Surprised by Love by Kate Hofman Page B

in, and do her best to attract a tourist’s
interest.  He nodded to himself.  Yes, Roberto would be glad to be
rid of the bitch.  He’d better discuss it with Giulio, do it properly and
efficiently.
    And
he would stop his mother’s allowance if she tried to interfere in his private
life—or business, for that matter.  Let her try living on the small sum
she had inherited from her own parents.
     
    ****
     
    When
Alessandro woke up from his nap, he showered and shaved, then—immaculate in
black tie—he knocked at Connie’s door. 
     “Connie? 
Are you awake?”
    Connie
opened her door, and Alessandro sucked in a breath.  Valentino’s subtle
jade green silk gave scintillating brilliance to her eyes, and the pure lines
of the dress showed off Connie’s perfect figure. 
     “You’re
dazzling.  That’s the most alluring dress I’ve ever seen you wear.” 
    She
smiled.  “So are you elegance personified.  Alessandro?  Shall
we close this meeting of the mutual admiration society?”
    He
laughed.  “Yes, we sounded pretty breathless there.  Come downstairs
with me, and we’ll have a little Krug to start the evening privately on
a happy note.  Later on, it may be uphill work to keep things happy on the
surface, but we’ve got to manage it for Nonna’s sake.”
    “You
know I’ll do anything you want to make sure of that.”  She smiled
gently.  “Don’t risk an unhappy atmosphere by reacting too strongly to
some nasty remark to me by your mother or Marisa.  I’ve always thought
that I can only be offended by my peers—and forgive me for saying it, but your
mother’s intelligence isn’t quite up to the mark.  As for that common
Marisa—‘nuff said?”  She laid her hand briefly on his arm.  “Let them
spew their poison, as long as your Nonnaisn’t upset by it.  I
promise you, it won’t upset me.”         
     “Ah,
but she would be, you see.  She knows how much I like you.”
    Connie
blushed.  Hesitantly she asked, almost on a whisper,  “Do you really,
Alessandro?  Like me?”
    He
nodded.  “Mmm.  And you?  Do you like me?”
     “Oh
yes, Alessandro, surely you know that?  We get on so well…”
    Nìccolo
entered, carrying a tray with two crystal flutes and a silver ice-bucket
holding a bottle of vintage Krug.   Alessandro frowned. 
Nìccolo’s timing could be improved upon.  He shrugged casually. 
Nothing to be done now, the moment had passed.  He hoped another moment
would come along soon, because suddenly, to his own deep surprise, he had found
an answer to his mother’s relentless matchmaking.   “Thanks, Nìccolo,
I’ll do the wine.  It sounds like there’s someone at the door.”
    Moments
later, he heard Nìccolo’s voice, welcoming and respectful.  “If the Signora
Contessa vedova   will come with me?  The Signor Conte is
in the small drawing room, with Signora Sherwood.”  Alessandro flew
up to welcome his Nonna . 
     “I’m
so glad I persuaded you to come a little early.  Once the entire family is
gathered here, we will not have much chance of talking.”  Over Nonna’s
head, he raised a brow at Nìccolo. 
     “An
extra flute—immediately, Signor Conte.”  Alessandro put his arm
around his petite grandmama and walked slowly with her into the small drawing
room.  He nodded to himself, when Connie quickly rose to her feet, waiting
for Nonnato greet her. 
     “Ah! 
You must be my Grandson’s Connie—?  I am so glad to see you.  That is
an exceptional dress, and you wear it with assured elegance.  With most
women, this dress would wear them.”  Nonnareached for Connie’s
hands.
    “Dowager
Countess…” 
    Nonnainterrupted her.  “That mouthful is for strangers.  Why don’t you
call me Nonna , same as Sandro does?”
    Connie’s
beautiful lips parted in surprise.  “I’ll be honoured—if you permit
it—thank you.”  She glanced from Alessandro to his grandmama.  “If
you would like some privacy for