by Karen Aldous
Olivia clasped her hands together and glanced at Hugh, whose head was still down. She turned back to her mother.
‘I’ll give him a ring now,’ Roz said in a chirpier voice, and looking over at Hugh, got to her feet. ‘I expect you both need a drink. Do you want a beer or a coffee, or something else?’
‘Beer, please.’
‘Have you got something lemony?’ Olivia asked, feeling a little zest should match her improving spirits. She felt entitled to feel a little chuffed with herself for taking action instead of just making a list. She had taken control and it had made a difference. Hopefully she was making progress by following her instincts – something she and Hugh had spoken about in the car on the journey.
At least her mother was responding and making sense now. Whether Orlando would be as responsive, would be another matter. It was a step in the right direction, however. Just two days ago she’d sworn vehemently she wouldn’t speak to her mother, yet, here she was, boldly following her instincts.
Hugh came over and lightly applauded. ‘I’m impressed. That image I had of you has just transformed into a stallion, leaping over the first hurdle.’
‘It’s not funny,’ she said, trying not to laugh. ‘I’m not there yet. And she’s not playing my game. I don’t know why she can’t just keep the farm, or at least hold on to it. Landi could move in and run it with Nico and Gabriella. Come to think of it, she could transfer it to him. Bella told me she would only be interested in the campsite. I’ve got my house in London, so we each have a piece of the pie, so to speak.’
Hugh kicked the shingle with his toe. ‘Well, wait and see what they have to say.’
‘Yes, if I get the chance,’ Olivia said rolling her eyes, and excitement bubbling inside her. ‘Fingers crossed. I can’t go back to London now until I sort this. Chiara will kill me.’
‘You haven’t mentioned the wedding?’
Olivia gasped, then scrunched her nose. She’d managed to stay off the subject for the entire journey. ‘There’s no point. I haven’t forgiven her yet and besides, I can only deal with one thing at a time.’
‘Oh, I thought you women were good at dual-tasking?’
‘Not when it’s as major as this, no. The stakes are too high. Seriously, though, I really want this to work. Like I told you on the way here, since finding those photos, discovering I might have siblings has also been a big thrill, and a pleasant surprise. The thought of actually belonging to a family has become increasingly appealing. Bella is really nice. I wonder where Bella is by the way.’
Rising from the bench seat, she noticed the smirk on Hugh’s face. ‘You know don’t you? You set this up with Bella?’ Unsure whether she should be cross with Hugh, or utterly grateful, she mocked a snarl. ‘You did.’
‘She took the car so that your mother couldn’t go out. I don’t know where she is but, yes, she’s as scheming as you.’
‘You’re lucky I like you,’ she said.
Roz appeared carrying a tray containing a beer, a wine, and a tall glass of cloudy lemon. ‘Well you’ll be pleased to know, Landi has agreed to meet up. Bella went out but I’m sure she’s in later. Landi is going to drive up now. He should arrive for dinner.’
Olivia and Hugh looked at one another triumphantly.
Chapter 30
As the October sky had brightened, and she and her mum were in a good mood and receptive, they remained outside. Sunlight appeared intermittently between light cloud.
‘I’m so pleased. That’s fantastic news, Mum. Was he happy to come, or did he seem reluctant?’
Roz gulped a mouthful of wine. ‘Reluctant. Definitely reluctant. He took some persuading, but thought he should speak to you face to face before you go home.’
Olivia held her head, her elation fading. ‘Oh, that’s not good.’
‘I did mention his journey could be worthwhile and it could work in his favour, and that had the desired effect. Landi can be stubborn, but he has a good heart. Once you get to know him better, you will love him.’
‘I hope so,’ Olivia thought, clenching her teeth. Then seeing a smile cross her mum’s face, she wondered if she was now finding herself again.
‘You see, I am learning already to be one family,’ her mum said.
