Alannah's mind seemed to spin with anticipation, as she considered the possibility. Would her father ever find her here if she were to stay? In the meantime, Maria came into the room bearing fond smiles, and her lunch - browned fish cakes with a creamy bearnaise sauce, a light salad with bacon and turkey, and a large glass of tea.
"If I truly belonged, I suppose," Alannah said slowly. "But I would worry about my father finding me and trying to force me home into a marriage I don't want Señora . Since I have left my home I no longer know what it means to belong . . . it's something I have never truly experienced. I am the daughter of a tyrant, but my life was never mine until I left. I probably wouldn't know the feeling even if it fell on me. But Señora, why would you ask such a question of me?"
Señora Beringer gave her a knowing look, glanced over at her son, who up until this point Alannah forgot about, and said "my child I can see that you're not happy with your life as it is, shall we say that it is a matter of public record. I knew who you were the moment you and Nicolò walked into my study. You've made it known that you're here because you are running away from your father, and the arranged marriage. You've asked both myself and my son about finding work, so I can only surmise that such a question means that you intend to stay here, if you can."
Bowing her head, and looking down at her hands which were now being held by Dominic, she looked up at the Señora and said, "yes ma'am."
"Well my girl, I've been giving the matter some thought, and with the revelation that was placed on me today by my son, I now have this to say: first, you do fit in very well here. You are liked by my entire staff, and for that alone you should be given a chance. Second, despite what I told you, there is plenty to do around here if you truly want to work, although you would not have to. Patrick has told me that he caught you poking sadly about at what remains of the old vegetable garden, so if you wish you may take that garden and do with it as you wish. Third, my son here has confessed an undying attraction to you, and I can't help but say you are growing on me as well. I noticed the day you disappeared that your Nicolò now has designs on Corsica, Patrick's eldest daughter. So how about it, my girl? If you enjoy this place then by all means then please stay, for I quite enjoy having you here, and I know someone else who would love to have you around."