“I couldn’t do that!”
“Then leave it to Fate.” Or me, the countess thought maliciously.
When Dante told his mother that Floriana’s birthday was fast approaching, Violetta decided to throw her a surprise dinner party with the family. Beppe was conveniently in Milan, giving her free reign to spoil Floriana. The table was set up on the terrace with a silver balloon attached to the back of each chair. A cake was made in the image of Good-Night, and tall flutes were arranged for champagne. Violetta was sure that Floriana had never been given a birthday party and wanted to make it special—overcompensating, perhaps, for the disappointment that would surely strike come September. She bought her a gold bracelet, which rattled with little charms, and took great care in wrapping it with pretty pink paper and ribbon. The chef cooked a buffet-style dinner that was laid out like a banquet.
Dante kept Floriana away, taking her down to the beach until it was time to return to the villa. She knew he had a surprise for her, and she was sure he was going to take her out to dinner at a fine restaurant. She had put on her best dress especially. But when they returned to La Magdalena, she realized that he had planned something else and hadn’t a clue what it could be.
They walked through the house hand in hand. As they entered the drawing room she saw the table and balloons through the French doors and put her hand to her mouth in astonishment. Outside, the family awaited her: Giovanna and Costanza, Damiana and her two best girl friends, Rosaria and Allegra, and Violetta, gift in hand and smile lighting up her delicate face.
Floriana’s fears were now swept away for good. Violetta could not have given her blessing more clearly had she voiced it out loud. With tears in her eyes and pink-cheeked with pleasure, Floriana approached the table. She noticed everything: the little flowers scattered over the tablecloth, the gifts piled onto her plate, beautifully wrapped with pretty paper and ribbons tied in bows, and the bounty of food. All for her.
Violetta embraced her affectionately and held out her gift. “Darling child,” she said, “you deserve this more than anyone I know. I wish you happiness and health and many fruitful years ahead.” She briefly touched Floriana’s cheek with the back of her hand, gazing onto her face as a mother to a daughter.
Floriana sat down and opened the gift. She pulled out the bracelet and stared at it in disbelief. Violetta attached it to her wrist. “I chose the charms individually. Look, here’s Good-Night, an F for your name, a bird, a cricket, a flower, a little house that opens to reveal two hearts, a church, and a cross.”
Floriana laughed through her tears and shook her head, and everyone laughed, too, realizing her emotions prevented her from speaking.
She opened her other gifts: a dress from Damiana, a necklace from Giovanna, a poetry book from Rosaria, and a bottle of Yves Saint-Laurent perfume from Allegra. The countess had taken Costanza shopping and bought Floriana a pretty leather handbag with a matching purse, leaving Costanza in no doubt that her mother was really very fond of her.
Drunk on happiness, Floriana sipped champagne and ate from the delicious spread of food. Dante sat beside her, squeezing her hand under the table every now and then to remind her that he loved her. As the light faded and the candlelight grew stronger, the chef stepped out of the house with the cake. The table cheered at the sight of Good-Night re-created in sponge and icing, and Floriana clapped her hands in delight. She blew out the sixteen candles and reluctantly plunged the knife into the dog’s paw, closing her eyes to make a wish.
Violetta knew what she was wishing for, and her pleasure was at once marred with apprehension. She wished this night could go on forever, then no one would get hurt.
But time ticked on without consideration for Violetta’s feelings, and at the end of the evening Dante drove Floriana home.
They stopped in a secluded place, overlooking the sea, and Dante pulled a little box out of his breast pocket. “And this is my gift to you,” he said, handing it to her.
“What is it?” she asked, turning it over.
“Open it and see.” Floriana did as she was told and carefully opened the wrapping. Inside was a little red box. With trembling fingers she lifted the lid to reveal an eternity ring glittering with white diamonds. Without a word he lifted it from the velvet cushion and took her hand in his. “We’re too young to marry, Floriana, but with this ring I promise you that I will love you for eternity.” He solemnly slipped it onto the third finger of her right hand.
Floriana gasped and watched it sparkle like little stars in the moonlight. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”