Affair in Venice

by Rachel Lindsay

  Erica started to laugh, but the laughter changed swiftly to tears and she turned her face into Filippo's shoulder and wept

  'Have a good cry,' he said tenderly. 'It will make you feel better.' 'I feel better already,' she gulped. 'I'm so happy, Filippo. This morning when I woke up I thought my life was over.'

  'It's just beginning,' he whispered, and placed his mouth gently upon hers. 'I don't think we will have that big engagement party after all. We'll fly to London today to see your father and make arrangements there for a special licence. How long will that take?'

  'Three days, but—'

  'As long as that?' he protested.

  'Filippo!' she cried.

  'Erica,' he said softly, and with his lips on hers gave her no chance to protest any more.