The driveway slowly dipped before rising again, following the folds of the landscape. Over the ridge ahead, a property suddenly came into view. At a distance, the multi-storey building glowed golden under the mid-morning sun. They weren’t yet able to make out any particular details, but the property seemed to have been born from the land upon which it stood. It was so perfectly placed that the valley appeared to envelop it with its curves and hold it securely in its loving, timeless embrace.
Sarah caught the moment Matthew’s eyes found the building, and she watched with relief as they widened, then bloomed in surprise.
‘Eccoci!’ Alberto announced as the convoy of three vehicles came to a halt in the open space at the front of the main building. Alberto and the driver were the first to disembark, opening the car doors for the couples. Stood in their pairs, Alberto pointed to the villa in front of them and said, ‘This is Convento delle Viole. Named after the thousands of wild violets that blossom each Spring across the grounds, tinting this corner of the valley purple. Built in the fourteenth century, it has been in the D’Adamo family for over six hundred years. Originally a convent, it was repurposed during the Second World War as a makeshift hospital by the Allies, predominately the Americans. Since then, we have not had a purpose for the estate. It has remained relatively untouched.’ Sarah and Matthew listened intently, absorbing every word. ‘As is the law for all properties of this nature in Italy, the external façade cannot be altered. It may be restored, but not changed. We do not have time to seek bureaucratic approval for such major changes. Inside, you may paint the walls, but the frescoed ceilings must remain untouched. The floor is paved with original wood-fired bricks. It cannot be changed. Repaired, yes, but not changed.’
Sarah heard Matthew swallow nervously as Alberto continued. ‘It is a beautiful property. But one as old as this requires special care and consideration. Kind hands. Warm hearts—’
‘Is our property in the same terrible condition?’ Silvia interrupted, her beady dark eyes glaring disapprovingly at the weathered building.
‘Luca, Silvia, your property has its own challenges. Itismore modern, yes, but it requires a significant makeover to bring it up to scratch aesthetically.’ Returning his attention to Convento delle Viole, he added, ‘This property is steeped in history. D’Adamo history. Take good care of it.’ He reached into his blazer pocket and withdrew a large wrought-iron key. Placing it in Matthew’s hands, he said, ‘The folder has all the information you require to assist you in completing the renovations. In fact, and this is for both parties, we have assisted you by ensuring you have hot running water, electricity, a refrigerator and a working stove. We have supplied a wi-fi connection and you have a hardwired telephone line. The rest is up to you.’
Alberto gestured to the drivers of the final two vehicles of the convoy. Sarah and Matthew’s few bags were quickly unloaded and left by the door before one of the drivers presented Matthew with the car keys. ‘Per Lei, Signor D’Adamo.’
Matthew’s face was puzzled as he inspected the key.
‘Your car, of course,’ confirmed Alberto. ‘The other is for Luca and Silvia.’
The driver of Sarah and Matthew’s car joined his colleague in the second vehicle, ready to move to the next property.
‘Zio, this is . . .grazie.’
‘Di niente.’ Alberto’s rotund nose blushed. ‘Oh, and we have a little something to help you settle in for tonight. Until you find your feet. And a bed.’ He disappeared for a moment before returning with a large hamper. ‘Some food. Wine. Linen.’
Matthew gratefully received the wicker hamper, which was heavier than appearance had suggested.
‘Tomorrow morning you will meet Angelo. He will be here to support you. You can negotiate the hours, but his salary is outlined in the folder. He is a good man. Set in his ways, but a good man. Do us proud, Matteo.’ Before Matthew could respond, Alberto turned away. ‘Allora, andiamo?’
‘Sì! Finalmente!’ shrilled Silvia, pushing Luca back into the car.
‘Buon lavoro, cari.’ Alberto waved from the window as the cars turned up the driveway and disappeared over the ridge.
Matthew and Sarah stood speechless for a few moments. Between the folders, the car, their luggage and the hamper, it was all too overwhelming. The breeze suddenly picked up, and danced through the line of pencil pines down the driveway. Sarah watched how they remained so steadfast, despite the wind’s force.
They simultaneously turned to face the building.
‘You know, if you’d have told me over breakfast that this is how the day would pan out, I wouldn’t have believed you,’ Matthew said.
Sarah sighed a little louder than intended. ‘I’ll say.’
‘Permission to swear?’
‘Duly granted,’ she laughed.
‘Fuck.’
Sarah laughed again, louder. ‘Christ almighty.’
He turned to face her. ‘I’m so sorry for dragging you through this. Into this. Whatever the hell this is.’
‘I told you to sign the contract, Matthew. We’re in this together.’
He dropped into a deep squat, running his hands through his hair. ‘This is not what I was expecting.’
The sight of Matthew crumpled over himself drew her mind back to his response to Dr Stefania’s card.‘When I’m upset, please . . . Give me space.’Her instinct was to reach for him, but something restrained her. She knew this was a key stepping stone for them. Their first moment together to process and come to terms with the change of plan. And Matthew, evidently, was feeling many things. Though he had requested space, this situation also implicated her. Despite herself and the risk of upsetting him, she knew he needed support.
Joining him on the gravel, Sarah put a hand on his shoulder. ‘Hey. Look at me.’ His green eyes met hers. ‘Enough. We have work to do. You want your inheritance? Let’s get this show on the road.’ She coaxed him to standing and she was genuinely relieved that he hadn’t fought her on it.
Together they assessed the building.
