A Lucky Star Read online

“I hope you don’t mind, but Captain MacFarlane insisted on us having Midshipman Jones accompany us,” explained Linette coyly.

  “That is quite all right. He is a wise man as it is not always safe at night for ladies in Naples. Now do come in – we shall have aperitifs before we eat.”

  They walked inside and were at once struck by their surroundings.

  “I did not expect anything so – ”

  “Grand?” responded Roberto finishing off Linette’s question for her. “Yes, my Papa was a rich man.”

  “He is no longer with you?”

  “I am afraid not – he disappeared under mysterious circumstances when I was young, but I will explain later.”

  He led them to a high-ceilinged room overlooking the Bay.

  His servant appeared and he ordered him to pour the aperitifs.

  “Tell me more about your parents. Is your mother still alive?” asked Linette, as she accepted a drink.

  “My Mama died a few years ago after the terrible outbreak of influenza that swept through Napoli and, as for Papa – have you ever heard of the Camorra?”

  They looked blankly at Roberto.

  “No,” answered Linette. “Who or what is it?”

  “They are an underground organisation made up of criminals who run illegal activities in Napoli. It was they who were responsible for killing my father – but they were never brought to justice.”

  “That is terrible. The Police did not catch them?”

  Roberto laughed coldly.

  “You do not ‘catch’ the Camorra, Miss Hayworth. They are a law unto themselves.”

  “But they are criminals?”

  “Yes, but with some of them either in league with the Police or in their ranks themselves, it is a hopeless task. Most of the time the Police wash their hands of them.”

  Linette’s tender heart went out to Roberto.

  “He is alone,” she whispered to Anthea, as he went to check on their meal. “Poor man. And he lives in terror of this Camorra.”

  “Linette, I am not certain that it is wise to become involved with him – ”

  “Hush now, he is coming back,” cautioned Linette, as the door swung open and Roberto reappeared.

  “If you will follow me – we shall eat now,” he said, with a wide sweep of his arm.

  His dining room overlooked terraced gardens with marble statues and a patio with chairs and a table.

  In the middle of the room was a dining table, ready and waiting for them.

  Midshipman Jones pulled back a chair for Anthea, while Roberto did likewise for Linette and then the servant filled their glasses with wine and served the first course.

  “I love this soup! What is it?” quizzed Linette.

  “It is zucchini. I am surprised that you have never had it before, as it is such a Neapolitan speciality.”

  “Well, if I did, then it was not as delicious as this!”

  The next course was a tomato and mozzarella salad with a dish of pasta and fish sauce, while for pudding there was homemade ice cream.

  After the meal they retired to the drawing room to drink cups of coffee and tiny glasses of ice-cold limoncello liqueur.

  At midnight Midshipman Jones said that they really must return to The Sea Sprite.

  Linette looked crestfallen and Anthea knew that she had hoped to spend some time alone with Roberto.

  “So soon?” she groaned.

  “Captain MacFarlane does not like any us to be out after midnight and it is not always safe to travel around the City late at night,” insisted Midshipman Jones.

  “Yes, supposing the Camorra were to come after us,” commented Anthea.

  “I would not imagine they would do that unless you were somehow in their way,” joked Roberto, “for instance, if you were here to take business from under their noses.”

  “But Papa – ”

  “Ssh,” cautioned Anthea.

  Linette clammed up instantly but, even so, Anthea felt a shiver go down her spine.

  ‘It is possible that the Earl knows of this gang,’ she thought to herself as they bade goodbye to Roberto. ‘And he knows how dangerous it is for Linette to be out alone in Naples. If this Camorra is trying to gain a foothold in the shipping business, then she could be at risk.’

  As the carriage pulled away, Roberto slipped a note into Linette’s hand and she held onto it until they arrived back at the ship and then, as soon as Midshipman Jones had left them, she took it out and read it eagerly.

  “He wants me to go for a drive with him tomorrow afternoon!”

  “You won’t be able to,” answered Anthea calmly. “Your father will be here.”

  “Nonsense! As soon as he does arrive, he will be ensconced with a load of boring businessmen talking about ships. If he wants someone attractive to go with him and charm them into placing orders, then you should go in my place – and what is more, I shall suggest it!”

  “I am not certain – ”

  “Oh, Anthea, please promise me you will let me go out with Roberto. You could tell Papa that I was having a gown fitted or find some other excuse.”

  “But I am supposed to be with you at all times – ”

  “We will think of a way around that. And you must promise me, too, that you will not breathe a word to Papa about Roberto. At least not just yet.”

  Anthea’s mind was in a whirl.

  What she was asking of her was not only deceitful but could have repercussions. What if anything happened to her? And after the Earl had placed his trust in her?

  Anthea also could not imagine how Linette would be able to slip past Captain MacFarlane, as he had already proved himself to be very efficient at looking out for her.

  Yet she could not deny that the chance of spending a great deal of time with the handsome Earl, whom she had been thinking about constantly during the past week, was a highly attractive one that filled her with eager anticipation.