‘That’s all we want,’ Olivia said and thought it a good opportunity to ask Roz some of the missing links about her life. As they chatted, Hugh made a discreet exit to make a phone call, with Olivia giving him a wry scowl as Bella, Giovanni, and Rosa arrived twenty minutes later; but she cherished the moment when her mum swiftly revealed the turn of events to Bella. It was turning out to be a pleasant evening and whilst Olivia was still finding it difficult to forgive her mother, she helped her and Bella prepare dinner, determined to get to know and understand her better.
‘So who would you say is like you out of the three of us?’ she asked.
Chopping onions, her mamma wiped her eyes. ‘Landi mostly. He has my temperament. We are stubborn and more highly strung, both very insecure. You and Bella have your papa’s. You’re both easy-going and amenable, but I think overall more secure and keep your feelings close to your chests.’
Olivia almost chopped her finger instead of the red pepper in her grasp and wondered if Hugh was in earshot. It had gone quiet outside. ‘Did you ever find love again, after Papa?’
Her mother gave a little snigger. ‘No. I never had time. I had my hands full as it was. As you know, a few glasses of wine keep me company and there was also plenty of guests here I could chat to. Some mothers came to stay for the holidays with their children every year. I made many friends. I can’t say I ever felt lonely or the need for love. My children gave me most rewards. I looked forward to my days with you, even though it was difficult to get away. I always had people on standby though, to be here for Landi and Bella.’
‘You see how much of a schemer she’s been?’ Bella said. ‘Us thinking she was on one of her binges.’
Landi arrived as Bella and Roz were setting the table. Olivia was just back from the cabin her mother had provided, after showering and changing for dinner, and Hugh returned from a table-tennis match with Giovanni in the games room.
After the awkward glance at Olivia and Hugh, Bella pushed a bottle of beer into his hand. ‘Good journey?’
‘Not bad.’
‘This is my friend Hugh,’ Olivia said, warily. ‘Hugh, this is Landi.’
Hugh stepped forward and shook his hand. ‘Pleased to meet you.’
Landi gave him a man-hug. ‘Likewise. I’ve heard about you from Bella. She tells me you and I will get along.’
‘I hope so.’
Landi turned to Olivia. ‘It’s certainly been a rough few days. We’ve all been in shock.’ He locked his arm around her shoulders. ‘I was a tad out of order yesterday, so apologies, yeah?’
‘Apology gratefully accepted.’ She nodded, squeezing his right arm, and felt relieved he was courteous enough to get it out the way straight away. ‘We still need to have a conversation, however uncomfortable,’ Olivia told him as she caught his gaze.
‘Yes. I know, but I’m all ears. Mamma tells me I will like it.’
‘Well, shall we sit down?’ Bella said. ‘Dinner is on the table.’
Helping themselves to pasta from bowls on the table, Olivia began the conversation.
‘So, I need to know from both of you, how you feel about the farm, I suppose. But this is what Mamma wants to happen. She wishes to continue with the plan of transferring the deeds in my name. After that, it’s really up to you guys. I’m happy with what I have in London. I can transfer it to one or both of you, or it could be sold.’
Bella finished a mouthful of food. ‘To be honest, Giovanni and I want to stay here to live. As long as we can visit the farm or whoever lives there, we’re happy.’
‘I can’t run it from London, at least not without some serious planning. Like Bella, I’m more than happy to come and stay there. So, Landi, would you be
interested in taking it on?’
Landi tapped his knife against his plate. ‘Of course I would. Why do you think I’ve been making all this noise? It’s my dream. I’d move in there like a shot. I’d keep Nico and Gab there too. I was thinking on the way, though – couldn’t we divide the villa up? Have a floor each?’
‘But wouldn’t you want to live there?’ Olivia asked him.
Landi threw out his hands. ‘That place is huge.’
Olivia look across the table. ‘I don’t know. What do you think, Bella?’
‘It doesn’t appeal to me but, Olivia, you may want a bolthole.’
‘There. Wasn’t that simple? Now I think you get the legalities sorted.’ Roz hammered her hand on the table and picked up her glass. ‘To the Montague family.’
Olivia peered at her mother in disbelief. Her thinking had definitely shifted. Maybe today had brought her an inner light, showing how unified they all could be.
