SINCE THE DINNER with Fausta on Sunday evening, Nico had been out of sorts. She had everything to do with his restlessness, but it wasn’t something he wanted to talk about with anyone, not even Felipe.
The women he dated knew nothing concerning his background. When or if the right one came along, that would be different. However, Fausta had been such a good listener, she’d drawn him out.
Their conversation at Prospero’s had caused him to open up about his life in a way he’d never done since moving to Domodossola. He decided it was because in the end, nothing could come of his association with her. That’s why he’d felt comfortable telling her certain facts. Maybe he even enjoyed shocking her a little about his work on a pig farm, but she didn’t act shocked.
In truth, he was the one who’d been stunned when she’d invited him in to her apartment at the palace. There was nothing he’d wanted more than to get closer to her. He knew she wouldn’t have asked him inside if she hadn’t wanted it too. But it wouldn’t have been a good idea because he desired her in all the ways a man could want a woman.
It was one thing to enjoy a few meals at or near the hospital with her. But to take her to Prospero’s before returning her to the palace had opened the floodgates for him. Now he’d invited her to a movie.
Little by little he was fanning the flames with a royal princess whose life had been mapped out from birth. Though she wished she were a commoner and insisted she would never marry a prince, Fausta had admitted that her parents were constantly pressuring her. Of course he believed her, but Nico didn’t feel...worthy of her.
He was a child who’d grown up abandoned by his parents and had become a realist. Though Fausta might not be in a relationship right now, she’d just told him her parents had royal plans for her. All he could imagine would be an affair with her, which would be impossible to hush up, something he couldn’t let happen.
There was another factor too. It wouldn’t be fair to go on seeing her when he might not stay in Domodossola much longer. That all depended on finding his parents, and he was expecting some news of them soon. For that reason, he hadn’t bought a home and settled down here.
The small Italian-speaking country of Domodossola was only two hours away from Biella on the northwestern Italian border. His parents could have lived within that radius before he was taken to the orphanage. But so far a thorough investigation here in this country as well as the region around Biella hadn’t turned up any information. At this point he’d been investigating elsewhere.
When or if he did find his parents, or discover his origins or where he belonged, and he discovered it was in another country, hopefully one or both his parents would want to get acquainted with him. It might be that he’d make a permanent move to be with them.
Then again, they might not want anything to do with him. Though he was taking a huge risk, he’d nursed the hope of a reunion for years. Certainly he wouldn’t expect a woman he was involved with, especially the princess, to deal with a future as uncertain as his.
All this was on his mind as he and Fausta exited the theatre. She looked gorgeous in a summery print dress. “Let’s get some gelato around the corner before I take you home.”
Their bodies brushed as they made their way through the crowds. The warm, beautiful early summer night brought out his longing to find a private place and kiss her into oblivion. So far he hadn’t touched her. He didn’t dare, or he wouldn’t want to stop.
They both chose strawberry gelato and made their way back to his car. On the drive to the palace his mind flew ahead to the next time they would be together. Right now, he couldn’t imagine his life without seeing her every day. He decided it would be safer to continue to be with her in public places where they would be around other people.
Nico drew the car around to the side entrance before turning to her. “I enjoyed being with you tonight more than you know. Thanks for sitting through that action film. It wasn’t as good as it was purported to be.” He took her empty gelato cup and put it in the bag.
“I agree, but I didn’t care because I had a wonderful time. Since you probably have to go, will you wait long enough for me to run inside? I have something I want to give you.”
She had something for him? He couldn’t imagine. “Of course I’ll wait.”
“Be right back.”
Within five minutes she’d returned carrying a white Lagotto hunting dog, the same kind she’d given Gina. After opening the passenger door, she placed it on its backside and put the seat belt around it.
She grinned. “You said you’d like one. His name is Giorgio. He works on a local pig farm. Now you won’t be lonesome on your drive home because you’ll both have a lot to talk about. Buona notte, Nico.”