  ‘Could I possibly lie to the Earl?’ she asked herself, as Linette continued to plead with her. ‘After all, it would mean having him to myself for a while – ’

  “I shall think about it, Linette. Now go to bed.”

  ‘Would it be wrong to help her?’ thought Anthea, as she got ready to retire. ‘Or am I just wanting to help her for my own ends?’

  This conundrum was keeping her awake long after five bells had sounded in the clear night air.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Although she had hardly slept Anthea rose early the next morning. Wrapping herself in her dressing gown, she crept out on to the deck to view the scene.

  The sun was already warm and it was to be another fine day, even though it was almost October.

  ‘I wonder if the Earl has docked yet?’ she said to herself, as she scanned the private yachts and steamships berthed in the harbour. ‘How I long to see him!’

  Her thoughts returned to the subject of Linette and the deception she had asked her to engage in.

  ‘Although I have every sympathy with her situation – she is young and in love – I must not allow myself to be swayed from what I think is right. The Earl has charged me with being her chaperone and I must do so rigorously.’

  She wondered just how she would break the news to Linette and sighed heavily.

  ‘It will not be pleasant informing her that I will not lie for her.’

  At breakfast she did face up to Linette.

  A sulky pout appeared on her face, even though she said she understood.

  “Of course, Papa would be furious if he found out that you were lying for me – I understand completely.”

  “So you will not go out with Roberto this afternoon?”

  Linette paused,

  “We shall see.”

  Fear clutched at Anthea’s heart.

  She was now seeing a new side of Linette, a steely resolve she could only have inherited from her father.

  Beneath the girlish exterior was a wilful character, bent on getting whatever she desired.

  They finished
breakfast in silence.

  Anthea felt grateful when Midshipman Jones came to inform them that the Earl’s ship had docked and he had sent word that he would board The Sea Sprite shortly.

  “I don’t expect you to lie for me, but do promise me you will not say a word to Papa about Roberto,” asked Linette, as they rose to leave. “I will tell him in my own time and if I can persuade Papa to allow you to go to his meetings in my stead, will you agree?”

  “Very well. Now shall we sit up on deck until your father does arrive? It would be a shame to be stuck in our cabins on such a lovely day.”

  Anthea felt that the atmosphere between the two of them was a bit strained as Jackson set out their deck chairs.

  They both read in silence for most of the morning, only commenting about a passing seabird or the weather.

  At last just after midday, there was a commotion on deck that heralded the arrival of the Earl.

  He came striding towards them his arms open.

  “Papa!” cried Linette, leaping up.

  “Linette, my darling. I am so sorry I was delayed. It was a few days before I could placate Prince Aristos and assure him that his ship would be just as he wanted it.”

  “And he is happy now, Papa?”

  “Very much so. You look well and somehow more grown up. How could that be in so short a time?”

  Linette preened herself delightedly.

  “I have had my hair restyled in the Italian manner,” she answered. “And I have also been out shopping – ”

  “I am so glad that you have found ways to amuse yourself and indeed I have to thank you, Miss Preston, for accompanying her. I slept much more easily knowing that she was in not one, but two pairs of safe hands – yours and Captain MacFarlane’s!”

  Anthea blushed as his piercing amber eyes regarded her warmly. She felt overcome with so many emotions.

  The Earl was every bit as handsome as she recalled and the longing she felt to be in his presence intensified.

  “Now Jackson is here with coffee and I want you to tell me everything you have seen and done so far. This is your first time in Naples, Miss Preston?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “And has it lived up to your expectations?”

  “Even more so,” she replied, feeling oddly tongue-tied.

  She blushed again and looked down into her coffee, not knowing what to say next.

  Just then Jackson came in again to inform them that luncheon would be served in half an hour’s time.

  “Excellent,” exclaimed the Earl. “I hope that chef is preparing some Neapolitan specialities for us. I always ask him to cook local dishes wherever we happen to be.”

  Linette dominated the conversation and Anthea was happy to keep quiet.

  Even so she felt the Earl’s eyes on her constantly and she could not meet them without reddening.

  Just before luncheon was served, Linette excused herself and left them alone.

  Anthea, although delighted, felt a little awkward.

  “I have to thank you for taking such good care of my daughter,” the Earl said, moving closer to her. “She is the most precious thing in the world to me and I would die if any harm came to her.”

  “She is very easy to look after. And so delightful.”

  “Even so, I want you to know how grateful I am – I shall, of course, be remunerating you and have made funds available to Captain MacFarlane to distribute when he pays the ship’s company.”

  “Oh, it’s not necessary, as I have my own money.”

  She was secretly relieved, as, in her sudden flight, she had only been able to take a little cash with her.

  The Earl laid his hand on hers as it rested on the arm of her steamer chair.

  “Thank you again,” he murmured and looked deep into her eyes.

  Her heart leapt into her mouth as his hand remained there for a second longer, and she felt a surge of affection – so much so that she was forced to look away.

  There was an uneasy silence as the Earl retracted his hand and sat back in his chair. The world seemed to be spinning faster as Anthea tried to compose herself.

  “Luncheon is served, my Lord,” intoned Jackson.

