The Venice Sketchbook

by Rhys Bowen

Italian wives do.” “You would have liked a brother?” “Of course. An older brother preferably. Then he could have taken over the business, and I would have been free to do

Two thousand and one had not been a good

her. “I think she’s gone, darling,” she said. Great-Aunt Lettie’s cold hand was still gripping Caroline’s. She opened the bony fingers and stood up, staring down at the body. She looked peaceful now. Caroline looked up at her grandmother. “Come and have a cup of tea. There’s nothing more we can do here.” Caroline allowed herself to be led from the room. “I suppose it shouldn’t have been a shock,” Granny said, her voice cracking with emotion. “She’s lived a good long life, hasn’t she? But it’s hard to imagine the world

a pope. They made their money in shipping, and then more money in shipbuilding during the war for that pig Mussolini and for Hitler. Not something I’d be proud of.” She gave Caroline a knowing nudge. “I believe the patriarch stepped down recently. Now it’s his son who runs the business. But no more shipbuilding these days. That’s

He nodded. “I know. But I’m glad it has happened, aren’t you?” “Yes,” I said. “I’m glad I know what it’s like now.” “You were a virgin?” “Of course.” I paused, then added, “I will