by Lucy Gordon
Rinaldo nodded. ‘You’re right. All his life, everything had to be a production number.’
‘But since I came back he’s been a quieter, very polite, very respectful. Haven’t you noticed?’
‘Yes. And it’s not like him.’
‘He’s probably just a bit embarrassed about backing off after all that theatrical “passion”,’ Alex mused. ‘Especially after my engagement broke up.’ She laughed suddenly. ‘Oh, now I understand. Poor Gino. He was afraid I’d expect him to marry me, and he was trying to let me know, very kindly, that it’s not on.’
Rinaldo’s brow cleared.
‘That would be it. But to be fair, he was probably madly in love with you at one time-for about two days.’
Alex raised an eyebrow at him. ‘That’s all you think I’m worth, eh?’
‘No, but it’s his record.’
They laughed together.
‘Trust me, he’ll be glad to have the problem solved,’ she said.
She glanced into the corridor, saw that it was clear and signalled to Rinaldo. A brief kiss, and he was gone.
She followed him down a few minutes later and found him alone in the kitchen. Gino was just entering the house.
‘Now?’ Rinaldo asked her softly.
But Alex shook her head. ‘No, I have something to tell you both first.’
He looked puzzled.
‘Wait and see,’ she said in a voice of teasing anticipation.
Gino came in, smiling when he saw Rinaldo.
‘You look more cheerful than you did last night,’ he said.
‘And you’re both going to look more cheerful when you’ve heard what I have to say,’ Alex told them.
They looked at her expectantly.
‘Enrico Varsi owes you money,’ she said. ‘Quite a lot of money if I’ve got my figures right.’
‘But how?’ Rinaldo asked.
Alex took a deep breath. ‘Because he’s been cheating you for years,’ she announced.
‘What?’
The exclamation was Gino’s. Rinaldo was more wary.
‘Alex, I really think that’s very unlikely. Varsi is an eminent man-’
‘Which makes it easier for him to get away with it.’
‘He was also an old friend of our father, who trusted him completely.’
‘Someone who trusts you is the easiest to deceive. I don’t suppose it ever occurred to your father that his friend was stealing from him. It occurred to me as soon as I got a long look at your books.’
‘I know you mean well,’ Rinaldo said, ‘And you’re an expert in British accounting practices, but this is Italy. We have a different financial year, remember?’
‘I know, and all sorts of other things are different. That’s why I’ve been taking a crash course in Italian accountancy.’
‘Where? How?’
‘From a man called Tomaso Andansio. His offices are just up the street from Varsi’s.’
‘Is that what I saw you looking at that day?’
‘That’s right. I knew I’d heard the name somewhere, then I remembered we had some dealing with him in London. Signor Andansio is brilliant and totally honest.
‘I called him, and he let me spend a week in his office, learning all I needed. When I showed him my evidence he agreed there was a case, and gave me a whole lot of reading to do. There’s no doubt of it. Varsi’s stolen a fortune from you.’
She added wryly, ‘But for that, your father might never have needed a mortgage.’
Gino flung his arms about Alex in a fierce hug that turned into an exuberant waltz about the room.
‘You’re a genius,’ he yodelled. ‘A genius, our good angel, our glorious, shining star-’
‘Yes, that’s very nice,’ Rinaldo interrupted him, ‘and I admit it opens interesting possibilities, but-’
‘Interesting possibilities, you soulless man!’ Gino protested, releasing Alex. ‘Is that all you’ve got to say for what Alex has done for us? You’ve never appreciated her properly and I think it’s time you-’
‘I’m trying to be realistic,’ Rinaldo cut him short quickly.
‘Rinaldo means he doesn’t trust me to get it right,’ Alex said cheerfully. ‘I anticipated that, so I’m arranging for us all to go and see Signor Andansio. I dare say you’ll believe him, seeing that he’s a man.’
‘Seeing that he’s an Italian,’ Rinaldo said, smiling at her and refusing to be provoked. ‘I think visiting him is a very good idea, Alex.’