He burst into deep laughter as she shut the door and disappeared inside the palace. No one had a personality like Fausta’s. Everything about her had enamored him to the point he wanted to take her home with him and throw away the key.
Barsotti? You’re in huge trouble.
After he reached his apartment, he phoned her, hoping she’d pick up.
“Nico? Is Giorgio giving you problems already?” she teased.
He closed his eyes for a moment. “I’m calling because you ran inside the palace before I could thank you. Your gift has special meaning for me.
“When I first started working on the farm, people came who didn’t know me and just called me Giorgio. I asked Angelo about it and he said it meant ‘farmer.’ Trust you to know that. Thank you again. See you tomorrow after your shift is over?”
“Absolutely.”
When Wednesday evening rolled around, Nico didn’t have a patient in the hospital, so he had no excuse to visit the pediatric ward. But that didn’t stop him from racing over there after hours to find Fausta. The long overnight wait to see her again had been deadly.
She came walking down the hall ten minutes later and broke into a smile to see him by the nursing station. “Ehi—how’s Giorgio?” Her hair shone like a pot of gold in the sunlight.
“We’ve become best friends. I’ve made him my guard dog while I’m at work.”
“I’m glad you like him.”
“I hope you realize I like the woman who gave him to me.” He heard her breath catch. “Shall we head for the cafeteria for dinner?”
“I have a better idea. I brought a picnic for us and thought we could eat it on the grass behind the hospital.”
She’d planned a picnic?
Today she was dressed in a yellow top and print skirt beneath her lab coat. He loved the way she looked. He loved everything about her. “I love the way you think.”
“Give me a second. I put the bag in the fridge of the nurses’ lounge.”
He felt an adrenaline surge as she darted back down the hall for their meal. Fausta never ceased to captivate him. When she returned, she was carrying a plaid blanket along with a bag of food. No one had planned a surprise like this for him before.
He took the sack and they made their way through the halls and down the staircase to the door leading out back. It was another beautiful balmy evening. She found them a spot and spread out the blanket.
They sank down and emptied the sack. Soon they were both munching and drinking soda. “Where did this meal come from? It’s fabulous.”
“I asked one of the palace chefs to make me a picnic.”
“No wonder I’ve never eaten such delicious sandwiches and salad before.”
“Jeanne is a great cook and my friend. Sometimes I take her to lunch to give her a break.”
“That sounds like you,” he said in a thick-toned voice. “Unselfish and generous to a fault.” He’d never known anyone so easy to be with. She never pouted or acted upset.
Fausta blushed. “Thank you for saying that, but it’s not true.”
“I have proof to the contrary before my very eyes.” He continued to stare into those light blue pools until she looked away. “What’s your agenda this week?”
“Tomorrow I have to go back to the palace by three o’clock to help entertain some foreign dignitaries for the evening. Papa insists on it.”
Maybe it was a prince her father wanted her to meet, but Nico had to stop worrying about that or he’d go crazy.
“On Friday morning I have an appointment with the head of the Tocelli cell phone company. I’ve been pushing him for a commitment and believe he’s going to help fund one wing of the new veterans’ hospital.”
“Bravo.” Fausta’s charisma could turn a man inside out.
“What about you?”
“No seminars for several months, grazie a Dio.”
She laughed quietly. The urge to take her in his arms and kiss her had become a viable pain he couldn’t endure much longer. So much for his plan to slow things down. Driven by his desire to be with her despite his reservations, he brought up an idea he’d promised himself he wouldn’t do.
“Fausta? Before I have to go back in and check on a new hospitalized patient, I wanted to ask if you have plans for this coming Saturday.”
She’d started to clean things up. “That depends,” she said with an alluring smile that made his heart thud.
“I wondered if you’d like to drive to Biella with me. While I call on my patients, we’ll visit the pig farm.”
Her blue eyes danced. “There’s nothing I’d like more than to see some cute little pigs!”
