“Forgive my bluntness, Donatella, but you have shown an inordinate interest in Allegretto’s work,” Constance said as she walked beside Aunt Kitty. “Are you also interested in acquiring one of his paintings?” The American heiress studied the baroness with a sharp-eyed look.
“My late husband and I amassed a sizeable collection of Renaissance art,” the baroness replied in a smooth tone. “As a collector, I am intrigued by this missing painting that Stefano has spoken about. Although Allegretto was a lesser master than Leonardo or Michelangelo, his work would be a fitting addition to any Renaissance collection.”
“I see,” Constance replied with a slight smile. “I am certain Stefano will keep us both apprised as to any revelations of the whereabouts of, as you say, this lesser master.”
Jack noticed Constance was not surprised by the baroness’s interest in the painting, nor did she seem concerned that the woman might offer a challenge to her acquisition of it. It also confirmed what Stefano had said—the baroness might be maneuvering to secure the painting for herself. Her belittlement of the artist seemed to be a strategy to achieve her end. Donatella was a sly fox, and Cynthia might also be part of a larger plan. Stefano may have, against his wishes, revealed that the painting had been found.
Jack hadn’t decided to reveal or sell the work, but his gut told him he’d better secure the artwork in a safer location. He’d kept his bedroom locked, but he didn’t trust anyone except Aunt Kitty and Gaby…
That surprised him, given she had yet to reveal the truth about her past. But in his heart, he knew it just as he knew every inch of her body.
Chapter Nineteen
Populonia, Italy
October 20, 1902
Gabriella’s heart twistedinto knots as she watched Cynthia holding tight to Jack’s arm for support. The last thing she’d wanted was to be on this outing, but she’d had no choice. She couldn’t say no to Kitty.
The carriage ride had been hard enough sitting next to Jack, feeling the heat from his tall, gorgeous body. But the conversation had only added to her anxiety.
Not to mention the added strain of seeing how Jen and Xavier loved each other, how they were so in tune with each other’s thoughts and feelings—and then feeling the press of Jack’s shoulder or thigh as the carriage rolled over each rut in the road was frustrating, to say the least.
She was also worried about the painting, but Jen and Em had whispered to her that Iris would keep an eye on things until they returned. Gaby wished she could have had a chance to speak privately with Allegretto’s muse and the author of her favorite book, but she’d had no idea that Blossom was Iris Bellerose until Emily and Jenee explained everything to her. Iris must have known who Gaby was; she and Allegretto had been responsible for her going back in time.
But why didn’t she reach out to me?Perhaps she had been biding her time, knowing that Em and Jen would arrive the next day? Still, Gaby felt so discombobulated, so out of the loop. She still had no idea how they would help Iris and destroy the contessa.
Gaby sighed as she walked alongside her friends and their husbands. At least she’d get to spend a little more time with her besties before this was all over. And then what? There was no future for her and Jack. What reason did she have to stay? Yes, she’d miss her friends like crazy, but knowing they had both found true love and were both so happy filled Gaby’s heart with warmth.If only I could have the same with Jack…
Em reached for Gaby’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze. Jen took Gaby’s other hand, and they fell back, walking a little slower, their husbands forming a protective wall in front of them.
“Iris stayed behind for a reason,” Em whispered in Gaby’s ear. “She’ll be searching the baroness’s room.”
“Does Iris thinks it’s her?” Gaby whispered back.
“Yes,” Jenee replied. “And she went to your room the night she and Constance arrived to tell you who she was and tell you of her suspicions about the baroness, but you weren’t there.”
“Something tells me you were with a certain hunky archeologist,” Em said.
Gaby’s face heated.
“We need to have a good, long chat before the shit hits the fan,” Jen added. “We don’t have much time as it is. And we want to make sure you’re okay, Gaby.”
“I—I don’t know if I am, to be honest.”
“Honey, Jen is right,” Em said. “Once we’ve worked out a plan with Iris, things will move quickly. You have to really think hard about whether you want to stay or go home.”
Gaby swallowed the lump in her throat as she realized her friends were right.
“Gaby, I was sitting across from you during the carriage ride,” Jen said. “The sparks between you and Jack could light up the night sky.”
“But he’s going to marry Cynthia,” Gaby said, her voice breaking.
“Do you know that for sure?” Em asked.
“How can he not marry her? He needs her money to win back his title and estate.”
“I’m sure with Colin’s influence, we can help.”
