. He did so, leaving Jackie and Tania to sit together in the back.

  It was a lengthy journey out of the city and through the countryside to the Martelli estate. Jackie studied the scenery, occasionally looking round to find Vittorio’s aunt regarding her with curiosity.

  ‘So you’re here on business,’ Tania said. ‘What kind of business are you in?’

  She took a sharp breath, caught off-guard, and felt troubled about how to answer.

  Vittorio came to her rescue.

  ‘Jackie’s a specialist in merchandising,’ he said, glancing back over his shoulder. ‘What she doesn’t know about display and point of sale isn’t worth knowing.’

  Jackie suppressed an ironic smile at his way of describing her work behind the counter in a little shop.

  ‘So you’re going to help my nephew run his business?’ Tania queried.

  ‘If I can. And I hope he can teach me something that will be useful,’ she said.

  To her relief, the subject was allowed to drop. Soon they reached the estate and the car swept through extensive grounds up to a great house.

  ‘We’re nearly there,’ Vittorio said, pointing out of the car window. ‘A little further and you’ll see my home.’

  As he spoke a large building came into view. Jackie gasped at its elegance and beauty.

  ‘My goodness, it’s like a palace!’ she gasped.

  ‘My ancestors had rather grandiose ideas. It was a matter of pride for them to live in a splendid home.’

  And I bet it took a lot of money to maintain, she thought, forcing some of them into acts of dishonesty.

  Perhaps the same thought had occurred to Vittorio, for he fell silent then.

  ‘We only live in small part of it now,’ Tania said. ‘But we still relish the rest, which has a marvellous history.’

  A woman whom Jackie took to be the housekeeper was waiting for them as they left the car and climbed the steps to the front door. Vittorio took the bags.

  ‘I’ll take these up to Jackie’s room,’ he said. ‘Come along, Jackie.’

  Inside, the building was just as luxurious. In a daze she followed him up the stairs and along a corridor until they reached her room. Like the rest of the house it was luxuriously appointed. A large bed took up most of the space, and the walls were lined with elegant wardrobes.

  ‘The maid will be here to help you unpack,’ he said. ‘Are you all right? You look as though something’s the matter.’

  ‘I’m just confused. I can’t get my head around everything that’s happening. I’ve never been anywhere like this before.’

  ‘Don’t worry—you’ll soon feel at ho
me. I’ll see to that.’

  The words were kindly spoken, but it flashed across her mind that she could never feel at home in this place, surrounded by a luxury that haunted her with memories of her father’s impoverished home.

  Marisa appeared in the doorway, followed by a maid.

  ‘This is Gina,’ she said. ‘She speaks English and she will help you.’

  Vittorio patted her shoulder. ‘I’ll leave you to unpack now and I’ll see you at supper.’

  He followed Marisa out of the room.

  Gina immediately got to work, unpacking the bags and putting things away.

  Jackie watched her, trying to believe what was happening.

  ‘Here you have a little bathroom,’ Gina said. ‘And through these windows you have a wonderful view.’

  It was true. She was only one floor up, but looking out onto lawns that soon vanished into trees. The sun was setting, casting a glow ever everything.

  ‘No, no, no!’

  The cry from a female voice streamed upwards from below. Leaning out, Jackie was unable to see anyone, but she could tell the sound had come from behind a wall.

  ‘Marisa—’

  That was Vittorio. But after that one word he got no further for Marisa exploded again.

  ‘Perche, Vittorio? Perche?’

  Marisa was talking too fast for Jackie to understand much, but she knew that perche meant why. It was clear that Marisa was demanding an explanation and Vittorio was trying to make her be quiet.

  Jackie recalled the suspicious glances Marisa had given her. Plainly her arrival was unwelcome.

  The sound died and she turned back to the room. Gina was a skilled maid with a shrewd eye. She studied Jackie’s appearance before casting her glance over several of the clothes.