Under a Tuscan Sky

by Karen Aldous

  ‘I’m so glad you see it the same way as me.’ Olivia folded her arms, feeling the need to defend herself. ‘She needs to wake up and smell the roses,’ she said, trying to figure out why her mother thought it right. Thankfully, Bella sounded sincere. ‘Well it’ll be a long while before I can talk to her if she’s still in her fictional world.’

  ‘That’s what I told her. I think she feels guilty but justifies everything to fit her purpose. It’s so frustrating. And she has, in the main, been a great mother. But anyhow, I’m here to see you. I would have loved a big sister. I was so glad that Hugh got in touch. I was scared that you wouldn’t return or want to see me again.’

  ‘No. I’ve no issue with you. Neither of us are party to Mum’s thinking and past behaviour. If it wasn’t for Hugh, I don’t know whether we would be speaking here this morning. I left Mum at the lake yesterday almost ready to throw myself in it, I think.’

  ‘Mamma came home in a state. She had been drinking. She ran out after you yesterday before I had a chance to come with her.’

  ‘She drinks a lot, I know.’

  ‘Unfortunately, yes. She disappears for days at a time on her binges and always at the height of our busy periods. I think it’s her way of coping.’

  ‘That’s awful, particularly when you’re running a business,’ Olivia said, then clutched both her hands to her chest. ‘Actually, Mamma may have come to see me during those times. You say she disappeared in the busy periods, by which you mean around school holidays, yes?’

  ‘Yes, two or three days at a time.’ Bella’s hazel eyes widened. ‘Oh, so I think that explains it.’

  ‘That may explain some of it. She came to Nonna’s to see me. I’ve never met her here or in London.’

  ‘Mamma doesn’t go far. But it was two or three times a year.’ Bella pulled on her long honey-coloured plait. ‘Oh dear, all those years and I thought … Landi and I thought she was on binges, even thought she may have a lover, but she was at Nonna’s seeing you.’

  ‘It sounds completely feasible. Anyway …’ Olivia collapsed in her seat. ‘Sit down. The baby must be getting heavy too. She is lovely.’

  ‘Thank you, the centre of my life.’

  At that moment, Hugh returned with a waitress carrying coffee and after briefly meeting Bella, made off for his appointment.

  Olivia poured the coffee, and sat back watching her sister bounce the child on her knee and amuse her with a cloth picture book. Her niece. ‘How old is she?’

  ‘Nearly six months. Nearly sitting up.’

  ‘You look such a natural.’

  ‘I didn’t think it would ever happen. We have been trying for years.’

  Olivia felt a stab in her stomach. That was sad. What if she couldn’t have any after all?

  ‘I imagine living here was quite different to my life in London. It must be physically hard work, running a campsite.’

  ‘Worlds apart probably. It was especially hard when Landi left seven years ago. It got very difficult but I’d not long met Giovanni and he sort of stepped into his shoes, working with us. And that’s another thing, I can’t wait to hear all about your life in London. I’d love to come and stay with you for a bit. I could get to know you and see London too. When I say me, it’s the three of us now. Myself, Rosa, and my partner Giovanni. We had to leave him at the campsite today because someone had to be in charge while we were gone. Giovanni is a musician like Papa was, but he tours sometimes with his band or goes to gigs, weddings and things, as well as managing here. He and I are saving to get married. We hope it will be early March before it gets busy and as the days get warmer.’

  ‘Oh, wonderful, congratulations.’

  ‘Thank you, we’re looking forward to it. Are you married?’

  Olivia picked up a glass candleholder and traced her finger around the edge.

  ‘No, but she’s desperate to marry me.’ Hugh guffawed from behind them, picking up a set of keys. ‘I have so many women falling at my feet, she’s waiting to hear if she has made it on to my shortlist.’

  ‘Oh, Bella, he’s such a comedian.’ Olivia glared at him as he gawped back apologetically.

  Hugh gave a sheepish grin and rubbed her shoulder before waving a hand. ‘Ciao.’

