“She is astute, this one,” the lady said, approvingly. “So, sit with her. Luca will be on her other side.” She reached over and swiftly switched the place cards. Michelle let out a breath of relief and smiled at the hostess gratefully. Sophie nodded and swept off to her own seat.
Normally, William would be worried about bringing a girl around Luca D’Angelo, but Michelle surprised him with her sudden, polite frostiness. William sat down by his emerald green lady, watching as she placed her napkin on her lap with delicate fingers. Feeling his scrutiny Michelle gave him an upward glance through her long lashes, one that nearly made William’s heart skip a beat. Reaching into his coat pocket, he felt the small Tiffany box and smiled down at Michelle.
“You are doing very well, love,” he said, leaning down to speak quietly in her appealing, little ear. “I’m quite impressed.” Michelle blushed, looking very much like herself again.
“I hope I didn’t embarrass you to your adversary,” she whispered back, over the noise of the dining room.
“Not at all,” William said, grinning widely. “He bloody deserved it.” Michelle smiled, her eyes twinkling with fun.
“I didn’t like the look he gave me,” she explained. “You’re the only one who can get away with looks like that.” William took her hand in his.
“I admire you very much, do you know that?” he murmured; he kissed the back of Michelle’s hand.
“I think I shall be ill, watching the two of you,” Luca called, from Michelle’s other side. William chuckled, leaning back to meet the intruder's glare over his girlfriend's head.
“You’re just mad you couldn’t scare up a nice girl to impress your mum with,” William remarked. “Where’s that trust-fund blond thing you brought last year? I thought you two were semi-serious.”
Looking sideways at Luca Michelle felt wariness creep over her.The smile on the man’s face belied the dark things glittering in his eyes. Sophie’s son laughed, however.
“Ah,” he said, running his hand through his curly mane, “I do not remember her name. Charlize, I think. You are right, my friend. I am hopelessly shallow.”
As he spoke Luca looked down at Michelle. Her profile was set prettily against the olive green tablecloth. Leaning back he smiled at her, a grin which grew as the girl turned towards to William.
“My mother tells me you are an artist extraordinaire, carina,” he purred, ignoring the steely look William gave him. Michelle turned to face him wit a guarded expression. Her polite smile appeared affixed to her face like a sticker.
“My name is Michelle,” she said, blinking. “Unless you suffer from poor short-term memory, you should be able to remember that.” The swarthy Casanova lifted an eyebrow at her.
“Is she so icy with you?” Luca said, addressing William. Looking at the table, Michelle bristled inwardly at this. Grinning, William shook his head.
“No, old boy,” he said, sounding vastly amused. “This beautiful girl is as sweet as honey. She’s just a little choosy who gets to taste it.”
Turning, Michelle favored William with a bright smile. He winked at her. Luca mumbled something incoherent into his drink; he sounded defeated, Michelle thought. Studying William, she was very tempted to kiss him, right there in front of everyone but the food forestalled her. Steaming plates and baskets appeared, brought by a perpetual army of servers. A rich smell, woven of several pleasant aromas, filled the hall. Michelle was immediately reminded of what hunger felt like.
William took great pleasure in feeding his date little bites from his plate, and allowed her to feed him also. When she leaned towards him to talk, or let him feed her, he got a grand view of her rather low neckline. Not that he minded, though it took a few stiff drinks to quell the growing discomforts that such a seductive sight caused him. A half hour later, William felt the more human effects of the cocktails and excused himself to the men’s room.
As soon as he was out of sight Luca leaned onto the table, next to Michelle. He watched her eat for a few seconds, wondering at her curious ability to ignore him.
“So, William has chosen himself a girl both clever and lovely; a ‘fox’, as you Americans say.” His words had no immediate effect on Michelle, as far as he could tell. She chewed daintily for a moment, and then wiped her mouth on her table napkin. Luca’s experienced eye took in everything; this girl had grace in her movements and intelligent eyes, but she restrained herself and her words in a very becoming way. He could see what William saw in her.
