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‘You know our daughter would look beautiful in a hessian bag. But yes, she’s wearing her best.’

‘I want this finalised today,’ he said, cutting the air with his hand.

They spoke as if she wasn’t present, listening to them size her up like a prize animal to be sold. After all, that was what they were doing – selling her to the highest bidder. She hated them in that moment. Hated her mother for not standing up for her. Hated her father for thinking Lawrenz was good enough, even though she’d expressed her concerns. Hated them both for cutting her hair into a shorter hairstyle this morning, which her mother said made her look older. Valentina disagreed. She thought it made her look younger still, with its short fringe and helmet shape that stopped at her ears. She missed her long hair.

Now, as they walked, she made one last effort. She didn’t have much time.

‘Papa, did you love Mama when you were about to marry?’

He turned to smile at Valentina. ‘I loved your mother from the day I met her. I never thought her family would consider me, and it was the luckiest day of my life to be chosen.’

She nodded, having heard this story before. ‘And, Mama, how did you feel about Papa?’

Her mother’s gaze misted slightly. ‘Oh, he was shy – I did all the talking. I was keen, you see. I thought he was a catch, and so did my parents. We knew he was ambitious and would one day inherit his father’s business and make it work. It was enough. And your father was quite handsome too, you know,’ she said, cutting him a grin.

‘And your mother was an angel,’ he replied.

Valentina swallowed. This was her chance. ‘I’m glad you loved one another and wanted to marry. But I wish you were unhappy now that you’re forcing me to be with someone I don’t care for. And I don’t believe he cares that much for me either. You two had friendship and love and attraction. I have none of that, and still you insist.’

Her father stopped in his tracks, his expression telling her that he’d realised he’d walked into her trap.

‘Oh, Leni…’ her mother began.

‘Valentina Camilleri,’ her father said. She knew he was serious when he stated her name in full, but right now she didn’t care. She’d take the rebuke, if only she could nudge his plan off kilter just a fraction today. ‘You will make this marriage. Right now you are a child who can’t see further than her nose. But I can, and your mother agrees. The Falzons will afford you a good life and a chance for your children to make something of themselves.’

‘But Papa, I would like to make something of myself!’

‘Stop it!’ he spat, his ire finally engaged. ‘The decision is made.’ He didn’t get angry often, and she knew she’d lost the battle.

Still she persisted. ‘Why do you care about children I haven’t yet had, when you don’t care about the one standing in front of you?’

‘Leni,’ her mother appealed, ‘it’s because we love you that⁠—’

‘No, you only care about the family’s future. I want you to care about my heart today – about how I feel right now. I want you to care about my future, not my children’s or even my brothers’. You know I’ll look after them, no matter what happens. I will protect them in the future, but who will love me?’

‘Your husband will,’ her father said in a flat, forbidding tone.

Valentina shook her head. ‘Papa, he won’t. You’re being persuaded by your own desire for security, for⁠—’

‘Leni!’ her mother cautioned.

‘I think Lawrenz resents me – he certainly doesn’t love me. And I have no feelings for him at all. He’s a bully – I’ve told you this. Mama, is that what you want for me? To be bullied in marriage?’

Her father walked on, shaking his head.

‘We’re all bullied, my girl. We’re women. We have to find other ways to get what we want. You, my darling daughter, are far too forthright. Your directness will always make people bristle. You have to learn to be subtle,’ she said, the back of her hand stroking Valentina’s cheek.

Valentina leaned into the affection. It wasn’t often that her mother touched her so gently or made Valentina feel that she had her full attention. This was her last chance. ‘He may hurt me, Mama.’

Her mother sighed. ‘And you’ll learn to absorb that pain, child. You’ll also learn how to take control but quietly, invisibly.’

Valentina inhaled sharply. ‘So I have to stop being me?’

Her mother nodded. ‘In a way, yes. You’ll become a new you. That’s partly why I wanted to cut your hair. It’ll be easier for you to look after and keep tidy this way, and you look more grown up. It’ll help you become the woman you’ll need to be.’

They heard a whistle and both looked over. Her father was beckoning, impatient for them to catch up.

‘Now, make yourself ready, Leni,’ her mother muttered. ‘Do not inflame your papa any further. He’s securing your future.’