Page 30 of A Chance in a Million
‘But… were you on active service? I mean, do women fight… did you fight?’
She was all too familiar with this reaction by now. Over the years she had been in the regiment, she had grown used to the disbelief on the faces of people – especially men – when she told them what she did for a living.
‘I never shot anybody, if that’s what you mean. I’m an engineer by training.’
For a moment he looked almost disappointed. ‘I see. But now you’ve left the army.’
‘That’s right. I wanted a change and I’ve always been interested in writing so I dug into my savings and went to Cambridge to do a Masters in Creative Writing.’
‘Cambridge University? Congratulations. And now you’re hoping to become a world-famous author.’
She grinned at him. ‘That’s the plan. Now all I’ve got to do is write something.’
When they got back to her house, the rain had cleared completely and the sky was once again blue and cloudless. Since she had promised him her manuscript, she invited him in for coffee, hoping he wouldn’t think anything more than coffee was on offer. Yes, she had enjoyed his company, but talk of her military service had only served to remind her yet again of everything that had happened, and she knew she still wasn’t free from her past. Even so, it occurred to her as she led him into the house that she still hadn’t had a single recurrence of her bad dreams since arriving in Italy. That really had to be terrific progress.
She made two cups of coffee and gave him the manuscript of her romance novella to take away. To avoid any misunderstandings, she deliberately made sure they stayed in the kitchen area, seated chastely on either side of the big table. They carried on chatting and it was gone four o’clock when he shook his head apologetically and rose to his feet.
‘I’m afraid I’d better make a move. I have to be back down in Mantua tonight and I promised my parents I’d set up their new printer for them and show them how to use it before I go. I’ll get your story back to you as soon as possible. I’m in Paris for a collectors’ fair next weekend, but hopefully I should be able to come up and see you again in a couple of weeks if you’re free.’
Jane stood up as well and led him out to his car. When they got there, she gave him a big smile and kissed him on both cheeks. It had been an enjoyable day. ‘Thank you for a super lunch, Paolo, but remember, if we do it again, next time I’m paying.’
She stepped back and heard her boss’s voice just a short distance away.
‘Paolo, how lovely to see you again.’
They both turned in unison, and while Jane said hello to the affectionate dog who had followed Veronica out of the villa, Paolo went over to shake hands with her. ‘Lady Cooper, it’s good to see you too. Jane and I have been out for lunch.’
Jane was quick to confirm this. ‘To an excellent restaurant in Padua.’
At that moment there was a movement behind Veronica and Jane saw Diana and her brother come out of from the main door. She was about to make the introductions when it emerged that they already knew each other. Although Diana was gushing and cheery towards Paolo, David did little more than shake hands and exchange a few quick words. Jane was actually quite pleased to see that it clearly wasn’t just with her that he appeared uncomfortable, and she remembered what he had said about keeping himself to himself. In fact, only a minute later, while Veronica and Diana were still chatting to Paolo about the Costume Museum, David excused himself and headed back to his part of the house, leaving his four-legged friend rolling happily about at Jane’s feet while she rubbed his tummy with the toe of her shoe.
Finally Paolo took his leave and drove off. Once his car had disappeared down the drive and Veronica had gone back into the house, Diana glanced across at Jane and grinned. ‘Now that is one very good-looking man. I always thought so. You’ve done well, Jane.’
Jane felt she had better set the record straight. ‘He’s a very nice guy and a friend but that’s all.’
For some reason that appeared to please Diana, and Jane soon found out why as she went on to explain. ‘I don’t know if he told you this, but he and Bee used to have a thing.’
‘What, Paolo and Beatrice were…?’
‘That’s right. It all happened one summer.’
‘He told me he used to help Umberto in the grounds. Was that when he and Beatrice met? That must be ten, fifteen years ago now.’
Diana nodded. ‘I don’t remember much about it – I was probably only ten or eleven at the time, but I know Bee was very fond of him. The problem was that she was studying in the UK and when the summer came to an end so did their little liaison – if you can call it that.’
‘And nothing came of it?’
‘No, she was very cut up about it but like they say, life goes on… What’s his situation now? Is he married?’
‘Not that I’m aware of, I don’t think so, in fact I’m sure he isn’t. He would’ve said something.’
‘And you’re sure you aren’t interested in him?’
‘I’m sure. He’s a very nice guy but that’s all there is to it.’
‘Definite?’
‘Positive. Are you going to tell Beatrice about him? I think you should. After all, she’s a free agent now.’