“I hope I did not insult you earlier, sir,” came her soft voice. She directed her strange, alluring eyes at Luca’s right eyebrow, refusing to meet his gaze. “I am not used to people saying such things to me, and did not find it flattering.”
Luca reached up and ran his fingers over his eyebrow, as if to smooth it. Michelle hid her smile in a small cough.
“Not to worry, carina.” Luca said, smiling seductively. “I can see why the Englishman wants you; you have an inner fire that is most fascinating.”
“Inner fire?” Michelle thought, trying hard not to laugh. “Is this guy serious?” She pretended to be interested in a small piece of quiche on her plate; taking a bite, she chewed thoughtfully, not really knowing how to answer Luca’s statement. “This quiche is amazing!” she thought, cutting a little more. Sophie’s chef was ingenious. Michelle momentarily forgot Luca was sitting there, looking at her.
“You have no answer to that, carina?” Luca prompted, edging a little closer. Michelle looked at him sideways, wiping her mouth again.
“Your statement was rhetorical,” she pointed out, taking care to use a softer tone than she wished to. Unused to such answers from his mother’s guests, Luca persisted.
“True,” he said, eyes sparkling with a challenge. “So, do you have a sister like you?” Michelle lifted one of her eyebrows slightly.
“If I did, I promise that you’d be the last to know,” she said, sincerely. Luca apparently found her answer humorous; he laughed out loud, making Sophie look over from across the table.
The hostess noted Michelle’s annoyed expression and smiled into her champagne. Seated next to her, Margaret leaned over.
“No offense intended, Sophie, but Michelle seems to be fending off Luca very well,” she said, quietly.
“None taken,” Sophie assured her friend, watching the two young people with interest. “It is good for him to see that sweet girls can be just as interesting as the ones who hop from bed to bed.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Margaret said, laughing. They clinked glasses and continued to watch the pair across the table.
“Is William the only man you are pleasant to?” Luca coaxed, refusing to be beaten.
“Be nice to the hostesses’ son.... be nice to the hostesses’ son,” Michelle repeated in her mind, trying not to roll her eyes. Alfred came to her rescue.
“Master Luca... the girl seated to your right is pleasantry incarnate,” the elderly man said, causing Luca to turn a little toward him. “And--if I may be so bold--after listening to her conversation with you, I believe my good opinion of her has trebled.” Michelle smiled at Alfred over Luca’s shoulder, lifting her glass of sparkling cider to him. Luca eyed the aging valet critically. Alfred kept his amiable countenance until Luca smiled back.
“Is that so?” he intoned. “Then, it is me causing this brittle brilliance? I am flattered...” He turned back to Michelle as he spoke, favoring her with a catlike smirk. Michelle rubbed her temples, letting out a frustrated sigh.
Across the table Margaret and Sophie tittered at Michelle’s barely-concealed exasperation. The poor girl looked ready to bolt, but she still held her ground valiantly.
“I just hope William gets his priorities in order soon,” Margaret said. “Six years he’s been here, Sophie! He's nearly thirty!” Her friend nodded sympathetically.
“I am glad you brought her,” Sophie said, smiling. “This charming carina is making Luca madly jealous. I know his competitive nature. Perhaps, soon we will hav
e our grandchildren, no?”
“No... I mean, yes,” Margaret said, giggling at her faux pas. “Here’s to grand-babies!” The glasses clinked again.
Fortunately for Michelle William returned a few moments later. Her look of heartfelt gratitude amused him very much.
“He didn’t offer to carry you off did he?” he asked, sitting down.
“Not yet,” Michelle mumbled, edging her seat closer to his.
“I would take great pleasure in doing so,” Luca stated, having heard their exchange. “Beware lest someone steal her flower away from you.”
Michelle looked askance at the man’s boldness. Her gaze dropped to a nearby steak-knife. William saw her face and quickly scooted the potential weapon away; he chuckled at his normally mild-mannered sweetheart. He knew Michelle wouldn’t resort to violence, but her nettled expression struck him as hilarious. Never before could he imagine a female going after Luca with tableware. He caressed the back of Michelle's dress, hoping his presence would soothe her.
