Most people thought of boarding school students as privileged—and she was the first to agree that most were—but she’d been on a strict budget from her mother. Ariana had resorted to proofreading term papers and tutoring to earn extra money.
“You’re very talented, my dear,” Ruby said, plucking grapes from the bowl between them. “Maybe inspiration will strike here.”
Just then, Livia appeared at the doorway to the kitchen with Gia. “La signora to see you,” Livia said.
“Grazie, Livia,” Ariana said, sliding off the stool to greet her new friend. Gia was married with a little girl, but other than that, the two of them had much in common. And Gia’s sister Vera was a little older with three children of her own.
They chatted about the deliveries that were due today, and Ariana told Ruby that she’d briefed Livia the day before. Outside, Emilio was busy tilling the soil to plant.
“The first delivery truck was pulling in behind me,” Gia said. “I have to make sure everything is placed where we discussed. And my car is full of sheets and towels.”
“I’m excited to see how everything looks,” Ariana said, following Gia from the kitchen.
Two men had already unloaded a rug for the main living area and were bringing in the sofas that Gia had suggested. The creamy colors were cool against the exterior view of the lake, and Ariana imagined how the cushions would look with pops of brightly colored pillows.
Next off the truck were lamps, and Ariana helped Gia place those throughout the house. Livia took the linens to wash, and soon everything was done.
“It’s still sparsely furnished,” Ariana said, looking around.
“It won’t seem like that once the plants arrive,” Gia said.
Ruby pushed open the doors to let the morning breeze in. “I like the airy spaciousness.”
Gia turned to Ruby. “Would you like to go to the silk factory with us? Vera reminded me of our connection and arranged a special visit for us. I thought Ariana would find it interesting.”
Ruby perked up. “What’s the name of it, dear?”
“Bellarosa. The company has been here for years. They supplied silk for one of the first homes I designed. I’d almost forgotten, but Vera remembered.”
“Ah, yes. You’ll find some beautiful pieces there,” Ruby said. “I have a little shopping to do, but you two go and have a wonderful time.”
Soon, Ariana and Gia were on their way, winding around the steep hillside on narrow roads that took Ariana’s breath away. She let out a little yelp as an oncoming car passed close on a curve.
“You’ll get used to the roads,” Gia said, expertly whipping the car around the bends in narrow lanes. “That wasn’t as close as it looked. I hope I’m not scaring you.”
“It’s okay,” Ariana said, hoping she wouldn’t become nauseous. “Ruby drives just like this.”
When they arrived at the silk factory, Ariana sighed with relief, glad that Gia was a good driver. She was a little queasy, but the feeling soon passed.
After they arrived, they walked toward the building, which to Ariana looked more like a villa with its tall windows and fragrant gardens. Gia spoke to a receptionist at the front, but Ariana’s high school Italian only allowed her to catch a few words. The woman directed them to a group of chairs and sofas, where they sat down to wait.
“If I were going to be here longer, I’d like to work on my Italian,” Ariana said.
“With your last name, I thought you might speak the language.”
“Ricci was my father’s name, and he didn’t stay around long enough to pass on anything.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Gia said. “Did your mother remarry?”
“She was too busy working even to date,” Ariana replied. “She’s an investment banker in New York.”
“I can’t imagine how difficult raising a child would be without my husband. He’s amazing with our little one.” Gia paused. “Your mother must be an incredible woman. That’s a demanding position, especially being on her own.”
Ariana hadn’t thought about it that way. “She’s…unique. As I grew older, I spent more time with Ruby, so I’m closer to her. My mom didn’t even plan to come to my wedding.”
“You’re married?”
Ariana sighed. “I left him at the altar. Actually, I’m relieved.” Even though I’m facing single motherhood, she thought.
Gia’s eyes widened. “You have courage. Like your mother and aunt.” She looked up. “Here’s Alessandro.”
Ariana followed her gaze. What struck her was not the man’s good looks, although, with his commanding height and hair that curled just beneath his ears, he certainly was attractive. Rather, it was the way he moved. Self-possessed, yet graceful—and in a thoroughly masculine way. He would have caught her eye anywhere.
The cut of his clothing was immaculate, too. A silk shirt—it had to be silk with that drape—was fitted trim to his torso, but not too tight, and his trousers sat just right on his hips. A thousand actors would kill for his physique, and she caught herself wondering what it would be like to design clothes for that body.
He greeted Gia by pressing his cheeks to hers as they exchanged a few words. He turned to Ariana, clasping her hand. “Ciao. Come stai?”
“Benissimo,” Ariana remembered to say. She’d understood a few words that Gia had said to him—she’d asked about his children. A glance at his ring finger confirmed it.
As Gia introduced them, Ariana pushed her thoughts aside. Undoubtedly, many women found him attractive, but he was married. Full stop.
When Gia told him that this was her first visit to Lake Como, Alessandro looked surprised. “Then I must give you a tour of our factory.”
Ariana started to protest, but the factory looked more like an artist’s haven than a place of commerce, and she was intrigued. People were chatting outside in the garden or walking around the property—devoid of the tension she saw on employees’ faces where she worked.
While she was sure that they had their share of concerns, the atmosphere was different. It seemed more conducive to creativity and work—unlike the constant stress and anxiety that circulated at the studio. Maybe it was the surroundings. Perhaps the serene waters of Lake Como—broken by the occasional water taxi or ferry—had a calming effect on people.
“My father’s family has been in silk production for almost three-hundred years,” Alessandro said. “In the 1500s, the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza—Il Moro—had mulberry trees planted and bred silkworms. Did you know that silkworms are hungry little creatures that will eat almost anything, but they only produce silk cocoons when they eat the leaves of the mulberry tree?”
Although Alessandro must have given this lecture countless times, an expression of marvel and delight lit his face, and he pressed a hand to his heart. “This is a true miracle of nature. We are so privileged to carry on this tradition.”
While Ariana found the history interesting, it was Alessandro’s passionate delivery that intrigued her. She blurted out, “Do you really enjoy what you do?”
“But of course,” he replied, seemingly perplexed by her question. “We create beauty with natural materials. As with wine or perfume, a person can tell the moment they encounter authentic, high-quality silk. We’re proud of our heritage. Although Como no longer breeds or spins as much silk as before, we are experts in silk weaving and design.”