A Proposal from the Italian Count

by Lucy Gordon

  It was lovely to snuggle down in the comfortable bed, and even lovelier to reflect on what had just happened. True, Vittorio had shown his authoritative side, insisting that she return. But he’d also shown his kinder side, looking after her carefully as he’d driven home.

  It was the same old confusion. Which man was he? The coldly authoritative one who would tolerate no disagreement? Or the gentle, concerned one who kept a kind eye on her needs?

  He was both, she decided.

  There was a tap at the door.

  ‘Can I come in?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, come in.’

  ‘I had to see how you were.’

  ‘I’m very sleepy, but I don’t feel too bad.’

  ‘Then you must have a nice long sleep.’

  He reached out for the blanket and drew it up over her shoulders. She snuggled down blissfully.

  ‘I’m sorry if I caused you a lot of trouble,’ she said. ‘It was just—’

  ‘I think I know what it was.’ He sat down on the bed. ‘When you’re better we must have a talk to see if we can sort out all the ways we misunderstand each other. It’s strange when you remember how many times we’ve noticed how well our minds connect. Yet sometimes the connection fails.’

  ‘It comes and goes,’ she mused, ‘but will we ever really understand each other? We’re so different.’

  ‘Are we different? Haven’t we found a hundred ways in which we’re the same?’

  ‘Yes,’ she murmured, ‘I guess so...’

  As she spoke her eyes closed. Vittorio watched as her breathing grew deeper, more peaceful. When he was sure she was asleep he took a gentle hold of her hand.

  ‘It’s been a lesson for both of us,’ he said. ‘And there’s still some way to go. But we’ll get there, won’t we?’

  When she didn’t reply he leaned down and whispered in her ear.

  ‘We will, because we must. We really must, Jackie.’

  He laid his lips softly against her cheek and left the room quickly, before she could wake.

  * * *

  Jackie slept well that night, and the next morning went downstairs to find Vittorio already eating breakfast.

  ‘How are you this morning?’ he asked.

  ‘Fine.’

  ‘Good. We must get things sorted out.’

  ‘What things?’ she asked cautiously.

  ‘We’ve got the ball to think about. It wasn’t very kind to Tania, the way you dashed off. Hate me, if you want to, but don’t take it out on her.’

  ‘I don’t hate you.’

  ‘Really? You could have fooled me.’

  ‘That was because you’d forced that money on me. You’re so sure you can buy me off, aren’t you? But you can’t. I want you to take it back.’

  ‘No way.’

  ‘If you don’t take it back I’ll be out of here tomorrow.’

  ‘You’ll—? After all we—? Surely we agreed on that?’

  ‘No, you thought I’d agreed because I shut up about it. But I still feel the same. If I accept that money I’ll be saying that my father’s suffering doesn’t matter. But it does matter. It matters more than anything in my life. It would be an insult to him that I couldn’t endure. Why do you want to make me suffer?’

  ‘The last thing I want is for you to suffer,’ he said, speaking the truth.

  ‘Then what are you going to do?’

  He picked up the phone, dialled a number and engaged in a sharp-sounding conversation in Italian.

  When he’d put the phone down he said, ‘I’ve told the bank that transferring that money to you was a mistake and they’re to transfer it back.’

  ‘Will it work? Won’t they say that since it’s in my account I have to tell them myself?’

  ‘Perhaps they should—but they’ll do what I tell them. Let me show you.’

  In his office he switched on a computer, logged in to his bank and showed her that the money had immediately been transferred.

  He stared at the screen, feeling blank despair at what it told him. He’d promised his father to return the money to Jackie, and felt glad when he’d managed to do so. But now he’d yielded, taken it back, and in his heart he’d betrayed his beloved father.

  Jackie was also staring at the screen, trying to take in the incredible sight that she could see.

  ‘They just obeyed you,’ she murmured. ‘However did you persuade them?’

  ‘I’ve got a place on the board.’