‘The Montague family. Saluti,’ they all cheered.
‘And if it’s toast time, don’t you have another announcement, Olivia?’ Hugh added.
Olivia glared at Hugh with her mouth open. ‘Oh, er, yes, you will all be pleased to hear Alberto and I are getting married. We haven’t set a date yet, but watch this space.’
As the room fell quiet, Bella got to her feet. ‘Congratulations, sis.’
A chorus followed. ‘Saluti,’ Hugh said followed by Landi.
Roz fanned her face as she got up to get the second course. ‘Congratulations, my dear.’
Olivia took a sip of her wine and glowered at Hugh. She didn’t feel it appropriate to announce her engagement yet, and she thought he should know better. Was he trying to make a point? Anyway, she was relieved and very grateful for Hugh and all his help and commitment. At least the family had come together and worked out a solution for the farm. What only hours ago seemed like a monumental quest had become so simple. She looked across the room and saw they all seemed happy.
She looked over to Bella, and sliding her hand nervously along the edge of the table asked, ‘You realize I shall be needing a bridesmaid or two. Would you and Rosa do the honours?’
‘Oh, exciting. Yes, of course.’ Bella cheered. ‘That’s so lovely of you to ask. And would you be mine too?’
A cup of genuine warmth filled Olivia’s heart. ‘Absolutely.’ Wanting to cry with joy, she lunged forward into her sister’s arms. ‘I’m so thrilled,’ she said brushing away the tears. ‘Today has been the best day of my life.’
‘Mine too. I still can’t believe I have a big sister. I used to wish for a sister when I was young. Just shows you, wishes can come true.’
Olivia didn’t want to let go of Bella, but forced herself back to her seat. Her mum, walking into the room, flashed a smile.
Then, looking across to her brother, she said, ‘Would you mind me asking your two boys to be pageboys?’
‘It would be an honour, my dear sister,’ he said certain to start her crying again. Not just because of his words, but because she was gathering trust from him as well.
Carrying a large casserole dish and placing in on the table, Roz then leant over and tapped her. ‘Why don’t you ask your brother to give you away?’
Olivia looked at Landi for a reaction, then said, ‘I’ve only just found him, I hope he doesn’t want to give me away so soon.’
She turned to her mum. Roz shook her head. ‘I’ve given you away once, I’m not doing it again.’
Olivia turned to Hugh.
‘Absolutely not,’ he said. ‘That’s beyond my realm.’
Olivia bit her lip. ‘Do you know, I hadn’t even thought about it. Do I have to have someone to give me away?’
‘It’s customary. Not sure if it’s law,’ Roz said.
‘Oh well, if I can get myself around in Italy, I’m sure I can get myself down the aisle.’
‘Where’s Giovanni?’ Olivia asked.
‘Giving Rosa a bath. He won’t be long, but no, only Rosa or a sister will have that honour. I can’t wait to tell him our news, though. Anyway, it should be Mamma or Landi. Where is Alberto by the way? It always seems to be Hugh with you.’
‘I’ve no idea. At home I suspect,’ she said glancing at Hugh.
The silence in the air banged like a dinner gong.
‘Shall we eat?’ said Roz, placing a second casserole at the other end of the table.
Chapter 31
Rising from his seat, Landi lifted the bottle of chilled white wine from the ice bucket and pulled out a corkscrew from his pocket. He poured each glass as the family and Hugh settled themselves down for Roz’s chicken casserole, closely followed by Giovanni. Olivia was offered the ladle at her end first and when she opened the lid, the aromatic herbs rushed up her nose.
‘This smells delicious, Mum. Looks good too,’ she said, glancing back at Hugh and trying to organize her thoughts without her app. It must seem strange to her family that Hugh was there. She recalled her and Hugh’s conversation soon after she got into the car that morning. He’d admitted when she told him about Alberto’s proposal, he was anxious she would rush ahead into a marriage and lock herself away again without confronting the one thing that was important to her. Her family.
