Darling Nonna,
I am glad to tell you I’m safe and well. You must have been so worried, but my guardian angel protected me. I was rescued a week ago and am now in the care of good people. When I return to Palermo, you will see with your own eyes that I have come to no harm …
Carina chewed the inside of her mouth writing the last sentence. She wanted to reassure her grandmother, but dare not say too much. With the letter in her hand, she went downstairs to the oval room where Greta Mazzini was waiting with Ben. Greta wore a dark blue riding habit with a plumed hat perched on her raven hair. She had a lively expression and an aura of vitality that more than made up for her lack of stature.
‘Greta is married to Stefan Bosco of Calatafimi,’ Ben said as he introduced her. ‘But she’s too proud of her connection to the most dangerous radical in Europe to relinquish her maiden name.’
‘Come now, Ben, only with my closest friends. To everyone else I am Signora Bosco.’ Greta spoke with a soft musical lilt and smiled at Carina. ‘Ben has told me of your predicament. I do hope I may be of assistance.’
There was generosity in her black eyes and Carina warmed to her. Greta was bright and friendly and she wondered how much Ben had told her. They were both waiting for her response, Ben with an amused, ironic look on his face, and she kept her tone light.
‘I’ve been well taken care of since my arrival at Monteleone, thank you. Captain Mavrone has been very … attentive.’
‘Well, it was the very least he could do! Your intervention saved his life – and, along with it, any prospect of our success.’
‘I’m indebted to Miss Temple in every way.’ The insinuation was clear as Ben came to his feet. ‘Now I’m afraid I must leave you, ladies. I’ve business to attend to and you have a great deal to discuss. Good day to you, Greta. I will see you later, Carina.’
He lifted Greta’s hand to his lips and his fingers brushed Carina’s shoulder as he passed her by. Her eyes followed him and when the door closed Greta moved her chair closer.
‘Ben’s a remarkable man but he can also be impossible. Has he explained anything to you – or is that why I’m here?’
‘He told me you have offered to write to my grandmother and I’m very grateful. Would you be so kind as to enclose this letter from me? I want to reassure her that I’m safe.’
‘Of course – I shall write to Contessa Denuzio later today.’ Greta took Carina’s letter and placed it in her pocket. ‘The story is you were abandoned close to our estate in Calatafimi. We’ve given you refuge and you’ll stay with us until you are strong enough to travel. Our home is far enough from Monteleone to avoid any suspicion you might be in danger.’
Their eyes met and there was wry humour in Greta’s expression. Carina coloured slightly and asked.
‘Is there news of the uprising in Palermo?’
‘Only that it’s been postponed. Maniscalco’s purge played havoc with our plans. There’s only one man who can deliver us – and that’s Giuseppe Garibaldi.’ Greta eyes lost their focus and her voice became wistful. ‘You can’t imagine a man such as he! He’s a new Messiah who will change the course of history.’
Carina was struck by the way she enunciated his name and the faraway look on her face surprised Carina. What was it about Garibaldi that induced such reverence? She recalled Enrico speaking of him in the same tone – as if there were almost something mystical about the man. She fiddled with the tassels of her shawl and it was moment before she spoke.
‘Are you certain Garibaldi will come?’
‘He’ll come in the name of Italian unity. And now Ben’s returned, we must prepare for action. For all his greatness, Garibaldi cannot achieve victory without the Sicilian patriots – and we can’t be free without Garibaldi.’
With the briskness of a woman with purpose, Greta stood up, put on her gloves and straightened her hat. Her eyebrows drew together in two black crescents as she peered into Carina’s face.
‘Ben’s confident you will never betray us. He’s less certain of your political views.’
Surely Ben knew which side she was on! Her uncle and aunt might support the Bourbons, while Paulo was ambivalent, but she and Gabriella were patriots. It upset her that Ben questioned her loyalty and resentment glimmered in Carina’s eyes.
‘You may assure Captain Mavrone my sympathies are with the patriots.’
‘Don’t be angry.’ Greta touched her hand briefly. ‘Ben is vigilant to an extreme. He’s been betrayed too many times to trust anyone.’
Greta knew Ben better than she did and Carina forgot her momentary annoyance. There was so much she wanted to understand – so much Greta could tell her about Ben. If only they had more time. But Greta was already taking her leave.
‘I thank Heaven you’ve joined us, Miss Temple. Ben tells me you have the courage and fortitude of a lion. I believe in Providence and fate has brought you to us for good reason.’