  ‘Of course. Why didn’t I think of that? Is there anywhere you don’t have power?’

  Suddenly his temper rose. ‘Are you out of your mind to say that? You just told me what to do and I did it. Who obeyed whom? And you dare to accuse me of having all the power.’

  ‘I’m—I’m sorry,’ she stammered. ‘I didn’t think—’

  ‘Do you ever think? You’ve got it so firmly fixed in your mind that I’m a controlling bully that you never look at our relationship closely enough to see how often it’s the other way around. You told me to get on to the bank and transfer the money, and I did it straight away!’

  ‘Yes, I’m sorry. I didn’t see it that way—’

  ‘No, because it doesn’t fit your convenient picture of me. Heaven help me if I do something that doesn’t fit your expectations. You’ll wipe it out of your mind the way you tried to wipe me out.’

  ‘Stop it,’ she cried, suddenly weeping. ‘Please stop.’

  Tears had come without warning. She turned her head but it was too late. He’d already seen them.

  ‘Hey, come on, there’s no need for that.’ His rage vanished and he took her into his arms, resting her head on his shoulder. ‘Don’t cry,’ he said kindly.

  She pulled herself together and drew back.

  ‘You’re wrong,’ she said huskily. ‘I do know you can be nice.’

  ‘However hard it is for you to admit it?’ he said, smiling.

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘Enough of that. It’s good that we’re talking. We can sort everything.’

  ‘Can we? There’s so much to be sorted.’

  ‘I know. But we can do anything if we try. Come here.’

  He drew her close and placed a kiss on her mouth. It was gentle rather than passionate, and it warmed her heart.

  ‘Sit down and have some coffee with me. Then we can plan what we’re going to tell Tania.’

  ‘She doesn’t know about what happened yesterday?’

  ‘Nothing happened. As far as she’s concerned you didn’t dash off and banish me into the wilderness.’

  ‘I certainly didn’t banish you into the wilderness!’

  He regarded her wryly. ‘That depends on what you mean by “wilderness”.’

  He guessed she had no idea of the bleak desert in which he’d found himself when he had found her gone. It had felt like the worst kind of wilderness. And that had alarmed him because clearly there was no wilderness for her.

  ‘We’ll have to get to work on the ball,’ he said. ‘Tania’s counting on our help.’

  ‘Yes. You’re right. I should have thought of that before I left. I was selfish.’

  He touched her face. ‘You’re not selfish. You just panicked at the thought of being stuck with me for life. We all panic.’

  ‘You? Surely not. I can’t believe you ever panic.’

  Briefly he recalled the wild churning of his stomach when he’d found her goodbye note.

  ‘You’re right,’ he said quickly. ‘Not me. Ever. Now, let’s—’

  He was interrupted by a beep from the computer.

  ‘It’s an email I’ve been waiting for,’ he said.

  He did a quick check and opened the new message.

  ‘It’s from the store,’
he said. ‘Some stuff we ordered has started to arrive. I need to be there.’

  ‘I’m coming with you. We’ll go to the store and then on to the railway station to meet Tania.’

  They drove into town, straight to the store, where they found a mountain of new arrivals. Jackie was briefly nervous, lest they be more of the glass statues that had caused their row, but these were different items. They had come from England and they pleased Vittorio.

  ‘Great,’ he said, looking at them. ‘Well done, Jackie. I did the right thing promoting you and doubling your salary. You’re really benefitting the store.’

  She smiled and thanked him, but at the back of her mind was a sense that his action was rooted in their disagreement over money that constantly haunted them. It was always there. When he couldn’t give her money one way he found another way to lavish it upon her. Would this nightmare ever go away?

  Another thought troubled her. She knew the need to fulfil his father’s wishes was so vital to Vittorio that he would seek to keep her close to him until he’d achieved what he sought. Was it anything but that? When he had eased his pain would he feel able to dismiss her?

  For another half-hour they worked in his office. Then a knock on the door made him look up to see Donna from the clothes department.

