“Your Highness,” one of the reserve authorities greeted him. “We’ve been getting acquainted with Dr. Zenger’s replacement at the Zoller clinic. Dr. Linard is a very welcome addition.”

  The grin on the chief ranger’s face revealed his interest too. “I’m going to take her up where I can guarantee she’ll see some ibex and chamois.”

  Vincenzo’s gaze flew to those chocolate orbs of hers. “That ought to be a great adventure, Dr. Linard.”

  Her gentle smile connected. “I’ll look forward to it.”

  The president of the board called the meeting to order. “Now that His Highness is here, we can get started.”

  Vincenzo walked over to her. In high heels she stood a little taller. The perfect size for him. “Shall we take a seat?” He found two on the first row for them.

  After a reading of the minutes of the last meeting, it was the ranger’s turn to talk. “We need to be concerned about the laws that have been applied in the reserve. Are they doing the job?

  “To review what we know about the ibex, if you kill the wrong animal, you pay a fine and get nothing. Heaven forbid if you shoot the animal and leave it wounded, which is where Dr. Linard comes in. Naturally you lose your license.

  “At present, the reserve here in Graubünden is only allowing locals to hunt the ibex for a very short window in time.” He read some statistics. “We don’t want them to make the endangered species list. Before you leave this meeting, please write your suggestions about the rules and put them in the box here on the desk.”

  The ranger played the most recent video they’d made about the biosphere. Vincenzo noticed Dr. Linard appeared enchanted as they watched the flourishing wildlife in the upper elevations. He preferred taking in her reactions and counted the minutes until it ended and they could leave to be alone.

  “Are you hungry? I left straight from work, and now I’m starving. After I follow you home, let’s get something at the drive-through.”

  “You’re reading my mind.”

  Her answer meant she wasn’t ready to say good-night yet. He picked her up in front of her apartment and they decided to go for meat pies. From there he drove her to a nearby park and turned off the engine so they could eat.

  “Um... This is delicious, Your Highness.”

  “I agree.”

  She glanced at him. “I noticed you didn’t write any suggestions in the box.”

  “That’s because the board already knows my feelings,” he explained.

  “Which are?”

  “I’d rather there was no hunting at all in the reserve. I’d love to leave it as pristine as the day it was created.”

  Her eyes played over his features. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

  “Yes. There’s a time and a place to hunt, but centuries ago wise stewards wanted to create the place we now know as the Biosphere Reserve. A place untouched by man.”

  “That’s a thrilling concept and gives me gooseflesh just thinking about it. The idea of those beautiful animals being wounded kills me.”

  “I felt the same way the first time I hiked there. My friend Luca and I found a baby ibex in serious trouble. It lay against its mother who’d been shot and was dying. We took it to the vet and it recovered, but that incident did it for me.”

  “I admire you more than you know for doing all you can to preserve nature this way.”

  “I’m afraid I face a lot of opposition. Trophy hunting is lucrative.”

  “Many bad things are, but you’re still willing to do something about it. I feel honored that you made it possible for me to be there tonight. Just so you know, your fight is mine.”

  Where had this adorable woman come from? He started the car and took her back to her apartment. “Don’t be surprised if the chief ranger gets in touch with you to take that hike and other things. He didn’t look that happy when you left the room.”

  “I saw his wedding ring, so if he calls, I’ll let him know I would never spend time alone with a married man.”

  With whom did she spend time? “Tell me—is there someone important in your life?”

  She looked away. “Not yet.”

  How could that be? “Are you enjoying your work?”

  “Being a vet is all I could ever want, but I’m not doing so well learning Romansh.”

  Vincenzo smiled. “Karl understood you.”

  “He was a genius. It’s harder than I thought.”

  “That’s because nobody speaks the standard form except possibly some news announcers. I think you’ve already figured out it’s a conglomeration of dialects. I’ve sorted through dozens of them and they each have their own grammar.”

  “Can you speak every dialect?”

  “I’m not Karl. I suggest you try to pick up one. At least then when you speak it, you won’t sound phony.”

  “Have I been sounding phony?”

  One brow lifted. “The truth?”

  “Oh, no—” Color rushed into her cheeks. “What must Daniel think?”

  Vincenzo burst into laughter. He couldn’t help it. She ended up laughing with him. He loved it that she didn’t take herself seriously. “You know exactly what he thinks or he wouldn’t have hired you. Between you and me, he knows it’s impossible to master. The fact that you promised to try had to have delighted him.”

  “You always make me feel good. Thanks for everything this evening, Your Highness. Good night.” She got out of the car before he could come around. Soon she reached the second floor and waved to him. There was no woman in the world with a personality as charming as hers. That’s when it hit him.

  He wanted to be with her all the time.

  * * *

  Around noon Sunday, Mrs. Corsin called Francesca to tell her one of the puppies was available if she still wanted it.

