That coat. Those breeches. Forget Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley. Hello, Mr. Toscani.
Behind a black-and-white mask adorned with music notes, his warm gingerbread eyes sparkled in the light from the suspended glass chandelier.
“What? How?”
Offering his arm to Sabrina, Lorenzo slowly took a turn about the room with her. “La mia ninfa.” He spoke in a hushed tone that only Sabrina could hear. “Sei la donna più bella in questa stanza.”
She quivered.
I’ve missed hearing that accent so much.
“You, my nymph, are the most beautiful woman in the room. You are a sea goddess incarnate.” She leaned her head onto his shoulder. “I am the luckiest man alive.” He flashed a wolfish smile.
“And you are making me the luckiest woman alive by bringing allmywildest fantasies to life. I can’t believe you were able to sneak away from the vineyard.” She brushed her fingers against the soft wool of his coat.
“When Leonora came to me explaining her grand plan for your carriage ride, I just knew I had to find a way to be here. Papa assured me he would be fine without me for two days, and so, here I am. It was difficult to keep from telling you.”
Her heart hammered against her chest. “Since the day we first met, I’ve dreamed about seeing you garbed as a Regency gentleman.” They paused in a quiet corner. Sabrina twirled her finger through one of Lorenzo’s loose locks. “This green coat makes the outfit.”
“You noticed.” He puffed out his chest. “I can thank your Mr. Darcy, Colin Firth, for the inspiration.”
“Is this costume yours to keep?” She playfully ran her fingers up his lapels.
“It’s rented, but if you like it, I’ll be more than happy to add a set to my wardrobe.” He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her closer to his body. She smelled lemon and basil. “I can see us making the Jane Austen Festival a yearly occurrence.”
He would be willing come to Bath as a couple again? Swoon. I’m in heaven. He is truly the perfect man for me.
He traced the silhouette of the seashells on her mask. “Jane Austen is an important facet of who you are. Why not embrace it?” He kissed her gloved hand. “Consider tonight the perfect gesture to symbolize our officially becoming boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Her breath hitched. “Are you, Mr. Toscani, proposing we formalize our courtship?” She smiled coyly.
Yes, Lorenzo. I’m not using the term courtship lightly. The only future I can imagine is with you. I’ve never had more clarity in my life than when I picture us together. You will forever and always be the only man for me.
“That’sPrinceLorenzo.” His eyes twinkled behind the mask. “I suppose I am.”
She removed her dance card from inside her long gloves and passed it to him. He snorted. “You’ve written my name down on all twelve lines.”
“Call it a premonition.”
The sound of applause brought them back to reality. Lorenzo slipped the dance card into the front-facing pocket of his tailcoat. “If I’m not mistaken, Miss Hill, it’s my turn to claim you for our set.”
“I hope you shan’t be disappointed that I’m not the most gifted dancer.”
Lorenzo placed a hand against the small of her back. “My dear Miss Hill, every savage can dance.”
She giggled. “Quoting Darcy, are we?”
“A man must be aware of his competition where a stunning lady is involved.”
Mr. Darcy, Mr. Knightley, Captain Wentworth, and all the other Austen men can move over as far as I’m concerned. They are no match for you.
They secured a spot in the middle of the dancing line. The lead violinist played a series of slow opening notes.
It’s the music Elizabeth and Darcy danced to in the 2005 remake of P and P, an adapted theme from Purcell’sDido and Aeneas. A melding of the Regency and of ancient Rome. If this isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is.
He bowed. She curtsied. Her muscles trembled in anticipation. Lorenzo glided forward and gave Sabrina a knowing smirk.
Is that in recognition of the music? Or something else?
