Bel looked at him and saw the honesty in his eyes. Even though she’d known he would propose to her today, the words he’d spoken were more moving and genuine than any she’d expected. And she began to believe what her mother had said to her. She felt, ironically, a rush of sympathy for Gustavo, and guilt too, as she only wished to God she could share what he was feeling. It would make all the jigsaw pieces of her existence fit together.

‘Gustavo, I . . .’

‘Izabela, please,’ he entreated. ‘I promise I’m nearly done. I understand that at present you almost certainly don’t feel the same way about me. But I believe I can give you the many things that you need to flourish in life. And I hope that one day you can grow to love me, at least a little.’

Bel looked beyond Gustavo and saw that the other recent occupants of the pavilion had retreated from it and that they were now alone.

‘If it helps,’ Gustavo continued, ‘I saw Senhor da Silva Costa three days ago and he told me how much you wish to tour Europe with his family. Izabela, I wish you to go. If you agree that we will be engaged immediately and you will marry me after your return from Europe, then I will tell your father that I believe a cultural tour of the Old World would fit you out very well to be my wife.’

Bel stared at him, completely taken by surprise at his suggestion.

‘You are very young, querida. You must remember that I am almost ten years your senior,’ Gustavo said, as he touched her cheek. ‘And I want you to broaden your horizons, just as I was allowed to do when I was younger. So, what do you say?’

Bel knew she must answer quickly. What Gustavo was offering her was a dream come true. One word from him could give her what she desired most – the freedom to travel beyond the narrow confines of Rio. It came with a heavy price, but one she’d already prepared herself to accept anyway.

‘Gustavo, it’s very generous of you to suggest such a thing.’

‘Well, of course I’m not happy about it, Izabela. I will miss your presence every day, but I also understand that one cannot keep beautiful birds in a cage. If you love them, you must set them free to fly.’ Gustavo reached for her hands. ‘I would obviously prefer to show you the sights of Europe myself. In fact, I had considered taking you on a European tour as our honeymoon. But if truth be told, at this moment in time I simply don’t have the finances to fund such an adventure. And besides, my parents depend on my presence here. So, what do you say?’ He looked at her expectantly.

‘Gustavo, surely your parents and Rio society will not approve of this idea? If I’m to be your fiancée, shouldn’t I be here with you in Rio until we are married?’