  Francesca said she’d love to buy it. Mrs. Corsin planned to bring the puppy to the clinic on Thursday when she was in town for another appointment. A new dog would keep Francesca busy so she wouldn’t think about Prince Vincenzo anymore.

  Being with him at the information center and their talk afterward hadn’t been a good idea. During the time they’d been together, she’d forgotten he was a prince. They’d laughed and shared some special moments in such a natural way, she hadn’t wanted the evening to end.

  Later in the day her mother phoned, giving her news she’d already heard from the Prince. So much for putting him out of her mind. “Your father has been told through certain sources that there’ll be no marriage between the Visconti and Baldasseri families. Word is that Stefano is in a fury.”

  Francesca took a deep breath. The Prince had told her the called-off engagement had been arranged. That personal information wasn’t public knowledge. This wasn’t a conversation she should have with anyone, not even her mother. “I’m sure both families are upset, Mom.”

  “Your dad is certain the plans were called off because Prince Vincenzo is no longer the Crown Prince.”

  “Probably.” It was time to change the subject. “How are you two?”

  “Missing you. How’s work?”

  “I love it, and guess what. I’m buying a dog.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me. What breed?”

  “It’s a male Bernese Mountain Dog, twelve weeks old and adorable. Three puppies were born. I inoculated them and fell in love with one that snuggled against me and licked me.”

  Laughter came from her mom. “Your dad will be delighted to hear it. We wondered how long you could last without one.”

  “Not long apparently. After he has settled in, I’ll take pictures of him on my phone and send them to you.”

  “Do you have a name for him already?”

  “Yes, it’s the one the owner gave him. Artur.”

  “How cute!”

  “He’s named after her favorite pianist, Arthur Rubinstein.”

  “Arturrr... I love it.”

  “It’s perfect, and now I’ve got to buy some stuff before the store closes so I’m ready by Thursday when I bring him home.”

  “He’ll be the happiest pup on earth living with the sweetest girl in the world.”

  “I love you, Mom. Give Dad a hug from me.”

  Late Monday afternoon Daniel asked Francesca to come to his office before she left. As she stepped inside still in her uniform, it stunned her to see Prince Vincenzo sitting there in a gray suit and tie. He got to his feet, possessing a male virility she couldn’t ignore.

  His intense blue eyes focused on her. “Dr. Linard?”

  “Your Highness.”

  “I’d hoped to catch you before you went home. Please, sit down.”

  Francesca sank into the other chair, far too excited over their visitor to do anything else and angry about his effect on her.

  “I was telling Daniel that you were a hit at the last board meeting. I’ve had several calls from the members about you. They feel that with your background as a vet, you would be a great spokesperson for our cause.”

  “That’s very kind, but I’m a novice barely out of veterinary school.”

  He shook his dark head. “According to Gian Mattlis, your philosophy about preservation of the species impressed him so much, he’s hoping you’d be willing to narrate part of our next video for the reserve. He’d like to do it next month. Since it will have to be filmed on a weekday, I wanted Daniel’s permission before approaching you.”

  “Which you have.” Dr. Zoller smiled at her.

  Francesca stirred uncomfortably in the chair. “I’m honored by your confidence in me, Your Highness, but I couldn’t do something like that, let alone in front of a camera. It’s not me.”

  The Prince’s gaze fused with hers. “What happened to, ‘your fight is mine’?” Guilt smote her. “Will you at least let me give you a small tour to see the reserve before you decide you can’t do it?”

  “Of course, she will,” Daniel answered for her.

  “I was thinking tomorrow if that’s at all possible.”

  Daniel nodded. “It will be no problem for her to be gone for the day.”

  Francesca’s boss knew why she didn’t want to get involved, so why wasn’t he helping her get out of this? “If you’re sure, Daniel.”

  “Preserving the integrity of the reserve is of paramount importance. As your employer, I’m pleased for you to be included.”

  “It would please me no end, Dr. Linard.” Those electric blue eyes mesmerized her.

  “Very well. I’m honored that you’d take me on a little tour.”

  The Prince got to his feet with a look of satisfaction. “I’m due at the palace now. Plan for me to come to the clinic at eight thirty in the morning for you.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  After he left the office, Dr. Zoller cocked his head. “You’ve been bestowed a personal compliment by the Prince himself.”

  “I realize that, but I would have preferred not to get involved.”

  “We both know you wanted to turn him down because you’re a Visconti, but maybe it will never be necessary. Remember, he’s no longer engaged to your cousin. His association with that name has been dissolved and I’ve never seen him happier in my life. There will be other women. Give it a little more time before you decide you have to reveal your secret to him.”

  Daniel did have a point, but Francesca had the feeling he knew a lot he wasn’t telling. The two men had been friends for years. She got to her feet. “This isn’t the best time for me. I’m just getting started on my career and I’m buying a dog. It’s more than enough.”

  His hands parted. “If you really feel that way, I can contact him today and tell him you aren’t interested after all. Naturally it’s your decision.”

