Bel listened, aghast at what her father was telling her, and berated herself for her shallow fiscal understanding. If she were more adept in these matters, perhaps there would be something she could say to give Antonio the hope he needed.

‘But Pai, surely it’s all the more reason why you should be at the senate today? You’re not the only one in this position and you’ve told me before that Brazil’s economy is based on coffee production. Surely the government will not allow it to simply collapse?’

‘Querida, there is a very simple equation here: if no one has any money to buy our beans, there is nothing that any government can do about it. And I can assure you that those in America will simply be thinking about how they can survive rather than the luxury of enjoying a cup of coffee.’ Antonio rubbed his forehead in agitation. ‘Of course, the senate are trying to look as if they are doing something about the crisis. But every one of them knows it is already too late. So, thank you for telling me of the meeting, but I will tell you now that it is a fruitless gesture.’

‘At the very least I will ask Maurício to tell you what was discussed,’ said Bel resolutely. ‘Besides, even if you’re right and you are left with nothing, remember that it is I who owns the fazenda. You will not be homeless, dearest Pai. And I’m sure that given the fact that you made such a generous payment to Gustavo when he married me, he would be prepared to make sure that you don’t starve.’

‘And what would you have me do all alone at the fazenda?’ Antonio asked her bitterly. ‘With no business to run or the company of my precious wife?’

‘Pai, enough! As you said yourself, many will be affected by this situation, made destitute even, so you must count yourself lucky that you won’t be. You are only forty-eight years old. Surely there is plenty of time to start again?’

‘Izabela, my reputation is ruined. Even if I wanted to start again, no bank in Brazil would lend me the money I would need to do so. It is all over for me.’

Bel watched as her father closed his eyes once more. She thought back to only a few months ago, when Antonio had walked her so proudly down the aisle. Even though she’d always hated the blatant way her father had liked to show off his newly gained wealth, she wished with all her heart that she could retrieve it for him. It was only now that she realised his entire self-esteem had been built on it. Add that to the loss of his beloved wife and she could understand why he felt he had nothing left.

‘Pai, you have me,’ she said quietly. ‘And I need you. Please believe me when I say that I don’t care whether you have everything or nothing. I still love you and respect you as my father.’