Royal Secrets Read Online Free Page B

seat, but then awareness lit her eyes. “There is one more thing I might be able to offer.”
    “What’s that?”
    “My friend Alora has agreed to move to Bellamo. I asked her to assist me in my wedding plans and serve as my assistant.”
    “Yes, you mentioned that last night,” Stefano commented.
    “I think I also mentioned that she worked in accounting before her husband died,” Janessa reminded him. “She might be a valuable resource if you decide you want someone to look into the financial reports without conducting a formal audit.”
    Eduard considered this newest information and gave a noncommittal nod. “We’ll certainly keep that in mind.”
    Beside him, Marta laid a hand on his arm. “Now, if we have this business taken care of, can I interest all of you in some lunch? After spending last night socializing, I would love nothing better than to enjoy some time alone with my family.”
    Eduard took his wife’s hand in his and brought it to his lips. “I think that is one request we are all happy to grant.”

Chapter 4
    Janessa entered the kitchen in the chateau, her stomach grumbling as she breathed in the aroma of fresh bread. Her mood instantly brightened when she saw Patrice pulling a batch of fresh croissants out of the oven. Janessa spoke in French, Patrice’s native language, and smiled at the older woman. “ Bonjour .”
    “Giannessa.” Patrice’s smile was instant. “I didn’t know you were back from Italy.”
    “Garrett and I came home late last night.”
    Patrice’s eyebrows lifted. “Did you go to Philippe’s wedding on Saturday?”
    “I did.” The corners of Janessa’s lips lifted slightly. “In fact, Elaina approached Garrett at the reception about moving in here until after our wedding.”
    “What?” Patrice’s face showed alarm. “You aren’t going to let those people live here, are you?”
    Janessa laughed and shook her head. “No. Garrett wasn’t any more excited about the idea than you are.”
    “Thank goodness.” Patrice let out a sigh of relief as she transferred the fresh croissants into a basket. “I don’t think I could keep up with them, especially while Enrico is still recovering.”
    “How is your husband doing?” Janessa asked. Enrico typically served as the driver for the chateau, but a serious injury had kept him from his duties the past several weeks.
    “Better, but the doctor said it will be a few more weeks before he can return to work.”
    “We’ll be happy to see him up and around again, but you make sure he doesn’t try to do too much too fast.” Janessa reached for one of the croissants, tossing it from one hand to the other to keep from burning her fingers.
    Patrice rolled her eyes and opened a cabinet to retrieve a plate for Janessa. She handed it to her along with some fresh butter. “What do you have planned for today?”
    “I need to head over to the naval base in a few minutes, but I wanted to talk to you about something first.” Janessa broke open her croissant, steam rising from the center. She spread some butter on one half before turning her attention back to Patrice. “I spoke to Garrett last night about having a friend of mine move in here, but I want to make sure it’s okay with you.”
    “You don’t need my permission.” Patrice looked at her, clearly surprised to have the soon-to-be princess asking the hired help for approval.
    “But I do need your opinion,” Janessa insisted. “Alora wouldn’t be coming alone. Her two sons would come with her.”
    Patrice shifted away from the stove to face Janessa. “And her husband?”
    “He died more than three years ago. House fire,” Janessa told her. “The boys are really sweet, but they are also young. Giancarlo is six, and Dante is only four. I was hoping Alora could move in, help with the wedding plans, and try to keep me organized. Unfortunately, that also means you would have little ones underfoot. And I don’t know a lot about the schools here. Giancarlo is