Under the Tuscan Sun

The girls fell asleep quickly. When they woke, Mariana told her sister to cover for her and she headed to town.

Preston knocked on her open door and walked in, "I have to go back to London for business."

"Oh." Was all Rose said.

He walked over to her and hugged her, "I'm sorry for our row, love." He kissed her forward.

*&*

Mariana walked through the Florence streets smiling and to the bakery.

She kissed him back and then walked him out.

*&*

Gerard was behind the counter when she entered, "Where's the lovely Jonathan today?"

Rose changed into a flowy dress and hat and headed out into fields. The men were already working.

"What are you doing out here?" James said as he saw her walking towards him. He wiped sweat from his brow, he was wearing only a thin undershirt and Rose couldn't help but notice his muscles.

"Got bored in the house." Rose said, as James loaded a barrel of grapes into the back of a truck.

*&*

"Heading back to London with Preston. Business." Mariana said.

He smiled, "You just going to stand there and distract us with your beauty."

*&*

Gerard smiled slightly, "Would you like some breakfast, dear?"

"Can I help?" Rose offered.

"Not a chance." James laughed.

*&*

"Yes please." She smiled sweetly.

Rose laughed, "Why not? You don't think I can do it?"

*&*

Gerard waved her behind his counter and led her into the back of the shop.

"Try to lift that barrel." James humored her. Rose tried but couldn't even get it off the ground. "That's why."

"Shut up." Rose laughed.

*&*

She looked around at all the cakes and breads.

"I can pick grapes." She laughed.

*&*

"You can pick whatever you'd like. I, however, am going to have eggs and toast." Gerard placed a hand on the small of her back as he went around her.

"What if we do something else?" James smiled, "That is if you don't tell your father I'm skipping out on work for the day." He laughed.

*&*

"I'll have the same as you." She smiled and sat down.

She smiled slightly, "Well, I don't know...." James laughed and she said, "Okay, let's go!"

*&*

He smiled at her, "What are you doing with someone like Jon?"

James smiled. They headed down a dirt path towards the forest.

*&*

"He's a good man." Was her only response.

She was fascinated by the things he showed her. She and he sister had spent years in these forrests and hadn't seen most of what there was to see.

(*(

"Yes, if a good man only involves money." Gerard smirked as he cooked. She shrugged.

"My parents are making me."

"I want to swim." Rose said as they approached a river.

*&*

Gerard nodded, "I understand."

"In that?" James replied as he looked at her outfit.

(*(

Mariana looked at him for a moment, "Where's your daughter?"

Gerard smiled, "Sleeping. Then my mother will come get her for a few hours so I can work and not worry about her. How long are you staying?"

"In your shop or at our estate?" She replied softly as he sat a plate in front of her.

"I suppose I'd like to know both." He said as he let his hand graze her shoulder.

She shuddered slightly, "I really don't know how long we'll stay at the estate. As for your shop, I think I'll stay as long as you will allow it."

Gerard sat down across from her and said, "You can stay as long as it pleases you." After that, he prayed over their meal and the ate in a comfortable silence.

Rose thought for a moment, "Better off wearing nothing then coming home with a soaking wet dress or slip." She slipped out of her dress.

*&*

"Thank you, it was delicious." Mariana said when they finished.

james nodded, 'that makes sense.' she smiled and jumped in the water.

/:/:

gerard took their plates and smiled at her, "i think you are lovely."

They two swam for a while. James trying to be polite and avoid looking at her naked figure.

*(*

"You don't know me." She laughed slightly.

"How long have you worked for my father?" She asked him.

*&*

Gerard smiled, "Oh but I do."

"Five years." James smiled.

"How old are you?" Rose asked.

"I'm twenty eight." He answered.

*&*

She laughed and said, "Tell me about yourself."

Rose nodded, "Why do you work for my father? You seem rather intelligent."

*-*

Gerard smiled, "I'm raising my daughter alone."

"I already know that. Something else."

James smiled slightly, "It's the best way to send money to my family."

*&*

"My mother taught me how to bake." He smiled.

Rose smiled, "Tell me about your family."

-*-

She smiled, "Teach me."

"They live in Scotland. I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. My father owns a sheep farm." James explained.

***

"I'd love to."

They continued to talk about family.

*&*

Gerard took her hand and led her to where he practiced his art, "Watch and learn."