Chapter 11
11
ROSE
Rose stared at herself in the long mirror in her bedroom feeling nervous.
She could hear soft music playing downstairs and checked her watch.
The party had started ten minutes ago, but she wasn’t ready to leave the safety of her room yet.
She’d spent the afternoon messaging Luna to no avail, napping and trying on her new wardrobe before getting ready in the glamorous blue dress and heels.
There was a knock on her door and she went to open it, expecting to find Ben.
‘Luna,’ she gasped, pulling her into the room before taking a moment to study her.
Her friend was dressed in a silky red dress and her white-blonde hair had been piled on top of her head and woven with tiny pearl beads.
‘You look beautiful,’ she gasped.
Luna’s eyes widened.
‘I spoke to Francesca yesterday.’ She looked down at Rose’s dress and grinned.
‘I knew she was a miracle worker. But…you’ve never looked more incredible.
That style it just…’ She trailed off, clearly unable to find the right words, and Rose wasn’t sure she wanted her to.
Didn’t want more words to define how different she looked.
‘Thank you,’ she said instead, checking herself again.
‘I’m not so sure about the sparkles.
Do I look like Aurora?
’
Luna chuckled softly.
‘You look like you – only.’ She cocked her head.
‘A way sexier version. If I didn’t know it would annoy you, I’d ask if you were dressing up for someone special?
’
‘This has nothing to do with Ben,’ Rose grumbled.
Luna shrugged. ‘He’s very hot.
’ She grinned.
Rose shook her head, choosing to ignore the comment.
‘What happened to you earlier?’
Luna’s forehead creased.
‘I’m sorry about that — and that I haven’t answered any of your texts.
We left in such a rush I forgot my phone.
’ Luna went to sit on the edge of Rose’s bed and bounced a little, her face a picture of happiness.
‘Then I had to sneak away from Marco while he was talking to one of the waitresses. He doesn’t want to let me out of his sight.
’ Her eyes clouded. ‘He’s worried you’re going to try to talk me out of the wedding, or at least ask me to postpone it.
’
Rose sighed and went to sit beside her, cursing Ben for talking to his friend because he’d complicated everything.
Then again, she couldn’t really blame him; he was here to support Marco.
They were just on differing sides.
His loyalty to Marco was one of the things about him she couldn’t help but like.
‘I’m just concerned that you’re both rushing into things,’ she said.
‘I understand why.’ Luna nodded.
‘Your parents have hardly inspired confidence in quick marriages. In any marriages actually.’ She sighed.
‘It’s been a whirlwind, and I know you don’t believe in love at first sight, but he’s honestly the best person I’ve ever met.
He’s kind and thoughtful, everything I ever wanted.
You know I don’t make decisions lightly.
’ Her expression turned dreamy.
‘But I want to marry him, Rose.’
Rose decided not to tell Luna that she’d said something similar the last time she’d met the love of her life.
Just before she’d found out her fiancé was more interested in her fortune than her.
‘Can we at least talk about it a little? I could do my Love Doctor thing,’ she said, feigning a smile.
‘I’ll ask you both some questions, make sure you’ve thought everything through.
Would it really be that awful to delay the wedding?
’
‘You know it would.’ Luna frowned.
‘Because of the date?’ Rose checked.
‘Surely that’s just superstition.
A marriage is either going to work or it isn’t.
I don’t think matching up wedding days will stop it from being a disaster.
’
Luna sighed again.
‘You know, I think we need to rename you the Doom Doctor,’ she teased.
Rose didn’t laugh. ‘I’m just looking out for you.
I want to make sure you’re not making a mistake.
’
‘I know.’ Her friend nodded.
‘But can we do this tomorrow? I’ll speak to Marco, convince him to at least sit down with you and talk.
But for tonight, can we just enjoy my engagement party, and could you switch that clever brain of yours off and enjoy yourself for a change?
’ She squeezed Rose’s hand.
‘I know why you’re worried and I love you for it, but just because your parents are –’ she winced, ‘– the way they are, and my last few partners have been less than ideal, that doesn’t mean this marriage isn’t going to work, or that Marco isn’t a good man.
