Enrico had done all the packing and preparations ahead of time. Her associates would take care of Domodossola’s participation in the competition, while he enjoyed all day today and tomorrow with her in private.
As the jet taxied to a stop, Giovanni got out of his limo and greeted the two male staff deplaning first. Donetta would be next.
In his official capacity as crown prince, Enrico exited the limo in his white royal summer suit with the blue sash from shoulder to waist. He watched at the bottom of the stairs as she started to descend. But when she saw him, she faltered for an instant before coming all the way.
Between her pale pink three-piece skirt suit and her hair, he was dazzled. Talk about a vision. His hope that she’d come had been realized.
“Donetta? May I be the first to welcome you to my country.”
“Thank you, Enrico.” She smiled. “I didn’t expect to see you again. On behalf of my country, we’re happy to be here for this concorso.”
He reached for her hand to kiss the back of it. “If you’ll come with me, we’ll drive to the palace, where you can freshen up before the first events in dressage begin at ten a.m.”
“My secretary said that my staff and I were booked at the Montedoro Lake Front Hotel.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I had you installed at the palace. This is the first time I’ve been able to show you around. In truth I’ve wanted this opportunity since I finished my university studies, but my father’s poor health changed my world.
“I couldn’t tell you about it in my letters because I’d made a promise to my mother to keep silent. She feared word would get out about him. I’m sure it has, but there’s been no mention of it in the press yet. She has wanted him protected for as long as possible. Seeing you again, I know I can trust you not to say anything to your staff.”
They walked to the limo where the chauffeur helped both of them inside and shut the door. He sat next to her as they drove off.
“I had no idea your father was ill. What’s wrong with him?”
He glanced at her lovely profile. “He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s right before my graduation.”
“Oh, no—”
“No one except our personal staff knew the truth at the time. Since my return, I’ve been running the country more and more. Sadly, his condition is now severe.”
A small gasp escaped her throat. “Is he bedridden?”
“No. His caregiver gets him dressed and sees that he’s fed. Mostly he sits in a wheelchair near Mamma. He has a total lack of awareness and can’t take care of his daily activities. Besides agitation, he occasionally has a hallucination and even wanders at times. His paranoia is worse and he doesn’t know the family.”
Donetta turned to him. “How horrible. I’m so sorry, Enrico.”
Her sincerity tugged on his emotions. “My mother and sisters can hardly bear it. He’s Mamma’s whole life.”
“So she’s been totally dependent on you since you came home?”
He nodded.
Donetta bowed her head. “The people in my country don’t know about my father’s heart trouble, either. Our family is worried about him, but at least he knows us and still has help from Stefano in running things. How do you handle it?”
“A day at a time. After seeing you in Madrid, I talked it over with my cousin Giovanni to host a concorso here. I’d hoped you’d come so I could explain certain things to you. I’ve needed to take a few days off for some real enjoyment.”
She smoothed her suit skirt. “I’ll admit I was surprised when my office received your invitation.”
“I, for one, am very glad you decided to accept it. When we were younger, you asked me a lot of questions about the Sanfratellano horses. I thought I’d take you to some places where they run wild and you can see them for yourself.”
“I’d love it!” She’d said it without hesitation.
“After this evening’s fireworks we’ll drive to that part of the island and camp out so you can watch them at first light.”
“In tents?” He felt her excitement, which was contagious.
“Or in sleeping bags under the stars. I’ll bring food for us. What do you think?”
“You’ve made it impossible for me to turn you down.”