A Chance Encounter (St. John Series Book 10)

by Lora Thomas

  For several more hours, the guests mingled. Oliver frequently spoke with Stephano and several other prominent men of Rome. He liked Stephano; however, he found the others tedious and longed to escape their company. He sighed and looked at the mantel clock again for the hundredth time. This blasted soiree was lasting entirely too long to suit him. Not since his earlier conversation with Marino had he had a chance to converse with the man and at the rate it was going, Oliver believed that the man would die from alcohol consumption before that would ever happen. And luck certainly was not on his side for the entire evening he had to avoid Signora Russo’s attempt at arranging a courtship between him and one of her three present daughters. Never had he seen such a homely ensemble of women. All had an odd appearance to them—almost horsey—and a shrill voice that could break glass. Of the three present, Angela was the most pleasing to the eye—if one could call her that. At least two of her daughters were missing. Five single women with an overzealous mother were something that Oliver currently did not want to contend with. Oliver glanced between Antonio Russo and Sandra. Their daughters certainly took after their mother and not their father. There was nothing in them that resembled Antonio for he was a handsome man and his daughters were some of the most unattractive women Oliver had ever laid eyes upon.

  A movement by the mantel captured his attention. He watched as Signora Marino removed the pineapples from the mantel. Another southern tradition. The removal of the fruit signaled it was time for the guests to go home. Odd, yet it was more polite than telling people to finish their drinks and get the hell out.

  Oliver bid goodbye to the Marinos and slipped out the door. He waited at the corner of the street. A few moments later, Stephano appeared. His new friend had been preoccupied the majority of the evening with a pretty young woman by the name of Mae Valenti. Stephano managed to slip away from Mae’s company, and the pair made their way to a gentleman’s club. Both men had resisted the gifts offered by Marino’s daughters and were in need of release and what better location than the most exclusive club in Rome. Entrance was by invitation only and having Mortilini with him guaranteed Oliver entrance. Perhaps the entertainment here would help him forget a raven-haired woman who sold baskets. She had plagued his thoughts for the past two nights, and he was not sure if he could tolerate another night’s sleep troubled by her beauty.

  He played several hands of cards and lost a hefty sum. The card games being played held little interest to him. His thoughts kept returning to Maddie. He wanted Maddie and his only hope of having her was Carnival. He left the club accepting that he would be haunted by another sleepless night. Another night to be tormented by a woman whom he knew nothing about and was desperate to find again.

  A low, frustrated growl left Madelena as she paced her room. Her eyes landed on the large box adorned with a large pink ribbon sitting on her bed—one of the dresses her father had purchased for her just before he announced her sentence. She thought the mint green dress beautiful but now hated the garment. It now represented a bribe for her “good behavior.”

  Laughter from the floor below caused her scowl to deepen. She could hear Angela giggle and speak, her words muffled by the wooden floor. But Madelena knew what the conversation most likely entailed. How Angela was going to find a suitable man to marry because Madelena was no longer available.

  The sounds of doors slamming and footsteps rushing down the steps traveled up to her room on the third floor. She was placed in the attic like a family heirloom that no one desired and no one wanted seen. It was Sandra’s idea to place Madelena on the top floor. Sandra thought it would be a punishment, but Madelena found it a blessing. From her window, she could see a great distance. During the day, she could see children playing in a park or men strolling with their sweethearts. The upper floor also granted her a cooling breeze from the sweltering heat of summer.

  The sound of the front door shutting caused her to approach the window and glare downward. She watched as her sisters, mother, and traitorous father climbed into the awaiting carriage. Antonio glanced upward to her window. Madelena turned her back to him and did not see his grief-stricken expression.

  Her gaze landed back on the box. The anger she was controlling came rolling out. A scream left her as she picked up the box and tossed it across the room, causing the lid to come off and the exquisite gown to spill out onto the floor. Storming to the dress, she raised her foot and stomped downward.

