Chapter Seven
Signora Celano’s request that Elena be removed from the Pietà into her direct charge was being considered by the governors. Not until a girl of Elena’s age was safely married in the adjoining church or placed in employment where her moral welfare was guaranteed did they normally surrender their responsibilities, but this was an exceptional case. In the meantime the first of the seamstresses, who were to measure and fit Elena for the extensive trousseau she would need, arrived with little fashion dolls displaying the latest styles and a selection of rich and delicate fabrics that filled her with delight. Nevertheless she was highly nervous and far less happy when Sisters Sylvia and Giaccomina came to take her to meet her future mother-in-law.
“If only Marco were going to be