  She swung back round to her sister. ‘Anyway, to answer your question, no, I’m not married but I am … err dating a lovely Italian man, Alberto Luciano.’ She wanted to say ‘in love with’ but with Hugh still in earshot. It seemed a bit hypocritical after last night’s passionate display. ‘He runs an electric car company and lives in Florence. I only met him on my way out here.’

  ‘Really,’ Bella said. ‘How come you’re here with Hugh?’

  ‘He’s become a friend, helped me out.’

  ‘So how do you know him?’ Bella asked, picking up a baby’s bottle from a large bag beside her chair and shaking it. She passed it to Rosa.

  Olivia glanced across to baby Rosa, feeling awkward talking about the villa and knowing she was the only one to have inherited it. ‘He viewed the villa. Nonna’s villa,’ she added then bit her lip before continuing. ‘He needs a base in Italy. Mamma may have told you, I’ve put Nonna’s farm on the market because she’s insisted I take responsibility for it. Well, he has since helped me with Nonna’s cassone, the bridal chest. It’s being restored. He put me in contact with the furniture restorer, then helped me carry it when I took it to the yard. He also delivered the contents after the restorer managed to undo the lock …’ she paused ‘… and he was there when I first discovered the photos of you. He’s been amazing actually.’

  ‘Sounds like a great guy to have around. So what does he do?’

  ‘He buys and sells antiques. He used to do TV too.’

  ‘How lovely, so he has the expertise and money, and you have plenty of antiques and property? What a great mix, and a great position to be in.’

  Olivia heard undertones of sarcasm and gazed fitfully at Bella, wishing the ground would open up as the elephant entered the garden. Her spine jarring, she now feared this was where it would all break apart. Would Bella ask about her inheritance? The inheritance that all three of Roz’s children were entitled to, yet as far as she was aware, she was the only one who had received it.

  This wasn’t at all what she wanted. Maybe she needed to speak to her mother alone and maybe it was time she took take a leaf from Hugh’s book and unlocked those gut instincts. Just say what has to be said. Why was she the one to feel guilty? This was her mother’s doing and Nonna’s.

  ‘Bella, I didn’t ask for all this. I don’t want all this. The consequence of Mamma’s actions and me discovering you two has only just come to light, as you know. I didn’t even know I had inherited Nonna’s farm until after the funeral when Mamma dragged me away to tell me and put me on a plane, out of sight. It’s suddenly all apparent that all that I’ve supposedly inherited is not just mine. I don’t know how to rectify it.’

  She waited to catch her breath, feeling her anger subside but her frustration gathering. Bella appeared equally torn and Olivia suddenly really felt like the older sister, needing to take charge. ‘Perhaps I need to speak to Mum and get her to sort it out immediately. She needs to speak to the solicitor dealing with it and instruct them. If not, I don’t know. I can transfer the title into your names too. I’ve not been able to think that far ahead.’

  Bella lowered her eyes. ‘I didn’t even know you had inherited the farm. Mamma told us that the farm had been struggling for a long time and that Gabriella and Nico had agreed to stay there and take it as payment, or something to that effect. I didn’t really question it. So you having responsibility also means it has been left to you?’

  ‘That’s what Mamma has told me.’

  ‘But why just you?’

  ‘I don’t know exactly. The only reason I can glean from Mamma is her guilt for abandoning me. It’s like she’s paying me off as compensation for the love I missed or something. Who knows what goes on in her
head.’

  ‘Hmm, that’s terrible. Not for me so much as Landi; he will be furious. He has dreamed of one day living and working there.’

  ‘And, no doubt you are too. I’ve not got to grips with any of it yet, so you need to also take it all in. Mamma has so much explaining to do.’

  ‘In all honesty, I would be happy with the campsite. Landi and I have joked about it since, well since we were about ten, I think. But, yes, we need this sorted and we need to include him.’ Bella jiggled the now sleeping child more with agitation than rocking her. ‘And Mamma. I’m so furious with her. Would you be willing to meet up soon, if we can all get together?’

  Olivia’s heart stopped and she stared at her sister. This was going to be testing.

