20
Lago di Como, 2010
“Let’s position the love seat between the two stone urns,” Ariana said, directing Livia and Emilio. “Pink geraniums spilling from those urns would contrast well with blue cushions in the seating area.” She put a finger to her chin, considering the patio furniture groupings on the terrace.
Ruby had given her carte blanche to design the exterior space, and Ariana was thoroughly enjoying herself. The blue lake beyond the terrace and the white-capped mountains as a majestic backdrop set a serene tableau.
She hadn’t realized how much she needed this respite. Ariana’s distress over Phillip was fading in the bright sunlight that beamed into her room every morning as if it were a serving of happiness to begin the day.
Ariana wished she could stay here with her aunt, yet
