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“Papa, Mamma is saying that—” Violetta stopped when she saw Franco. She looked even more beautiful without the puffy white cap and black uniform she wore to meet him, so her parents wouldn’t know. Her red hair was now in a gleaming chignon, and she had on a shiny dress of violet silk with pearl-drop earrings.
Baron Zito gestured to her. “Violetta, daughter, say hello to our guest, Franco Fiorvanti. He manages ourgiardinoin the Conca d’Oro.”
“Piacere, Signor Fiorvanti,” Violetta stammered, her thin skin flushing.
“Piacere mio, Baronessina Zito.” Franco hadn’t expected to see Violetta,since the Baron had said the lunch would be only the two of them, and Violetta hadn’t expected to see him, since he hadn’t been able to let her know he’d be here. He and Violetta had kept their relationship a secret from Baron and Baronessa Zito, knowing Franco wouldn’t be their first choice for a suitor.
“Oh, I didn’t realize we had company!” Baronessa Zito swept in with a flouncyswoosh, in a gold dress with black trim. She looked like an older version of Violetta, except her hair was dark brown. “Well! I’m sorry a guest has to witness a display by my ill-mannered brat.”
“Mamma!” Violetta gasped. “Don’t embarrass me!”
“You embarrassyourself, daughter!” The Baronessa’s hooded eyes flashed with anger. “Honestly, you’re impossible to be with anymore. You won’t listen to reason or take the simplest direction.”
“I don’t need you to direct me, I’m a woman.”
“You’re a child!”
“I’ve grown up, and you don’t see it!”
“When you act like it, I’ll see it!”
“I do act like it! Askhim!” Violetta pointed a finger at Franco.
Franco’s mouth went dry as dust. This wasn’t the way he’d wanted to tell the Baron and Baronessa about the two of them, but it was too late.
“Him?” The Baronessa frowned in confusion. “Isn’t he ourgabellotto? I forget his name—”
“Mamma, it’s Franco, and we’re in love.” Violetta raised her chin in defiance. “How aboutthatfor being a woman?”
Baronessa Zito recoiled, aghast. “Violetta, what are you talking about? That’s not possible! How do you evenknowagabellotto?”
Baron Zito rose, stunned. “Violetta? What’s going on? You andFranco?”
“Yes, we’re going to be married!” Violetta whirled around to face Franco. “Tell them about us, Franco! No more sneaking around! No more disguises!”
Franco stood up. “Baron, Baronessa, I love Violetta and I intend toask for her hand. I’m buying land from Baron Moravio and I can provide for her and make her happy—”
“Franco, are youmad?” Baron Zito’s refined features contorted in shock. “You and my daughter?Mydaughter andyou?”
“Holy Virgin Mother!” Baronessa Zito’s hand fluttered to her neck. “We’re ruined!” She turned to Violetta. “Violetta, have you let this manruinyou? No, no, no, this can’t be! You stupid, silly child! No man of quality will want you now!”
“Shut up, Mamma!” Violetta shouted. “We love each other! We’re going to be married!”
“Not as long as I draw breath!” Baronessa Zito grabbed one of Violetta’s arms, and Baron Zito grabbed the other.
“Daughter, you’re not marryinghim! I’ll send you to the convent to cool down!”
Franco rushed to help Violetta. “Baron Zito, I promise you, I’ll marry her and make her happy! She’s not dishonored!”
Baron Zito blocked his path. “Franco, what possessed you to believe you could marryher? How did you think you could be myson-in-law?”
I killed for you, Franco thought but couldn’t say, astonished. “My loyalty to you is absolute! I made yourgiardinoa success! I serve your interests every day in the Conca d’Oro! You say all the time I’m ‘like family’!”
“ ‘Likefamily’ isn’tfamily! She’s abaronessina, Franco! You’re a jumped-upbracciante!”
Franco reeled, feeling betrayed. “But you treat me like your son! You sit me in Davide’s chair! You said I earned a seat at your table!”
“You don’tearnyour way into a family! You’reborninto a family!” Baron Zito stiffened. “It’s not a promotion, it’s abirthright! You’re my employee, not myson-in-law! Count D’Orazio asks me about her, so does Marquis Caligiri! Violetta willneverbe yours!”