  The bribe did not seem to notice the punishment.

  “You stupid dress! You are nothing more than a reminder of my father’s betrayal! He purchased you to buy my compliance in Mother’s plot to be rid of me! Now, I must face the humiliation of a ‘purity check’. A stranger must now see if I am a virgin for some fat, old Greek! You were to be my joy! You were to bring me happiness just for one night. Now, I will wear you knowing that I must be poked and prodded like…like…well, I don’t know what like, but you know what I mean. You are a pretty wrapper for a present that no one in Rome can have. You were to bring me happiness,” she repeated. “Now I will never enjoy Carnival because I know what awaits. My purity check!”

  The instant the statement was out, her eyes grew wide in a eureka type moment. “My purity check. What if there is nothing to check?”

  Madelena sank to the floor and picked up the dress. Running her hands over the soft material, she continued speaking. “What if I am no longer a virgin? What if I do not come home? Will I still be forced to have a purity check?” Her brows drew together. “Mother will want proof, but what if there is nothing there?”

  She closed her eyes. Could she be so bold as to take a stranger as a lover? Could she be so bold as to risk going to a stranger’s home for one night of sin? Her eyes flew open as a determined gleam entered them. Yes. And it would not be a stranger she sought but a handsome ginger-haired man who bought all her baskets. The question was, how would she find him during Carnival? There would be thousands of people in the city and trying to find one man would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

  “But I know who he is staying with,” she said to herself. “I can follow him when he leaves the house but not approach him until after dark.”

  Her eyes drifted back to the dress. Standing, she pulled the garment up with her and laid it down upon the bed. A resolved set came to her chin as she smoothed out the wrinkles. Yes, she would find Oliver and take him to her bed. Now the question was, how does an inexperienced woman seduce a man?

  Chapter Nine

  Oliver smoothed down the lapel of his black coat one last time. Picking a piece of lint from his shoulder, he turned and left his room. Tonight was the first night of Carnival, and he was looking forward to the distraction. Perhaps he could find a woman who would taste as sweet as his raven-haired basket seller. A woman who would erase Maddie from his mind.

  A low whistle resounded from behind him, causing Oliver to turn.

  “You clean up good,” Martin said, coming to join his friend at the bottom of the stairs.

  “I have always been ‘cleaned up good’.”

  Martin laughed. “No. You have not. You have merely been dressed to be socially acceptable. Tonight, you are dressed as if you are trying to impress someone. Anyone in particular?” Martin scanned his friend. Oliver was dressed all in black. Even the mask in his hand was black silk.

  “No. Just trying to blend in.”

  “Then you need to dye that red hair of yours, my friend. Most here do not possess those ginger locks of yours.”

  “Shut it, Martin.”

  “Well, have fun and be mindful, Oliver. Many pickpockets and thieves are out this evening.”

  Oliver furrowed his brow. “You are not going?”

  Martin shook his head. “No. Geneva detests the first nights of Carnival. I am taking her to her mother’s house for a few days. She lives in the country. But do not fret, I will return before dawn.”

  “Why are you leaving so late?”

  A sheepish expression crossed Martin’
s face. “She does not trust the women in this city to keep their hands from me. If we leave now, we will arrive at her mother’s by dark, and by the time I return, most will have gone to bed.”

  “Well, safe travels, Martin. I will try not to ruin your reputation before your return.”

  “My reputation will stay intact. Yours, not so much. You are a St. John, and they are notorious for scandal and mischief. Just watch yourself.”

  “Martin! Are you ready?” Geneva called from the foyer.

  “Coming!” Martin replied to his wife. Turning, he began walking towards the foyer and threw over his shoulder, “See you in the morning.”

  “Wait!” Oliver called, halting Martin’s exit. “Where does Carnival begin?”

  Martin grinned and continued leaving. “Wherever you see people! Carnival is everywhere and begins now.” With that Martin disappeared out the door.

