The Food Taster
Page 28
The following week everyone bid us farewell. I embraced Cecchi, Piero, and Septivus; truer friends I have never had. Tommaso, Miranda, and I mounted our horses and with the Duomo bell ringing joyfully in our ears, and tears in our eyes, we rode out of the courtyard, down the Weeping Steps through the Piazza Del Vedura and the West Gate, and out of Corsoli forever.
Miranda is truly a woman now — beautiful, brave, and wiser than many twice her age. I could not be more proud of her. With my blessing, she and Tommaso have ridden on to Venezia where Tommaso intends to find work as a cook. Before she left, I kissed her apple cheeks over and over and held her close to me. Although it broke my heart to see her leave, I am comforted knowing that Tommaso can take care of her.
I have purchased a small piece of land here in Arraggio. The soil is rich and perfect for grazing. I am still thin, I suffer from cramps and throw up for no reason. I have lost some teeth and others have become loose. I am not as strong as I once was. Perhaps I will never be again, I do not know. I do know that God has given me one more chance to change my life.
My clothes are bundled beside me. My horse waits by the door. As soon as the sun rises I will ride to France. To Nimes. To Helene. No matter how long it takes, no matter where she is, I will find her. And I will bring her here, to Arraggio, to be my love.
THE END
Acknowledgments
Many people contributed to this book, but none more than Bill Berensmann and Dulcie Apgar. For their suggestions and guidance, I am deeply grateful. I must also thank Charles Perry for his advice on Italian cuisine, Carla Balatresi and Clare Pierotti for correcting my Italian, and Garry Goodrow for his knowledge of all things poetic.
The book was started in Jim Krusoe's writing class at Santa Monica City College, and without his continual encouragement and criticism, and that of his class, it would never have been completed.
Finally, it might never have seen the light of day had it not been for the faith, persistence, and enthusiasm of my agent, Julia Lord, and my first publisher Martin Shepard and editor Judith Shepard. To all, my deepest thanks.