Alec did not return his smile. “How fortunate for us. We’ll be fine as long as the bed is decent.”

The innkeeper nodded eagerly. “Oh, yes, sir. In fact, the bed is one of the largest in the city. It used to belong to the Rospigliosi family during the Renaissance. And, since we cater to so many English visitors here, let me assure you that we offer all the latest amenities.”

Alec arched a brow. “I’ve no doubt.”

Lottie tugged on his elbow. Now was not the time to be sardonic. He turned toward her but kept his gaze on her hand. “Please,” she whispered, then hesitated. “If it’s too costly to get Lorenzo his own room, I can—”

Alec shot her a scowl as he dug deeper into his pocket and thrust some more coins at the innkeeper. “We will need two rooms.” Then he glanced at Lottie and lowered his voice. “The boy will stay with me.”

There. A room to herself. Why didn’t she feel relieved?

The innkeeper shook his head with an admirable display of remorse. “I’m terribly sorry, sir, but there is only one room left. There are cots available in the stables, though,” he offered with a hopeful note in his voice. He did not want to lose their business.

Alec let out a frustrated sigh and began to tap his foot. The low light of the inn cast deep shadows on his face, making him look utterly exhausted. Or perhaps he simply was. Her guilt returned. Who knew how long he had been on the road. And all because of her. Lottie had the sudden urge to place her hand on his cheek and stroke away the tension there.

Instead, she leaned toward him and lowered her voice. “I’m sure you’re right that Lorenzo will be fine in the stables.”

But her words only seemed to upset him further. Alec pinched the bridge of his nose. “No, it’s not—you aren’t wrong…” He trailed off and shook his head helplessly. “Never mind.” Then he addressed the innkeeper. “We’ll take the room. And the cot.”

The man’s grin returned. “Perfetto. Here is the key. Your room is on the top floor.” He gestured toward the staircase. “I’ll have your luggage brought up straightaway.”

Alec took the heavy brass key. “Send a supper tray as well. And a tub with plenty of hot water. I’ve a mind to indulge in a few amenities this evening.”

Lottie followed him toward the staircase. Dining alone in their room and having a bath? She lowered her voice. “The tub isn’t necessary. I can wait until tomorrow.”

“I didn’t order it only for your sake.” He clapped the arm of his jacket and a puff of road dust came off. “Come. I want to see the ‘greatest view in Pistoia’ before dark.”

As they made their way toward the staircase, two men were descending, engrossed in a conversation that would pass as a vicious argument in England. One caught a glimpse of Lottie as they approached and shot her a wide grin. He was missing several teeth and the ones that remained were in bad shape. The other man, sporting a set of bedraggled black whiskers, did the same. “Buona sera, Signora,” he said with a grand bow. The courtly gesture would have been more effective if he weren’t covered head to toe in road dust.