“Do you think the treatment of Jewish people will spread here?” I asked. “Mussolini is such an admirer of Hitler.”

“I think there are people in Italy who would like to see Jews rounded up and sent to camps, but not here in Venice. Not amongst people of culture. Our Jewish community is such a part of the city and well respected. I think we are safe here.”

We had been standing together, apart from the others, and I wondered if I should tell her about my pregnancy. Was it fair to withhold this information from her? I certainly didn’t want her to learn it from local gossip. But now was not the right time. I’d make a point of coming over to visit her alone, some other time. I thought she would be the kind of person who would not judge, but one couldn’t be sure . . . Then a devastating thought occurred to me. Professor Corsetti! My professors at the accademia. Was there a policy against people like me? Would I be allowed to continue my studies? When I saw him over at the table, helping himself to some pâ té on a cracker, I decided that I had to know. I went over to him.

“Can I have a word with you, please?” I asked. “In private?”

He looked suspicious but came with me into the small anteroom. “Well?” he asked.

I told him I was going to have a baby, that the father couldn’t marry me and that I’d like to continue my studies for as long as possible. Would that be a problem?

“Do you think you will be too weak to hold a paintbrush? To stand at an easel?” he asked. “Or do you think the size of your girth might get in the way?”

“No!” I exclaimed.

“Then what might be the problem?”

“That you don’t want me in your class anymore and think I might corrupt other students.”

He looked at me, then burst out laughing. “My dear girl, in my world everyone has a lover or a mistress, is homosexual or bisexual and certainly has the odd illegitimate child. Nobody will raise an eyebrow, I assure you.” He hesitated. “But you. I am concerned about you. Are your studies more important to you than your safety and well-being? Would you not rather be at home for this momentous event? Amongst those who can take care of you?”

“Yes, I would,” I said, “but I do not wish to cause shame and embarrassment to my mother, so I’m staying away. When the time comes, I will give up my child and go home.”

“A noble sentiment. I wonder if you’ll go through with it.”

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 35

Juliet, Venice, February 21, 1940