Chapter39
Rogues and Knights and Sheep
Meanwhile, in a barouche
David glanced over at Vittoria at the same time she turned her head in his direction.The two grinned as if they had been caught sneaking candy from the kitchens.
“What are you thinking?”he asked.
She dipped her head.“That I want you to like me.”
Chuckling, David said, “I would have thought the half-boots might have proved it.”
“Oh, they did what you intended.But I cannot help but think you feel...”She paused a moment, as if she was struggling to come up with the correct word in English.“Obbigato,” she finally said.“Because you no doubt have learned the plans my aunt had for you, and I can imagine you would not wish to disappoint her.She is your sister.”
David blinked.“Pardon?”He stared at her until the barouche jerked at a sudden turn.“What are you talking about?”A memory of the conversation he’d had with his brother the night before came to mind, but the details were lost in the haze of the alcohol he had consumed.
“Aunt Armenia might have agreed to see to my come-out, but it is Aunt Nicoletta who has decided to play matchmaker on my behalf,” she replied.
David stiffened.“Has she...found someone for you?”
Vittoria swallowed.“I believe she thinks...”She huffed.“I think she hasyouin mind.”
Nodding thoughtfully, David said, “Well, I must admit I am rather honored she would hold me in such high regard.”
Gasping, she stared at him.“You are?”
“Well, of course.Surely there must be someone here in Rome that you think would suit you better,” he said, managing to hide a wince at the thought she might end up married to someone else.Especially when he had already decided he was going to propose.
He had the ring.He had her to himself for at least another few minutes.What the hell was he doing suggesting other candidates?
“I danced with several of them two nights ago,” she replied.“None were men with whom I wished to spend my entire life,” she said.
David stared her.“Not a single one?”Not even me?
She shook her head.“At least three enjoy the beds of...mistresses,” she said in a whisper.“Two are in desperate straits and in need of a dowry to pay their creditors.One prefers the company of men,” she added sadly.“Perhaps I really do believe every man is a rogue,” she said sadly.
“Not all of us, no,” he replied defensively.“I will admit, it is good that you were not raised to expect all men to be...”He waved his hands in frustration.“Knights in shining armor, but to suspect they are all libertines is not fair to those of us who are not.”
Her look of confusion cleared after she interpreted his meaning.“Aunt Nikky was very lucky,” she said.
David finally nodded.“My brother is a good man,” he acknowledged.“We were both raised by the same parents.The same aunt and uncle.”
The barouche suddenly stopped, and the two glanced around to discover they were back at Villa Montblanc.“That was fast,” he murmured.
Once the tiger had the door opened, David jumped down and turned to help Vittoria from the carriage.Before he could offer his arm to her, he realized they were being watched.
His father stood leaning against the front door, his expression suggesting he was not a happy man.
“Father, what’s happened?”he asked as they approached him.
Will held up his pocket watch.“The other two coaches arrived here over an hour ago.Where have you been?”
“We had to drop Armenia at her villa,” Vittoria replied, cradling the package containing her old half-boots in her arms.“She is hosting a guest for dinner this evening.”
His expression softening, Will seemed to accept her explanation.He motioned to her package.“Did you take another detour?”he asked, his query directed to David.
“Yes, Father.I...I saw to itDonnaVittoria has a more comfortable pair of half-boots,” he admitted.“Her feet were damaged from yesterday’s walking tour.”