  ‘I’ve brought what you ordered, Signor Conte.’

  Carrying a large parcel, she advanced into the room, laid it on his desk, and departed.

  ‘Have a look,’ he said to Jackie. ‘It’s yours.’

  Puzzled, she opened the parcel—and stared at what she found there.

  ‘The dress!’ she gasped. ‘The one—’

  It was the black satin dress she’d tried on when she’d first visited the store.

  ‘It’s a gift,’ he said.

  ‘You’re giving this to me? You mean that?’

  ‘You can wear it at the ball.’

  ‘But Tania says I’m supposed to be Lady Nanetta.’

  ‘That’s up to you. You can be Lady Nanetta—severe, rigorous, terrifying every man she meets. Or you can be a different woman...the one I saw in this gown the other day.’

  ‘And what is she like?’

  ‘I’m not quite sure. I’m still waiting to find out.’

  In truth, he felt he already knew. When he’d chanced upon her wearing the seductive gown, its satin clinging to her figure, he had discovered something startling about her and how she could affect him. The time had not yet come when he could speak of it, but the moment would come. He promised himself that.

  ‘I’ll wear it with the diamond necklace you gave me,’ she murmured.

  ‘And you’ll be the belle of the ball.’ He paused. ‘You know, it would help me if we could seem like we’re even more of an item. Maybe engaged? And it will help you look the part. I don’t want Marisa and the others to think I’m in need of a wife!’

  ‘Okay, I’ll do my best,’ she agreed simply, knowing if she said much more she would start grilling him about exactly what he was looking for.

  And she didn’t even know what she wanted as the answer. Did he want a bride—just not Marisa? Or did he not want a bride ever?

  ‘Come now,’ he said, interrupting her thoughts. ‘Let’s take this with us and go to meet Aunt Tania at the station.’

  When the train drew in an hour later they were there, waiting for Tania.

  ‘Lovely to see you both,’ she declared when they had all embraced. ‘How are you getting on? Not strangled each other yet?’

  ‘We’re saving that until after the ball.’ Jackie chuckled.

  ‘Splendid. Nice to know that you can put important things first. We’ve got a mass of things to do...’

  * * *

  From the moment the next day dawned it was clear that Tania had been right. The castle was buzzing with preparations.

  Over the next few days quantities of extra food were delivered and temporary staff were hired. A television company had even made contact.

  At last the great day arrived. In her room, Jackie donned the black satin gown.

  ‘Can I come in?’ Vittorio called.

  ‘Yes.’

  He entered the room. ‘How’s this?’ he said.

  He was wearing the historical costume of the man in the portrait of Lady Nanetta. Jackie stood back to survey him, hardly able to believe her eyes. As had been fashionable at the time, the white trousers were tight-fitting, emphasising the fact that Vittorio’s legs were long, slim and attractive.

  And sexy, she thought, against her will.

  ‘What do you think?’ he asked, turning to give her a better view.

  ‘I think that costume is very...efficient,’ she said coolly.

  ‘Yes. Luckily it fits me. And I think you chose the right dress. That one will lure every man in the room.’

  ‘Every man?’ she teased. ‘Every single man?’

  ‘Well, you can’t ignore me tonight, can you? Not when everyone’s expecting to hear that we’re engaged.’

  ‘No, I promise to do whatever you want.’

  ‘Do you know what I want from you?’

  She looked up at him with shining eyes. ‘I’m sure you’ll let me know.’

  ‘You can count on it. Now, we must make everything perfect. Why aren’t you wearing the necklace I gave you?’

  ‘I’ve tried to put it on but I can’t fasten it. It’s too difficult.’

  ‘Give it to me.’

  He took the necklace and moved behind her, reaching around her neck to position the jewels. She tensed at the feeling of his fingers brushing her flesh.

  At last he turned her so that he could look at her face. ‘Are you all right?’ he asked. ‘Nervous?’

