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Biddy's Brother: Emilia's Story (2) Finished 30-09-07

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#1: Biddy's Brother: Emilia's Story (2) Finished 30-09-07 Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:05 am
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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1072/799350954_069502dc83_o.jpg (Kelly Family tree)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1154/712381762_aa5fe624cb_o.jpg (Desti Family tree)

Patrick lay awake, mulling over all the things he had heard over the past couple of days. It seemed like a lifetime since he'd first arrived, and all sorts of things that he thought he knew were being turned upside down. He wondered how much of what he'd just heard his father already knew; he never spoke of his childhood in Italy, and rarely of his early life in Australia.

He thought of Joey's friend Madame Courvoisier. Was she really his father's long-lost sister? It seemed a bit presumptuous to call her Aunt Biddy, especially since it might all be a horrible mistake! He wondered what he should do next, and thought that he'd seek out Jack Maynard after breakfast and ask for his advice. Having come to this decision, he turned on his side a was soon asleep.

The next morning, Jack was only too pleased to offer his advice, and they had immediately put through a call to Patrick's mother. Although he knew it was probably some hideously early hour Patrick was sure she would want to know what he had heard, and then it would be up to her to decide whether or not to tell Dad. He knew his father was in Sydney at the moment, attending one of Uncle James' conferences, and was not expected home until Sunday.

By ten o'clock Patrick and Joey were once more on their way to Emilia's room at the hospice, having collected Biddy on the way. They were pleased to see that Emilia was sitting up in bed, ready and waiting for them, Vater Moritz having seated himself in a nearby chair.

"Good morning, Aunt Emilia," Biddy said, as she kissed the old lady's cheek and seated herself beside the bed. "I hope you slept well. We aren't making you too tired, are we?"

"No, of course you aren't, my dear," Emilia smiled at her. "I've waited many years for this opportunity, and I don't intend to waste a minute!"

And so she had continued with her story...

.....

Emilia woke early the next morning and, after dressing, quickly packed everything into her bag. Father Stefan had promised that he would arrange for a car to take her to the station, which would certainly make it easier to take Francesco with her, but she didn't know when that would be and she wanted to be ready. As she finished Sister Maria arrived with a cup of hot coffee and informed her that Father Stefan would be there shortly. Sipping the hot brew Emilia waited, wondering where Francesco was. A few minutes later the door opened and Father Stefan entered.

"Good morning, Senora Guazza" he smiled at her. "Breakfast should be here soon."

"Good morning, Father," Emilia replied. "How is Biddy this morning?"

"She's still asleep I'm afraid; I think it will be some time before the sedative wears off. We'll go and see her after we've eaten. Ah, I think that must be Francesco arriving!"

The door was pushed open and Francesco ran into the room, closely followed by a rather agitated looking Sister Maria.

"I'm sorry, Father," she began. "I'm afraid he got away from me."

"Biddy! Biddy!" Francesco called, looking around the room for his sister. Once again Emilia felt the frustration of not being able to explain, even though she knew that Francesco was far too young to understand the situation, anyway.

Moments later Sister Maria returned with their breakfast and it was fairly easy to distract him and persuade him to eat the simple meal, though she knew she was only postponing the inevitable. As Sister Maria cleared away the dishes Father Stefan got to his feet.

"I think we should see how Biddy is now, Senora Guazza," he said. "Time is getting short, and we still have to pack Francesco's things."

At the mention of Biddy's name Francesco looked around expectantly, and Father Stefan picked him up, carrying him easily as he led Emilia to Biddy's room. The little girl was lying very still, and it was obvious the sedative had not yet worn off.

"Biddy! Biddy!" Francesco called, struggling to escape from Father Stefan's arms, but there was no response from the sleeping child. Depositting the boy at the end of the bed Father Stefan spoke to the young sister seated in the corner while Emilia took a seat beside the bed, watching the little white face for any sign of wakening. Francesco crawled the length of the bed, eventually stopping to pat Biddy's cheek in an effort to wake her.

"Biddy!" he called once more, the gentle pats becoming more determined as she failed to respond. Sitting back on his haunches, he began to pull at the covers, but still there was no response from Biddy and, in frustration, he began to cry. Taking him on her lap, Emilia tried to calm him, but he struggled to free himself and cried all the harder.

"Papa! Papa!" he began, searching for another familiar face, then turning back to Biddy in desparation. "Biddy! Biddy!"