You’ve done it now, Barsotti. But he didn’t care. Insane as it was, he needed to be alone with her away from their world. “It’ll be a two-hour drive both ways. Can you be ready by nine? We’ll stop to eat along the way.”
“I’m always up early and will wait outside the entrance.”
“Bene.” He got to his feet and picked up the sack. She folded the blanket and they went back inside as far as the cloakroom. When she lifted her eyes to him, Nico could see a nerve throbbing in the base of her throat. “See you on Saturday.”
After they said good-night, he conferred with his colleague over a patient, then drove to his apartment and phoned Enzo, who sounded ecstatic to hear from him.
Knowing that he would be with her all day Saturday was the only thing that helped him get through the rest of his week.
After letting the older man know he’d be driving to Biella and would be bringing someone with him this time, Nico got ready for bed, almost feverish in anticipation of being with Fausta.
When he drove up to the side of the palace on Saturday morning, there she was with molten gold hair, dressed in jeans and walking boots. She’d worn a long-sleeved kelly green pullover that revealed the feminine mold of her body. She carried a jacket over her arm and looked like she was ready for a day in the country. Every exquisite detail about her spoke to him.
Nico jumped out of the car and walked around to open the passenger door for her with the palace guard looking on. “Buon giorno, Fausta.” He put her jacket on the back seat before getting in behind the wheel.
“I’m so glad you asked me to come with you today. I’m thrilled to be getting out of the city.”
“After the antiseptic halls of the hospital, I am too.”
They took off and headed for the highway taking them out of the city. He was aware of security following them, but he didn’t care. This morning she smelled like wildflowers in a meadow. Nico had never been with a woman like her. Moreover, he’d never done anything this exciting. She’d wanted to come with him. Nothing else mattered.
All the way to the border and beyond, the trees were in blossom with pink and white petals. She let out a sigh. “It’s a beautiful June day already. Only a few white clouds are hanging in the sky. Everything is green and lush. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be out in nature like this.”
Her words painted a picture. “You took the words out of my mouth.” They traveled past manicured farms that displayed a picture-book quality. “Does your family know you’re with me?”
“I’m sure they do.”
By now they probably knew all about him and didn’t approve. Nico didn’t want to think about it, but it was hard to look past the demands of her royal background. “I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry. Let’s stop in the next village and get some food we can eat in the car.”
“I was hoping you’d suggest it.”
They came to a hamlet and found delectable rabbit quiche with rosemary, black raspberry fruit tarts and sodas at a little local deli.
“This food is divine.” En route she ate and drank with the same relish he did. “I know we’re traveling to Biella. You said the orphanage wasn’t that far from there. Could we see it too?”
He sucked in his breath. “You want to go to Mottalciata? The population is only about fifteen hundred people.”
“You really did grow up in a small village, but it’s part of your childhood. I’d love to at least drive by it.”
“If you want, then we’ll go there first.”
Before long they reached the village in question. “This place, plus the Barsotti farm on the outskirts of Biella, made up my only world until I went to the university in Turin, Italy.”
She looped some of that diaphanous hair behind her ear. “I haven’t been to Turin in years. By now it’s probably grown to a million people.”
“Most likely.”
“To go to the university there must have been a revelation to you.”
He nodded. “When I wasn’t studying, I walked and walked, marveling at everything.”
Her eyes played over him. “I can just imagine the wonders that filled your young man’s vision of everything.”
They smiled at each other in understanding.
“Where’s the orphanage?”
“It’s in part of the old Romanesque church. We’re coming to it now.”
“Would it be hard for you to go in? I’d love to see where you grew up.”
“Not hard, but I don’t imagine things will be the same. I haven’t been inside it since I left to attend the university.”
Her gaze implored him. “It’ll be fascinating to find out.”
She was right about that. “Just coming here again, seeing the village through my outsider eyes at this point, brings back haunting memories.”
