Chapter 6
Denying an Unearned Reputation
A half-hour later
When it was finally time to claim one of his dances with the impertinent Donna Vittoria, David found it difficult to maintain a calm demeanor.
Especially when she greeted him by saying, “Well, if it isn’t the rogue of Roma,” as he approached her. She was in the company of his brother and Nicoletta.
David’s eyes rounded in disbelief. “Mia donna, I do believe you have me confused with someone else,” he said in answer to her claim he was a rogue. “Don Luciano, perhaps?”
He was glad to see her reaction of surprise.
Having learned the name of the aristocrat from the footman who had seen to removing Luciano from the alcove, David was able to discover more information about him from the servant.
Apparently two other footmen had been required to escort Luciano out of the residence by way of a side entrance, the servants forced to practically carry him to his equipage.
Just thinking of what Vittoria had done to the conte had David holding his hands in front of his crotch.
When she had departed the library earlier that evening, David was sure she knew he was a gentleman. That he had no intention of taking advantage of her. But only a half-hour ago, upon finding his family surrounding the young miss, she had implied he was as bad as Don Diavala.
How dare she say he was “a rogue in Roma!”
He had attempted to defend himself, of course, although he had chosen to say something which only earned him additional censure from the young lady. “Why only moments ago, I found her in the clutches of a—”
“Don Luciano,” she had interrupted. “Don Penton obviously misunderstood Luciano’s intentions,” she added, turning her gaze on her aunt.
Nicoletta’s eyes rounded slightly. “Don Luciano only has one intention when it comes to young ladies,” she had whispered. “And it shall not be mentioned in the company of our guests.”
From the pouty expression Donna Vittoria had displayed, David thought she looked as if she was being admonished.
Apparently she had known better than to engage with ‘Don Diavala’, which had him wondering why she would allow the rake to escort her out of the ballroom and into an alcove in the first place.
Unless she had an ulterior motive.
Now that she stood before him, ready for their first dance, he was determined to defend himself. Perhaps his actions would speak louder than words, though.
“Mia donna,” he said, bowing as she curtsied. He placed a gloved hand at her waist and lifted one of her gloved hands with the other. “Given the turmoil of earlier, I was unable to compliment you on your stunning gown,” he said.
The music started, and he took an experimental step as he pushed her hand. She displayed a grimace. “Grazie. When was the last time you danced?” she asked, obviously annoyed at his stutter-start. It had taken three or four steps before they were in sync with one another.
“Two years ago, at...” He allowed a grin. “At your Prozia Adeline’s annual autumnal ball,” he added, sure the mention of a relative could only help his case.
Vittoria’s eyes rounded. “Did she give you permission to use her Christian name?” she asked in shock.
Nearly tripping—her large skirts seemed intent on inserting themselves between his legs—David gave a start. “Uh... apologies. I know her as Lady Morganfield, of course. However, I learned of your relationship to her from Nikky.”
Her eyes once again rounded. “Has my zia given you permission to speak her name as such?”
David swallowed. “She is my sister by marriage,” he countered defensively. “My brother introduced her with both her formal and informal names,” he added.
Sniffing, she said, “Then I suppose you are allowed.”
Annoyance made it difficult for David to maintain his civility. “Are you enjoying your party?”
She sighed dramatically. “As well as can be expected.”
Careful to keep her from colliding with another couple, David was forced to stutter-step. “Congratulations on the crush.”
From her look of confusion, he knew he had used a word she didn’t recognize—at least as it pertained to the number of people attending the ball. Before he could amend his statement, she said, “I do not participate in the crush. That is for those who grow the grapes.”
“Apologies. I was referring to the large turnout for your come-out,” he explained. “We use the term ‘crush’ because, well, the ballroom feels crowded. As if we are crushed together inside it.”
Her brows furrowed, and not in a nice way. “Are you implying my papa’s ballroom is small?”
David couldn’t help but roll his eyes in frustration. “Not at all, mia donna. My comment was meant as a compliment. You must be especially pleased there are so many here to celebrate you.”
It was Vittoria’s turn to stutter-step. She glanced both left and right after she recovered, as if to be sure no one had noticed. “Grazie.”
Relieved he had finally said something with which she didn’t find fault, David decided he best remain quiet for the rest of the dance. The thirty seconds seemed far longer before he was finally able to bring them to a halt, step back, and give her a deep bow. “Mia donna,” he said.
Vittoria dipped a curtsy. “Mio don.” She didn’t wait for him to escort her to her aunt, but instead rushed off and disappeared into the crowd.
Scoffing softly, David shook his head and hurried off to find refreshment. He had downed nearly an entire glass of Prosecco when he realized he hadn’t been able to learn just why it was she had allowed Don Luciano to escort her out of the ballroom only minutes after she had been announced.
“What secret are you hiding, you little shrew?” he whispered under his breath. He drank the rest of the bubbly before setting off to find another dance partner.