The Tuscan Child

by Rhys Bowen

She was doing what the English did. When anything embarrassing or emotional threatened to come up, one discussed the weather. Always a safe topic.

To realise that one has nobody in the world—that is a sobering thought.

I want you to know that our beautiful boy is safe. He is hidden where only you can find him.

“When the world has gone mad, we must help each other when we can.

cucina povera—simple food for the peasants. And a good way to use up yesterday’s stale bread. It is simply stale bread soaked in broth, and then we cook the garlic, tomatoes, some carrot, and celery and add these to it, then serve with olive oil.

“The Society of Saint George,” she said. “A devotional society of the men of this town. It is an honour to be invited to join.” I noticed then that their white tunics had a star on the breast. A many-pointed star.