The queen reached for her wineglass. Her gaze, however, remained fixed on the necklace. After a lengthy sip of her Cabernet, she asked, “Was anyone else present when Kelly discovered this?”
“Everyone was at the banquet. She brought it to my attention immediately afterward. No one else knows about it. Needless to say, I was blown away.”
Queen Fabrizia released a long breath as her gaze travelled to the hole in the bottom of the bag, then back to the necklace itself. “That was incredibly honest of her. You’d be surprised how often people aren’t when faced with a temptation such as this.”
Her comment made him wonder once more about the fraud rumors. Rather than needle her about a topic she either wouldn’t or couldn’t discuss, he said, “You’ve seen this necklace before, haven’t you? You seem to recognize it.”
“Oh, yes.” Her eyes were bright as she ran her fingertip around the edge of the central sapphire, the one that must have cost a fortune, even by Barrali standards. She picked it up and tilted it in the light, which made the striations in the sapphire appear to move, like a star winking in the night. “In fact, your father bought this stone and had the necklace made.”
Massimo sat back in his chair, stunned. Despite the brilliance of the stones and settings, he’d assumed it to be older, perhaps from his grandparents’ or great-grandparents’ generation. It was hard to imagine the straitlaced, practical King Carlo having such an extravagant piece secretly designed. “That is an unreal gesture of love.”
The edge of his mother’s mouth twisted into her infamous half-smile. “It was.”
“But I’ve never even heard of this necklace, let alone seen it. Why haven’t you worn it?”
“Oh, it wasn’t made for me. I imagine that’s why it was placed in the bureau.”
A knock sounded at the door as the sentence hung between them. Massimo stood to answer it as Fabrizia swept the necklace back into the bag, then set the bag in her lap. Once dinner was served and the waitstaff gone, she withdrew the necklace and returned it to the tabletop.
“Whose is it, then?” Massimo asked, ignoring the salmon, strawberry, and pecan salad his mother ordered for him. “Did he commission it for Grandmother?”
It would explain a lot. The king’s mother—a woman known for her flamboyant personality—would’ve loved such a necklace. However, she’d died only two years after her eldest son ascended the throne. Perhaps he’d ordered it, but never had the opportunity to give it to her.
Still, that didn’t explain the secrecy the king had insisted upon at Conti & Fancetti or how the necklace came to be in a hidden panel in the bureau.
“Those are all questions to ask your father.” With one last look at the necklace, Queen Fabrizia gently tucked it back in its bag. “Though if you must, I’d appreciate it if you’d wait until after the European Union meeting. He’s extremely busy and doesn’t need any distractions.”
Massimo couldn’t imagine how the necklace might constitute a distraction—for all its glory, it was a necklace, after all. A thing. Not life or death. But he wasn’t going to argue with his mother.
“For now, why don’t you keep it,” she said, handing him the bag. “It was safe in that bureau for a long time. I imagine it’ll be safe for a while longer, and I suspect your father will want it in the hands of you or one of your siblings at some point, anyway. But do watch that hole in the bottom. If the bag were tipped to the right angle, I’m afraid the necklace could fall out.”
“I’ll take the proper care of it,” he promised. “But speaking of care, is all well with you? You don’t seem yourself lately.”
She didn’t seem surprised by the question. “Your father and I are…well, suffice it to say we’re facing some challenges. We’ve overcome worse, though, and we love each other deeply. So there’s no need to worry. Even the best marriages have ups and downs, and on the whole, I’m very pleased with my life.”
“But—”
She cut him off with tilt of her head that left no doubt in Massimo’s mind that she considered the discussion closed.
The rest of the evening was spent savoring their dinner, which was both flavorful and filling, and discussing the queen’s current projects. None were pursuits Massimo cared to join, but he enjoyed hearing the excitement in his mother’s voice. Though his mother claimed it was King Carlo who was busy, Massimo was quite certain it was the queen who’d been burning the candle at both ends recently.
