“That is a novel idea,” Elisa said, setting down her fork and addressing the ladies. “I believe Mrs. Garibaldi has stumbled onto something that will benefit all of us. As so many of you know, my family was integral in making Genoa the greatest city in all of Italy. Now, I know you all can’t trace your families to the Crusades, but it is our duty to make sure Genoa is properly supported during the unification. Volunteering at our hospital is an important part of that.” The other ladies murmured their agreement.

“Was this something you found easy to establish?” Claudia asked.

“Well, once the war began there were others who established the hospital. In Laguna, I was a volunteer. On campaign with José, I kept my own medical kits so that I could help our soldiers as needed. In Montevideo, we already had a hospital, but I coordinated the wives of the legion.”

Elisa put a hand on my arm. “Your experience then will be most valuable.” She turned back to the women. “First we need to fund our endeavor. Who has any ideas on how to fundraise?”

From there the conversation broke down as women discussed their ideas to raise money for our hospital. Our main course was taken away and delicate whitefish was placed before us. I thoughtfully listened and then a thought struck me. “Perhaps we could do more than just organize a hospital? People need to see unification in a positive light. They need to see that it can bring them happiness and fulfill their needs.” By this time our third course had been cleared and delicate crystal bowls filled with blood orange sorbet appeared. The women’s talk changed to ways they could be a positive influence on the unification effort.

I was surprised to find that once the sorbets had been finished the footmen came around once more, delivering large plates of fruit to the table and coffees for each of us. Elisa sipped at her coffee and then leaned toward me. “My husband and I have our own box at the opera. We were wondering if you would like to join us?”

“I’d love to. Thank you,” I said, a bit surprised.

Elisa gave a little clap of glee. “It has plenty of room. Sofia, Claudia, and their husbands will be joining us.” I looked to the other two women, who nodded in unison, their curls bouncing. “Oh, and bring your lovely sponsor. What was his name again?”

“Paolo Antonini.”

“Right, bring Mr. Antonini. I simply hate odd-numbered groups when going about town. Antonini can talk business with the men while we plot our adventures.” Her eyes grew big as she displayed a coy grin.

When I arrived home from the luncheon, Paolo stood in the middle of the foyer. He rocked on the balls of his feet. “Tell me everything. Who was there? What did you talk about? Was your dress fashionable enough? Do they accept you?”

I raised a hand. “Please, give me a chance to breathe.” I related every detail of the luncheon to him. “And then just before I left, Elisa invited us to join her and her husband in their box at the opera.”