  “No. Please don’t do that. I said I would. See you in the morning, Daniel.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  FRANCESCA LEFT THE clinic and drove home. The thought of a whole day with the Prince out in nature filled her with an exhilaration she didn’t know how to contain. What to wear?

  She spent a restless night waiting for morning to come. After some deliberation she dressed in jeans and a new khaki shirt with roll tab sleeves and a collar.

  When she reached the clinic, she saw a van with the Biosphere Reserve logo parked in the lot. As she parked and got out of her car, she saw this tall, hunky male walking toward her in jeans and a dark green pullover. Good grief. With that dark hair and those cobalt eyes, no better-looking man had ever been born.

  “Bun di, Dr. Linard,” he said in Romansh. “Right on time. I’m glad because it’s a beautiful day and we’ve a lot to see. Have you eaten breakfast?”

  “I did, and presume you did too. Thank you.”

  “Do you have to go inside the clinic first?”

  He was almost rocking on the heels of his hiking boots, exactly the way her brother did when he was eager to escape to somewhere. “I’m ready to leave now, Your Highness.”

  “Then let’s be off. I’ve brought treats, water and a picnic, so we shouldn’t be in want of anything.”

  Francesca knew this man had thought of everything. He was what every man should be, let alone a prince.

  They walked over to the passenger side of the van and he helped her in. His hand accidentally brushed against her leg. It sent darts of sensation through her. Oh, boy. Already aware of him, his touch threw her into a new, deeper kind of trouble.

  “We’ll drive to the right side of the Inn River and continue driving to the three-thousand-meter level to take in the view. Italy isn’t far away from there.”

  She eyed him. “I have a confession to make. In medical school, my professors sang Dr. Zoller’s praises. Their remarks made me want to see if I could work there with him after graduation. Until I looked at a map, little did I know this biosphere reserve was located so close to the clinic. Since I’ve always loved the mountains, the proximity turned out to be a dream come true.”

  “I can understand your delight,” he said. “The reserve is a magnet for nature lovers. Most of them are hikers who have to stay on the marked trails—however, some of the trails are off-limits in high summer, but we can drive to places I want you to see.”

  “This is a privilege I would never have expected, Your Highness.”

  He grinned. “Stick with me and see the wonders of the world.”

  She needed to stop staring at his handsome face or she’d have a heart attack. “You grew up surrounded by mountains.”

  “Yes. They’ve been the playground for my sister Bella and me. When we were young, our mother didn’t like us spending so much time away from the palace. We did it anyway in order to hike and try to catch fish with nets.”

  “How funny!”

  He smiled. “It was fun too. In our teens we managed to sneak away after dark and camp out some nights until our parents found out.”

  “Uh-oh.”

  “Uh-oh is right. At that point everything was brought to a halt.”

  “You mean you had to grow up.”

  Their eyes met and she saw a sadness enter his that hadn’t been there before.

  “Afraid so.”

  “Now you have your duties.”

  Like Francesca’s father, who had walked away from his to marry her mother. But she couldn’t talk about that with the Prince.

  Francesca looked out the window. She decided to stop worrying about everything and simply enjoy this trip. Having been invited by the Prince of the Engadin gave her a coveted entrée here. Being with him made her world feel magical.

  “What about you, Dr. Linard? Do you have siblings who got into trouble with you?”

  She laughed. “My brother Rolf made up for half a dozen adventurous brothers and sisters. He’s a rascal, but I adore him.”

  “How old is he?”

  “A year younger than I am. Right now he’s finishing his engineering studies in Paris. When we were young, our parents took us to Chamonix, France, every winter where we skied to our hearts’ content. Those mountains became our favorite place. You probably love to ski.”

  “Whenever I get the chance—however, there was a time when I worried I wouldn’t be able to do much of it.”

  “Why was that?”

  “My great-uncle Leonardo designated me to be the Crown Prince after my cousin Prince Rinieri came out of that earthquake with amnesia.”

  “What a terrible experience that must have been for him.”

  “It was a nightmarish time for him and for me. It meant responsibilities I didn’t want to take on, and I had to cut down on my skiing.” She laughed. “Luckily he recovered his memory.”

  “I don’t blame you for how you felt. I can’t imagine anything worse than being a king. It makes me shudder just to think about it.”

  “Do you really feel that way?”

  “Absolutely. You don’t have free agency when you’re born into a royal family, but now I’m being rude to you. I’m sorry. I had no right to say that.” Her father’s struggle to become his own person would always live with her.

  “Please don’t apologize, Dr. Linard. I enjoy your frank speaking. It’s more refreshing than you know. No wonder Daniel thinks the world of you. In case you didn’t know, he’s happy you applied.”

  “It’s mutual, believe me. Do you know I almost missed the experience of meeting and working with him?”

  “Why?”

  “When I was searching for the right veterinarian opening six weeks ago, you can bet I looked for a good one in Chamonix.”

  “But nothing could compare with working for Daniel,” he interjected.

  “He’s known everywhere, and I’ve discovered he’s a remarkable doctor.”