Gabriella reached out and took Kitty’s hand in hers. “The love you shared with your husband was the love of a lifetime, but I hope you will find happiness again, my lady.”
“Alas, I dare not dream of finding another husband that will ever supplant Stewart in my affections. But if it is God’s will, and a good man by some miracle comes into my life, I will not be foolish enough to turn him away.”
Jack felt like an idiot for not realizing how lonely his aunt was. She was always bustling about, ensuring her guests at the villa were comfortable and content. And she had always had time for him. He made a mental note to speak privately with her. No matter what happened in his life, he would always be there for her.
“I do hope everyone finds the luncheon to their satisfaction,” Gabriella said. Jack had the feeling that she was trying to distract his aunt from her sad musings. He knew that Gaby cared about Kitty, and that warmed him from the inside out.
“Oh, Gabriella, I am certain we shall,” Kitty said, giving Gaby’s hand a squeeze. “Everything you make is so delicious. I have never tasted the like. And your ability to make each dish so unique and different… You are truly a culinary artist.” Her smile returned. “Jack might be your biggest fan, cooking-wise, as I’ve never seen him refill his plate so often.”
Xavier laughed and patted his stomach. “I could not concur more; your cuisine isformidable.As a Frenchman, I have a most discerning palate and pride myself on my cooking. Jenee is quite the aficionado of my bourride. Dare I say it was instrumental in winning her heart.” He winked at his wife.
Jenee slapped his wrist. “Xavier, your fish soup is excellent. However, I was far more taken by your other talents,” she said, returning his teasing, the innuendo not lost on Jack.
Everyone in the carriage could not help but laugh, and no one laughed harder than Xavier.
“Your witty tongue,mon amour, is second only to your great beauty, which holds me spellbound as always.”
Jack could feel the tightening in his chest. The inspector and his wife made no secret of their adoration of each other—neither did the Remingtons, for that matter—and he couldn’t avoid the prick of jealousy. He studied Gabriella, wondering if she, too, wished to know such bliss. She was smiling at Jenee and Xavier but was, once again, avoiding his gaze.
“Goodness, all this rocking in the carriage is jarring these old bones of mine,” Aunt Kitty said. “How much longer, Jack?”
“You are the furthest thing from old, Aunt Kitty, but you’re in luck because we’ve arrived.” Jack jumped out of the carriage before it had come to a stop and helped his aunt down. Then he turned to assist Gaby, feeling heat shoot through him at the touch of her hand in his.
“Thank you, my lord,” Gaby said, barely meeting his gaze. “Please excuse me. I must see to my staff.” She hurried off in the direction of the wagon pulling up behind the second carriage.
Jack almost whooped with glee when Aunt Kitty made a beeline for the wagon and, quite loudly, told Gabriella that Luigi, Maria, Sofia, and Antonio were more than capable of unloading and setting up the picnic. She insisted that Gaby join them in exploring the necropolis.
Unfortunately, the baroness practically dragged Cynthia up to Jack, exclaiming how excited her niece was about the ruins. He couldn’t help but notice that Cynthia looked anything but excited about the tour, but he had no choice but to offer her his arm.
Damn! Thwarted again!But he was not daunted. Jack was determined to come up with a plan to get Gaby alone. And even more determined to get some answers.
Cynthia held a parasol and grabbed Jack’s arm for support as he led the party through the ruins. “What you see scattered about are burial mounds and family tombs, which we can explore at leisure after the picnic. I thought hiking up the hill to the necropolis caves would be amusing and invigorating.”
“I say, Jack,” said Colin, “I’ve heard the Etruscans had some interesting proclivities.”
Jack’s lips twitched with humor at Colin’s meaning. “You are correct—the Etruscans were quite open about certain activities. Tomb paintings have been found that depict naked young women serving meals, which is quite a risqué proposition to contemplate.”
Stefano guffawed. “That would certainly add flavor to any meal.”
“Or ruin it,” the baroness said with disdain.
“How very shocking and distasteful!” Cynthia added.
“My dear, one must learn tolerance when judging cultures different from your own,” Jack said. “Remember, we are talking about a thousand years ago, and by all indications, they were quite advanced for their time.”
“How very decadent,” said Stefano. “I imagine the Romans must have incorporated much of the Etruscan culture into their own.”
“They did. So much of what we consider Roman culture, accomplishments, and customs stem from the Etruscans. The Etruscans influenced them in many ways, including art and design. It is a shame I can’t take you to Tarquinia and show you the tomb paintings. They are extraordinary and give an excellent picture of Etruscan culture and everyday life. Unfortunately, Tarquinia is a two-day journey from Nido dell’ Aquila.”
“Jack, I’m certain our guests will be quite satisfied with this small introduction to the Etruscan world,” Kitty said with a chuckle.
“Righto, I forget myself. Not everyone shares my fascination with history and archaeological discoveries.”
“My friend,” said Stefano, “your passion for antiquity is not very different from my passion for painting and sculpture. Art also reveals much about the past, though not such a distant past.”
“Ah, yes, and that includes the work of Marco Allegretto? I am curious, Stefano, have you received any leads as to where the painting might be?” asked Donatella.
Stefano exchanged a quick glance with Jack. “Not yet, but I have my feelers out, and I am hopeful my inquiries will lead to someone coming forward with information.”