Alarm filled Fausta’s expression. “If it hurts too much, we should turn around.”
He heard what she was saying, but they’d arrived. Nico pulled up in front of the church and shut off the engine.
“I’m not in pain, Fausta. At that time in my life, I grew up bewildered. So many children with no mothers or fathers. I was full of questions. Where were all our families? Where was mine? How did I end up here of all places? Didn’t my parents want me?”
Her light blue eyes misted over. “We don’t have to go in.”
“I want to. After telling you about my past the other night, I feel a need to revisit this place now that we’re here.”
After a pause, she asked, “Would you rather go in alone?”
His dark eyes impaled her. “I wouldn’t have come to Mottalciata without you.”
The intensity of Nico’s words penetrated to her insides, causing Fausta to tremble. She got out of the car before he opened her door. Together they entered the church vestibule and followed the sign to the orphanage entrance.
Nico knew exactly where to go. An elderly nun in black seated at a desk greeted them as they walked through the door to the office.
“Buon giorno, signor. How can I help you?”
“My name is Nico Barsotti. This is my friend Signorina Rossiano.”
It pleased Fausta that he didn’t refer to her as a princess. The nun didn’t appear to recognize her and that was fine with Fausta.
“From the age of two to twelve I spent my life here. A year ago, I learned from a friend that the holy mother who looked after me passed away. I’m sorry that I found out too late since I wanted to thank her for everything. The sisters were very good to me.”
She smiled at him. “I’m sure she knows, signor.”
For Nico’s sake Fausta hoped so.
“Would it be possible to go into the common room for a moment, or should we come back?”
“You may go in now. The children are at lunch.”
“Grazie.”
Fausta followed him through some double doors into the large room he’d told her about. A big beautiful painting of the Madonna and child took up part of one wall. Next to another wall stood an upright piano. There were shelves with well-worn toys and books. Seeing this place gave her the idea to send the orphanage some donations, but they would have to come from her own personal money.
He reached for her arm and they gravitated toward the painting. Nico studied it for a long moment. Fausta knew he’d gone back in time. “How remarkable. Nothing here has changed after all.”
This was where he’d spent his early childhood. Pain stole through her for his heartache. “I’m thinking about the children in the other part of the orphanage, Nico. I’ll pray they grow up to be happy and become as successful as you are.”
He squeezed her arm before letting it go. By tacit agreement they walked through to the office. Nico approached the nun still seated at the desk.
“Thank you for letting us visit. We’ll be leaving now.”
“Come anytime. You’ll always be welcome.”
Fausta left with him. They walked out of the church in silence. She feared this visit would trouble him for a long time. But when they got in the car, he turned to her, his dark blue eyes alive.
“There was an old doctor who came from Biella once in a while when one of us was sick. He seemed like a magician to me and could fix anything. Every time he showed up, I followed him around and asked questions. I thought how wonderful if I could do something like that one day.”
Realizing that Nico had been thinking about the doctor who’d set him on his course, she could hardly swallow for the boulder in her throat. “So, he’s the reason you became a physician. Do you think he’s still alive?”
“I wish he were so I could thank him, but no. He too died after I left the orphanage.” Nico started the engine. “Are you ready to visit some pigs? I come here every couple of months. The Barsotti farm is about two miles from the main square here.”
“I’ve been thinking about playing with them ever since you mentioned it at the hospital.”
His good spirits were contagious. Nico would never know what it meant to her to be let into his life, allowing her to see beneath the surface. He drove on while she drank in the bucolic landscape.
When they came to the Barsotti farm, Nico pointed out the farmhouse and the many outbuildings. The large property looked well kept. Several long buildings housed the pigs.
Nico pulled up to the office. “I’ll run inside and see if I can find Angelo. Be right back.”
“Take all the time you need.”
She got out to wait, loving seeing the place where he’d worked, loving being with him like this.