There are lots of wonderful people in the world and relationships do sometimes work out…
’
Rose sighed. ‘I know,’ she said stiffly.
‘I’ve seen several successful ones.
’ Had coached couples through plenty of difficult times.
But at her core she still had her doubts.
‘Have you heard from your mum yet?’
Luna pulled a face.
‘She’s still waiting to get off the island.
I’m trying not to get worried.
Aurora told me she’ll definitely make it…
’
‘Well, if anyone can, Deborah Kennedy can,’ Rose promised, feeling more in control because at least Luna had agreed to speak to her now.
She squeezed her friend’s hand just as there was a new knock on the door of her bedroom.
She went to open it and wasn’t surprised when she found Marco and Ben on the other side.
When Marco saw his bride sitting on Rose’s bed, he paled.
‘ Tesoro ,’ he croaked, striding towards her.
‘I’ve been looking for you, I was worried.
’
Luna stood and took his hand.
‘You didn’t need to be,’ she soothed.
‘I was just catching up with Rose. I said we’d sit down with her tomorrow so we can talk about the wedding, put her mind at rest.’ Her eyes shone with meaning.
‘ Sì .’ Marco’s lips pinched and he gave Rose a concerned look.
‘But now we need to get downstairs. Our engagement party is about to start. People are beginning to arrive, cara .’ As he said the words, the volume of the music hitched up.
‘I just need to get Coco,’ Luna said excitedly as she headed for the door.
‘Aunt A’s been taking care of her for me all day.
’
Marco nodded and Rose saw that pinch of his lips again as he glanced at her, his face filled with unease.
He looked almost vulnerable and for a moment she was tempted to reassure him, but she wasn’t here to get involved emotionally.
All she wanted was for both of them to take a step back.
To make sure they were making the right decision.
She was used to asking tricky questions, to handling difficult situations – she could do this.
No one had to get hurt.
At least not for long.
Luna grabbed Marco’s hand and guided him into the hallway, leaving Ben waiting for Rose.
He’d dressed up in a navy suit that made him look even taller, drawing attention to his narrow hips and the breadth of his shoulders which seemed wider since Rose had seen him last. The colour suited him, along with the lilac shirt which most men wouldn’t be able to pull off.
He was so handsome it felt like her eyes had superglued themselves to his face.
She blinked, trying to regain her composure.
‘Did Francesca sell you that outfit?’ she asked, clearing her throat.
Ben shook his head. ‘She’s only interested in women’s clothes.
’
‘You two were made for each other,’ Rose joked.
‘I do have a similar fascination.’ He grinned as he looked her up and down, his eyes sparkling with something other than humour this time.
‘You look incredible. If your suitcases ever turn up, I might throw coffee over all your linen suits.’
Rose pressed a palm against her fluttering stomach, trying to calm it before something flew out.
‘Shall we go downstairs?’ She nodded towards the door, feeling her cheeks flame.
Ben offered Rose an arm and she smiled before taking it.
‘You’re ridiculously smooth – do you practise in front of a mirror in the evenings?
’
‘Doesn’t everyone?
’ he asked seriously.
Rose found herself laughing again as Ben led her into the hallway, the nervousness in her stomach dissipating.
Usually, she felt stressed, she didn’t know why being around Ben seemed to help.
He was such undemanding company.
Perhaps because she wasn’t trying to counsel him?
She doubted he’d listen if she tried.
‘I’ll introduce you to the Marinos first,’ he said as they walked down the main staircase into a large hallway with a light grey marble floor.
Rose had passed through it a number of times since arriving and it had been spectacular already, but it hadn’t looked like this.
Someone had fixed pink and white flowers to the banister and ribbons and pearls had been skilfully woven in between.
The effect was stunning and the glittering lights hanging around the walls made everything look romantic.
‘Most of the family are outside,’ Ben told Rose, leading her through the room into the garden where someone had erected a long trellis next to the large pergola and covered it with flowers and leaves.
A long table had been set up underneath and it was laid with glasses, cutlery and plates.
There seemed to be hundreds of settings, and Rose wondered exactly how many people the family knew.
