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‘It’s because you’ve never been loved properly – like you deserve.’ He stroked her hair. ‘I’m here now. I’m never letting you go.’
She closed her eyes and sighed. His words felt like a balm.
Night had come in. The air felt heavy with the summer scent of Valletta, but also with an unspoken conversation that now needed to happen. They had dressed again and she’d made coffee; it was time to face reality.
Peter began the conversation, taking her hand in his. ‘Valentina, how have you managed all these years? Emotionally, I mean.’
‘What other choice do I have?’
‘You could leave him.’
She shook her head. ‘I’m Maltese, Peter. Catholic.’
‘So? He hurts you. They can’t—’
‘I can’t tell you what they’d say about me if I did.’
‘Do you care what they say?’
‘No!’ she said defiantly. ‘But it’s Danjel who matters, and he doesn’t need a divorcee for his mother.’
‘This is nineteen fifty-four, Valentina,’ he appealed quietly. ‘People would understand…’
‘It might as well be fifty years ago, Peter. It makes no difference. And what are Danjel and I supposed to do if I did find a way to leave? How would I care for us?’
‘Don’t think about that. Think only about the problem in front of you. Can you see yourself living the rest of your life, into old age, with Lawrenz?’
‘Yes, because there isn’t an option.’
His shoulders dropped with frustration. ‘I’ll phrase it another way. Can you envisage a life without Lawrenz, where you and Danjel no longer live under the threat of a fist, and you can pursue your life as you choose it?’
She smiled. ‘Of course I can. It’s all I allow myself to dream about… apart from you.’
He touched her face. ‘Do you think your parents would want this for you?’
‘This is my father’s fault, Peter. I’m sure he didn’t expect it to be this brutal, but he wouldn’t hear my objections. I knew Lawrenz wouldn’t treat me well, though maybe I would have actually run away if I’d known just how bad it would be.’
‘Forget the past,’ Peter said. ‘Think on your future and getting away from Lawrenz.’
‘You make it sound easy, but you don’t understand.’
He nodded slowly, finally accepting her word. ‘You have a few weeks before he returns?’
‘That’s what he said.’
‘Then enjoy them. You don’t have to make a decision immediately, but you can think on it… and you can plan.’
‘I’ll be penniless.’
‘You won’t. I will provide.’
Something about his determination galvanised her. ‘I will think on it.’
‘Good. We’ll talk more.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘I’d better go. I have an early meeting to get ready for before Their Majesties arrive.’
‘Well, I’ll be making sure the cathedral never looked more sparkly clean. I hope they visit. It really is special to be there with the Caravaggio.’ She sighed. ‘Do you really think they’ll find a signature?’
‘Yes, I do. We’re told it exists, we just can’t see it. I hope this restoration in Italy is the key. What I wouldn’t give to be there.’