Smiling apologetically at Father Stefan, Emilia carried the crying child from the room and along the corridor to the door which led to the garden. Crossing the lawn to the garden bench, she tried once more to calm the little boy who continued to struggle on her lap while sobbing out his distress. The prospect of the journey ahead was becoming more daunting by the minute.

Last edited by Frogize on Sun Sep 30, 2007 1:06 pm; edited 16 times in total

#2: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:09 am
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I should think the journey would be a nightmare for them both. Poor Biddy, if only she'd woken.

Thanks Pat.

#3: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 6:07 am
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How sad - but if it was this traumatic perhaps Francesco will remember his older sister?

Thanks Pat.

#4: Emilia's Story (2) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 2:06 pm
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A few minutes later Father Stefan appeared at the door, searching for Emilia. He walked towards her, watching her struggle to hold the little boy and wondering how she would cope.

"Sister Maria has gone to pack Francesco's things, Senora Guazza," he said. "I'm afraid you will need to leave within the hour in order to catch your train, so I've had your own bag placed in the car already, and Sister Maria will return shortly with Francesco's."

"Thank-you, Father," she said, a little grimly it must be confessed. "Has Biddy woken yet?"

"I'm afraid not. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to give her the sedative, but she was so upset - almost hysterical - and there didn't seem to be any alternative."

"I know, Father," Emilia answered, an expression of regret on her anxious face as she added, "I wish I could stay longer. It seems cruel for her to waken and find us gone."

"Yes," he agreed. "She's had so much to cope with recently, poor little girl, and I'm afraid things will get worse before they get better - but you have nothing to reproach yourself with, Senora Guazza."

His words did nothing to alleviate Emilia's feelings and she wondered how she would cope with her little nephew on the long journey ahead. Francesco had finally begun to cease his struggles and was now held closely in her arms, sobbing quietly against her shoulder. Walking back towards the building beside Father Stefan she wondered if Marco had thought to inform Luca of the little boy's existence. It would cause quite a stir in the village if she were to suddenly return with another child!

By the time Emilia was ready to leave Francesco was fast asleep and she was grateful for the use of the car to get them to the station. She had made one final attempt to speak with Biddy, who had been beginning to waken at last, but it was futile to hope that she would remember anything of her final words. Still she took comfort in knowing that she had promised Biddy she would care for Francesco as if he were her own son, and that if it had been at all possible she would have gladly taken her, too.

Father Stefan had accompanied her to the station, handing the bags in to the carriage and sending the two of them off with a blessing and a prayer for a safe journey. Emila had thanked him again for all he had done for Luigi and then climbed aboard and taken her seat. It was going to be a long trip home.

Francesco had alternately kicked, screamed, and cried his way to Italy, often calling for either Biddy or Papa, and both he and Emilia were exhausted by the time they finally arrived at the border. Stepping down from the train, she searched the crowd for whoever Marco might have sent with Francesco's papers, but no-one seemed to be waiting for her. The border guards had been angry that she was wasting their time and she had been quite fearful, not knowing what to do next.

She had been taken to a nearby office, and left to cope alone while the officer in charge tried to find out when the papers were likely to arrive. Having been reassured that they were indeed on their way he had been a little more helpful, offering Emilia a room in which she might wait, though there was nothing else in the way of facilities for her. However, when Antonio Bertolli arrived, resplendent in his uniform and driving the official vehicle, and informed the officer that Emilia was the sister of his commanding officer the man had been highly apologetic, falling over himself in an effort to repair the damage to his reputation.

The long drive from the border back to the village had been made to the accompaniment of Francesco's subdued whimpers, and Emilia longed for home and her family once more. She had been met in town by Marco, who had shown not the slightest interest in Francesco, nor had he enquired about Luigi or the funeral. After processing and signing the appropriate forms and papers he had dismissed her as if she were no more than the most junior of his staff.

As Emilia stepped out into the sunlight she was extremely relieved to find not only Luca but the twins, Giulio and Giovanni, waiting for her. The boys had taken the bags and Luca had carried the sleeping Francesco while Emilia had walked beside them, happy to be almost home once more, and anxiously enquiring after the welfare of her other children.

#5: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:40 pm
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What a terrible homecoming - poor Emilia, to have to lay claim to that rat, Marco, as a brother.

Thanks Pat.