“It’s good to see you so happy,” he told her as he polished off a chocolate cinnamon mousse that had been sent up for dessert. His mother only picked at hers, but that was typical.
“Once Bruno’s done with school, I’ll have all my children back in the country. Knowing you’re safe now and that Stefano is getting married…well, it’s all wonderful.”
She set her napkin to the side, indicating the end of the meal. “I’m glad we did this, Massimo. Let’s do it again soon.”
Out of habit, he skirted the table to help her from her seat. Her fingers wrapped around his forearm as they strolled toward the door. When they were partway through the grand living room, with its ornate Persian rugs and richly upholstered furniture, she stopped and gave him a meaningful look. “I know you arranged this dinner to brainstorm ideas about what to do with your future, and I know I’ve hounded you about it. We owe the people of Sarcaccia our service. We’re expected to perform—at times like circus animals—in a manner that does the most good for the most people.”
She let go of his arm and placed her hands over her heart as she spoke, something he’d never before seen her do. “Massimo, what I want most is to see you happy. Over the years I’ve learned that choosing the option that made me happiest—no matter the consequences or risks, no matter the opinions of others—ended up being the right choice in the long run. Whether it’s in your royal duties, your romantic relationships, or in both, your countrymen will respect your decision if you’re true to yourself. I said the exact same thing to Vittorio just last week, and I meant it.”
“He’s had a rough go recently, hasn’t he?”
“Vittorio likes to live life according to plan, but love isn’t one of those things that can be scripted like a coronation ceremony. It involves a lot of unknowns. A lot of trust. Over the course of a relationship, you discover that trust is either there or it’s not. In his case, it wasn’t.”
Massimo paused. “The fraud allegations do involve Carmella, don’t they?”
“Let’s just say that Vittorio did what he needed to do, both to be true to himself and to protect our family.” She shrugged, then strode to the door to let him out. “I’m confident he’ll be fine in the long run. As will all of my children, I’m sure.”
Her words resonated in his brain as he reentered his own apartment a few minutes later. How was it that a mother—even a mother like his, who was a maternal figure to an entire country and had little private time with him during his formative years—knew exactly which issues her children faced? Because as much as Queen Fabrizia had talked about trust in relation to Vittorio, Massimo knew his mother’s words were meant for him.
A snort of laughter echoed from somewhere in the back of Massimo’s brightly lit apartment, followed by gales of laughter—presumably aimed at the snorter—and a feminine voice exclaiming, “I can’t believe you just did that, Robert!”
The feminine voice he recognized as April’s. But surely the Robert to whom she referred wasn’t—
“Madam, I have no idea what you mean.”
Massimo paused in the living room, a wide grin splitting his face. His stylist? Buttoned up, stoic Robert, was laughing with the women in the closet?
Chapter Twenty-Four
“I heard a distinct snort,” came Kelly’s voice, followed by enthusiastic agreement from two male voices whom he assumed to be the second carpenter and the electrician. “But maybe it wasn’t coming from you, Robert. It did sound more like Gaspare.”
That brought another round of laughter. There was a sc
uffle of footsteps and a few taps of a hammer before one of the men said, “That’s the last of the hang rods. Robert, I assume you’d also like us to wipe everything down and vacuum before you bring in the clothing?”
“Thank you, that would be helpful.”
Massimo peeked around the corner to his bedroom only to see a large plastic sheet covering the closet doorway, presumably to stop dust from entering his bedroom. Unwilling to disturb the group, he dropped into one the living room sofas and listened as they continued laughing and teasing each other. Apparently, April met a man the afternoon of the parade—one who’d shown her a fabulous night on the town after the fireworks—which resulted in another round of playful chitchat. Before long, the hum of a vacuum filled the air. April and the other carpenter walked through the living room and left without noticing Massimo, but a moment later, when Robert emerged, he instantly tipped his head in Massimo’s direction.
“Your Highness, I hope we aren’t keeping you awake? I wasn’t aware you’d returned.”
