A Chance Encounter (St. John Series Book 10)

by Lora Thomas

  Blanche’s green eyes widened. “I paid them last week!”

  Antonio shrugged. “That was last week’s taxes. This week's taxes are due now.”

  “This is extortion. You are forcing me to pay you because I mistook your daughter for a common street vendor?”

  “Perhaps. Marco will be here by the end of the day to collect your taxes.”

  “I don’t have that type of money. Please,” she implored.

  “The end of the day and double the fees.” Antonio turned and approached the door. “Perhaps next time you will be more informed of who you are dealing with and who their family is. My daughters are my world, and you have just insulted my favorite. Marco will be here by three. Have a good day.”

  Antonio exited the shop and found Madelena sitting on a bench watching the street performers.

  “Are you ready, my dear?” he asked.

  She stood. “Business?”

  “My business is complete. Now come, I know of the perfect place for you to purchase your gown.”

  Antonio and Madelena made their way to a quaint little shop in the corner of the square. Upon entering the building, the bell over the door rang. A plump older woman was working on a dress. At the sound, she looked up from her work. The smile she had upon her face widened upon seeing them, causing her cheeks to become even rounder.

  “Signore Russo!” the woman exclaimed with delight. “It has been years since you have graced my doors. It is so good to see you again.”

  “Signorina Iris. My duties keep me busy.”

  The woman flipped her wrist. “Tell me about it. I swear, it seems that more and more people arrive in Rome every day and keep me busy. I can only imagine what it does to your schedule. Now, what can I do for you today?”

  “Signorina Iris, this is my daughter Madelena. She requires a dress or two for Carnival. I thought perhaps you could assist her.”

  Iris looked at Madelena, and her expression resembled the old man’s at her father’s office—a mixture of surprise and sorrow.

  “She is lovely,” Iris whispered, blinking rapidly to ward off the moisture in her eyes.

  “Take special care of her for me, will you?”

  “Absolutely, Signore Russo.” Iris looked at Madelena. “Did you have something in mind, signorina?”

  “Yes,” Madelena spoke. “Blue, I think.”

  “Just blue?” Iris asked.

  “Something simple. I know you do not have time to make a dress. I just need something quick to alter.”

  Iris placed her finger under her chin and tilted her head to the right, a smile pulling her lips. “I have the perfect dress. The lady who ordered it did not like it, but I think it is simply beautiful.” She looked at Antonio. “Would you like to see the dress first or trust my judgment?”

  “I trust your judgment. But allow Madelena to try it on first to see if it suits her.”

  A delighted twinkle came to the older woman’s honey-colored eyes. “Splendid. This way, my dear.”

  Before Madelena knew what was happening to her, Iris had her dressed and standing before her father.

  Antonio’s eyes roamed over his daughter. His voice was strained as he spoke, “You look beautiful.”

  Madelena turned to face the mirror and could not contain her gasp. The dress she wore sat slightly off the shoulders and was cobalt blue at the top. As it flowed down, the colors changed to a deep green. The tulle skirt was feathery in appearance with gold eyelet shapes.

  “It’s beautiful,” Madelena whispered.

  “I call it my peahen creation.” Iris’s eyes widened. “Oh! The mask!” She approached the desk picking up the item. Approaching Madelena, she asked, “May I?”

  Madelena nodded. Iris stepped behind her and tied the mask in place. The inside was made of satin. Despite the stiffness of the outer shell, it was soft. The outside was covered in blue and green beads except around the eyes where the beads were gold.

  “You are truly a master at your craft, Signorina Iris,” Antonio spoke, finally finding his voice.

  “I am so glad you think so, Signore Russo.” Iris turned her attention back to Madelena and pulled the sides of the dress tight around the waist. “The waist needs adjusting.” Her hands traveled to the bodice and pulled upward. “And a more modest bodice too? You are a maiden, and we do not need to tempt the young men with your spoils, now do we?”

  “I trust your judgment,” Antonio said.

  “I will have the alterations finished by Thursday.”

