journey somewhere, and I thought it would give us a chance to catch up.’
‘I’d love to see you, of course,’ said Mimi. ‘But I should warn you – there has been bombing up here. The last raid was just a few days ago. Fortunately, our apartment is still standing.’
‘I’ve heard about the bombing.’ Isabella recalled a conversation she had with Count Ciano at the golf club before Christmas. ‘But as I say, I’ve got to stay somewhere, and I’m just as likely to get bombed in a hotel as with you.’ She laughed nervously. ‘How long has it been since we saw one another?’
‘Eight… nine years maybe?’
‘Really, is it that long? So much has happened to both of us. I’m so sorry I had to miss your wedding. My problem is that I’m always working.’
‘Yes, that was a shame,’ Mimi observed. ‘It was a lovely day – just family, really. We’re very happy together. Are you married?’
This innocent question felt like a stab in the heart.
‘No,’ Isabella replied quietly, ‘but I have met someone.’
‘How exciting!’ Mimi’s enthusiasm was obvious. ‘You must tell me all about him.’
Isabella instantly regretted saying anything. ‘Oh no, there’s nothing really to tell. I’m more excited at the prospect of meeting Daniele.’
‘And he’s thrilled at the idea of meeting you,’ said Mimi. ‘He’s a huge fan.’
This one simple statement somehow shattered their shared intimacy. Isabella no longer felt they were just two friends chatting quietly, catching up on old times. It revealed the chasm between them. She was a movie star and her friend’s husband was a typical fan.
‘I hope I won’t be a disappointment,’ Isabella suggested quietly.
‘How could you be?’ Mimi sounded genuinely shocked. ‘Now, talking of disappointment, you must understand that we just live in an ordinary apartment. It’s in the old town, in a rather beautiful building, but the apartment itself is quite small. On our salaries we can’t afford much.’
Isabella reassured her. ‘Mimi, I’m sure it’s wonderful. I’m really grateful to you for putting me up.’
The journey to Genoa would take all day. Isabella had to change trains in Florence, and as they left the city and travelled west, she spent the afternoon admiring the rolling Tuscan countryside through the carriage windows. When she realised they would be passing through Pisa, she hoped to catch a glimpse of the famous Leaning Tower, but was disappointed it was not visible from the train. After Pisa, the railway line turned north, passing through small coastal towns along the Ligurian coast.
As the train pulled into Forte dei Marmi station, Isabella had a sudden flash of recollection. Wasn’t that where Vicenzo had a house? Was this the ‘house in the country’ where he and the family were spending Christmas? It seemed unlikely. Forte dei Marmi was a summer resort, but even so, Isabella had to fight the impulse to get off the train and go in search of Vicenzo’s house.
When they finally arrived in Genoa, it was already early in the evening. The porters unloaded Isabella’s trunk from the train and wheeled it to the taxi rank. As she travelled the short distance from the station to Mimi’s apartment, she was shocked by the damage Allied bombing raids had inflicted on the harbour. She was relieved to find Mimi’s apartment building had survived unscathed. The concierge offered to take care of her trunk until the following morning, and directed her to the third floor.
Mimi opened the door, carrying a small white fluffy dog in her arms.
‘Isabella! How lovely to see you. Please come in – meet little Minou.’
Isabella kissed her friend and stroked the little dog’s head. She was introduced to Daniele, who blushed as he shook her hand. He was tall and dark-haired, with a kind face. While Mimi showed her to her room, Daniele poured them all a drink. Back in the sitting room, Isabella sat down on the sofa, with Minou at her feet.
‘She likes you,’ said Mimi. ‘She doesn’t normally sit next to strangers.’
‘I love dogs,’ Isabella replied, thinking of Vicenzo’s two splendid greyhounds.
‘Do you have one at home?’ Mimi asked.
‘No, sadly. I’m away working so much, it wouldn’t be fair.’
‘You mentioned you live with your mother – couldn’t she look after it?’
‘I’m not sure. My mother is a rather complicated woman. Besides, I don’t expect to live with her forever.’
‘When you get married, you mean?’
‘Yes, I suppose that’s what I mean.’
‘So tell me all about him,’ said Mimi, leaning forward eagerly. ‘When we spoke on the phone, you mentioned there was