I came down the stairs at noon, and there he was, standing in the shade, just outside that impressive marble portico of the accademia building. He stepped into sunlight, giving me a delighted smile that absolutely melted my heart.

“You are still here!” he exclaimed. “I was afraid I would not see you again. I was so happy to get your note. I heard that the accademia was sending home the foreign students because of the war, and I was sure you had gone. Shall we find somewhere for lunch? What do you feel like eating?”

“No, nothing, really. I’d rather talk. There are things I want to say.”

“Of course,” he said. “You’re telling me goodbye, aren’t you? You have to go home before it’s too late and it’s no longer safe to travel through France. I will help if you like. I can arrange to have one of our people travel with you to make sure you get safely across Europe.”

I said nothing but started to walk across the little square to the edge of the canal, where a tree was providing a deep pool of shade. I perched on the low wall, and he came to sit beside me. Just below my reach, the waters of the canal slapped at the brick wall. A gondola glided past, the woman passenger reclining and holding on to a broad-brimmed straw hat. It was the perfect peaceful scene, contrasting with my inner turmoil.

“I will miss you so much,” Leo said, “but I will be happy when I know you are safely at home. You live in a small town, no? So you will not be at risk of bombs. At least we have nothing to fear in Venice from such things. It will be declared a city of heritage that nobody would dare to touch. And my father and father-in-law will become very rich transporting supplies for German armies, so all will be well for both of us.” The laugh he gave indicated that this wasn’t what he really felt.

“Leo,” I said, “this is what I have to talk to you about. I’m not going home.”

“You’re not? But you must, cara mia. While you can. What if Italy decides to join Germany, and you are an enemy? And your mother—she will go crazy with worry and fear if you are far away.” He touched my hand. “I don’t want to lose you, but I want what is best for you. Safest for you.”

Oh God. The touch of his hand on mine was overwhelming. I felt tears welling up.

“Leo, I can’t go home,” I said. “I’m going to have a baby. My mother can never know.”

He looked stunned, as if I had slapped him across the face. “A baby? Are you sure?”