She went straight to the phone, followed by Gino who whispered in her ear, ‘You’re having a really civilising effect on Rinaldo. Keep up the good work.’
They drove into Florence later that day and in a few brief words the accountant confirmed everything Alex had said.
‘It’s a matter of how you define things,’ he explained. ‘Transfer certain things from one column to another and the whole picture changes. In between the two “pictures” there is a gap. A lot of money can fall into that gap, and an unscrupulous accountant can help himself. For years your tax liability has been less than the amount you paid, and since the cheques were routed through him-’ He finished with an eloquent shrug.
‘And Poppa never checked because he trusted him,’ Gino sighed.
‘It would have made no difference if he had checked,’ Andansio said kindly. ‘It’s been very cleverly disguised, and you need to know what to look for. This lady-’ he indicated Alex ‘-was particularly sharp-eyed to notice it in an unfamiliar environment. I’ve already told her that if she chooses to take the exams in this country there’ll always be a position for her in my office.’
‘I may just do that,’ Alex said.
‘I told you she was a genius,’ Gino said.
‘Can we get back to the point?’ Rinaldo asked. ‘We now know that Varsi has been robbing us all these years. What’s the next step? The police? Can it be proved?’
‘Oh, yes, but I think there may be another way of dealing with him,’ Andansio said. ‘We show him our evidence and demand restitution, not only to yourselves but to all the other clients from whom he has undoubtedly been stealing. That will do them far more good than prosecution, and believe me, he can afford it. In return we’ll have to promise to keep quiet.’
‘Which leaves him free to prey on others,’ Rinaldo pointed out.
‘Oh, I don’t think so,’ Andansio said smoothly. ‘I shall make it very clear to him that he’s under my eye.’
‘How much can he be forced to return to us?’ Rinaldo asked.
Andansio named a sum. The three facing him stared in shock.
Gino gasped, ‘But that’s-’
‘Almost as much as the mortgage,’ Rinaldo murmured.
Alex said nothing. She merely smiled.
‘I assume you will be wishing to move your affairs out of his hands,’ Signor Andansio said.
‘And into yours,’ Rinaldo agreed.
‘In that case, may I suggest that you leave matters to me? I believe I’ll have good news for you quite soon.’
In a daze they went out into the light, and stood looking at each other for a few moments. Gino recovered first.
‘A celebration!’ he declared. ‘Because we really have something to celebrate.’
It was almost evening. Gino grabbed both their hands and led them into the best restaurant he could find.
‘Because we can afford it now,’ he said. ‘Waiter, what’s the best champagne you have?’
He seemed carried away by exhilaration. It was as much as the others could do to calm him down, and then only for a short while.
Later that evening, after an excellent meal, they piled him into the back seat of the car, where he fell asleep with a smile on his face.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
T HE whole area around Florence seemed to be one great harvest festival. Every night there was a party somewhere or other.
On the evening when the neighbours gathered at Belluna the air was brilliant with good cheer. Coloured lights hung
from the trees, heavily laden trestle-tables were spread out in the open. All day Teresa, Celia and Franca had worked to lay on the best party in the district.
‘You’re beautiful,’ Rinaldo told Alex as she emerged from her room in a floaty blue and white dress and white sandals. ‘I want to tell everyone that you’re mine. I wish we could do it tonight.’
‘So do I, but we must tell Gino first, and I can’t seem to catch him.’
Rinaldo nodded. ‘Ever since Varsi agreed to repay the money, and we found that it covers our debt to you, he’s been on a high. What is it?’
He spoke anxiously because a shadow had crossed Alex’s face.
‘What am I going to do with all that money?’ she asked. ‘I don’t want cash, I want to be part of Belluna.’
‘But as my wife, you will be a part of it.’
‘I know, it’s just that-’
But Rinaldo was growing in understanding.