He’d driven along the ridge and stopped in a beauty spot – then returned. He didn’t mention he had rung Bella though, but that must have been the time he did it. She’d told him she was driving to her mother’s to confront her, and because he’d been thinking the same, she’d let him know how amazing it was that he instinctively, ahead of her even, knew what she should do. He read her so well.
And now he had lent his time yet again to help her. She should make them all aware. ‘And, going back to your question, Bella, in all this excitement, I haven’t even told Alberto I’m here yet. I will ring him and organize something for when I return. However, I think you should all know how instrumental Hugh has been in reuniting us. Over the last few days, and I’m sure he won’t thank me for this, but since I met him and we spoke about the cassone, he hasn’t let up.
‘Hugh, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for everything you have done. You’ve not only been there for me, and helped with the cassone, its contents, translation … the list is so long believe me,’ she said glancing at her mum opposite, ‘but you brought me here to face the most difficult task in my life and I’m so, so thankful that you are also here to share my reward and the happiest day of my life. So I can’t imagine there’s any way on this earth I can repay you, but thank you. A massive toast to Hugh and Nonna’s cassone.’ Olivia raised her glass.
Glasses raised and clinked ensemble. ‘To Hugh.’
Hugh sat with his eyes closed shaking his head. ‘I didn’t do it for thanks.’
Olivia wanted to grab his cheeks and kiss him, but that was a dangerous thought. ‘Sorry if I’ve made you cringe, but you have to take responsibility for it.’
‘You made it happen, not me.’
‘Oh God, sounds like a lover’s tiff. You must tell us all about it,’ Bella said.
‘I’d love to, but I fear he wouldn’t appreciate it,’ Olivia said jibing and poking him jokingly in the ribs. ‘He brought back Nonna’s cassone this morning, though. It’s been restored. Looks incredible, and it’s also brought us together,’ she added, ‘so do pop in if you’re passing and have a look. It’s in the sitting room. I’m sure Nonna will be pleased with the outcome.’
‘What a shame she’s not here to witness this,’ Bella said.
‘It is,’ Landi said, creating a sombre moment.
Bella raised her glass. ‘Well, to Nonna.’
‘To Nonna,’ they all echoed, in unison, then seemed to sink into private thoughts.
Bella broke the short silence. ‘Well now the season is over, and you’re returning home, I was, or Giovanni and I were thinking of coming over to see you in London. I would love to see where Papa grew up. Giovanni and I were talking about it earlier actu
ally. Would you mind the three of us coming over in a few weeks?’
‘I’d love you to. Yes, come and stay. What about Mum?’ Olivia looked across at her mother.
Roz’s face twitched before she snarled in apprehension and gulped down a mouthful of wine. ‘These guys need a break from me. They have worked hard and deserve a holiday.’
‘Mamma, we don’t mind you coming,’ Bella said doing her best to sound enthusiastic.
‘Or, come after.’ Olivia stepped in sensing a little strain in the conversation. I’ll take some time off …’
Shaking her head, Roz said, ‘Later maybe.’
Olivia lifted her eyebrows, thinking of poor Chiara already dealing with double her workload and pregnancy. ‘I’d love that, Mamma.’ She giggled. ‘Did you hear that, I’m calling you Mamma now.’ They both chuckled. ‘ Come for a weekend. I can show you some of London. It would be nice for the both of us to spend some time together. We could even look at some wedding dresses.’
Circling her finger around her glass, Roz still didn’t appear convinced and Olivia wasn’t sure whether she was imagining she would be getting in the way of her children’s lives, or if it was the prospect of returning to Papa’s house. Would it evoke too many memories?
Olivia scooped another ladle of the casserole on to her plate. ‘You have plenty of time to think about it. The season is almost over. Think, Christmas shopping in London or New Year sales? Your wedding outfit?’
‘Actually, why not,’ Roz finally relented. ‘I’d like that.’ Oliva gave a look of surprise. Roz reached over and stroked her hand. ‘Just you and me for once.’
Too choked up to eat any more, Olivia pushed back her plate and heard the familiar ring tone of her phone.