She let out a small sigh and leaned into William’s embrace.
“How are you enjoying dinner?” he asked, quite liking the feel of her hair brushing his chin. The soft curls piled on her head harbored an irresistible charm; she smelled like the air along a breezy bit of coastline, after the sun has set.
“It’s fat with cheese and amazingly good,” came Michelle’s soft answer. Chuckling, William picked up a tiny lasagna-looking hors d'oeuvre, chewing it whole.
“Mm,” he said, tempted to lick his fingers. “You're right. If I ate like this every day I’d end up looking like Winston Churchill.” Michelle laughed softly at the thought of William with a pot belly.
“He’d probably still look fantastic,” she reasoned.
“I recall you once telling me that you knew how to cook,” William said. Michelle glanced up at him.
“A little,” she admitted. “Though not like this.” She waved at the dozens of finely decorated platters, heaped with food.
“I should hope not,” William pronounced. “As good as this is… I prefer the ‘enough is as good as a feast’ approach.” Michelle looked up at him with a smile.
“I agree,” she said, softly. “I’m glad we share at least that attribute.”
William smiled back at her.
“We’re more alike than you know, love,” he told her.
“I’d like to cook for you sometime,” Michelle said, trying to ignore the fluttery feelings William’s nearness invoked. He hugged her a little closer.
“Well, I know you make fantastic oatmeal,” he said, smelling her hair again. “I could do this all day,” he thought. The idea appealed.
“Who can’t make great oatmeal?” Michelle mused loud. William cleared his throat.
“Let’s not talk about that,” he said, sheepishly. “Would you like to dance?”
Biting her lip to keep from laughing, Michelle nodded.
“I’d love to,” she said. “But, be warned; I took a little ballet… but I don’t know if I can even waltz properly.”
Disliking being left out of the conversation, Luca spoke up.
“I could teach you to dance, carina,” he said huskily. Michelle peered over her shoulder with what she hoped was an icy glare. It only made Luca wink at her. She stood up with a ‘huff’; her escort chuckled at her, standing up as well.
“Michelle’s a Gregory,” William said, speaking to Luca. “Scottish name. The women of Scotland are beautifully stubborn and only relent to gentlemen.” Not waiting for a reply, William led Michelle off. She looked up at him, impressed. “What?” William said, grinning down at her. “You’re not the only one who can dish out pithy remarks.” Michelle smiled back.
“I know that,” said she. “I’m just glad you’re on my side.” Chuckling, William led Michelle towards the dance floor. Music flowed beautifully over the room and guests... a sweet, slow waltz. Some of the couples moved as if they'd been born wearing dancing shoes.
“I’m really unfamiliar with all this, William,” Michelle said, apologetically. Turning her to him expertly, William gave his companion an encouraging smile.
“Not to worry, my dear,” he said. “I’d be honored to have you step on my toes.” He succeeded in getting a small laugh from Michelle.
“I’ll try to keep up,” she promised. The lovely music alone lifted Michelle’s spirits but having such a handsome, noble escort as William boosted her confidence exponentially.
To her credit, she did not mar his polished shoes. William led her skillfully around the room, making her look much more an accomplished dancer than she was. In spite of her dancing inexperience, he found Michelle a fluid partner. She soon she was able to follow his lead without awkwardness. Michelle gave him grateful smiles at every opportunity, especially when he deftly swirled her around.
“Did I tell you how insanely good you look in that blue shirt?” Michelle said leaning against his shoulder, when they were slow-dancing. She was not brave enough to compliment William while looking in his eyes.
“Why thank you,” William returned. “This is indeed my favorite ‘insanely-good’ shirt.” At this, Michelle wrinkled her nose; William glanced down at her face and chuckled. “You look so adorable like that,” he told her.
“Like what?” Michelle asked.
“An annoyed kitten,” William answered; he whirled her around again. Michelle could hear much affection present in his; the sound of it warmed her through, as if the dancing had not already.
