The Mafia Emblem
Page 21
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Despite his surprise Ben was trying to stumble over an introduction when the girl spoke first.
“Hello. It is Signor Cartwright, is it not?”
It was then he realised that this vision of beauty, who seemed to speak such excellent English, was Francesca - Toni’s younger sister. She had changed out of all recognition from the haughty but skinny schoolgirl of two years ago. Now she was a mature and delightful woman. He most admired the way she was coping with her beloved brother’s recent death.
“Hello, Francesca,” he said awkwardly. “I’m so sorry about Toni.”
Her face clouded for an instant, then cleared again. “Never mind,” she said, “perhaps he cannot be here for today’s ceremony but I hope that I shall see him again very soon.”
Sylvia came up behind him. “Today is Francesca’s betrothal.” There was a warning note in her voice and her hand gripped his elbow with surprising strength.
So that was it! The realisation suddenly struck him that they hadn’t yet told Francesca anything about Toni’s death. Perhaps they were trying not to spoil her special day. His opinion of Sylvia improved a little. But at the same time he felt a sense of disappointment that apparently Francesca was to be married off when she was still so young.
“Really?” he said. “Who is the lucky man?” His voice didn’t seem to be his own.
“Why, my brother Dino, of course.” Sylvia released his arm. “Their marriage will further cement the union of our two families.”
Ben looked from one woman to the other. Neither of them seemed to be taking any pleasure from the conversation, possibly for different reasons. With Papa Cimbrone’s and Toni’s deaths hanging over them, it must seem a pretty joyless future for the whole family.
“Well – er – congratulations,” mumbled Ben.
Francesca nodded brightly. “Are you coming tonight?”
“Signor Cartwright is just leaving us,” Sylvia broke in. “He would not wish to intrude upon a family occasion.”
“Oh, but he is very close to the family,” said the girl. “He is Toni’s business partner and a very close friend. Since Toni cannot come he will be able to represent my brother. He will tell us all about what Toni is doing at the moment.”
When Ben looked at Francesca he saw that for some reason her eyes seemed to be pleading with him. Those eyes exercised a strange grip on his mind. He found himself saying, “I would be very pleased to attend if it does not cause any inconvenience.”
“I’m afraid it is impossible! I cannot find room at the table at this late stage.” Sylvia almost stamped her foot. “Besides, what would Father Paoli say? You are not a catholic, are you, Signor Cartwright?”
Francesca tossed her head impatiently. “Do not be so old-fashioned, Sylvia. I am sure that Father Paoli would not mind if I wished Signor Cartwright to be there. Anyway he was always very fond of Toni. He too will wish to hear about my brother’s time in England.”
“But everything is arranged . . .”
“Please Sylvia - I wish him to come.” She switched her appeal to Ben. “Will you not do this one little thing for me?”
He looked again at Sylvia. The woman said something under her breath in Italian. Then after a pause she inclined her head. “Very well,” she said quietly, but Ben did not like the look in her eyes.
“He can stay in Toni’s room.” Francesca spoke almost gaily. “I am sure it is ready because we never quite know when he will next turn up.”
“No. I will prepare a room in the guest wing.” Sylvia turned to Ben. “But please, Signor Cartwright, I would ask you to remain in your room until seven o’clock this evening, because a lot of arrangements have to be made and everyone is very busy.”
“I understand,” said Ben.
“I will send Emilio in a few minutes to show you to your room. Do you have everything you need for your toilet?”
“It’s all in my brief-case.”
“Dinner will begin at seven hours. Please be prepared. Emilio will collect you when everything is ready.” Sylvia crossed to the doorway through which she had come onto the terrace. “Come now, Francesca. We have much to do.” Taking the girl’s elbow she guided her back into the house and Alfredo followed dutifully at their heels. Ben noticed that he had not been permitted to be introduced to brother Dino.