‘We’re going to sit here to eat,’ Ben said as he placed a palm on the small of Rose’s back making her shiver, despite the layer of silk covering her skin.
How would her body react if there was nothing between them?
The unwelcome thought flew into her mind, and she pushed it out.
‘I’ll introduce you to Marco’s parents first.’ Ben guided her towards a huddle of people in the far corner of the garden.
They were beside a table which had been laid with drinks and jugs of wine.
Waiters and waitresses were serving the guests as they arrived.
Suddenly, Rose longed for a glass of something cool.
A woman wearing a green dress turned as they approached.
‘Rose, Ben!’ Francesca boomed.
‘You look bellissima ,’ she cooed at Rose.
‘Ben, it’s almost boring that you look like a movie-star all the time.
’ She rolled her eyes.
‘I’ve been telling Marco’s mama all about you, Rose.
’ She winked.
The woman standing beside Francesca turned and flashed Rose a beaming smile.
‘I’m Elena Marino and you are clearly Luna’s friend!
’ she said, coming to join them.
She looked just like she had in the photo.
Elegant and stylish with dark brown hair that she’d swept onto the top of her head and secured with a shiny gold clip.
She was the same height as Francesca and her figure was just as perfect.
Rose wondered what kind of trouble the two of them must have got into when they were younger and whether they were as close as she and Luna were.
Elena had obviously been to Elegante to get her outfit for the party.
It wasn’t as revealing as Rose’s, but the cream silk clung to her figure and set off her smooth olive skin.
‘Ben, Francesca is right, caro , you look gorgeous, and it is a little boring how unruffled you always seem. You need someone to fray those handsome edges,’ Elena teased.
‘It is past time you moved on…’
‘I have moved on,’ he muttered, earning himself a huff.
Then she wrapped her arms around him, before pulling Rose into a hug too.
‘You are as beautiful as Luna,’ Elena gasped as she pulled away and studied Rose.
‘She’s told us all about you and how important you are – you are welcome in our home.
’ Her smile radiated happiness.
‘I’m sorry this is the first time we’ve met since you arrived, there has been so much to do for the wedding, and there’s still so much to organise.
’
She wiped a hand across her brow dramatically and Francesca sniggered.
‘But we’re all so excited – it has to be perfect for Marco and Luna.
’ She glanced around before shaking her head.
‘I’m not sure where my husband is, but I’ll introduce you when I find him.
’
‘For now, take some wine,’ Francesca jumped in and handed Rose a glass.
‘It’s Franciacorta ,’ she added with a smile.
‘The same as in my boutique. You liked it.’
‘Thank you.’ Rose sipped as both women began to tease Ben about all the women who were in love with him.
She tried not to listen – she was not interested – and, instead, watched the crowd which had doubled while they’d been talking.
Now there were huddles of people laughing, kids running in between the trees and ducking under the long table while guitar music played from somewhere inside the house.
The air was warm, and she could smell the dry, woody scent of olive trees merging with the delicious fragrance of fresh food and wine.
Out of the corner of Rose’s eye, she saw a woman emerge from around the edge of the house close to where the two houses and pool were located.
She was dressed in black and as she drew closer, Rose was sure she recognised the silhouette.
Was it the woman she’d seen picking lemons and then arguing with the mystery man earlier?
‘We’re going to sit and eat soon,’ Elena said, distracting Rose.
‘But before we do, my sister Aurora wishes to do a reading for you and Luna.’
‘Oh, I don’t think—’ Rose gasped as Marco appeared from the back of the villa clutching Coco and swiping his eyes with a tissue.
‘Of course we must!’ Luna said as she drew closer.
‘Aunt A has been talking about it all afternoon, and everyone wants to hear what she’s got to say.
’ Her eyes sparkled as she looked back at her fiancé, her cheeks glowing.
‘ Sì , we do,’ Elena said, kissing Luna again, her expression adoring while her friend beamed back, her face alight.
‘I can’t wait for her to tell us how wonderful our marriage is going to be.
’ Luna sighed and the crowd began to murmur with excitement as Aurora appeared from the front of the house wearing a long, lacy green dress with a matching veil.
