“Oh my goodness,” Lottie murmured. She both looked, and felt, like an ethereal creature. A Botticelli goddess come to life. The Florentine gown was made of diaphanous ivory-colored silk and tulle with a daringly low bodice that fit like a second skin, enhancing her figure in all the right places before giving way to a fuller skirt tastefully embroidered with flowers that seemed to spring from the very dress itself. More gauzy fabric was generously draped along her shoulders, like fairy wings.

Even Stella nodded with approval. “Si, questa è una bellissima creazione.”

Lottie turned to Valentina. “I’ve no doubt you will make a wonderful lady’s maid,” she said, pressing several coins into the girl’s palm.

Valentina’s eyes widened at the amount and she gave Lottie a broad smile. “Grazie, signorita.”

“Do let me know if you need a reference.”

“But, the professor said I was to go to England with you.”

Lottie tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“When you return tomorrow. He said you could not go by yourself.” Valentina gave her a worried frown. “Is—is that not right?”

I have to see to a few things.

You can trust her. With anything.

Alec had already planned their separation without one word to her. Again.

“Oh,” Lottie said softly as understanding washed over her. “Yes. Yes, of course. I—I wasn’t thinking.” She managed a tight smile and the girl relaxed.

The sisters spent a few more minutes cooing over her before they led Lottie into the parlor. Alec leaned against the doorframe of the balcony that looked out onto the Grand Canal; he cut a striking figure against the breathtaking view. The sun had just begun to set, and Lottie inhaled at the purple sky and deep gold clouds tinged with red. The dome of Basilica San Marco was visible in the distance. Alec turned at the sound of her entrance, but his face was cast in shadow against the brilliant light framing him. He had changed into a black evening suit with a white shirt and bow tie. Severe and elegant. The sight was nearly as breathtaking as the sunset. Lottie hadn’t seen him dressed so formally since…

…since the evening of her coming out ball.

When you fell in love with him. And then he broke your heart.

Without so much as a backward glance.

Lottie struggled to swallow past the lump in her throat while her scarred heart thundered in her chest. What was she doing here? She had been happy in her little Tuscan cottage. Perhaps a bit lonely at times, but one could be lonely anywhere. Even in a house full of people. And yet, after months of meticulous planning, after she had finally started making a new life for herself, she had given it all up as soon as Alec came calling. Because he was always unavoidable. Forever inescapable.

And she still loved him. Even now. Even after everything.