Alec had been gone for three years at that point, and so her newfound sympathy eventually faded away; but now, in the face of his obvious grief, her heart broke all over again for him. He certainly wouldn’t want her pity, though. And it seemed that he didn’t want her help, either. She pulled open the door to reveal two maids holding a sizable tin tub, while two more carried a large cistern of steaming water between them. All four were dark-haired beauties, likely sisters, who looked incredibly perturbed to be there. Until they caught sight of Alec.

“Buona sera.” Lottie waved them in and stepped aside.

The maids marched into the room and began setting up the bath with swift, competent movements. Two poured the water into the bath, while another added a generous helping of sweet-smelling oil and flower petals from a small basket. The fourth retrieved a screen from a corner of the room and neatly arranged it by a chair laden with fresh towels. All the while, each one took every opportunity to throw brazen looks at Alec. If they had actually been married, Lottie would have been rather piqued—not that she could blame them.

Alec leaned against the balcony’s doorway with his hands in his pockets and his eyes cast down, oblivious to their attentions; his mouth was set in a hard line and his brow was furrowed in deep concentration. The setting sun bathed him in that perfect pinkish glow artists only dream of. He resembled a powerful Roman general mulling over strategy on the eve of battle.

Lottie’s heart beat even faster than before, when she stood frozen in the doorway taking far too much pleasure in his declaration.

You are very beautiful.

She had thought herself long immune to the shallow flatteries of men, so it was unsettling how badly she had wanted to believe him. But to what end? Finding her attractive certainly hadn’t stopped him from leaving five years ago. No, there was little to be gained by catching the eye of a man. Better to be treated with respect, considered an equal. Though that seemed even more elusive. Lottie began riffling through her carpet bag, if only to have something to do besides stare at him.

After the maids finished preparing the bath, Alec gave each of them a coin. They all finally deigned to speak and made a great show of profusely thanking him. The prettiest one even went so far as to place a palm on his chest, cooing, “Sei un uomo così gentile, generoso.” Alec’s only response was to pluck her hand off his person. She gave a haughty sniff at his rejection and swept grandly out of the room while the other three followed. Not one spared Lottie even a glance.