She walked towards them slowly, her back ramrod straight, and the crowd began to whisper as the music suddenly shut off.
‘We’ve set up a table in the olive grove,’ Elena said excitedly.
‘We just need to follow my sister.’ She hooked an arm through Rose’s and another through Luna’s.
‘Keep an open mind, cara ,’ she said to Rose as they began to walk.
‘You don’t have to believe in it to have fun, si ?
’
‘Yes,’ Rose said, unwilling to offend Luna’s potential mother-in-law.
But she was surprisingly nervous.
She glanced behind her and saw the woman in black join the throng of men, women and children as they followed.
Someone had hung lights on the trees in the olive grove which meant hundreds of them twinkled like stars as they approached.
Rose spotted the small table and chairs just as Aurora reached them and turned to wait.
Then a man dressed in a white shirt and chinos went to join her.
‘That’s my husband, Leonardo.
Marco’s babbo – his father,’ Elena translated as they drew closer, and Rose recognised him from the photo.
There was a strong resemblance to Marco, only Leonardo had deep lines around his eyes and cheeks suggesting he laughed often.
Rose’s short acquaintance with frowny Marco suggested he didn’t take after his father in that regard.
At least that was her impression of him.
‘He’s just as handsome as he was on the day we met.
’ Elena beamed.
‘It’s true, I was with her when she saw him for the first time,’ Francesca whispered.
‘It was love at first sight.’
Rose tried not to react.
No wonder Marco had such unrealistic expectations.
She watched Leonardo kiss Luna, Francesca and then Elena on both cheeks, then he took a moment to study Rose before wrapping her in a hug and kissing her too.
She tried not to stiffen.
Her family weren’t demonstrative, and it felt strange hugging someone you barely knew.
But she liked it, despite that.
‘It’s excellent to meet you, Rose,’ he said, his accent thick.
‘Any friend of my almost daughter-in-law is already a part of our family.’
Rose frowned, unused to such immediate approval.
Leonardo took a step away from the round table and Rose could see it had been set up already with Aurora’s shiny crystal ball.
There was a pack of tarot cards beside it and a glowing white candle next to that.
A chair had been pulled out ready for Aurora and there were two on the opposite side of the table.
‘You’re going to do readings for us at the same time?
’ Luna gasped excitedly.
‘ Sì ,’ Aurora said as she whisked the veil from her head and studied them, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
‘It is unusual, but your lives have been intertwined for many years. Aldo tells me in many ways your fates are closely linked, so it seems right.’
Luna put an arm around Rose’s shoulder.
‘She’s right,’ she said.
‘I’ve known you forever.
You’re the sister I never had.
I don’t know what I’d have done if we hadn’t met.
’
Rose squeezed Luna’s hand feeling a little overwhelmed.
She felt the same way but wasn’t going to express her feelings in front of everyone.
The crowd gathered around them was huge; everyone was staring, and she barely knew any of them.
The figure dressed in black broke away from the rest of the crowd and drew closer.
Her face was still covered by the veil and her shoulders were hunched, suggesting she was uncomfortable about something.
There was still no sign of the man she’d been arguing with earlier.
‘Take a seat.’ Aurora drew out her chair and lowered herself into it, her movements slow and dramatic.
Then she leaned forward and gazed into the crystal ball.
‘Ah,’ she gasped, nodding.
As soon as she did the crowd hushed until all Rose could hear was the pounding of blood in her ears.
Luna took a seat and Rose sat too, and they both watched as Aurora continued to stare into the glass muttering intermittently as her eyes rolled, widened and then narrowed again.
Finally, Aurora looked up.
‘You both have many great things in your future,’ she said, her voice deeper than usual.
‘Issues will be resolved, wrongs will be put right. You will be happier and more settled than ever before.’
Rose relaxed – it was clear now that the reading would be positive and everyone would be happy by the end.
It was a piece of theatre designed to liven up the evening and reassure, nothing more.
‘What about the marriage?’ Elena asked eagerly, stepping closer to the table, her hands twisting together.
‘Will it be a success?’
‘No marriage is a success!’ The woman in black shouted, suddenly removing her veil and revealing short, powdery brown hair and a face etched with wrinkles.
