She didn’t know how she did it, but she made it through the seven-course dinner without spilling her water, dribbling her wine or dropping her fork, even though her hands insisted on trembling. Giselle included her in a friendly conversation, but Leo for the most part was quiet. He paid attention to the conversations around him, but he didn’t participate unless someone directly addressed him.
When dinner was concluded, the queen, the prince and Giselle’s fiancé spoke with their guests about a matter of government while Giselle pulled Bianca aside. They walked to the terrace, which overlooked the gardens that were highlighted by a vast array of soft lights. They were huge and looked exactly like a maze. Her inner child was anxious to go explore.
“I think you impressed my mother,” Giselle said. “But she would never let on. She isn’t used to someone standing up to her.”
Bianca worried that she’d said too much. “I hope I didn’t offend her. That was not my intention.”
“My mother does not respect many people. And certainly not the ones she can easily walk over. That’s why my brother is the perfect person to be king. He stands up to our mother and calls her out on things when she goes too far.”
“And what about you?” It would be helpful to get more information about the dynamic between the bride and her mother.
Giselle shrugged. “Before the wedding, my mother and I never had much of a reason to clash because I was never interested in the inner workings of the country. There were always enough people handling affairs of state, allowing me to concentrate on my own life. But this wedding, it went from being my marriage to William to being worldwide publicity for our country. There are news networks bidding for strategic camera placements within the cathedral.” There was a tone of disbelief and disgust in her voice. “Can you imagine?”
Actually, she could. She once did a wedding for two American movie stars. The paparazzi was everywhere. And the first photo of the newlywed couple sold for millions. But that wouldn’t do anything to soothe this bride’s nerves.
“I’ll handle the press. That’s not for you to worry about.”
Giselle studied her for a moment as though trying to figure out if she should trust her. “You’ve dealt with big weddings before?”
“Yes. I’ve worked for some very famous people. Some of them had huge weddings and others preferred privacy. Every wedding is different. Just as every bride is different.”
“My brother must really like you.” Giselle smiled like she knew a secret.
Bianca glanced around, afraid someone might overhear them. Luckily there wasn’t anyone too close to them. “I think he likes the way I do my job.”
Giselle’s smile broadened. “He’s never brought home a woman before.”
Heat engulfed Bianca’s face. “It’s only work.”
“Uh-huh.” But the look in Giselle’s eyes said that she didn’t believe her.
“We’re working on your wedding and—” She caught herself, not sure if Leo would mind if she shared their arrangement.
“And what?” Giselle drew out the words with a definite note of interest. “Do tell.”
“It’s no big deal.” That was a lie. It was a huge deal to her. “In exchange for me planning your wedding, he has agreed to sponsor an advertising campaign to draw people to my family’s vineyard in Italy for my wedding planning business.”
Giselle didn’t even attempt to hide her gaping mouth. It took her a couple of seconds to speak. “My brother is doing all of that?”
“Yes. For you. To give you the wedding of your dreams.”
“My brother isn’t the kind to go out of his way for just anyone. Trust me. He likes you.”
“It’s not for me. It’s for you.”
“Uh-huh.” Her eyes said that she didn’t believe her.
Bianca’s stomach fluttered as though it’d been invaded by a swarm of butterflies. Giselle had to be wrong. Leo wasn’t interested in her—
“There you are.” Leo’s voice came from behind them.
Both Bianca and Giselle turned. When Bianca’s gaze met his, her heart beat wildly. And this was all Giselle’s fault for putting these wildly inappropriate thoughts into her mind.
Giselle glanced around. “Where’s William?”
“He’s waiting inside for you. Everyone has called it an evening.”
Giselle turned to Bianca. “I’m glad you’re here. I like you. And I think together, we’ll plan a great wedding. Can we meet first thing tomorrow to go over details?”