Indiscretions - Elizabeth Adler [129]
“Not too far,” agreed Aldo.
Paris caught Marisa’s triumphant smile and turned quickly to look at India, who was pretending to eat her food. What was all that supposed to mean?
After lunch India toured the palazzo with Fabrizio and Aldo; they checked each room, detailing the changes that would be made. They inspected the brand-new hole in the grounds where the swimming pool was to be and went over the plans for the poolside patio/bar. All was in order.
“It will take time, of course,” commented Fabrizio as they returned to the house, “—at least six months before it’s complete. India will have to be here for quite a while longer.”
Aldo grinned at India. “That’s fine with me.”
India managed a polite smile. “If we’re finished,” she said, “I think I’ll go and find Paris.”
She found her playing on the lawn with the children, kicking a rubber ball around and laughing at their delighted faces. At least Paris seemed cheerful; she had been so afraid for her when she’d received that letter.
“Stan’s death was the final straw,” explained Paris as they strolled barefoot along the beach, “coming on top of everything else … I mean—well, there are some things I can’t tell you, India, but it just seemed as though everything I did was jinxed. Nothing has gone right since Jenny died.” Paris trailed her toe in the tip of a tiny wave. “If it weren’t for Didi, I don’t know what I would have done. And Alice. India, I don’t think I can ever be truly happy unless I achieve success. It’s more than just a creative urge—I need that other thing, the excitement of winning, of being someone. It’s what Jenny had. I understand her now more than I ever did before. I have to make it, India, I just have to.”
“Then if you need it that much, you will. Nothing will stop you, Paris. What happened was only a setback. One day you’ll do it. Stay here for a while, get your spirit back and your energy—and you’ll be ready for another try.”
Paris linked her arm through her sister’s. “What about you? I like your Aldo, he’s sensitive and aware—and he doesn’t take any nonsense from that silly woman Marisa.”
“I guess Aldo’s going to marry Renata.” India shrugged, doing her best to keep it casual. “You saw what happened at lunch.”
“Then if he is, it won’t be for her money. He’s not the type, India. Why would he sell the family treasures to finance his hotel scheme? Surely he could have waited and used her money?”
It was true, he could have done the whole thing on Renata’s money. He needn’t have sold possessions that obviously meant such a lot to his mother.
“I noticed it was you he greeted first,” said Paris, “your hand he held onto, and he treated Renata and Marisa exactly the same, friendly but not intimate.”
“Perhaps he’s saving that until after they are married.”
“India, for God’s sake! The man said he was planning marriage and Marisa obviously thought it was to Renata. I think it’s you. Aldo is too much of a man to be manipulated by the Marisas of this world, and he seems to me a man of his own opinions and actions. Are you going to disappear into the background and leave him to a Renata? Whatever happened to the old fighting India Haven spirit?”
“But what should I do? I mean, I can’t just ask him, can I?”
“Tell me the truth. Are you in love with Aldo? If he asked you to marry him, would you?”
India was silenced by her sister’s logic. Would she marry him? Yes, like a shot. She knew it. But wouldn’t she have married Fabrizio in the beginning too—if he had been free? Yes, she would, but it hadn’t worked out and life had moved on. Her affair with him had nothing to do with her feelings now for Aldo.
“Yes,” she said at last. “Yes, I’d marry him. But he hasn’t asked me.”
“I bet he hasn’t asked Renata either. You know what Jenny would say, don’t you, India? There’s only one way to find out.”
“Ask him,” breathed India.
“Damn right. Jenny wouldn’t have waited around for any man. Get on with it or get rid of it,