Her expression contorted.
‘In the end the truth will come out even if it takes a lifetime to see it.’
‘Nonna!’ Elena complained.
‘Please, not now.’ She shook her head as Leonardo and Marco came to flank her.
‘Isabella, not now,’ Aurora warned just as Rose recognised Marco’s grandmother from the photo Ben had shared with her.
‘It has to be said,’ Isabella snapped.
‘Marriage is for fools.’
‘Shall we see if the cards agree?’ Aurora asked pleasantly.
The crowd seemed to sigh collectively when, after a long pause, Isabella jerked her chin.
Aurora gazed into the crystal ball again, her expression serious.
‘ Sì ,’ she said slowly, squinting.
‘I can see the future. There will be hurdles of course, like any marriage.’ She gave the older woman a long look.
‘But misunderstandings can be overcome, wrongs put right.’
‘Some things can never be put right.’ The woman snorted.
‘If we are prepared to be understanding and flexible. If we are prepared to listen and forgive,’ Aurora said.
‘Why should we?’ Isabella puffed angrily and Aurora turned back to Luna and Rose.
‘The future looks good,’ she said.
Someone clapped and a few people went to slap Marco on the back.
‘What about Rose?’ Luna asked, nudging her arm.
‘Will she meet somebody soon?’
Rose clicked her teeth.
‘I’m not looking?—’
‘Of course you’re not, you never are, but it doesn’t hurt to ask,’ Luna said impatiently.
‘You worry about everyone else all the time – someone needs to start worrying about you.’
Aurora drew in a long breath as she stared into the ball again.
Rose tried to look into it too, but all she could see was a deep wrinkle on her forehead, the sparkles from the lights dangling around the olive grove and Isabella’s frown.
‘It is not going to be a smooth path to love. But nothing worth having is easy,’ Aurora said carefully.
‘Sunshine is easy,’ Isabella grumbled.
‘So is music and the brush of the wind on your cheeks. Love should be easy. It should endure. No one and nothing should replace or interfere with what was once good.’
Aurora patiently puffed out her cheeks.
‘Not everything should be easy. Aldo and I have fought our whole marriage, but he was the best thing that ever happened to me.’ Her smile expanded.
‘Still is.’
Rose gritted her teeth.
Suggesting that love wasn’t easy was the opposite to what she usually preached.
Love should be easy – it shouldn’t be filled with conflict or fights.
That was a clear path to misery.
But it didn’t matter what the clairvoyant said.
The crowd were happy; the buzz of voices surrounding them were excited.
This was about Luna enjoying her moment.
This wasn’t the time for Rose to spoil it.
‘Do you know who the person is?’ Luna whispered.
‘The one Rose will fall for?’
‘Whoever it is, she should avoid him,’ Isabella spluttered and was immediately shushed by the crowd.
‘I can guess who it might be,’ Francesca chuckled.
‘Opposites attract, you know…’
Rose shut her eyes and tried not to shake her head.
She knew what was coming, knew it was just part of the theatre.
A new happy ending for everyone to get excited about.
Aurora shrugged. ‘ Sì , leonessa has met her future already.’ She looked up and fixed her steely gaze on Rose who immediately lowered her eyes to the table.
It was obvious to her and probably to everyone else, that Aunt A was talking about Ben.
She’d been match-making them since they’d picked her up.
Rose pondered whether she should be angry before settling for resigned.
People enjoyed the idea of a shiny new romance – especially at an impending wedding.
It’s why they were here, to enjoy the fantasy of the happily ever after.
The idea of a relationship that would thrive without work.
‘Tell us more about Luna and Marco,’ someone in the crowd yelled.
‘Will their marriage be passionate?’ A roar of laughter erupted, and Luna began to cough, looking embarrassed.
‘Will there be bambini ?’ Isabella asked out of the blue and everyone stopped laughing and fell silent.
‘Because that is the reason for marriage. Will there?’ she repeated louder this time.
‘I don’t know.’ Aurora frowned before leaning closer to her crystal ball.
She searched in it for a long time before pulling a face.
