Chapter Six
As she was dressing for the reception Marietta wondered, not for the first time, how it would be when she and Alix met again. Perhaps he would be angry that she had to all intents deserted him. Maybe he would not come at all.
As soon as she and Elena were ready, they went to see Bianca. Still pale and weak, she sat propped against her pillows and smiled as soon as she saw them. Sister Giaccomina, sitting at the child’s bedside, looked up with a pleased expression from the book she had been reading to her.
“See how much better our little patient is this evening,” she said, indicating an empty bowl and cup on the side table.
“Did you really eat all your supper, Bianca?” Marietta exclaimed with approval.
The child nodded proudly. “Every bit!”
Elena applauded. “Well done!”
“