A few minutes later Nico reappeared with an older farmer who was dressed in overalls and wore a huge smile on his mustached face.
“Fausta? I’d like you to meet Angelo Barsotti, the man who transformed my life after taking me out of the orphanage. I owe him and his wife everything. Today she’s visiting their daughter who just had a baby, so you won’t be able to meet her.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
The farmer removed his cap. “Princess.” His gaze swerved to Nico. “Looks like you’ve done right well for yourself.”
“Nico has sung your praises, signor. I’m very happy to meet you. Last week we went out for roast pig. He told me about life with you and how kind you and your wife were to him.”
“Nico was a good boy and a hard worker.”
“He’s an excellent doctor now, but it’s obvious he hasn’t forgotten those years with you. Would it be possible to see some of your piglets before we leave?”
The farmer grinned. “He said you wanted to play with them. One of our sows just had a litter. Come with me.”
Delighted, she followed them to one of the long buildings containing the individual grilled stalls to house all the pigs.
Inside she saw several workers walking up and down the aisles. He led them to a section where the new mother was tending her litter. There were seven spotted piglets who stuck their noses toward them.
“Oh—look, Nico! Aren’t they adorable?” She ran over to the fencing. “Can I hold one, Signor Barsotti?”
He laughed. “Go right ahead.”
Fausta leaned over and picked one up from the straw. “You sweet little thing,” she crooned as it made snorting sounds. Soon all the piglets were making noises, causing her to laugh. The men laughed too. Her gaze fused with Nico’s. This was a moment of pure joy she’d never forget.
She walked around with it for a minute, but before the sow got too upset, Fausta lowered the piglet back to the straw. “If I could, I’d take all of you home with me.”
They left the building and walked back to his office. “There’s a restroom inside, where the two of you can freshen up, Princess.”
“Thank you. I’ll be right back.”
She went inside first. It thrilled her to have met the man who’d given Nico a real home and family until he’d turned eighteen. Fausta thought him and his wife remarkable people.
To give them time alone, she went back to the car and reached for another soda while she waited. The two of them talked and laughed. She got another lump in her throat when she saw them pat each other’s shoulder.
“You made a hit with Angelo,” Nico said after he got back in the car and they drove away.
“He was so nice. I can understand why you love visiting him. How do you have his last name since you haven’t referred to him as your adoptive father? Or did I miss something?”
“They wanted to adopt me even though they had four children. I told them I’d rather not belong to anyone because I wanted to find my birth parents. Deep down I didn’t feel worthy of love when my own parents didn’t want me. People just automatically thought I belonged to them and the name stuck.”
Whoa. He didn’t feel worthy? Fausta was only now beginning to understand how much being an orphan had impacted him. Not many children would have turned down the opportunity to be adopted yet go on repaying them for their kindness.
He glanced at her. “I wouldn’t blame you if you think that was strange and ungrateful of me, but I assured them I’d work triple hard for them to earn my keep until I could leave at eighteen. I’ve been sending them money ever since I became a doctor.”
“Not strange, Nico. Just amazing that even at the age of twelve, you were so fiercely independent. It’s made you into the man you’ve become.” His comments had raised more questions she wanted answers to, but now wasn’t the time.
Nico eyed her. “From here we’re going to visit a couple. I want you to meet Enzo and Pippa. They’re expecting us and have done everything for me since I started working for Angelo. In truth Enzo has been my savior and mentor.”
“Savior?”
“He owns the land where Angelo works the pig farm, but let me back up. Angelo came to the orphanage to find a boy he could train who would help on the farm. He chose me and was given special permission to let me live with his family on the farm and go to school with his children.
“I was chosen, but I had to be interviewed by the owner before I could be hired. It seemed that one of the owner’s grandsons had died at the age of twelve. I guess I was a reminder of him and he developed an interest in me. He often dropped by the farm to talk to me and we became friends.”
“That’s very touching.”
