Page 64 of Stranded with His Runaway Bride

‘Demanding, irritable, pompous. You know, his usual charming self.’

That won him a nervous smile.

Then his brow creased. ‘But where is it?’

Violetta opened her palm to reveal the brooch. ‘You mean this?’ She tilted her hand so the light caught in the milky opal at its centre. ‘What if my plan doesn’t work, Sebastien? What if I can’t change his mind?’

He placed a knuckle beneath her chin. ‘Well, then, the Grand Duchess of San Nicolo will hold her head up high, in this ravishing wisp of a gown and her extraordinary signature piece, and leave every other overdressed creature at the party gnashing their teeth with envy.’

‘You know how to make a girl feel better.’

He grinned and waited while Luisa fixed the brooch into the unstructured bun that sat low at the back of her head.

‘Perfect,’ he said and held out his arm. ‘Ready?’

Violetta placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, suddenly grateful to have this tall, charming man to lean on.

‘As I’ll ever be.’ She straightened her spine. ‘Okay, let’s go get him.’

The peoples of Grimentz and San Nicolo had gathered in their thousands.

The principality laying on the mother of all parties to thank their neighbours. Those neighbours gladly accepting; in their entirety, judging by the crowds.

There were hog roasts in every city square with live music and dancing in every street. For the dignitaries, and the ordinary citizens honoured with special invites, the terraced gardens of the castle had been transformed into a fairyland, with thousands of tiny lights draped over every pergola, above every path, through every tree. Even the brooding fortress looming overhead had a touch of frivolity to it, with its own light show of ever-changing colours. Projected onto the very centre of the ancient ramparts were the flags of Grimentz and San Nicolo fluttering proudly together for all the world to see.

Below on the lake it looked as though every boat that either country possessed had also been pressed into service. Sérénité was filled with them. Some lashed together side by side, with partygoers mixing freely via the gangways running across the decks between them, or smaller boats coming alongside, handing up baskets laden with pastries and cheese and bottles of wine.

The sounds floated up to where Violetta was walking with Seb towards the party. The chatter of happy conversation, the flurry of groans and laughter as a basket lurched and half its contents landed in the lake.

She could see platters being passed from boat to boat. Wine from Grimentz, baskets of bread and pastries. The reverse of what had happened after the storm, Grimentz intent on saying thank you to its neighbour. San Nicolo determined that the new accord should continue.

Helene appeared through the guests, her smile of welcome genuine. As had everyone’s been since Violetta had arrived in the city earlier that afternoon and taken her suite in the hotel.

‘Helene, you and your team are to be congratulated,’ Violetta said. ‘It all looks wonderful.’

‘His Highness had high expectations for this one. It’s come together, of course, but it has been a challenge.’

‘I’m sure he’s been very complimentary.’

‘I wouldn’t bet on it,’ Seb murmured.

Helene sent him a rueful smile as Matteo arrived beside them.

‘Your Highness,’ he said with a bow, ‘permit me to say you are utter perfection this evening.’

‘Thank you, Matteo. From you that’s high praise indeed.’

‘Everything you requested is in place, ma’am,’ Helene said. ‘We’re ready to go the moment you say the word.’

Violetta shot a quick glance to the party but couldn’t see Leo yet.

‘We’ll have to see if he agrees first,’ she said.

‘If he does not, I’m resigning forthwith,’ Matteo said.

‘You’d do no such thing.’ Violetta laughed. ‘You love him and wouldn’t leave him.’

‘Isn’t that just the tragedy of it?’ Matteo sighed. ‘The dratted man makes it so hard to love him and yet somehow we all do.’

---