  Chapter 25

  The journey home was relatively easy, knowing Hugh was just yards in front of her, but it was tiring and so emotional. Several times, she’d wept for so many reasons. Mainly though, it was the thought of a family destroyed before it had taken root and the fact that she’d never been part of a loving family and shared her childhood with Bella and Landi.

  Why did her mother ever feel that giving her a farm would replace precious moments of childhood bonding with her brother and sister? Undoubtedly arguing and bickering were commonplace among siblings, but there was so much she had missed, and that in her mind was incredibly tragic. Regardless, she would have still loved both grandparents, but it wasn’t just parental love that she had missed all these years, it was sibling love too.

  She imagined herself running with them on the farm or the campsite, hiding in the trees, bathing at the lake, sharing Christmases and birthdays together, or simply sharing jokes or dreams, as Bella and Landi had been able to. Again, tears blurred her vision. She resented Roz, hated her for denying her memorable times with her brother and sister. How could she face her mother or forgive her? Only time could possibly lessen the pain she’d caused. A long time.

  ***

  She waved goodbye to Hugh as they passed Florence and she pulled into Villa Elena just after four, making good time and arriving to catch Gabriella in the car park waving off the plant supplier. She checked her face in the mirror, but it was too late to hide the signs. Grabbing her handbag, Olivia leaped out of the car.

  Gabriella trundled towards her. ‘Ciao, Olivia. Have you …’

  ‘Ciao, Gabriella. How are you?’ she said, air-kissing her cheeks. ‘I know, it’s late to have hay fever. I wonder if it’s the trees.’

  ‘No, you have been crying. Your mamma …’ Gabriella pulled Olivia to her chest and let her cry. Olivia clutched at the warmth, then wiping her cheeks, stepped back.’

  ‘I’m a blubbering wreck. Yes, no doubt she’s called you.’

  ‘No. I just look at you.’

  Olivia frowned. ‘Well you’ll be relieved to know that I know all about my brother and sister. I’ve been to see my mum and I’ve also met Bella. So please don’t feel you have to tiptoe around or watch what you say or do. The secret is out and I’m sure both you and Nico will be glad you can breathe again.’

  ‘Thank goodness.’ Gabriella bashed her chest. ‘I’m so pleased. Nico will be too. But it has been a terrible thing to hide from you all these years – and from your brother and sister. So now you can all visit together and I think we should celebrate.’

  ‘No I can’t celebrate. I’m still numbed by it all, and I’ve yet to meet Orlando. I think we should hold off for a year or two until our wounds have healed. Well mine at least. Mamma and Bella are driving down today to see Landi. Apparently he didn’t take the news particularly well.’

  ‘Oh, my dear, he adores this place. He must understand it isn’t your fault. I hope he sees sense. Your mother made a crazy decision. Your nonna never forgave your mamma, you know. That’s why your mamma got the lawyer to transfer everything to you. The farm, the villa, everything. She promised Nonna she would. It was her way of making it up to you. I don’t think the guilt ever left her. But it was madness, the way she did it. I don’t know what she told the other two.’

  ‘I’ve no idea,’ Olivia lied not wanting to hurt Gabriella, although noting Gabriella knew more about it than she. She had to stop the transfer. Nonna’s intention was to punish her daughter – not her grandchildren, she was sure. ‘But I don’t believe Mamma did the right thing either. I need to talk to her about keeping it for the family and you. There is so much to do, but in all honesty, I think Mamma should deal with it.’

  Gabriella looked scornful. She was clearly concerned for her and Nico’s future. ‘It is a mess. We will only stop working here when we drop to the earth. It is our home.’

  ‘Please don’t you worry. Mamma should look after you. I’m sure Bella and Landi will make sure she does.’ Olivia gave Gabriella a squeeze. ‘I’m sorry but I need distraction. I have a date tonight with Alberto, so I’m off to mend my face and find something to wear.’

  ***

  Olivia made herself a coffee, showered, and washed her hair before tidying the kitchen and sitting room. She couldn’t believe how much mess she had left strewn around the sofa. The photographs and letters were still littered on there. She gathered them up and piled them neatly back, then saw one poking from beneath the sofa. Picking it up, she saw there was another tucked in the edge. She opened the first and realized she hadn’t seen it.

