The Italian Girl by Lucinda Riley Page A

let out a sigh of contentment. She’d had many other lovers, of course, most of them younger than her. But Roberto was different. In the past two months, she’d actually missed him, counting the days until his return from Paris. This feeling disturbed her, because she’d always seen her previous lovers as disposable. They performed a service, just as any other member of her staff did. She’d been disconcertingly pleased to see him in the past few days. But just now, he’d announced he was thinking of going abroad permanently.
    As she started the engine and steered the Mercedes through the busy rush-hour traffic out towards Como, Donatella decided she must use all the weapons at her disposal to make sure he stayed.
    Roberto Rossini deserved to be a major star. She would help him, not only because of his obvious talent, but because – Donatella could hardly believe the thought that had popped into her head – she was falling in love with him.
    One thing was for certain: she had to keep Roberto in Milan.
    ‘Wonderful news, Rosanna!’ Luca passed the letter across the table to his sister. ‘It’s from Signora Moretti, Abi’s aunt. She says her committee has agreed to the idea of a recital at Beata Vergine Maria.’
    Rosanna read through the letter quickly. ‘Luca, I’m so pleased for you.’
    ‘I must go and tell Don Edoardo. He’ll be very happy.’
    ‘Of course. But they say the recital will be at Easter, Luca,’ frowned Rosanna. ‘We were planning on going home to see Papa and Carlotta.’
    ‘We can go home the day after the recital, Rosanna. I’m sure Papa will understand. This means so much to me. Signora Moretti has said that two members of the La Scala opera company have agreed to perform.’ Luca’s eyes were shining as he spoke. ‘She’s suggested we charge fifty thousand lire a ticket. With two hundred or so guests, it’ll mean we’ll raise almost enough to restore the fresco. But, Rosanna, there’ll be so much to do! We’ll have to arrange for extra seating, decorate the church with flowers, organise refreshments . . .’
    Rosanna watched her brother as he talked animatedly about the work involved. ‘Luca, what is it about Beata Vergine Maria that means so much to you? I’ve never seen you happier than you are this morning.’
    Luca looked at his sister, searching for the words. And discovered it was impossible to find them. ‘It’s hard to explain, Rosanna. It’s very special to me, that’s all I can say. Now, if you’ve finished breakfast, I’ll walk with you to school. I want to tell Don Edoardo the news immediately.’
    Luca waved goodbye to Rosanna as she walked into the school, then quickly made his way to Beata Vergine Maria.
    Don Edoardo was hearing confession, so Luca sat in a pew and waited until he emerged from the box and his parishioner left.
    ‘Excellent news!’ Luca said as he handed Don Edoardo the letter from Sonia Moretti. ‘We shall raise a lot of money, surely?’
    ‘Yes,’ the old priest nodded, enjoying the happiness on the face of the young man he’d become so fond of. ‘I think your Madonna will be very happy.’
    ‘I hope so.’ Luca stared towards the altar. His shoulders sagged and the smile drained from his face. He shook his head. ‘Even though, by organising this recital, I’m in some small way helping, sometimes I become so frustrated.’
    ‘I know, Luca, I understand.’ Don Edoardo put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
    ‘But I must be patient and wait. It’s part of His plan to test me, I’m sure.’
    ‘Well, let us pray together, for a blessing on this church and what we try to do to restore it.’
    The two heads, one grey, one dark, bowed together in prayer. Afterwards, Don Edoardo made coffee and they began to plan for the recital.
    ‘We’ll need many more chairs, Don Edoardo. There is room for another twenty at the back by the font,’ said Luca.
    ‘There are some chairs in the crypt, but they’re old and dirty. Have a look,