And no wonder, Massimo thought. Though sporting a well-tailored suit and shoes polished to an impeccable shine, as always, Robert strolled from the back room with color high in his cheeks and a toothy grin spread across the lower half of his face. At least until the older man spied the prince, when his usual serious visage snapped back into place.
“Not at all, Robert.” Massimo kept his voice down so those in the back room wouldn’t hear. “It sounds like the closet is nearly finished.”
“Yes, sir. The shelves are complete and the lighting all installed. I just went through the space with Ms. Chase to confirm the arrangement of your clothing. Now we only need wait for a few spots of wood varnish to dry before your belongings can be put in order.” The older gentleman folded his hands in front of him. “I should warn you that your bedroom does smell of the varnish. The closet window was left open, but I’m afraid it wasn’t sufficient.”
“I’ll sleep elsewhere if it bothers me.” Massimo raised an eyebrow. “So tell me, what do you think of the closet?”
“I think you’ll love it, and that’s not a word I use often.” Robert’s face softened. He glanced toward the bedroom to ensure he wasn’t being overheard, then said, “If I may be so bold, you hired the right person for the job, sir. Ms. Chase is one of a kind. In all my years, I have never seen a room more tailored to its owner.”
Massimo leaned forward and folded his hands in front of him. “In what way?”
“She plans to show it to you in a few days, once we have your clothing and accessories in place. I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“I see. Thank you, Robert.” The British gentleman nodded, but before he took his leave, Massimo said, “I imagine you’ll be quite busy with the closet and final clothing purchases this week, but I’m hoping you’ll have time for one more task. A favor for Ms. Chase.”
When Massimo explained the idea that’d suddenly formed in his mind, Robert’s rather ungentlemanly grin made another appearance. “Sir, nothing would give me more pleasure. Consider it done.”
* * *
At precisely three o’clock Friday afternoon, Kelly hung the last of the black leather belts Robert had purchased on the closet’s newly-installed retractable belt rack before sliding it into place at the end of the shelf nearest the full-length mirror.
“All we have left are the suits on the rack beside Massimo’s nightstand,” she told Robert, who was arranging the prince’s cufflinks and watches in a velvet-lined tray that fit neatly into the bureau’s top drawer. “Then you can go home and enjoy the weekend. I can’t believe we’re going to pull this off before the prince’s charity ball.”
The design elements that had concerned her most—the imported area rug, the custom-designed display cases, even the specialty racks—were complete. Everything had fallen into place, exactly as she’d hoped, and with two hours to spare.
“I would say that it’s a testament to your efficiency,” Robert commented, his voice droll. “However, I suspect it’s because you’re an invited guest and want time to find something suitable to wear.”
Kelly turned from the belt rack to face Robert. “I’d be insulted if I wasn’t distracted by the fact you know I’m going. Who told you?”
“No insult meant, Ms. Chase.”
“I told you, please call me Kelly. Ms. Chase is my mother.”
One of his eyebrows raised slightly, but he kept his focus on the cufflinks, ensuring each pair matched as he moved them from the last of Massimo’s old boxes to the new tray. “In that case, Kelly, I can tell you that Prince Massimo himself informed me several days ago. I believe he wanted to thank you for all you’ve done here. You’ve left quite an impression on him.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. She wondered exactly what Massimo had said to the older gentleman. Was Massimo’s gratitude solely for her professional role, or did it extend to the personal?
He’d kissed her a few nights ago, true. But when she’d asked if tonight was a date, he’d said you’ve earned a night out and I’d like you there. That sounded more like a reward for a job well done.
On the other hand, in just over twenty-four hours she’d be heading back to the States, so there was no point in labeling the event a date or not-a-date. In the end, she’d have a good time and she’d go home to Dallas. Alone.
“The prince is very kind,” she finally said.
“That he is,” Robert replied. “While I finish this, would you mind fetching that last rack? If you roll it in here, I can help you remove the protective wrap and get the prince’s suits arranged on the appropriate hang bars.”
