He splashed icy water on his face from a full bucket by the door, dressed hurriedly in his work clothes and went to the main house in search of his family. He found them seated at the large wooden table in the kitchen. Marietta was seated on Lena’s lap, who helped the toddler to dip her spoon into a cracked boiled egg. Nardo and Taddeo had finished their eggs and were guzzling a glass of milk. Contessa had offered Martino a sample of warmed goat’s milk and, if the glow in his cheeks was anything to go by, he seemed to be enjoying it. Even Contessa appeared more radiant, having washed and brushed her hair—not to mention having had a decent night’s sleep. With Martino feeding well, he was now sleeping well—right through the night, allowing everyone else to slumber in peace.
‘Good morning,’