  “Thursday?” Madelena questioned with disappointment.

  “I am afraid that is the quickest I can do. The material is delicate. If I go too fast, it will rip. But do not fret, signorina. I have another dress that is just as beautiful. I can have it ready for you this afternoon.”

  “Can I see it first?”

  “Of course.” Iris stepped into the back room and returned carrying a green dress. The skirt was made of numerous ruffles and the shade lightened on the way down. “This is my water lily dress.”

  “It’s beautiful,” Madelena said.

  “It is,” Antonio agreed.

  Iris smiled. “Shall I deliver it to your home?”

  Antonio nodded. “That will be fine.”

  “No!” Madelena intervened.

  “No?” Iris repeated.

  “No?” Antonio said.

  Madelena shook her head. “No. If you deliver it home, then Mama will give it to Angela just to spite me. These are my dresses. Angela already has a dress that she says she does not like. If she sees this one, she’ll take it from me.”

  Antonio nodded. “Signorina Iris, please have it delivered to my office.”

  A knowing smile pulled the dressmaker’s lips. “Of course, Signore Russo. Now, young lady, why don’t you go in the back and stand upon that stool while I get my pins for the alterations.”

  Madelena looked at her reflection one last time and ran her hands down the front of the dress. “Thank you, Papa.”

  “Anything for you, Madelena, my love.”

  Madelena entered the backroom.

  Iris looked at Antonio. “I can see why you dote on her so.”

  “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

  Iris gave a knowing smile. “I may be old, but I can still see. I made many dresses for Signorina Demachi. I spent many hours with Signorina Demachi and mourned her passing. She was a kind woman with a big heart and a fierce temper.”

  “What are you implying, Signorina Iris?” Antonio’s voice held warning.

  “I am just saying that if you do not tell that young woman the truth about her mother, then Signorina Demachi will haunt you. And she had enough fire in her to make it happen. Why, I am surprised that she has not already come to haunt you for trying to pass that beautiful young woman off as your wife’s daughter.”

  “You do not know what you are talking about, Signorina Iris. And I will remind you to never speak in such a fashion again. Madelena is my daughter with…Sandra.”

  A knowing smile passed over the dressmaker’s lips. “Of course, Signore Russo. I must be seeing things. Old eyes, you know.”

  “Indeed. Now, have the dresses delivered to my office.”

  “Just like I always did in the past.”

  Antonio glared at the older woman.

  “I know. I will send the bill with them.”

  Antonio did not speak. He turned and left the dress shop, his emotions roiling. Even after all these years, he still loved Francesca. It pained him to gaze upon Madelena sometimes. She looked so much like her mother that he forgot how to breathe. He could see Francesca’s spirit in their daughter. He just hoped Madelena’s spirit would hold when he told her about her marriage.

  The instant the thought hit him, he cringed. He still had to break the news to her. He looked around his surroundings. There was a restaurant a few shops down. He would break the news to her there. In public. Less of a chance of a scene. He knew he could control his emotions in a public setting
. In private, he would allow his feelings to get the best of him, and he would break down. He was a man, and no one would ever see his pain.

  Sitting down on a bench, he decided to wait for Madelena outside the dress shop. If he returned, Iris would keep giving him that knowing smile. Reminding him of Francesca. He did not want that. Her death nearly destroyed him, and if it hadn’t been for Madelena, he would have left Rome. But a young man had no business trying to raise a newborn babe on his own. And he had hoped that Sandra would come to love Madelena, but she did not. She came to despise Madelena and all that she represented—Francesca and Antonio’s love. Sandra knew that Antonio loved Francesca and always would. Sandra knew that Antonio would never hold the same affections towards her as he did his mistress. How could he? Hell, he didn’t even want to marry Sandra, but his father forced him to, and his life had been hell because of it.

  “Your mind is far from here, Papa,” Madelena said, placing a hand upon his shoulder.

  He touched her hand. “Just thinking about getting a bite for lunch. Care to join me?”

  “Really? You are taking me out twice in one week?”