She did as he asked, rolling the long rack to the center of the closet, near the section set aside for Massimo’s suits. One by one, she began uncovering them, wrapping the plastic used to keep dust off the suits into bundles and tossing them into the bedroom to recycle later. Robert pitched in to help, making the work quick. When they reached the last suit, Robert put his hand over it and said, “Why don’t we save this one? Put the others up first, then we’ll celebrate putting away the very last item.”
“All right.” Odd, but why not?
They arranged the suits by color so Massimo could quickly find what he needed. Once finished, Robert gestured to the last suit with a swoop of his hand. “I’ll let you do the honors.”
She shook her head, then lifted the opaque, off-white plastic covering from the suit. Except it wasn’t a suit.
Under the wrap a stunning light blue ball gown shimmered under the closet’s new overhead lights.
“Well, so much for a celebration,” she said with an exaggerated grimace. “This must’ve been delivered to the wrong apartment by the palace dry cleaners. I wonder if it belongs to Princess Sophia or Queen Fabrizia?”
“Neither.” With movements honed long ago in London’s most exclusive shops, Robert lifted the garment from the rack and laid it across his arm in front of Kelly, drawing it out so she could see its full length. Meeting her gaze, he said, “It was selected just for you for tonight’s ball. If my guess is correct, it should fit perfectly.”
Shock left her speechless. Robert had selected a gown for her?
“If you wish to try it on, I’ll wait in the living room. I have a tailor available to make any necessary adjustments, then I’ll have it steamed and delivered to your suite. It should be ready in plenty of time.”
Her hand went to her mouth. It was the most amazing creation she’d ever seen, one truly fit for royalty. At the same time, it was very her, with a clean, classic cut. “Thank you, Robert. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just let me see you in it, dear.” He placed it in her arms and left for the living room. A few minutes later, she tiptoed in after him.
“It’s beautiful, Robert. More exquisite than anything I’ve ever worn.” One look in the closet’s mirror had confirmed her initial impression of the gown. The inner label noted that the gossamer-light creation was from one of the most exclusive fashion houses in Italy. And, tr
ue to Robert’s guess, it fit her perfectly. “I’m touched that you took the time to find it for me.”
“It was my pleasure.” He swirled his index finger to indicate that she should turn for him. “I don’t believe it needs a single alteration. Wonderful!”
She stopped spinning and exhaled, smoothing her hands over the fitted waist. “I feel like Cinderella. But on that note, as much as I love it, I can’t possibly afford it. It would be—”
“It’s a gift.”
“Robert!”
“No, not from me. Though I wish it were.” To Kelly’s astonishment, color appeared in the man’s cheeks. “Prince Massimo ordered it for you. Now go put it back on the hanger so I can have it steamed. You’ll find there are a half-dozen pairs of shoes inside your suite waiting for you to try on. Any of them will work with the gown, but if it were my choice, I’d lean toward the silver pair with the round-cut crystals across the toes. They’re not as high as some of the others, so they’ll make for easier dancing while still catching the light from the ballroom chandeliers.”
Proper, prim Robert. He’d become her fairy godmother…of a sort. Though she knew it wasn’t at all his manner, she closed the space between him and gave him a hug. After a moment, he hugged her back. First, it was a mere pat on the back, but then he held her close as a father would a beloved daughter and wished her a wonderful evening.
When she left the room to change, she could swear she heard him sigh.
* * *
Kelly rapped on Massimo’s door just as she had every day for nearly two weeks. But for the first time, she carried no design plans. No notebooks. Not even her cell phone. All she carried was her pride, and even that depended on maintaining her balance in the striking silver heels Robert selected for her.
She didn’t think she could count the tiny purse looped over her shoulder by a whisper-thin silver chain. The jewel-encrusted number Robert left in her suite with the shoes barely fit her lipstick and powder.
Honeymoon With a Prince (Royal Scandals) Page 26