  Sighing, Oliver looked at the mask in his hand. He felt silly donning a mask. Walking to the window, he glanced towards the street. He could see several people wandering about. Some with masks, some without. Giving one last glance to the silk mask, he shoved it in the pocket of his linen coat. He would wear it if needed; otherwise, the bloody thing could stay hidden.

  Exiting the home, he proceeded down the walkway, out the gate, and to the street. He was surprised to see that the number of people was more than he had noticed out the window. Hundreds of people lined the streets, laughing and drinking. Many were wearing masks. He saw others in the distance dancing and singing. A man wearing stilts was juggling flaming batons. Another man was holding a lit torch in his right hand and a vial in his left. He placed the flask to his lips and then blew the liquid outward over the light, causing the flames to dance. The crowd around gasped and cheered.

  As he wandered, he took in the spectacles. Dancers in varying stages of dress displayed their talents. Vendors shouted prices for their goods. Groups of people huddled together, laughing and enjoying each other. He found himself near an area where an acrobat displayed his talent by walking on his hands around the fountain.

  “If someone gave him a push into the water, do you think he would be angry?”

  Oliver turned to the voice and smiled. “Hello, Stephano.”

  “Oliver,” the younger man greeted. “Are you enjoying Carnival?”

  “I have never seen anything quite like it.”

  Stephano gave a boisterous laugh. “The night is still young, my Caribbean friend. You have yet to see the wonders of Carnival.” Stephano patted Oliver on the back. “Come, my friend, let us drink, and I will show you the true gifts of Carnival!”

  Oliver followed Stephano. The duo weaved through the crowd to a large arena where a fight was in progress. Wagers were placed, and several men began sparing. The men were talented in their fisticuffs, and Oliver could not help but wonder if his older brother Matthew had ever participated in fighting for money. Matthew was the most skilled fighter Oliver had ever seen, and he had no doubt that the men would fall like dominos under his brother’s brutal blows. After several bouts, the pair left. Darkness had settled over the city. Even though no masks were to be worn after dark, many still wore them. Lanterns lit the path, and the women become looser with their morals—opening flaunting their attributes for those around.

  “These are not the beauties to be had,” Stephano said, motioning Oliver to continue to follow. They made their way to a group of men who were watching a group of scantily women dance. They moved their bodies seductively, swaying their hips and thrusting their breasts outward, luring in the men.

  The men in the crowd whistled and shouted lewd comments about what the women could do to them. Oliver found the display performed by the men crude. He made his way to the back of the group and slipped away. He passed several vendors and stopped before a fountain. Sitting down, he gazed upward and smiled. This was where he and Maddie had splashed. Was she here now? If so, how was he to find her?

  Madelena was excited. She had spent the day with Mae and Maude. The trio laughed and ate near dusk. Maude and Mae left. Maude insisted Madelena come with them. Yet, she had other plans, and they involved finding Oliver. She politely refused Maude’s invitation giving her a lie that she was meeting her father. Maude accepted the refusal and departed with Mae. Madelena turned her attention to the festivities. Now what? She fully intended to find Oliver and eliminating her cherished “purity.” She made her way to the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Sitting on the edge, she dipped her fingers into the water and watched the ripples form and travel towards the center of the fountain. Glancing across the water, her eyes grew wide at the sight of the red-haired man sitting on the opposite side. She scurried to her feet and dashed around the fountain, hoping he would not leave.

  Elation filled her when he did not move, but instead he kept looking at the statue and smiling. Squaring her shoulders, she prepared herself for the quest at hand. Her fingers tightened around the stick to her mask. Raising her hand, she allowed the colorful green feathered mask to cover the upper portion of her face.

  “You know, people will think you are mad if you smile without purpose at Poseidon.”

  Oliver turned to face the voice, and his smile increased. Standing, he spoke, “I was wondering if I would find you this evening.”

  Madelena returned his smile. “It is Carnival. You never know who you will find. What makes you think you know me?”

