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‘Of course,’ Marcelle said. ‘Or would you prefer your father’s suggestion to keep her on call? Itisdoable, of course,’ Marcelle said. ‘I should know.’
Rafe drew in a breath and found that he was holding it. His mother had never discussed his father’s ways. At least not with Rafe.
‘You took her to Capri?’ Marcelle checked.
‘I did.’
‘You can take her there again...’
Rafe frowned.
‘But I will tell you this much, Rafe,’ his mother said. ‘Your wife must never set foot on that island.’
Rafe had always found his mother cold. In that moment he knew she burnt with humiliation and pain.
‘I would never do that to my wife.’
‘Good,’ Marcelle said. ‘Because right now your future wife is being chosen and your engagement is to be announced on New Year’s Day. Do as I suggest, and end it with this woman cleanly and quietly. Leave her in no doubt that the two of you are completely through.’
For Antonietta it was quite a walk of shame to Francesca’s office.
Yes, she had lost more than her virginity to Rafe. She had lost her pride. For there was little pride to be salvaged when you were found in an eminent guest’s bed. But more than that she had lost her heart to Rafe, and that was the part that hurt the most.
It came to her then that this would never have happened had she not been falling in love.
She pressed her eyes closed on that thought as she knocked at Francesca’s door.
‘Come in.’
Francesca’s voice was hostile and so were her eyes as Antonietta stepped in and closed the door.
‘Are you here to deliver your resignation?’ Francesca asked.
‘No,’ Antonietta said. ‘I am here to apologise. I know it looks terrible, but—’
‘Don’t make excuses,’ Francesca broke in. ‘It is forbidden for staff to fraternise or offer favours to guests for reward. Signor Caruso is very clear on that fact.’
‘Yes, but I was not offering favours. Aurora knows and—’
‘Oh, that’s right—you are friends with the boss’s wife.’ Francesca again cut her off. ‘Very well. You can tell your friend that Nico shall have my resignation by lunchtime.’
‘No,’ Antonietta protested. ‘Why would you leave because of me?’
The very thought that Francesca would resign over this appalled Antonietta, who knew the manager loved her work. Francesca worked both day and night, greeting their most esteemed guests, ensuring that every detail of their stay was perfect. She couldn’t understand why her actions might force Francesca out.
‘If I’d wanted to be a madam then I would have applied for a job at Rubina’s.’
Rubina’s was the bordello in the next village.
‘I am not a whore,’ Antonietta said. ‘I am not being paid or anything like that...’
‘Oh,please,’ Francesca sneered. ‘I don’t believe you for a moment.’
‘But it’s true,’ Antonietta insisted, and then admitted a truth she had been trying to resist until now. ‘It has nothing to do with money. I love him.’
There was silence from both of them at the enormity of her words, for Francesca knew that Antonietta was not one for passionate declarations.
‘Oh, Antonietta...’ Francesca sighed. ‘You foolish, foolish girl.’
