* * *
Dear Sabrina,
If you would be so kind as to gleefully tell mydearsister, I have finished readingALLthe books. And yes, I have actually read them. Lucia is my witness. It’s taken me two full months, and many sleepless nights, but the deed is done. Now having a thorough understanding of Austen’s world, I can see these books are not just about romance, but have so many other compelling themes to them.
My final verdict may surprise you. Anne Elliot is my favorite heroine, Mr. Knightley my favorite gentleman, andSense and Sensibilitymy favorite book. My least favorite characters remain Mr. Wickham, Lucy Steele, and brace yourself?.?.?. Catherine Moreland. Miss Moreland, I found entirely too childish and almost satirical. In fact, I did not enjoy one moment ofNorthanger Abbey.
Now I have my own question for you. What does Darcy have that Mr. Knightly does not? He is arrogant, insensitive, and prideful. He is continually ashamed of his attraction to one Miss Elizabeth Bennet. While his character may grow by the end of the novel, he never actually changes; it is the reader’s opinion which is swayed.
Curiously,
Lorenzo
* * *
Dear Lorenzo,
I see there is no love lost on Mr. Darcy from you! All of your points are well articulated and true. But the fact remains that Darcy is among the most loyal of all characters. He would do anything to protect his friends and family.
I will point to the relationship between Darcy and his younger sister Georgiana. After the passing of his father, it would have been easy for the young master of Pemberly to send her off to live with an aunt or other female relation, but instead, he chose to keep her at home and become more of a father figure to her than an older brother.
Nora wanted me to pass along that she intends to quiz you on the books during your next Sunday night foray with your family. She still does not fully believe the veracity of your claim to have read all the books. I’ve given up attempting to sway her.
When we next meet for our adventure to Rome tomorrow?.?.?.
* * *
Lorenzo folded the paper from Sabrina’s latest letter in half and tucked it into the front pocket of his shirt. He leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms.
“All finished already?” Sabrina asked. “I handed it to you less than five minutes ago.”
Lorenzo chuckled. “Your letter was only two paragraphs long. Your letters have become shorter and shorter. What’s yesterday’s excuse?”
Her cheeks warmed. “Nora and I arrived home from the opera last night close to midnight. I fell asleep at the writing desk. Then, when you arrived to pick me up this morning, I was running late and there was no time to finish the missive.”
Lorenzo took a sip from his coffee cup and replaced it on the table. “You can make it up to me by sending me text messages or emails if it is easier for you.”
“I like sending you letters through the post,” she challenged.
“Anytime I hear from you it is a welcome treat.” Lorenzo winked. “However, while I appreciate the effort you are putting into penning letters, you’re busy and I understand that. I’d rather receive a multitude of text messages over a single short letter.”
“Touché.” Sabrina finished chewing the doughy croissant and tapped her mouth clean with the coarse white napkin. “Don’t blame me when your phone blows up.”
“I am looking forward to it.” Lorenzo laughed. “How’s my assignment for you going?”
Sabrina hesitated. “I’ve made it a quarter of the way through the firstIron Manmovie.”
They stood. “That’s progress. I promise when you finish it, you’ll be ready to binge the next ten Marvel films.” He left a few euro coins on the table with their bill and led them down a narrow alley.
“I trust you.” Sabrina skipped ahead. “What’s the first destination for today?”
“Excited much?” Lorenzo placed his hands inside his pockets and maintained a leisurely walking pace. She faced him and tapped her foot. “Patience.”
She rubbed her hands together. “Are we close?”
“See for yourself.” He spun Sabrina around and guided her to the end of the alley.
Peeking out from behind a grove of trees and clusters of modern buildings was the four-story-high, elliptical Roman Colosseum. Sabrina scrambled for her phone and began snapping photos, marveling at how this single structure made of stone had stood for over two thousand years.
