Читать книгу The Bride of Montefalco - Rebecca Winters - Страница 9

ON GINO’S way down to the kitchen, Sofia met him in the dining room. “Who’s that lady you brought home with you, Uncle Gino?”

Gino had to think fast. “An acquaintance of mine who wanted to see the farm. She’s flown all the way from the States, and is so tired, I told her to sleep before I introduced her to you.”

“Oh.”

“Where’s Bianca?”

“Out on the back terrace with Luigi and papa.”

That was just as well. He tousled Sofia’s hair. “Our guest needs food. Do you want to help me fix it?”

“Yes.”

She started walking to the kitchen with him.

“What does she like?”

“Can you imagine her not liking anything Bianca cooks?”

“I guess not.”

His morose niece needed her friends. Now that he was home, he would arrange for it. Together they made a plate of ham, fresh bread, salad, fruit and hot tea.

“Can I go with you to take it to her?”

“Of course.”

“What’s her name?”

“Signora Parker.”

“Does she speak Italian?”

“No.” Not according to the taxi driver. “It will give you a chance to practice your excellent English with her.”

“Is she a farmer, too?”

Gino was equally curious about the wife of Donata’s lover. “Why don’t you ask her later?” It would be interesting to hear her answer.

They went up the stairs. He tapped on the door. “Signora?”

“I’ll peek,” Sofia offered and opened the door a crack. After tiptoeing inside, she came back out again.

“She’s sound asleep.”

Gino wasn’t surprised. “We’ll fix her another plate later.”

Once back in the kitchen, they worked together to clean things up while he devoured the meal meant for the intriguing woman sleeping beneath his roof.

“She has pretty hair. It looks like the color of fairy wings.”

That was as good a description of gossamer as you could get. He eyed his brunette niece he loved.

“Not many people we know have hair that particular shade do they?”

“I don’t know any,” she declared.

Neither did Gino.

“What do you say we call Anna’s mother and see if your friend can stay over with us for a few days.”