  Antonio chuckled. “Don’t act so surprised.”

  “What is wrong? What bad news are you trying to break?” Madelena asked.

  Antonio gave a tight smile and took her hand. “Dimitri’s is open.”

  Madelena allowed her father to escort her to the restaurant. They ate a light fare of soap and bread. After the meal, Antonio took her hand.

  “What’s wrong, Papa?”

  Sorrow flashed over Antonio’s eyes. “You are so beautiful. You look like your mother when she was young.”

  “Mama? I thought I looked like you.”

  Antonio shook his head. “No. You look like your mother.”

  “I think you have had too much wine. I look nothing like Mama.”

  Antonio released her hand and looked into his cup as if it would give him the strength to tell her the bad news.

  “What is wrong, Papa? If you are worried about Mama finding out about the dresses you purchased me, don’t. I can take them to Mae’s and ready myself there. She does not need to know.”

  “It’s not the dresses.”

  “Then what is it?”

  Antonio licked his lips and let out a deep breath. “You are twenty-one, Madelena. Many young ladies your age are married with children by now.”

  Madelena rolled her eyes. “You aren’t going to give me the marriage lecture, are you? I told you, Papa. I do not want to marry.”

  “I know. And many times in life, we must do things that we do not want to do in order to keep those we love from harm.” He paused for a moment watching her reaction. He could see the suspicion cross her face. “Your mother loves you and your sisters very much and wants to see to your happiness.”

  “She doesn’t love me. She never has. She hates me, and I do not know why.” Madelena’s brows came together with sadness.

  Antonio took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Your mother loved you. I love you, and that is why this is so hard.”

  “What has she done?” Madelena’s voice was rude and gritty.

  “Sandra has arranged a marriage for you to Miles Drakos from Greece.”

  “She did what?!”

  Patrons in the room looked at them.

  “Madelena, lower your voice,” Antonio scolded.

  Madelena’s eyes lowered as she glared at her father. Jerking her hand away from her father, she protested, “I will not marry him.”

  He had to make her see that the marriage was for the best. “Madelena, the contract has already been signed. It cannot be broken.”

  “Why did you sign it? I thought you said I could make my own choices?”

  “I did—”

  “And now because Sandra wants me gone, you agree?”

  “That’s not the reason—”

  “Then what is the reason? Has she made you hate me the way she does?”

  “No.”

  “Then why? Don’t make me marry, Papa. I do not want to marry. If it is because my sisters cannot find suitors, then allow me to travel with Mae and her family this fall to their country estate. Mama can have every bachelor in all of Rome come to call on my sisters, and I will not be there to turn their heads. Please.”

  The way she was begging tore at his heart. It felt as if he was witnessing Francesca’s death all over again.

  “Madelena, please listen to me—”

  “I will not marry that man. I do not even know him! All I know is from rumors. I will not.”

  “Lower your voice, Madelena.”

  “I will not!”

  “Madelena! You will marry Drakos. I signed the contract. It is high time that you settle down and have a family of your own.”

  “How could you?” Her words came out in a tortured whisper. The pain in her voice tore at his soul.

  “I am your father, Madelena. My word is law in my house and this city. You will marry Drakos. End of discussion.”

  Madelena shot to her feet. Her mouth worked up and down as moisture glistened in her eyes. “I thought you loved me more than that.”

  “It’s not like that.”

  “I am your daughter. You claim that I am your favorite daughter. If I am, then why are you auctioning me off to some fat old Greek?”

  “Madelena—”

  “Don’t,” she said, shaking her head and slamming her napkin down upon the table. “There is nothing you can say.” She turned and began walking away.

  “Madelena!”

  “Don’t,” she said over her shoulder as she continued to walk away. “I can see now that I am nothing more than a pawn to you, and you are nothing more than Mother’s pawn to get me away from her precious daughters. I hate you for forcing me to do this.”

  Antonio sank into his seat. He rubbed his temples as he closed his eyes. How had his world changed so?