  ‘I’m fine.’

  From outside they heard the noise growing.

  ‘People are beginning to arrive. Let’s take a look.’

  Going to her window, they looked out. They could see cars arriving, discharging their passengers. Wide-eyed, Jackie looked at the costumes that were appearing.

  Some were obvious fancy dress—clowns, animals—others were historical costumes.

  Tania appeared behind them.

  ‘You look very fine,’ she told Jackie. ‘You’ll be a big success. Oh!’

  The exclamation was drawn from her by the sight of a splendidly attired couple whose arrival had caused others to stare in admiration.

  ‘Whoever are they?’ Jackie asked in astonishment.

  ‘The Duke and Duchess of Revendo. I must go down and welcome them in.’

  Tania vanished, leaving Jackie staring down at the couple.

  So that was the woman who had broken Vittorio’s heart by dumping him for a loftier man. She turned her head to look at Vittorio. He was looking down at the Revendos but his face revealed nothing at all.

  It never does, she thought. Whatever he’s feeling, he doesn’t want anyone to know. It’s almost as though he’s afraid of the world.

  She gave a brief gasp of laughter.

  Afraid of the world. He’d be so mad at me if he knew I was thinking that.

  But it was true. Vittorio didn’t trust anyone. Even her.

  ‘What’s funny?’ Vittorio asked sharply.

  ‘Nothing. Why?’

  ‘You laughed. Why? Is the crowd below so funny?’

  ‘Some of them.’

  ‘Meaning Elena Revendo? I expect Tania’s told you about her, hasn’t she?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said reluctantly. ‘But you told me about her first. How can you bear to invite her?’

  ‘Why not? She did me a great favour. Because of her I know things about female deceit, ambition and greed I might not have learned soon enough to be useful. As it is—’

  ‘As it is you learned that lesson in tim
e to distrust every woman you ever meet. Good for you. What would life be like if you made the mistake of trusting a woman?’

  He regarded her wryly. ‘There is one woman I trust,’ he said. ‘One who isn’t greedy for money or a title, who’s intelligent, honest, and brave enough to express her opinion even when it annoys people.’

  The gleam in his eyes made it obvious that he meant her. It might be unwise to feel flattered by such ironic praise, but she couldn’t help it.

  ‘You mean when she annoys you,’ she said. ‘Does she annoy anyone else as much as you?’

  ‘I doubt it. Infuriating me is something she’s brought to an art form.’

  ‘She sounds like a nightmare,’ she observed lightly. ‘For safety’s sake you should avoid her like the plague.’

  ‘I try, but she has a habit of popping up in my mind when I’m not expecting her.’

  ‘Then the answer’s obvious. Expect her all the time. She’s so awkward that it’ll make her stay away just to confuse you.’

  He grinned. ‘Yes, she enjoys confusing me.’

  From below, they could hear the orchestra start to play.

  ‘It’s time we went down,’ he said.

  Offering her his arm, he walked with her, out and along the corridor to the top of the stairs.

  As soon as they appeared there was a squeal from below. Everyone looked up to enjoy the sight of their elegant entrance. Some of them laughed, some cheered, some applauded.

  Jackie had no difficulty seeing Marisa’s face. She was at the front, staring up at them with an expression that could not hide her dismay.

  Wondering if Vittorio had noticed, she gave him a sideways glance. He returned it, smiling. She smiled back, happy to know they were in this together.

  Marisa, watching them from below, scowled.

  Most of the guests had heard about Jackie, and eagerly crowded forward to be introduced to her. It was clear she was the star of the evening, and every guest, male and female alike, seemed to be charmed by her.

  Vittorio revelled in the attention Jackie was receiving, but soon enough was enough. He wanted her to himself for a while.

  ‘Shall we dance?’ he asked.

  Together they proceeded to the ballroom, where the orchestra had just started a waltz.

  ‘We’ve fooled them,’ he said, turning her gently around and around. ‘Let’s give them a bit more.’