“Madam, you have saved this revolution!” Paolo kissed me on both cheeks. “We need to plan what we will say. What will we wear?”

“You can do all of that planning on your own. For now, I am going to visit my children.” I left the room as Paolo muttered plans and scribbled in a notebook. I found my way to the nursery. Relieving the nurse, I spent the whole afternoon playing.

Forty-Six

April 1848

The hypnotic patter of the rain against the window made my head feel heavy with sleep. In the brick fireplace a pleasant little fire crackled and spit, spreading its warmth through the cozy room. Not having any practical sewing to do, I took up embroidery. It was the hobby of all the ladies in Genoa, and for better or for worse, I was now a lady of Genoa. I set down the pillowcase in my lap as I let my head lean on the back of the chair.

Watching the rain beat on the window, I remembered the days when José and I would huddle together in a rickety little cabin or tent, clinging to each other for warmth. When I would clutch Menotti to my chest, praying that he would not become sick. If anyone had told me then that I would one day be embroidering a pillowcase for fun, I would have laughed. There had been too much to do. I didn’t have to go out searching for ways to support our cause. I had to regularly remind myself that what I did here was just as important as what I used to do on the battlefield. Wars were fought in more than one way, and while my husband won battles through force, I had to be more persuasive as I fought for the hearts and minds of the people.

However, I hated being left out of the planning. The news that I received was filtered as it passed from one person to the next. I decided it was time to hear from my husband directly. I got up from my chair, letting the pillowcase fall to the floor. The delicate ivy trim would have to wait another day to be finished. Pulling out the first piece of paper I could find, I scratched out a letter to my husband.

Dearest José,

I trust that you have arrived safely in Turin. Since you have left I have made myself a productive member of Genoa society. At Senhor Antonini’s request I spoke at your café, Il Rifugio. Paolo told me the most entertaining story of how you let him fall into a pile of garbage. It sounds as if you and he had many grand adventures!

I have accepted an invitation to the opera. Senhora Elisa Profumo and her husband own a box. Paolo and I are invited to be their special guests, along with a number of what Paolo refers to as “elite citizens” who will provide much-needed support for the legion.

The society women have embraced me as one of their own, looking to me for leadership as they prepare for war. We have begun working with the hospital in Genoa, collecting items for its stockpile. One of the women had the most novel of ideas. We distribute bread to the hungry and tell them, “With compliments of Italy,” so that they know they will be taken care of once we are a unified country.