‘That’s all right,’ the woman replied. ‘I didn’t come to be entertained. I came because I’ve heard Anna left the villa to you and Joe. Now, don’t look so surprised. Nothing happens in Porta Sarina without everyone knowing. You two turning up is big news for the town gossips, especially with things being the way they are at the pizzeria.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘Valentina Barsi so unhappy in her marriage.’

She did not elaborate further but sighed and looked past me, to the villa. For an instant, the sadness left her eyes and was replaced by something else; something troublesome – fear, perhaps. Whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly as it came and she turned to me again.

‘I have a second motive for visiting today,’ she said. ‘When I heard of Anna’s death, I contacted the family lawyer to express an interest in purchasing the villa if it was to come up for sale. Now, I’ve received a letter from Avvocato Recupero informing me that you intend to sell.’ She opened her handbag and took out an envelope with the lawyer’s motif printed in one corner. She offered it to me, but I didn’t need to see it. ‘Is that right?’ she asked.

‘Yes.’

‘In that case, I would like to buy the villa from you.’ She tipped her head to one side. ‘I’ve loved this place since I was a child. I’ve always dreamed of owning it, but I’ve never had the chance before. I think Anna would be pleased if it came to me, don’t you?’ She tilted her head the other way. ‘I was her best friend. I as good as lived here when I was younger. I’m practically family.’

I wondered if Signora Romano, this sweet little old woman, had any idea of the villa’s worth and if she could actually afford it.

‘We haven’t engaged an agent yet,’ I said tentatively. ‘We haven’t had the villa valued.’

‘Of course, you must get an independent valuation, but there are villas of a similar size in the vicinity, so I have an idea what to expect. I can pay cash, so, if you’re agreeable, we should be able to progress quickly.’

‘It seems almost too good to be true,’ I said.

‘Not at all. It’s a practical proposal that will benefit us all.’ She took a telephone from her pocket. ‘What’s your number.’

I gave it to her and she tapped it into her phone. ‘I’ll call you so you have a record of mine and as soon as you have the valuation, let me know.’ She turned back towards the taxi. ‘I’m glad we’re in agreement about the villa, Edith. Don’t waste money going through the estate agent, let’s deal with one another directly. Regard me as a friend; a dear friend who wants to help you in any way she can.’