Wife in the Shadows by Sara Craven

to cover immediatemaintenance costs and local taxes, but this, of course, would not last forever. And as Ellie had no intention of asking Count Manzini for a cent towards Casa Bianca’s upkeep, retaining her job and its salary was becoming even more essential, she thought grimly.
    But lying sleepless that night, an idea came to her that could solve that particular problem, although its accomplishment would probably not sweeten Angelo’s temper.
    On the other hand, there went a man far too used to getting his own way—especially with women. Maybe it was time he got his comeuppance, even in a minor way.
    There was a room at Vostranto, not large but with good light, and not currently being used for very much, although there was a small kneehole desk under the window which, Ellie had been told, was where Count Angelo’s late mother had written her correspondence and overseen the household accounts.
    But if her laptop was installed there, she’d be able to receive translation work from Avortino by email, and return it, completed, by the same method. So commuting would not be necessary, and if she continued to use her maiden name for professional purposes, no-one need ever know that the new Contessa Manzini was gainfully employed, with or without her husband’s goodwill.
    She would need Assunta’s help, but her instinctive response to Vostranto and the spell it had worked on her seemed to have established her firmly in the housekeeper’s good books, so she did not foresee major problems from that direction at least.
    Or, she reflected, turning over and punching her pillow into shape, just as long as there weren’t too many references to the nursery accommodation on the second floor, also unoccupied.
    But a week later, with the toasts drunk, the wedding cake distributed and the alien gold of Angelo’s ring gleaming on her hand, Ellie was no longer so confident about winning the necessary concessions. After all, she reminded herself, she had basically been hired to do a job, so her status at Vostranto would be little more than that of an employee. And as shedrove with her husband to her new home, this time without the chauffeur’s presence, she could feel her inner tensions building again.
    Glancing sideways, she saw that the tanned face with its sculpted mouth looked strangely austere, and realised he too must have reservations about the immediate future, and the sterile bargain it contained.
    But it was all his own doing, she reminded herself stonily. I was just caught up in the subsequent storm. So whatever regrets he’s having, he fully deserves.
    And Silvia, of course, had got off scot-free as she’d done so many times in childhood when retribution threatened, proving that there was no justice. But Ernesto seemed to be keeping a close eye on her, so perhaps her wings had been clipped.
    ‘Is something wrong?’ Angelo asked suddenly, and she jumped.
    ‘No. Why do you ask?’
    ‘You seem a little restless.’
    ‘Recent events,’ she said, ‘are hardly conducive to calm.’
    There was a silence, then he said, ‘I do not know what else I can say to assure you …’
    ‘That I am of no interest to you?’ Ellie lifted her chin. ‘Believe me,
signore,
that is probably the least of my concerns.’
    ‘Then what troubles you?’
    She took a breath. ‘There’s something I have to tell you. I’ve decided to go on working—but from home—your home—from Vostranto.’
    ‘How do you propose to do so?’ His tone was not encouraging.
    ‘By email. I—I’ve had a room your mother once used fixed up as an office.’ She paused. ‘It won’t disturb you or get in the way of the household duties that seem so important to you. I’ll work all the hours I need to for that. However, you must see that I need my career and my future.’
    ‘You do not trust me to support you adequately?’ He rapped the question at her.
    ‘Yes—for the time being.’ She swallowed. ‘But try to understand that I also value my