  She frowned as she scanned through it. This time Hugh wasn’t here to help.

  Rosalba Bianchi

  Ibiza

  Oct 77

  Dearest Mamma and Papa,

  We received the paperwork, thank you. Nora forwarded them to a post office here in Ibiza. Olivia is fine I understand, although I’m not. My heart is breaking. Nora has cut down her hours temporarily and has organized a place at a local children’s nursery. I miss her terribly, but I’m also keen for all of this to work so we can all be together.

  Although I am a little concerned, Steve is quite keen on opening a campsite on Papa’s land. He thinks it would be ideal and we should drive the camper there and get started as soon as we can. He has big plans but we need to get water and electricity connected before anything can be built. We have our savings but they won’t go far and it will take a long time before it will earn much money or before we can live there as a family.

  It is going to be difficult as I want her with us but I wouldn’t want Olivia to be living in a field. I could curse Steve at times but this is our only hope. So, we should be on our way to Italy soon. At least you can drive to see us. Again, thank you. It’s a very generous offer. Fingers crossed we can make it work.

  Love to you both. Roz and Steve xx

  ‘Bloody get your priorities right, you two,’ Olivia screamed, wondering if she’d understood it correctly. She then read the next.

  Rosalba Bianchi

  Lake Garda

  Dec 78

  Dearest Mamma and Papa,

  Thank you for your gift. The money arrived in my bank today. I don’t know how we got here, but finally we did. We got the ferry to Barcelona and drove and stopped and drove and stopped, broke down, drove and stopped, broke down, drove, broke down, drove, stopped and then pushed the last few hundred yards before getting a local farmer to help us get her up the hill. Five days altogether. What a journey, and not the best weather.

  It’s so cold and we needed two days to sleep it off. We have now found a sunnier spot to pitch and we are acclimatizing. At least we can begin and get digging to get the water piped. I have a feeling it could take a while. I’ve phoned Nora and Olivia is well. Nora has been an angel but I miss Liv so much. I’m torn and so tempted to go and bring her here to Lake Garda but the quicker Steve and I work together on this, the sooner we can bring her home.

  We have two friends who are coming to help us. So, we hope you are both well and thank you again for giving us hope. Love to you both, and do come and visit soon. We won’t have time to do anything for the next year at least with all this work.

  Roz and Steve xx<
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  They only confirmed what Olivia already knew. They’d only ever thought of themselves and their campsite. Nonna would have taken them in; they could have all lived here at the farm. Olivia rushed around and finished tidying up before returning to the bedroom to get dressed for the evening.

  As she put on her make-up, her phone rang. Bella’s name showed up. Remembering swapping numbers, her sister’s question echoed in her head. ‘Would you be willing to meet up with them?’ She held the phone, contemplating her answer. There was no way she wished to meet up with her mamma; she was also concerned about meeting her brother. Should she ignore it?

  Hearing Alberto’s car, Olivia inserted the second earring. The small stud diamonds Will had bought her a year ago winked dully back as she checked herself in the mirror, her black crepe dress now appearing tired and overworked. Opening the front door and seeing Alberto jolted her heart. He appeared dashingly handsome in a navy linen suit and he flashed her a big smile.

  She’d barely had time or space in her head to think about him. Immediately he pulled her close to his chest with one arm, presenting her with a long lingering kiss, then from behind his back he surprised her with not only a luxury box of artisan chocolate truffles – her favourite – but also a beautifully wrapped box sitting on top, which he insisted she open straight away.

  ‘Wow, what’s this for?’

  ‘Tonight, we celebrate. You have a new family. This is a gift for you to commemorate the new Olivia Montague, not granddaughter, but daughter, sister, and aunty. I am right?’

  Her heart rang in despair. ‘Yes, you are right. How thoughtful. I’d not thought about that,’ she said feeling a little cheered but not overwhelmed at the idea. Grinning at the gift, however, she continued untying the bow, peeling off gold tissue paper and reluctantly spoiling its prettiness. Underneath was a box, which was soft to touch, and royal blue velvet teased her curiosity.