‘Gustavo seems sweet enough,’ her mother ventured.

‘Yes, he is,’ Bel agreed.

‘You know, Bel, don’t you, that he is very taken with you?’

‘No, Mãe, how can he be? Today is the first time we have ever properly spoken together.’

‘I saw him watching you over luncheon, and I tell you now that he is already very fond of you.’ Then Carla gave a long sigh. ‘And that at least makes me happy.’

15

‘Have you asked your father to speak to mine about Europe yet?’ Bel said, when Maria Elisa came to see her a few days later. She could hear the desperation in her own voice.

‘Yes, I have,’ said Maria Elisa as they sat in their usual spot in the garden. ‘He’s happy for you to come with us if your father agrees. He’s promised to speak to him when he arrives to collect me later.’

‘Meu Deus,’ breathed Bel. ‘I can only pray that he’ll do all he can to convince Pai that I should go.’

‘But I worry, Bel, because from what you have just told me, it seems a proposal from Gustavo is closer than ever. Even if your father agrees, your fiancé will surely not let you out of his sight.’ Maria Elisa paused and studied Bel’s anxious face before continuing.

‘Would it really be so terrible for you if you did marry him? After all, you’ve just said yourself that Gustavo is at least an intelligent, kind man. You would live in one of the most beautiful houses in Rio, which I’m sure your father would be only too happy to restore to your taste. And with your new surname added to your beauty, you would be the queen of Rio society. Many girls would long for this chance,’ she pointed out.

‘What are you saying?’ Bel turned to her friend, her dark eyes flashing. ‘I thought you were on my side?’

‘I am, Bel, but you know me – I’m pragmatic and listen to my head rather than my heart. All I’m saying is that you could do worse.’

‘Maria Elisa,’ Bel wrung her hands, ‘I don’t love him! Surely, that’s the most important thing of all?’

‘In an ideal world, yes. But we both know the world is not ideal.’

‘You sound like an old woman, Maria Elisa. Surely you wish to fall in love?’

‘Maybe,’ she agreed. ‘But I also know that love is only one of many considerations when it comes to marriage. I’m just saying be careful, Bel, because if you refuse Gustavo, you know it will be a terrible snub to his family. They may not be rich any longer, but they hold so much power here in Rio. Life may become difficult for you and your parents.’

‘Well then, you’re telling me that if Gustavo proposes, I have no choice but to accept. So, shall I just climb up Corcovado Mountain and throw myself off the top of it?’

‘Bel . . .’ Maria Elisa shook her head and raised her eyebrows. ‘Please calm yourself. I’m sure there are ways around it. But you may have to compromise a little between what you want and the wishes of others.’