“The trains in France were excellent,” he said with enthusiasm.
“The food was delicious,” the countess said, “but too heavy for my tastes. The French add cream everywhere. Do you prefer French food, Lady Ashford?”
Cream. Hmm. Violante wouldn’t complain about too much cream. “Violante, please, and yes, I love French cuisine.”
“Then I am Diana,” Lady Bassini-Verdelli said.
Violante smiled and turned to the count. “Are you planning to stay here in London, my lord?” she asked.
“No.” The count waved a hand. “We’re here only to rest after the trip. We will go north to the country. I own an estate in Bakewell, fully immersed in nature. No coal smoke or traffic.”
Keith arched a brow, feigning surprise. “A holiday, I presume.”
“No, no.” Lady Diana laughed. “My husband never stops working. We are going there for business.”
An idea struck Violante. “But next week is Saint Joseph’s Day. The day you celebrate both Saint Joseph and Father’s Day. Surely, you are resting on that day, my lord. I haven’t celebrated Saint Joseph’s in years.” She sighed dramatically. “I don’t remember anymore how a good broad bean stew tastes with the roasted breadcrumbs on top, or the delicious pastries filled with cream and custard.”
“And the braided bread,” Lady Diana added.
“With the sesame seeds on top,” Violante and Lady Diana said in chorus before bursting out laughing.
The count stared at her with such sympathy she nearly felt guilty. “What a shame, Lady Ashford. By all means, you should come to Bakewell. We’ll have a proper Saint Joseph’s Day celebration for you.”
Lady Diana nodded. “With the flowers and the lovely food. It’s also dear Giuseppe’s name day.” She smiled at her husband.
The talk about Saint Joseph’s Day had started as a joke, but now Violante longed for the celebration. “That would be wonderful.” She wasn’t lying.
“Ashford?” The count angled towards Keith. “What do you say?”
Keith took her hand. “How can I refuse such an invitation when my wife is so happy?”
“Excellent.” The count tapped the table to underline his agreement. “The more the merrier.”
“Besides,” Violante said cheerfully. “I’m sure you gentlemen will find the opportunity to talk about work and business deals. Is there any particular deal that preoccupies you, my lord?”
The count’s smile faltered. “Ah, there is, my lady. The property I mean to sell seems to be the business deal of the moment. Even your husband is interested. I recall receiving a letter from his solicitor.”
Keith bowed his head in acknowledgement. “That building is a great opportunity for many.”
“I’m not surprised,” the count said.
“Please no talking about business.” Lady Diana frowned. “Not here and now.”
The count kissed his wife’s hand and turned to Keith. “We’ll have time and opportunity to discuss your interest, Ashford.”
