I felt uneasy about leaving my things with these women, but I did as I was told. This was a new country with new customs that I was going to have to quickly adjust to. When I was ready, one of the footmen led me down to the dining room, which was lined with ornate wooden paneling. Paolo sat at the end of a long wooden table, my children on either side of him. He looked up at me with a smile as I entered the room. “I take it you had a lovely siesta. The children were just telling me the most magnificent stories of their adventures.”

Menotti and Teresita looked utterly pleased with their new friend. “Senhor Antonini said that we can have ja— ja—…What was it called again?” Menotti asked Paolo with all the charm of a seven-year-old.

“Ge-la-to,” Paolo enunciated slowly so that Menotti could learn to say it properly.

“Gelato. Senhor Paolo says it’s the best dessert I will have. But we only get some if we are good children,” Menotti said with glee.

“I a good girl.” Teresita beamed.

“I see you have found your way into my children’s hearts,” I said to Paolo. “Where is Ricciotti?”

“The nurse has already bathed him and put him to sleep.”

“I like Senhora Giulia,” Menotti said wistfully. “She smells nice.”

“An’ she has sweets!” Teresita said in agreement with her brother.

A plate of roasted vegetables on top of pasta was placed in front of me. “Any word from José?”

“No. None as of yet. Tomorrow morning the seamstress will arrive to measure you and the children for new clothing.”

“That is very kind of you, but we can’t afford such luxuries. We will wear the clothing that we have.”

“Nonsense. Your stay and all of your needs are sponsored by my family. You and the children needn’t want for anything.”

“Truly, Senhor Antonini, José and I are used to being able to get by on our own.”

Antonini straightened in his seat. “Senhora, your husband is the figurehead of our revolution. The Garibaldi family is the first family of Italy. It is my job to make sure you look the part. Tomorrow the seamstress will come and the whole family will receive new clothing. I will hear no more protest.”

The awkward silence that followed was interrupted when Teresita leaned in to Menotti. “Uh-oh, no ’lato for Mamãe.”

Paolo could not hide his smile. “I think we can make an exception for Mamãe, just this once?”

Teresita regarded me for a moment, her little black eyes narrowed as she contemplated her judgment. A cunning smile slowly spread across her face. “Yes, just this once.”

* * *

The next morning as I sat down for breakfast one of the footmen handed me a letter from José.

Tesoro mio,

As you read this I will be journeying to Turin with the hopes of receiving an audience with Charles Albert, the king of Piedmont-Sardinia.

I am grieved to report that our dear friend Anzani died in the middle of the night, surrounded by dear friends. Anzani, always ready for duty, wore his red shirt, even in death. I’ve sent word to Luisa in Spain. Thankfully she has the support of her family to assist her in this difficult time.