pianoforte with a proprietary air. “Signor Bianchi, who is this ingénue? Are you

replacing me?”

Alessandro's suntanned skin darkened. “Of course not, Madame St. Jean.

This is my granddaughter, Katerina Bennett. Remember, we're having a festa in her honor?”

“Oh, that's right. How sweet. And the gentleman?” She ran hungry eyes over

Christopher's frame.

“Her husband, Signor Christopher Bennett.”

Katerina felt a twinge of anxiety. This singer is much showier and more beautiful than I. Her golden hair shimmered, and her rosebud lips curbed into a flirtatious smile as she regarded the young man. Her low-cut morning dress displayed her voluptuous figure almost to the point of indecency, and she fluttered her shoulders in a way that might have been a simple fidget… but wasn't. She knows how to attract male attention, this one.

Katerina glanced at her grandfather. He was watching the curvy beauty

watch his grandson-in-law, and a look of anger crossed his craggy face.

Hoping to break the uncomfortable silence, Katerina rose from the piano

bench and took her husband's arm. He patted her reassuringly. “Pleased to meet

you, Madame St. Jean. I'm looking forward to hearing you sing. I'm sure you'd

like the music room to yourself, so you can practice. Grandfather, I would love

to see your olive grove now, if you have time.”

Alessandro shook his head as though to clear it. “Yes, in a moment. Can you

two go back to the parlor and wait for me? I have something I have to do. You

do remember the way, do you not?”

“We do,” Christopher assured him, and escorted his wife from the room.

Once the door was closed behind them, Katerina sighed… and then giggled.

“What, love?” he asked as they made their way down the hallway.

“I believe Madame Aimée St. Jean was chosen for more than just her

musical ability,” she said, feeling naughty for even suggesting such a thing.

“Oh?”

“If I'm not very much mistaken, she appears to be his mistress.” Katerina's cheeks warmed.

Christopher chuckled. “Yes, I did get that impression. Does it bother you?”

She laughed. “Of course not. He's been widowed a long time, and she's quite

lovely and very young. I doubt she's seen forty years. Good for him.”

“Yes, well, she has a wandering eye. I'm not sure how he figures on keeping

her.”

“Perhaps he doesn't,” she replied, unperturbed. “He might just be enjoying the moment. However, I don't like how her eye wandered to you.”

“No worries, love. I have all I need right here.” He swept her into the parlor

and kissed her.

Christopher had known the sight of the flirtatious blond would unsettle Katerina,

but honestly, he had been completely unmoved by her.

Mme St. Jean has a certain blatant sex appeal, and once upon a time suchthings tempted me, but no more. I love my wife. I need to tell her, but I want tofind just the right moment. Every other part of our relationship has been done ina panic-stricken rush, but this is too important. In the meanwhile, he assured her with long, tender kisses, cradling her in his arms like the priceless treasure she

was.

As always, she eagerly returned his affection.

“Ahem.” The clearing of a throat interrupted the embrace. Katerina's

grandfather was eyeing them with an amused look on his face.

“Oh, hello, Nonno,” Katerina said, trying for nonchalance, but not quite managing it.

“Hello, lovebirds.”

Katerina blushed and giggled at his comment.

She's so adorable when she's flustered. Christopher smoothed a strand of hair back into his wife's coiffure.

“Shall we tour my estate?”

“Oh, yes please,” she agreed eagerly, and Christopher assented with a nod.

“Better cover up,” Alessandro suggested. “It's chilly this morning, though I

must say, you two look warm enough.”