Dhalia
Storming into my father’s study without knocking, I’m fit to be tied. The family pug at my heels, indignations clear on my face. “How dare she do this, make him a farmhand. The agreement was that he would be employed as the land steward.”
My father, dark-haired, middle-aged, and handsome, is in the company of a man, late-twenties, tall, and I hate to say it, gorgeous. They both come to their feet upon my entrance, and my rant’s immediately put on hold. I’m surprised and caught off-guard. I know this man. “I didn’t know that you had company.”
“Dhalia, you know Mr. Capello?” My father inquires. Offering his hand in greeting, I’m at a loss for words. It’s been a few days since we last met, and it was in a very compromising situation. What is he doing here? Ignoring his hand, I reattempt to make my case, which only serves to make my father suspicious.“Papa, you have to do something.”
“You’re acquainted, correct?” He demands sternly, referring to my association with this infuriatingly attractive raven-haired man. What had they been discussing, and what had he told my father? My hands were quickly placed in his. A kiss, soft and swift, is applied. I want to smack that endearing smirk off of his face. “We’ve been properly introduced,” I say. It’s best to play along. Father doesn’t take well to deception or breaches in social norms.
“How so?” Unappeased, he inquires further. A twist of my wrist releases my hand from the man’s grasp. “We’ve been introduced at a few assemblies. Mr. Capello has been kind to dance with me when there were no other offers.” I played the only card that I knew would force my father to back off. I’m well past the age of securing a decent match and too old for the marriage mart. “Oh, I see... You’ve done my daughter a great service.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” A solicitous wink in my direction is rewarded with a not-too-kind expression. “Papa, we guaranteed him a position as the land steward, and we must honor it.”
“I know what was promised, and I will make amends.”
“Make amends... papa...”
“Now is not the time to discuss it, Dhal.” His tone puts a halt to any more rebuttals from my mouth.
The pug goes for Mr. Capello’s shoes, and a gentle nudge from mine sends him scampering away. “I do not mean to interfere, but am I to understand that you have a steward in need of a position?” Hansome and meddlesome.
“Yes, unfortunately, my dearest Dhalia has promised her friend a position that is no longer available.”
“He is like family, and he’s traveled so far to be treated in such a manner. She knew what she was doing. I swear that woman...”
"Dhal..." Father warns.
"I apologize. I forget that it is most improper to discuss the malevolent, vindictive, and bitter miscreants in the family with company."
"Dhal!"
“Perhaps I can help? I can make inquiries for you. I’m sure that someone needs an assistant.” The stranger interjects.
“He isn’t an assistant. He’s been promoted, and it’s rightly earned.” I state in frustration.
“Dhalia, Mr. Capello is only trying to be accommodating.”
And only serving to make matters worse. “I appreciate the offer, and I’m sure that Samuel will also,” I reply through clenched teeth.
“Good, we can continue our discussion later, over lunch, Mr. Capello.” Adds father.
“Of course.” Coming to his feet, I’m once again reminded of his great height. Towering over both of us, I try not to stare at his sturdy build and handsome face.
“Dhalia, be kind as to see our guest out.”
“Yes, papa.”
With measured steps and a steady pace, I lead him to the front door. “In the light of day, I see that not only are you beautiful, but you’re a skilled liar as well.” His whispered words cause my heart to skip a beat. I don’t know what it is about this man, but my body seems to have a mind of its own when in his company.
“Should I have denied ever being properly introduced to you?”
“And where would that have gotten us?”
“It would have gotten you tossed out on your rear and all ties severed with your bank.”
“How do you know that I’m a banker? Did you have your friend spy on me?”
The door’s opened by the doorman.
“Good day, Mr. Capello.”
“Please, just Gian.”
His strong features are quite fetching, with a seductive, knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. My heart flutters as I close the door in his face without another word.
