Beloved by Annette Chaudet Page B

business and, being fluent in four languages, conversant in four more, he had assisted his father in negotiations. But his father’s business had suffered serious losses over the past few years and Lauro was forced to seek some sort of position to provide himself a living.
    Richard heard of the family’s misfortune through his warehouseman in Naples and had immediately gone to Rome on the pretext of conducting some business in person. He called on the Florianis and made passing mention that he was looking for a tutor for his niece and nephew. Happily, Lauro had been interested.
    A year older than Richard, Lauro was tall and slender and fair, with piercing blue eyes and a ready smile. As boys, they’d traveled together for a year and their friendship had endured, though they’d seen little of each other over the past few years. Lauro suspected Richard had come to Rome specifically to offer him the position, but he was so pleased at the prospect that he could only be grateful.
    Lauro had not seen Cybelle since she was fourteen and his memories of the beautiful but seemingly cheerless young lady were now—as their inevitable meeting drew near—giving him cause for concern. Was his haste to accept Richard’s offer going to force him into an uncomfortable situation in a family where he wouldn’t be happy?
    “Richard, I admit this opportunity seemed heaven sent so I’ve been afraid to question any aspect of it. But tell me, old friend, how is your sister?”
    Richard, idly straightening the lace at his cuffs, started to reply, but when he saw Lauro’s serious expression, he couldn’t help but laugh.
    “What?” Lauro found Richard’s laughter even more worrisome.
    “Forgive me, but with that look on your face, it was obvious your inquiry more specifically concerns my sister’s disposition.”
    “And?”
    “And, I can assure you that she’s changed a great deal.”
    Richard couldn’t resist teasing Lauro. It seemed the memory of a younger—and certainly formidable—Cybelle might still give this otherwise self-assured and confident young man pause, even after so many years.
    “Put your mind at ease, Lauro. I’m happy to report that love and marriage have worked a miracle in my dear sister. And believe me, it was as much a surprise to me as it will be to you.”
    It was Lauro’s turn to laugh, this time with relief. “And when is marriage going to work a similar miracle on you?”
    “By the end of next year, I hope. I confess I’m getting a bit impatient. I’ve spent a great deal of time lately reminding myself that Christina is worth waiting for.”
    “I’m inclined to agree with you. I haven’t heard her sing in several years, but that voice! Like an angel’s. Do you remember when she sang that solo at the opera in Naples?”
    How could Richard forget? The entire audience, usually noisy and unruly until the much touted stars of the evening appeared, had been struck dumb by the purity of Christina’s clear soprano—a magical night, one he would remember for a very long time.
    “Well, perhaps we can persuade her to sing for you tonight.” But Richard had a question of his own. “I’ve been waiting for a child to grow up. What’s kept you a bachelor this long?”
    Lauro smiled, a little sadly Richard thought.
    “I don’t know. There was someone once but now…I suppose I haven’t found anyone else I can care about that way, and with the business situation what it is, I haven’t much to offer.”
    “I suspect Cybelle will be just full of suggestions.” Richard smiled. “You know how women love matchmaking and my dear sister is no exception. Who knows, maybe what you’ve needed all along is a French girl!”
    Lauro laughed. “Perhaps,” he said skeptically, “though I might remind you that your own fair bride-to-be is Italian.”

    They arrived at the Marquis’ château late that afternoon. The sunlight slanting through the perfectly spaced trees that lined the drive gave a reassuring