The Secret Sister: A brand new breathtaking family saga set in WW2 Wales and sixties Sicily by Jan Baynham

Author:Jan Baynham [Baynham, Jan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Choc Lit Historical Sagas: A Joffe Books Company
Published: 2023-08-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-Three

Claudia became impatient waiting for Alessandro to arrive at the university so she could tell him about her visit to Curtis and Skye. Matteo wanted the day to be spent sketching old masters in a building of their choice. After meeting together, they would be free to explore the city in groups. She knew this would appeal to Alessandro far more than listening to lectures on the painting styles as they’d done on the first day. But he didn’t show up, making Claudia even more afraid he’d already left the course. Surely he wouldn’t just leave without saying goodbye? After the elation of the previous evening, the thought of not seeing Alessandro again filled her with dread. For two pins, she’d cancel too and spend her time painting the seascapes and harbour scenes she loved — but she felt she owed this to her father now. She’d financed the course with the money he’d given her. In any case, I have to find out who Pia and Giulietta are.

Just as everyone was preparing to leave the building, a breathless Alessandro rushed into the lecture theatre and approached Matteo. Claudia watched them talking, and although she couldn’t hear what they were saying, she knew something was wrong. She walked outside into the piazza and waited for him with a heavy heart.

‘Claudia!’ Alessandro joined her. ‘I did not think I would see you again. Mamma’s had a fall. As there is no one else to look after her, I am going to have to withdraw from the course.’

‘Oh no! Is she all right?’

He nodded. ‘Nothing has broken, thank the Lord. A badly sprained ankle. She has been advised to not put any weight on it. I am sorry I will not be with you on the course but, to be honest, this has given me a reason to leave. I have not told her yet. She will insist that she can manage without me having to leave the course, but I now have an excuse to leave. I can see it is not for me, and by leaving so early into the course, Matteo says I may get my money back. Mamma is still at the hospital and I have arranged for a friend to pick her up from there late this afternoon.’

‘I’m sorry you’re leaving, but you must be with your mother.’ Claudia tried her best to sound understanding despite her disappointment.

‘I wonder if you would like to come with me? It is nice for Mamma to have someone in the house when she arrives home. I do not want this to be the end of our friendship.’

‘Nor do I. I’d love to, Alessandro.’ It was all she could do not to hug him.

‘Thank you. But I forget. How do you get on last night with the Americans?’

‘They retrieved the case for me and guess what? It did belong to Nonna, and there’s a diary!’

Alessandro took her hands and smiled. ‘That is very good news.’

Then Claudia had an idea. ‘But I need help.

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