Two hours later, as the maid closed the door on his guests, Antonio beamed at Carla and Bel. ‘I think they were impressed, and I think you, my princesa’ – he chucked Bel’s chin – ‘will have some news from Gustavo very soon. He asked me before he left if he could take you up Corcovado Mountain next week. It is a perfect place for a young man to propose, is it not?’

Bel opened her mouth to respond negatively to her father’s suggestion, but then remembered her vow to adopt a more accepting demeanour. ‘Yes, Pai,’ she said, lowering her eyes demurely.

Later, as she climbed into bed, wishing yet again that Loen was here to chat to, she heard a knock on the door. ‘Come in.’

‘Querida.’ Carla’s face appeared. ‘I didn’t wake you, did I?’

‘No, Mãe. Please, come in.’ She patted the mattress and her mother sat down on the bed and reached for her hands.

‘Izabela, please remember you are my beloved daughter and I know you well, so I must ask you now, as it seems Gustavo is bound to propose to you soon. Is this what you want?’

Again remembering her vow, Bel thought carefully about how she should reply. ‘Mãe, in truth I don’t love Gustavo. And neither do I like his mother or father. We both know they are patronising towards us and would prefer a Portuguese bride for their only son. But Gustavo is sweet and kind, and a good person, I think. I know how happy this will make you, and especially Pai. So’ – Bel couldn’t help releasing a small sigh before she said the words – ‘if he proposes, I will be happy to accept.’

Carla stared hard at her daughter. ‘Are you sure, Bel? Whatever your father wants, as a mother, I must know your true feelings. It would be a terrible sin to subject you to a life you don’t wish for. Above all, I want you to be happy.’

‘Thank you, Mãe, and I’m sure I will be.’

‘Well,’ Carla said after a pause, ‘I believe that love can grow between a man and a woman over the years. Trust me, I know. I married your father.’ She chuckled wryly. ‘I too had doubts at the beginning, but now, for all his failings, I would not change him. And remember, it is always important for the man to be more in love with the woman than she is with him.’

‘Why do you say that, Mãe?’

‘Because, my dear, although women’s hearts can be fickle, and love a number of times, men – although they are less outwardly emotional – once they love, they usually love forever. And I believe Gustavo does love you. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you. And that will ensure your husband stays by your side and doesn’t stray.’ Carla kissed Bel. ‘Sleep well, querida.’

Her mother left the room, and Bel lay thinking about what she had said. She only hoped that she was right.