‘It is unclear, all I can see is mist. Aldo says this can happen. We can’t always see.
It is not a problem.
’
‘ Bambinos are important,’ Isabella growled.
‘When you are disappointed by your love, you have them to look after you.’ She gave Leonardo a sharp look.
‘I’m really not sure if that’s what—’ Luna began.
‘Why don’t you try to read her palm?
’ Marco interrupted.
‘See if it has anything to say.’
Luna frowned at her fiancé but still offered Aurora her hand.
‘Sorry, cara ,’ the clairvoyant said.
‘This is not – what do you say? – poof .’
‘Proof,’ Ben corrected.
Despite Aurora’s words, she took Luna’s hand and studied it.
‘The palm tells of potential – it is not a way to predict what might be in your future. I myself have three lines, but, after Aldo died—’ She shrugged, looking sad.
Luna pulled her hand away and frowned down at her palm.
‘I don’t know what I want but?—’
‘It’s just superstition,’ Rose whispered.
‘You can’t let it worry you; it’s obviously not real.
’
‘I know.’ Luna sighed, but she still stared glumly at her hand.
‘I’m being silly. I just hoped?—’
‘Don’t let it spoil the evening,’ Marco said as he strode to stand beside Luna and squeezed her shoulder in a show of solidarity Rose was reluctantly grateful for.
‘Aldo says your marriage will be a long and happy one,’ Aurora chimed in, perhaps trying to lift the dark cloud that had settled over the crowd.
‘There are ways to help with these things,’ Marco’s nonna said ominously, stepping closer.
‘Mama!’ Leonardo shook his head.
‘This is not the time,’ he said gruffly.
‘Then when is?’ The older woman asked sharply, earning herself another warning glare from her son.
‘We need to speak about these things. With Marco, as a family.’
‘Not now,’ Leonardo repeated.
Isabella sniffed and jerked her chin, although it was clear she wasn’t happy about dropping the subject.
‘I could read your tarot cards, now?’ Aurora offered.
‘We can see what else is in your future?’
‘I think perhaps we’ve done enough for today,’ Rose said and felt a presence behind her, knew without looking that it was Ben.
‘Perhaps we could come back to it later, Aunt A,’ he agreed lightly.
‘I think people are getting hungry – I know I am. We could try it when the sun sets. I’m sure a little more atmosphere wouldn’t hurt.
Perhaps the spirits will be more willing to share their secrets then?
’
Rose felt a wave of relief and gratitude, a little surprised that he’d stepped in.
Ben might be frivolous, flippant and nothing like the men she usually esteemed, but he clearly had a sensitive side.
Aurora considered him for a moment, her expression thoughtful.
‘ Sì , bello ,’ she said eventually.
‘We have plenty of time. Perhaps some food will help too. Then, we can pick up where we left off.’
Luna rose from her chair and Marco hugged her, then the both of them linked hands and signalled to their guests that they should make their way back towards the villa.
Rose held back and was surprised when Ben did too.
‘So are you ready for our torrid romance?’ he teased as he put his hand on her back and guided her forward.
‘Because you need to know I’m quite the catch.
’
She snorted as a laugh got the better of her again.
Perhaps it was just relief from the tension earlier?
‘I get the feeling Aurora is confident I’m going to fall at your feet,’ she said.
‘Is she?’ he asked, and Rose could hear the smile in his voice.
‘And are you going to?’
‘Well, maybe if I trip over my dress again.’
Ben laughed.
‘Is it okay if it’s the other way around?
’
The idea sent prickles of awareness skidding across Rose’s skin making her humour fade.
‘I’m not the type of woman men like you usually fall for,’ she said stiffly.
‘Men like me?’ he asked, and if Rose didn’t know better, she might have thought she detected a trace of hurt in Ben’s tone.
She checked his face, which was filled with amusement, and dismissed the idea.
Men as good-looking as Ben Pearson didn’t fall for women like her – and women like her definitely didn’t get involved with men like him.
But as they wandered through the olive grove and she took in a deep lungful of the woody fragrance, Rose thought she heard the sound of someone laughing and for a crazy moment wondered if Aurora had somehow heard her thoughts.