  “Thank you, Jackson,” replied the Earl, getting up. “Miss Preston, shall we go to the Saloon? I wonder where Linette is? She has been gone for a while now.”

  They sat down at the table and fifteen minutes later, Linette appeared looking as white a sheet.

  “Goodness, you do look pale!” called Anthea. “Are you feeling unwell?”

  “Yes,” murmured Linette. “I have been sick and I fear that I have a migraine coming on.”

  “That is a pity, my darling. Chef has prepared your favourite lobster salad and who will come with me now to this important meeting after luncheon? My clients were so looking forward to meeting you.”

  Linette turned towards Anthea.

  “Why, you can take Miss Preston here. She speaks fluent Italian and I am certain that she will charm them as much, if not more so, than I could.”

  Anthea scrutinised Linette’s wan face.

  As her eyes swept over her, she noticed specks of talcum powder around her hairline.

  ‘The little minx!’ she then thought. ‘She has faked this migraine so that she can slip away and see Roberto!’

  Anthea did not say a word knowing that if she exposed Linette’s deception she would not have the chance to spend time alone with the Earl.

  ‘While we would not be on our own for most of the time, at least we will have the journey there and back,’ she lectured herself. ‘I reckon I should expose Linette, but I don’t think I have the heart to do so.’

  And so she did not say a word when, after a few mouthfuls, Linette pronounced that she was too ill to eat and excused herself to return to her cabin.

  “Well, Miss Preston, it appears it has been left to you to help save the day,” commented the Earl.

  “Before we leave, I feel I should inform you about the people we are going to see. It is vital that you should impress them, as we are in competition with the Germans and it is imperative that we win this order.”

  “I will certainly do my very best, my Lord.”

  “Excellent. Usually Linette so entrances everyone with her beauty that they forget themselves and the orders are easily extracted. You are every bit as beautiful as my daughter and I beg of you, please don’t let me down!”

  Anthea felt herself swelling with pride.

  ‘He thinks that I am beautiful,’ she said to herself happily. ‘And he is very attentive, but I must be careful as there are many men who are charming to every female they come across and make them fall in love with them, when really they have no romantic intentions at all. Did Linette not say that many women had set their cap at him, only to be disappointed?’

  “Miss Preston?”

  He was regarding her with a quizzical expression.

  “Oh, I am sorry. I was so very deep in thought.”

  “I was saying that we should leave very soon. My meeting with the Benedettis is at two-thirty.”

  “I will go my cabin and fetch my parasol and hat.”

  “Then I shall see you in ten minutes.”

  The reflection in the mirror inside her cabin showed that Anthea’s face was burning as she put on her hat.

  ‘I must try to calm myself,’ she told her reflection. ‘I must not appear unduly flustered to the Earl.’

  She took a last look at herself, and then, picking up her parasol, she left her cabin.

  She hesitated for a moment outside Linette’s cabin, wondering whether she should caution her not to leave the ship without an escort, but instead she went on her way.

  The Earl stood waiting on deck and she could see a fine open carriage was already sitting on the quayside.

  She walked towards it beside him feeling her heart knocking hard against her ribs.

  Soon they were on their way to the heart of Naples, being pulled by a team of handsome white horses.

/>   “How do you find Naples in comparison with other Italian cities?” asked the Earl, as they trotted along.

  “It is enchanting, but I have so far not seen enough of the City to satisfy me.”

  “It would take many weeks to see everything that Naples has to offer. I have been coming here for years and still find new things to delight and impress.”

  “A local told us about the Camorra,” said Anthea, bravely introducing the topic. “Have you ever come across them? They really do sound frightening.”

  The Earl’s face darkened.

  “Yes, I have,” he replied curtly. “And all who do business in Naples are wary of treading on their toes.”

  “So they have not tried to inveigle themselves into your particular business, my Lord?”

  “They have attempted to do so in the past, but they have to contend with the fact that Italian ships are greatly inferior to British or even German-built vessels.”

  “So they could still interfere with your business?”

  “It’s a remote possibility, Miss Preston, but do not concern yourself with the actions of criminals. My clients are strong enough to stand up to them.”

  Anthea felt a little reassured.

  ‘Perhaps Roberto was over-emphasising the danger they present,’ she thought. ‘Surely he would not have told us about his father if the reason he came to a sticky end was because of shady dealings of any kind? After all we were perfect strangers to him.’

  At last the carriage came to a halt outside an ornate building in the business district of town.

  “Here we are,” said the Earl as the driver got down to open the carriage door for them. “We are right on time, although we must expect our hosts to be a little delayed – that is the way of things in Naples.”

  True to his word, they were kept waiting until his clients had returned from their luncheon.

  “Everyone eats much later in Naples than we do at home,” explained the Earl. “It’s not unusual for people not to dine until eleven o’clock at night for instance!”

  “I don’t think I could wait that long,” commented Anthea. “I much prefer to eat early.”

  “Very wise. Oh, look, here is Signor Benedetti.”

  A short middle-aged man in a suit came towards the Earl and greeted him in a stream of Italian. He seemed very pleased to see him.