  Oliver stepped closer. “I would recognize you with your face fully covered.”

  She thrust her lower lip out in a pout. “So the mask is a waste?”

  “Au contraire. It adds to the mystery of one’s costume. But if you like, I can pretend that you are a mystery.”

  “But how did you know?” Madelena asked, lowering her mask.

  “Your voice.”

  “My voice?”

  “Yes. Your voice is smooth and exotic.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Try again.”

  “It is true. But the question is, how did you find me?”

  She coyly looked around the area, her arm motioning to all the patrons around them. “You were not hard to find. There are not many tall, handsome red-haired men in Italy with an English accent.”

  Oliver tossed his head back and laughed. “No, there are not. Now that you found me, what would you like to do?”

  For you to take my virginity, would not be the correct answer so instead, she held out her hand to him and said, “Let us enjoy the merriment.”

  Giving an overly flourished bow, he spoke, “As you command, my lady.”

  He stood and offered his arm to her. She placed her hand on the crook of his arm and gazed up at the handsome man before her. The crooked grin he gave caused her heart to skip a beat.

  “Where shall we begin?” he asked.

  Madelena looked around and pointed to the end of the square. “There. Where they are dancing.”

  The couple headed towards the dancers. “Do you like to dance?”

  Madelena shook her head. “I have not danced much, but when I do, I do like it.”

  Oliver glanced her way. “Do you not dance because you do not know how or because no one asks? And if you say the latter, I will call you a liar for every man I know would fight to have just one dance with you.”

  Heat flooded her cheeks from the compliment. “Then you shall call me a liar.”

  “Egad! Are the men in Rome blind? How could they not ask the most beautiful woman in the city for just one dance?”

  “They fear my father.” A flinch crossed her face when she realized that the words had left her before she thought about them.

  “Who is he? A tyrant? A nobleman?”

  She simply smiled at him, raised her mask, and batted her eyes.

  “He must be someone of great importance. But do not fret, my lady. I fear no man and would risk Satan himself for just one dance with you.”

  She rolled her eyes and snorted. “Words, Oliver. Merely words.”

  “The truth. Every woman, no matter her
status or appearance, should be asked to dance and dance so frequently that their feet begin to ache.”

  “And what of overly protective ‘tyrant’ fathers?”

  “Especially so.”

  Before she could reply, a man suddenly grabbed Madelena around the waist, causing her to squeal, as he twirled her around the area in a jovial dance. Her head kept glancing over one shoulder and the next in an attempt to see Oliver. And just as quickly as she had been taken from Oliver, she was back in his arms. The pair danced the flamboyant dance. Madelena was not certain what to call this dance other than twirling and running. Her dress flared first one direction and then another as Oliver spun her around. His hands found her waist, and he quickly lifted her in the air before setting her back down and twirling her again. The merriment was contagious, and she soon found herself laughing.

  The pair danced several more songs before leaving the lively group. Madelena’s hand came to her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Her chest heaved, yet she could not stop smiling or laughing. And Oliver seemed to be in the same state. Sweat dotted his brow, yet he laughed. And it was a pleasant sound. Deep and vibrating.

  “Egad!” Oliver exclaimed. “I never knew such a dance existed.”

  Madelena hiccupped and giggled. “You acted like you have done so many times.”

  Oliver shook his head. “No. I was just mimicking the others. But you acted like you have danced this way before.”

  “Never!”

  “Then we were inducted to this lively dance together. And I must say, there was no better partner.”

  For the next three nights Madelena and Oliver laughed and danced. Each time Madelena tried to find her courage to proposition Oliver, her nerve left. There was just something in her that could not take a strange man to her bed. She knew she was acting the part of a wanton, leading Oliver on. She would end the night dancing with him. Before the dance ended, she would kiss him and then disappear into the crowd, leaving him to search for her. She had watched him from the shadows, looking through the crowd, hunting for her. Her heart ached and something inside of her wanted to reappear, but she cowed away.