Rose blinked, taken aback. ‘Why, yes, I’m sure he will when he’s here.’
Bea smiled triumphantly. ‘Dante’s much nicer than Holly’s daddy.’
‘You like him then?’
‘Yes.’ Another pause. ‘Why didn’t he come before?’
The question Rose had been dreading. ‘I wouldn’t let him.’
‘Why?’
‘Because I was silly.’ Rose bent to kiss her. ‘Now, go to sleep. You can tell Pinocchio and Bear your secret if you like.’
‘And Gramma and Tom, too?’
‘Yes. In the morning.’
* * *
After a hectic week spent in bringing accounts up to date and rearranging client appointments, Rose told Dante that the following week was good for her.
‘Ottimo. I will make all arrangements and ring tomorrow with details.’
‘Don’t book a hotel room when you come to collect us,’ she added casually. ‘It would be more convenient to stay here the night before we leave—if you’d like to.’
He was silent for a moment. ‘I would like that very much, Rose. Grazie. Is Bea happy about the trip?’
‘She’s wildly excited, though surprised that Gramma and Tom aren’t going, too. I told her they had to do my job while we were away.’
He laughed. ‘Is your mother happy to do that?’
‘Yes, though I’ve tried to make sure there’s very little for her to do.’
‘You sound tired, Rose.’
‘Nothing a night’s sleep won’t mend,’ she assured him.
‘I will ring as soon as I can. Buonanotte.’
Rose was in the middle of an endless ironing session when Dante rang to say he would be with her on Sunday afternoon and had arranged a flight to Pisa the following day.
‘Is this good for you, Rose?’
‘Yes, fine. Mum and Tom have taken Bea out so I can get our things ready.’
‘They are much help to you.’
‘Always. I’m very lucky.’ She paused awkwardly. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow, then.’
‘Yes, Rose. A domani.’
* * *
When Dante arrived next day Bea flew to the door to open it, beaming up at him. ‘Dante, Dante. I’ve got a secret!’
‘A secret! How exciting.’ He put down his bag, smiling fondly as he picked her up. ‘Will you share it with me?’
‘Come inside first,’ said Rose, peering past him down the drive. ‘Where’s your car?’
‘I came by taxi.’ He leaned to kiss her cheek. ‘It is so good to be here, Rose. How are you?’