Over Michelle’s shoulder, William spied a set of double-doors; they were slightly propped open. From prior visits here he knew they lead out into the back garden.
“Want to walk a bit, out back?” he suggested. “It’s a bit chilly but the garden really is nice, even at night.”
“I’d love to,” Michelle replied. “Some fresh air would be just perfect. It’s really warm in here.” Nodding in agreement, William maneuvered them around until they were able to slip outside. He closed the door behind them, hoping it would give people a hint.
The back ‘garden’ looked to be no less than ten acres wide to Michelle; it sprawled away into the darkness. Little path lights allowed guests to stroll as they wished. The lighting seemed purposely subtle, only enhanced by some tiny lights wound around overhead tree limbs. William and Michelle walked in the cold air, looking up at the twinkling stars.
“It is so lovely here,” Michelle said, softly. “Like some mythical palace.” As they walked the noise of the party faded behind them.
“Yes,” William greed. “I wouldn't want to see their electric bill, though.” He pointed ahead of them. A willow tree stood about forty feet away. Each of its drooping branches had been carefully wound with a string of tiny lights, making a large, private dome. “But it comes with an impromptu romantic hideaway.” Michelle laughed at his conspiratorial tone.
“Well, at least I know what you’re up to,” she said, smiling at him. William grinned back, walking forward by her side.
“You have no idea, love,” he thought.
Reaching the willow, he drew back the curtain of lights, allowing Michelle to step inside. There was a semi-circle stone bench to sit on; Michelle turned, slowly, looking at the thousands of tiny lights in awe. If anything could inspire envy of Sophie’s home, this one little portion might.
“Enchanting,” she breathed. “Now this is really inspiring.”
“I couldn’t agree more, love,” William said, looking at Michelle. The dim light made her look like a fine, marble statue magically come to life; her skin looked so tempting he had to swallow some excess saliva. OK, it was drool.
“Most undignified...” William thought, suddenly not caring if it was. Michelle was admiring the lights, moving close to the tree trunk. Touching its gnarled surface lightly with her fingertips, she smiled up, observing the way the branches sprouted out and flowed down like green, leafy water.
“You’re stunning, Michelle,” William said, leaning one arm on the trunk above her; he
looked down at the pretty young woman he’d come to think so highly of. Michelle turned to face him; his nearness caused a blush that was visible even in such low light. He was so close she could feel warmth radiating off him on her neck and face, and most of her chest, she noted. William’s face was well lit; Michelle thought she saw a sort of growing excitement in his eyes. She bit her lip.
“Oh, don’t do that, love,” William said, gently. He placed a fingertip on her bottom lip. “When you bite your lip it makes me want to as well.”
Michelle opened her mouth in surprise; William took the opportunity to kiss her. The tree provided good support. Michelle didn’t resist him; he tasted better than any food. There was something about William she craved, like she had been missing him all her life and never knew it until now. She held tightly onto his shoulders, thinking how sweet the moment seemed.
William broke the kiss far too soon, in Michelle’s opinion. He leaned his forehead on hers and took a very deep breath.
“I want you to marry me,” he said. The words hung static in the air. Michelle’s eyes flew open; she stared up at William with her mouth slightly agape. William grinned. “Shocked?” he said, touching Michelle’s face tenderly. “I was going for ‘ecstatic’.” Michelle couldn’t speak. Again, William chuckled. “Surely you can tell how much I care for you, love. I don’t want to be apart from you ever again. I know it’s just been a few weeks but...”
“Yes,” Michelle said, quietly interrupting William’s ramble.
Sucking a short breath, he looked down into her eyes; they looked misty and beautifully bright. “Yes, absolutely,” his lady continued. The smile on her face seemed different than all her previous expressions; she looked both happy and relieved.
“Her smile could light a thousand dim rooms.” William thought, a wave of exhilaration washing through him. “Are you sure?” he asked, with a half-smile. “I can be a bit of a pain, you know. Sometimes a little stubborn and picky...”
Michelle stood on her tip-toes and kissed him, effectively stopping William’s self-depreciating tirade.
Draw Me A Picture Page 21