“In time he took me to his home for visits and saw to it that I got the best schooling. After I turned eighteen, he paid for me to attend college and medical school in Turin. He and his wife have always had a doctor to take care of them, but I made him a promise that I would also be their personal physician for life after I graduated.”
Fausta was dumbfounded by what he’d just told her. It answered so many questions about how he’d gotten from A to B. “Where does he live?”
“In the foothills of Biella not far from here.”
They’d reached the outskirts. “So, they’re the people you take care of.”
His dark eyes gleamed. “I visit them every couple of months and always look forward to it.”
They drove through the town and up a winding road through the lush foothills to a picturesque estate. When an imposing castello appeared through the trees, Fausta drew in her breath.
“I’ve been here before!” she cried softly.
He’d pulled up in the courtyard and had turned off the engine before looking at her. “I know. You told me you’d been to Biella the night we went to dinner.”
“But I mean this is the estate where my mother brought me and my sisters for a visit. I recognize the distinctive crenellated walls and the belfry.”
Nico’s eyes played over her. “You’re sure? How old were you?”
“I was around ten. Donetta was thrilled because the owner had some beautiful horses and let us ride. Of course, I’m no champion like my sister. She has a room full of trophies.”
“It’s true Enzo is a great horse lover. Let’s go inside.”
But no sooner had Nico opened the passenger door for her than a man with white hair who was probably in his eighties wearing casual clothes came outside to greet them.
“Nicolo—” she heard the man call out before hugging him fiercely. She was struck by the love between the two of them.
As the old man turned to her, he let out a strange sound. “When you told me you were bringing someone with you, I didn’t know you meant Princess Fausta Rossiano!”
“Am I missing something here?” Nico looked confused.
The older man moved toward her. “The last time I saw you and your sisters, you were just young girls. It must have been fifteen years ago.” He smiled. “The older one rode like the wind.”
Fausta smiled back. “I just told Nico I remember coming here. You’re Duca Enzo Frascatti of Piedmont, the local magistrate of the area. You’re the good friend of Prince Lorenzo, my father’s cousin!”
Nico stared at her in wonder.
“Indeed I am. Lorenzo and I are the best of friends. He’s the one who advised me to buy a new Sanfratellano stallion from the king’s stables in Vallefiore. To think your sister is now the new king’s wife! It’s a small world, my dear.”
“It certainly is. I’m thrilled to meet you again after all this time.”
Enzo reached for her hand and kissed the back of it. “This is a joyous day. Come inside and we’ll all catch up. My wife, Pippa, and I have lunch waiting for you. She’s in a wheelchair and not doing that well, but she’s always eager for the next visit from our Nicolo.”
Fausta’s gaze fused with Nico’s. She could tell he was bursting with questions. So was she!
Nico grabbed his medical bag. Together they followed Enzo inside. He walked them through to the main dining room of the sumptuous castello Fausta remembered, where his wife sat in her wheelchair at the table. Nico led her around.
“Pippa? Do you remember Princess Fausta? She’s the person I brought with me today.”
The white-haired older woman studied Fausta out of eyes dimmed by the years. “You were a precious little girl who loved all the animals. My how you’ve grown up into a beautiful woman.”
Fausta blushed. “Thank you, Duchessa. It’s so kind of you to have us for lunch.”
“Nonsense. Nico is like a son to us. Why don’t you be seated so we can talk.”
Nico held a chair for Fausta. After they sat down, the staff served them lunch.
The duca raised his wineglass. “This is a very happy day. I’d like to make a toast to our Nicolo and the princess. To your health and other things.”
After they’d sipped their wine, Pippa eyed Fausta. “When our grandson died, Nico came into our lives and brought us happiness. Did he tell you we wanted to adopt him?” Fausta’s eyes met Nico’s for a moment. Everyone loved him. “But he was so stubborn, he wouldn’t hear of it.”
Except that Fausta knew the real reason. Nico’s origins had made him feel unworthy of love.