  Chapter Six

  Madelena left the restaurant and wandered aimlessly around the city. Her wandering brought her to her favorite place. Taking a seat upon the edge of the fountain, she gazed up at one of the statues—The Ganges. It represented an ancient civilization. The statue was of a bearded man who was holding an oar with an elephant below him. The sound of the water trickling was peaceful. Occasionally the wind would send a few droplets upon her, cooling her from the unusually warm February day.

  “I bet you would listen to your daughters,” she spoke to the statue.

  “I don’t think Neptune had any children.”

  Madelena gasped and pivoted upon her perch. Her misery left her upon seeing Oliver gazing down upon her.

  “Signore Oliver,” Madelena spoke.

  He gave her that boyish smile that caused the dimple upon his left cheek to appear. “You have me at a loss, signoria, for I do not know your name, but you appear to know mine.”

  “I only know your first name and not your surname, Signore Oliver.”

  “Then give me your first, and our true origins will remain anonymous. After all, it is Carnival, and our sins must remain between ourselves.”

  She tilted her head to the right and studied the handsome ginger-haired man before her. He was like so many other visitors to this city. Looking for a good time and memories to make only to leave upon the end of the celebration without looking back. To leave a carnage of broken hearts. Yet, there was a part of her that wanted to join him in his revelry.

  “Madel…” She stopped her words. Not many were named Madelena in this city, and if she told him her name, then word would get back to her father. Not that she cared if her father found out that she was flirting with strange men. She just did not want this man to face her father’s wrath. “Maddie.”

  “Signorina Maddie? A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

  She snorted with derision. “Oh, please, Signore Oliver. Save your sweet words for others who are not as gullible as I.”

  Oliver sat down beside her. “I do not believe you are gullible.”r />
  “You do not know me.”

  “I know you sell baskets and talk to statues of Roman gods.” He looked up at Neptune.

  “True. And you know nothing of the gods.”

  “True. What do I not know?”

  “Firstly, this is not Neptune but is a representation the gods of the four rivers. This one is The Ganges. And secondly, Neptune had many children.”

  “Now, I am educated upon Neptune. He was a water god with many children.” A positively wicked smile came to his face. “And what of you? Are you a water goddess? A nymph perhaps? Or a mermaid?”

  She laughed. “No.”

  “Truly? You are sitting on the water’s edge, speaking to the water god. I think you are a mythical creature.”

  “But I am not in the water, Signore Oliver.”

  “Just call me Oliver. And that can be rectified.”

  “What?” Alarm was in her voice.

  She watched him as he pivoted upon his seat. “It is a warm day in Rome, and the water is cool.” He dipped his hand into the fountain. “Cold,” he corrected. And in the next instant, he had placed his feet—shoes and all—into the pool. He stood and extended his hand to her. “Come on, my sea nymph. Join me.”

  She shook her head. “I cannot.”

  “You can.”

  “I can’t!”

  Oliver looked up at the sun. “It is an unusually warm day. What better way to refresh oneself?”

  She continued to shake her head.

  “Afraid?”

  Determination came to her. She was afraid of getting into trouble. Her father was the magistrate, and it would look poorly upon him if his daughter were seen frolicking in the fountain like a simpleton. Word would get back to him, and he would get angry. Let him!

  Spinning, she placed a shoed foot into the water. “It’s cold!”

  Oliver laughed. “So it is.” He smiled down at her and motioned with his fingers for her to take his hand.

  She placed her hand into Oliver’s and was surprised at the sensations that flowed through her from that one simple touch. Heat flooded her from head to toe and pooled at the apex of her thighs. Oh, my! It was getting hot.

  Before another thought could enter her mind, she felt Oliver pull her to a standing position. He pulled her forward, causing the water to lap on her dress, soaking it to her knees. They stopped at center of the fountain where the water spilled over the ledge at Neptune’s feet. The water splashed upon them both causing Madelena to squeal with delight. Cupping her hands, she captured the water and tossed it in the air. Then a mischievous notion came to her. She cupped the water and threw it at Oliver, striking his face. He laughed and shook his head.