‘If that’s not enough,’ he said, ‘you can pay for next year’s fertiliser, and the repairs to the machinery, and the new barns. That will save us having to borrow from the bank as we normally have to. Then you’ll have the financial stake that you want.’
‘That’s better,’ she said.
‘Don’t look so cheerful. Do you know what fertiliser costs?’
‘After all the accounts I’ve read? Of course I do. It’s a wonderful idea.’
‘And when we can pin Gino down we’ll clear it with him,’ Rinaldo said. ‘After all, it’s his farm too, and I shouldn’t be making financial decisions without consulting him.’
‘I’ll bet he’s not used to being consulted about anything,’ Alex teased.
‘You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?’
‘Yes, and you’d better get used to it.’
‘You must teach me. Now I suppose we should go downstairs and be ready for our guests. Where the devil is Gino?’
‘These last few days he’s always passing through, and I haven’t even seen him today.’
‘Yes, he told me he had some important business in Florence but he won’t say what. It’s been taking him to town on and off for days.’
‘He must have a girlfriend,’ Alex said triumphantly. ‘And maybe he’s going to bring her to the party tonight. Perhaps he’s collecting her now, that’s why he’s late.’
The first cars were arriving as they went down and they were immediately engulfed in festivities. Within half an hour there were a hundred people, laughing, eating, sipping the best Chianti.
Alex looked around, feeling joyously at home at last. Just one more hurdle to go. If only Gino were here.
And then, suddenly, he was. They saw the lights of his car approaching, and the next moment he’d parked, leapt out and was being greeted with riotous enthusiasm by every guest. Gino was deservedly popular.
He went right round the party, kissing every woman there, even the oldest, leaving smiles behind him, until at last he presented himself to his brother and Alex.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said penitently.
‘So you should be,’ Rinaldo growled. ‘This is Alex’s first party here, and she’s put a lot of work into it.’
‘Alex will forgive me when she hears what I have to say,’ Gino said, looking at her with a light in his eyes.
Seeing that light, Alex knew a sudden sense of alarm.
‘Gino, dear, why don’t you have a drink?’
‘Let that wait. There’s something I must say to you that’s far more important. I’ve waited until now, but oh, carissima I can’t wait any longer. I love you. I want to marry you.’
‘Gino-’
‘Hush, don’t say anything. Let me show you this.’
He pulled a little box from his pocket and opened it. Inside glittered a ring that she could see was antique. It was exquisite, studded with diamonds and sapphires.
‘I saw this in the shop window ages ago,’ Gino said. ‘And I thought then how I should like to give it to you on the day I asked you to be my wife. But when I went back for it they’d sold it to someone else, and it’s taken me a long time to track him down and buy it. But it’s mine now, which means it’s yours.’
‘Gino-’ she whispered, devastated by what was happening, yet unable to stop it.
‘Don’t look so surprised, carissima. You’ve always known how I felt about you. Even when I was playing the fool, my heart was all yours. Or perhaps you didn’t suspect how deep my love is. Maybe this will convince you.’
Before the whole party Gino went down on one knee, took Alex’s hand in his and said, ‘Alex, my love, will you please marry me? Will you be my wife?’
Alex felt as though she were moving through a nightmare. She should have silenced him but shock had held her transfixed.
In the silence, Gino took her hand and slipped the ring onto it.
Alex stared at the ring, her eyes full of tears as she thought how she must hurt him. How had she let this take her by surprise? she thought wretchedly.
But she knew the answer. Rinaldo had filled her thoughts to the exclusion of all else. Gino had existed only on the periphery.
Gino was still smiling up at her, not yet understanding her silence. Behind him she could see Rinaldo, his face pale and shocked. Imperceptibly she shook her head at him. What had to be done, she must do alone.
‘Gino,’ she said hesitantly. ‘Please get up. Don’t let’s talk about this now.’
‘What is there to talk about, darling?’ he asked softly, rising to his feet and looking at her with eyes full of love.
