Chapter One

 

Elodie?”

The delicately accented voice penetrated the bookkeeping haze that had veiled her mind. All morning had been spent staring at the screen. Boring as it was, Elodie couldn’t imagine doing anything better that morning as she waited for her client to arrive. Her boutique was the culmination of years of hard work. If keeping it running optimally meant spending far too much of her life organizing the cavernous storage room of the boutique or staring at spreadsheets for hours on end, then so be it.

As a result of her dedication, she now had a very exclusive little emporium that catered to the wealthy and, often, eccentric. It brought her in contact with some fascinating people and designing clothing and procuring accessories she had once only dreamed about. Then again, working in fashion in Milan was something she’d always thought would be a pipe dream for a girl from a small town in England.

The most enjoyable part of her job, however, was helping her customers decide what to buy. It was like playing with a never-ending array of dolls whom she got to dress and style. Apparently, she had quite the knack for it and, after only a few months, had become a favorite of the clientele.

Especially of the one now calling her into the shop.

Elodie straightened the top on a mannequin as she walked past and smiled at the woman standing there.

With ebony hair streaked with silver wound in a low chignon, she was maybe an inch or two over Elodie’s own five foot three. Her figure and healthy glow told of a strict diet and exercise regimen while her command of the room was something completely innate. Every inch of her demanded respect from everyone. If that wasn’t enough, the gems winking from her ears and many of her fingers called attention, while the silver thread of her cropped brocade jacket made every breath she took an event.

She turned to level her steely grey eyes on Elodie, leaving her quaking slightly under the weight of her gaze.

Buongiorno, Elodie.”

Elodie offered her a genuine smile. “Good morning, Duchessa. It’s always a pleasure to see you.”

She waved at Elodie and spoke crisply, though her words were softened with a hint of a smile. “Come. We have things to discuss.”

Of course.” Elodie led the way into the consultation area—a drawing room, if it was to be described as anything. It was designed to be comfortable and luxurious. A place to chat and relax. Vases overflowing with flowers brought in fresh every day stood on end tables, as well as on the coffee table set in the V of two robust Italian designed sofas. The blooms of the day were pale pink peonies, which she’d picked up on her way in that morning, lending the pale gold tones of the room a blush of color. The chandelier glittered overhead in the morning sunshine as did the antique Venetian mirrors Elodie had arranged in artful patterns on the wall.

Please, have a seat. I’m excited to share some ideas I have for your ensemble for your party this evening. Can I get you anything before we get started? Tea? Coffee?”

The duchessa put up her wrinkled hand as she perched herself on the edge of one of the couches. “I already know what I want. It’s on a mannequin in the showroom. There’s no need for your song and dance today. Needing your help for my party was just a ruse to come speak with you about something rather more delicate.”

Elodie straightened, her heart thudding in her chest. “While I appreciate a woman who knows what she wants, I’m confused as to why you’re here if you don’t require my assistance with clothing.”

The duchess leveled her gaze at her, openly appraising her. “I like that you’re not afraid of me. It bodes well for you. I like a strong woman.” The duchess gave her a warm smile that crinkled the skin around her lips and eyes. The first in their acquaintance. “I have a proposition for you, Elodie Bell.”

Oh?” Confused now, she sat on the couch opposite wishing she could busy herself with making tea. “I can’t imagine what you’d want with me.”

I want you to attend the party, as my guest, and seduce my nephew.”

Elodie nearly choked on her next breath. “Excuse me?”

You aren’t a virgin, are you?”

She shook her head, not only because she wasn’t and her truthfulness got the better of her before she could think, but also because it wasn’t any of the woman’s concern. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

Rolling her eyes, the duchess sighed as she pulled out her phone. “My nephew, my dear Caesario, has been alone too long.” She held it out to show her the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. He looked to be in his thirties, with dark hair and a warm smile. He towered over the people in the picture with him. The women eyed him covetously while the men looked to be amiable to his presence. But he drew all the attention. “He needs a wife. A beauty, to be sure, but a strong woman to deal with his pig-headedness.”

And you think I’m someone he’d choose to marry?” Elodie shook her head and waved at herself. “I don’t think I’m what he’s looking for.”

The look the duchess gave her was unflinching. “You’re exactly what he needs.”

How can you say that? You’ve only met me a handful of times.”

Her concerns were waved away with a twiddle of scarlet-tipped fingers. “I’m a good judge of character. And I know in my bones you’re perfect for him. You are Asian, no?”

A little flustered from the quick changes in subject, Elodie bobbed her head. Her black hair and deep brown eyes and delicate features were inherited from her Asian mother. “Half. I’m flattered, but this is a bit extreme, isn’t it? Shouldn’t you let him be the one to decide who to marry and when?”

The older woman shook her head emphatically. “I’ve left it to him for far too long. Had his father and mother lived, they would have pushed him long before now.”

Her heart fluttered. “But—”

Now the vultures are circling, and I can’t allow him to get caught in their games.” The duchess tapped her ruby lips with an equally red fingernail. “Do this for me and I will become patron of your boutique. Even if he doesn’t eventually fall for you.”

It was an insanely generous offer. She eyed the other woman skeptically. It all sounded a little too good to be true. “Is there something wrong with him that no one will marry him? And isn’t he smart enough not to get ensnared by some gold-digger?”

A small smirk curled the corner of the duchess’s mouth. “He has known many women, yes, but he hasn’t found the right woman to marry. And he’s very smart, but even the most intelligent man can be caught out by someone who knows what they’re doing. There’s one in particular. A redheaded demoness named Clarice. She somehow shows up wherever he does, to the same parties and events, and makes a pest of herself, frightening off anyone she sees as a threat. I know for a fact she’s not going to give up until there’s a ring on his finger. And without a strong woman at his side, probably not even after that.” Her expression became completely earnest as she took Elodie’s hand. “Caesario is a good man, perhaps a bit cold and too much a workaholic and lover of women, but he can learn.”

You make him sound like a naughty puppy.”

The duchess gently smacked the hand she’d been holding as she laughed heartily. “Naughty, perhaps. But definitely not a puppy. He needs to settle down with a good woman and a family to ground him.”

Elodie’s mind reeled. “This is crazy.”

It isn’t. Just meet him. If, for some reason, you do not like him, then that’s fine. I won’t hold it against you. Just come to the party tonight and find out.”

It was a lot to take in. But Elodie was methodical. She took problems one at a time. And at the moment, the easiest to deal with was she wasn’t exactly ready for a fancy party. Elodie ran her hand through her hair. She might have style and work in a boutique filled with fine clothing, but it didn’t mean she was ready to be thrown into a party of people who were sure to have spent ages getting ready for it.

You’re worried about your appearance.” The duchess gave her a sympathetic look. “You are lovely as you are, but since confidence is everything perhaps you will let me turn the roles we play around and let me dress you? I will, of course, purchase everything we decide upon, and you can do what you will with it afterwards, whatever the outcome.”

Elodie balked at her offer. “That’s very generous of you, but I couldn’t.”

The duchess put her hand on her arm, her expression and tone softening greatly. “You are doing me a great favor. Let me help you.”

Elodie found herself nodding, albeit reluctantly. “But I don’t want to be turned into something I’m not. I want to be seen as myself.”

The duchess’s smile widened. “I wouldn’t dream of altering you. I only hope to augment the beauty I see already there.”

What did she have to lose? Meeting her smile with one of her own, Elodie nodded. “Okay.”

Duchessa Altaviti clapped her hands in delight. “Stupendo! Wonderful! Shall we begin?”