Chapter 33

‘Suppose they don’t like me, Stefano?’

Anxiety had gripped Maria as they drove westward in their hired car towards Milan, where Stefano had been brought up.

‘Of course they will like you – they will love you molto molto! They will think you bellissima!’

‘They might much rather you’d married an Italian girl. I’m sure you must have met lots of lovely ones – Italy seems to be full of beautiful girls.’

‘Bella, they will look at you and think Stefano has found himself the loveliest little wife. Come, smile, Maria – your Stefano does not like to see your face full of frown.’

He reached across and squeezed her hand.

Maria relaxed. Of course it would be all right. Hadn’t Stefano shown her just how much he loved her? So how could anything spoil things now?

‘Tell me about your family. Who is living in your family home?’

‘There’s my mother and father, of course – their names are Giulia and Gino. Then I have two brothers – Daniele and Enzo, and four sisters – Luisa, Isabella, Susanna and Carmela. I am the oldest, and the next is twenty-four, down to the baby, Carmela, who is twelve. Daniele has a wife, Vittoria, and Luisa has a husband, Tristano. Then there are many cousins and friends, so we are always a big crowd, and it is hard to know who is actually living there.’

‘Goodness, it sounds quite a houseful!’

Maria could not help contrasting it with her own quiet home, with just her father, always absorbed in his work, and Claudia, up at Oxford for much of the time. She used to bring friends home occasionally, but because the house did not have a lively feel the friends often preferred to congregate somewhere else.

She couldn’t help feeling nervous as they drew up outside a large house on the outskirts of Milan. Stefano tooted the horn and out flew a stream of people, headed by a plump middle-aged woman, with young men and girls all shouting and laughing, following behind.

Giulia had her arms outstretched and Stefano, who had leapt out of the car, was immediately enveloped. ‘Come, Mamma!’ he cried. ‘Come and meet Maria!’

Now it was Maria’s turn to be clasped against the ample bosom whilst an outpouring of Italian, which she could not understand, went on all round her.

‘Mamma and Papa think you are beautiful!’ Stefano was bursting with pride. ‘Come, we go in the house – they will bring our things for us.’

As they walked towards the entrance the others all crowded round excitedly. At the back of them all Maria caught sight of a young girl, perhaps about seventeen, holding a small baby in her arms. Her quiet demeanour and sad expression contrasted noticeably with the smiling faces all round her.

There were more exchanges between Stefano and his family, and he introduced them all to her, one by one, except for the girl with the baby. They all embraced her warmly – especially the two young men – and then Stefano said his mother would bring some refreshments. Later they would have dinner.

After they had been plied with reviving drinks and tasty delicacies, Stefano, accompanied by Giulia and several of the girls, led her up to their bedroom. At last the door was shut and they were alone.

Without thinking, Maria asked, ‘Stefano, who was the girl with the baby?’

His face momentarily lost its engaging smile. Then he replied, casually, ‘That’s Rosa, the servant girl. She helps Mamma with the housework.’

‘That must be difficult, if she has to look after a baby. Whose is it?’

‘He belongs to a cousin, but she has been very ill, so Rosa helps look after him. She is very good with him, and he is no trouble. He is a very fine boy – his name is Carlo. Perhaps you might like to help with him while you are here.’

‘I don’t know anything about babies!’ Maria was alarmed at the thought.’ I wouldn’t have any idea what to do!’

‘It is no matter – you will soon learn – they will show you. Imagine taking him out for walks! You will look so beautiful, everyone will stop you, pretending to admire the baby – but really they want to talk to you!’

‘You really are incorrigible!’

But he had made her laugh, and she forgot her anxieties, about the baby, at least. She still felt apprehensive at the thought of being among this large family, all jabbering away in their own language while she would have no idea what they were saying, and be unable to join in. She tried to express this to Stefano, asking him not to leave her there on her own.

‘I must work,’ he said, ‘and sometimes I will take you with me, when it is suitable, but sometimes not. Then Mamma or one of the girls will look after you, so do not worry. Now we will unpack, and then we can get ready for dinner. But first, I must welcome my wife to my home.’

Smiling, she allowed him to lead her over to the bed. This was more like it. Her fears suddenly melted away and she began to feel that she could be happy here. After all, it wouldn’t be for long – soon they would be going back to England – to their own home. She would see her own family, and everything would be wonderful.

‘Oh, Stefano …’ she murmured, as he made her feel very welcome indeed.