‘No,’ she said, removing the ring and putting it back into his hand. ‘Gino, I’m sorry-I can’t-’
She saw the joy and certainty drain out of his face, leaving behind not disillusion but bafflement. He’d convinced himself of her feelings, and now couldn’t believe otherwise.
Alex pulled herself together. ‘Come with me,’ she said, seizing his hand and drawing him away from the crowd.
Cheers followed them. Only a few heard had heard their exchange. The others saw them as lovers who wanted to be alone.
Gino thought so too, for as soon as they were through the trees he tried to take her into his arms.
‘I’m sorry carissima, I shouldn’t have done that in public.’
‘Gino-’
‘I know you’ll forgive me when I tell you how much I love you. But surely you already know that?’
‘No-no, I didn’t. At first you seemed to be playing at flirtation, and since I came back from England you’ve stayed away from me.’
‘I’ve hardly done that, but I’ve tried to show respect for your feelings. I knew how the breakup with your fiancé must have hurt you, and that you’d need time to get over him. I’m not an insensitive oaf, darling.’
‘No, you’re not,’ she said. ‘You’re a sweet, kind boy-’
‘I’m not a boy,’ Gino said firmly. ‘I may look like one sometimes next to Rinaldo, because I think he was born old. But I’m man enough to know that I love you with my whole heart and soul, enough to wait for you to be ready. Darling, must I wait longer? You know now how much I love you? Can’t you love me now?’
‘Oh, no,’ she said softly, already in pain for him. ‘Gino, I didn’t understand, you always made such a joke of it.’
‘Yes, I did in the beginning. I don’t think I fully realised what my feelings were until you went away. It was unbearable without you, and I began to understand how deep it went with me. If you hadn’t come back when you did, I would have followed you to England.’
She gave a gasp as she heard those words, so similar to the ones Rinaldo had spoken.
‘I’d have followed you because I knew you were the one,’ Gino said, ‘the only one, different from every other woman I’ve fooled around with and loved for five minutes. It’s not five minutes this time, but all my life and beyond-’
‘No!’ she cried, distraught. ‘Don’t say that. It mustn’t be true. It can’t be.’
A shadow crossed his face. ‘Why can’t it
be true?’
‘Because I’m not in love with you.’
He looked at her, almost as though the words conveyed no meaning to him.
‘You’re still in love with that man in England,’ he said at last. ‘I spoke too soon.’
‘No, no, it’s not him, it’s-’
But she checked herself. This was no time to tell him about Rinaldo. Not here and now, in the middle of a party.
‘Please don’t say any more,’ she begged. ‘We’ll talk about it later.’
‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Later. I did it the wrong way, didn’t I? I rushed you. I can wait.’
He gave her a brief smile and walked away back to the party.
She watched him, bitterly blaming herself for not seeing this coming. It was as Gino had said. He was no longer a boy but a man, with a sensitivity to her feelings that she had not suspected. It had misled her into thinking he didn’t care.
As if to prove his new-found maturity Gino did not storm off alone, or sulk, but became the life and soul of the party. He danced every dance, flirted without end, and generally exerted himself to make things go with a swing.
The general opinion among the guests was that he must have attained his heart’s desire, because he presented the picture of a supremely happy man. Only a few people noticed that he and Alex never went near each other for the rest of the evening.
At last the guests began to drift away. There were crowing goodbyes, songs yodelled up to the moon, and an air of happy satiety.
‘Where’s Gino?’ Rinaldo asked Alex when they were alone.
‘I last saw him half an hour ago. Oh, Rinaldo-’
‘I know. It’s terrible. He’ll understand in the end, but he’s bound to be sore after he declared himself so openly, in front of all those people.’
‘He’s been marvellous since then,’ Alex observed. ‘It must have been very difficult for him to be so bright and cheerful after what I said to him.’
‘How much did you say?’
‘Only that I didn’t love him. It wasn’t the right time to tell him the rest.’
She approached Teresa who was clearing away with the girls, and gave them some help. Later she found Rinaldo.
