Canada, 1931
The duke and Ofelia could no longer afford private tutors and governesses, so each night after Sveva went to bed, they considered schools in England and France, discussed the size and state of the residence and grounds of various boarding schools, whether or not their daughter would be able to have a private room and bath as she was accustomed. It was always the duke looking for the best opportunity for their brilliant daughter and Ofelia saying, “It’s too far, Leone. You can’t take her so far from me, from us.”
In the end, Sveva went no farther than Vancouver to Crofton House School for girls. I knew the decision must have been based partly on cost. Despite this, there were several letters from the headmistress imploring the Caetanis to stop sending so much to her for allo