#6: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:04 am
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Poor Emilia to have to cope with all of that. Am very glad Lucca was their with two of their kids to help. I'm sure it was what she needed. Poor little Francesco.

#7: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:08 am
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Thanks Pat.

#8: Emilia's Story (2) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:35 am
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(Emilia's eldest brother is also called Francesco, but to avoid confusion he will be referred to as Franco for the time being.)

It had taken two whole days for Francesco to feel safe enough to leave Emilia's lap. He was beginning to recognize Luca as someone safe but his cousins were just a collection of unknown faces still and he was very wary of them all. Emilia's youngest child, Marco, was only a year older than Francesco but he seemed happy enough just to play near them without intruding, and Francesco had finally been intrigued enough to leave Emilia's lap and stand watching. When nine-year-old Lucia entered the room he'd thought for a moment it was Biddy and smiled in relief; but he began to cry again as he realized it wasn't her and had hurried back to the safety of Emilia's arms.

By the end of a week he was beginning to recognize his cousins, the almost 16-year-old twins, Natalina at 13 almost 14, Pietro 12, Lucia, Francesca 8, Domenico 6 nearly 7, and little Bianca who had had her fifth birthday while her mother was away. The only one he hadn't met was Mario who, at 18, lived in town with his Uncle Marco and was rarely seen at the farm.

Emilia had been rewarded for her patience when Francesco had finally begun to speak. He was beginning to understand the words she spoke - so different from the English ones he knew - and at last had called out "Mamma" as he heard his cousins do. However, he had refused to call Luca "Papa" despite all her coaxing.

"Leave the boy alone, Emilia," Luca eventually said. "He knows who his Papa is - and it's not me. I don't mind if he calls me Luca."

Emilia's eldest brother knew that she had brought back Luigi's son but it was several months before he arrived to see the boy, and by then Francesco was settled as part of the family. It was shortly after Francesco's second birthday that Franco arrived at the farm and, seeing the unknown little boy playing in the yard, he headed indoors to see his sister, finding her busy in the kitchen as usual. The brother and sister had sat talking for a while, and then he had risen to his feet and made for the door, watching the little boy outside.

So this was Luigi's son. He looked amazingly like his father and as Franco watched him, concentrating intently on his construction of mud and sticks, his thoughts flew back more than thirty years to the day when three-year-old Luigi had been engaged in much the same task. He had watched then, as eight-year-old Marco raced across the yard and trampled down the construction. He was ashamed, now, to remember that he had laughed while Marco had waited for his little brother to cry but, instead, Luigi had stood upright, looking at his older brother with a slightly puzzled expression.

After a while he'd begun to gather the sticks once more and Marco, angry and disappointed at Luigi's reaction, had snatched them from his hand and broken them before flinging them away. Suddenly Emilia had erupted through the doorway, broom in hand, and they had made good their escape, jeering at their little brother.

Franco knew the exact moment when Luigi had ceased to be the little brother he could never understand. It had been during the war, on a day when he'd been once again resenting Luigi. They had been climbing to a higher position, hindered by the heavy ammunition boxes they were hauling, and Luigi had gone on ahead, quickly calculating and marking exactly where they needed to fix the ropes in order to lift the boxes more easily. He'd stopped on a small shelf some distance above the others and was calling down instructions to them. He'd certainly known what he was doing, and Franco knew that other units envied them Luigi's skill but, at twenty-two, he still found it galling to be taking instructions from his fifteen-year-old brother.

As he watched, Luigi had suddenly grabbed his rifle, fired a single shot across the valley, and then disappeared from sight. Sure-footed as a mountain goat, Franco had swiftly climbed up to the shelf and found Luigi slumped against the mountain wall still holding his rifle. His face was pale, his whole body shaking, and his eyes wide with horror at what he'd just done. Turning to look across the valley Franco instantly took in the sight of the soldier's almost headless body slumped sideways across the gun emplacement, the bright red splash against the mountain wall, and knew for certain that, but for Luigi's action, every man in his unit would be dead.

Dragging himself up onto the shelf beside his brother he had taken Luigi's face between his hands and forced him to look away. His teeth chattering with fear and shock, Luigi had stared into his face and he had hugged his little brother close, holding him tightly until the shaking eased, then forcing brandy from a flask between his lips. From that moment on Luigi had ceased to be a boy, and Franco had begun to appreciate his brother as a man and fellow soldier.

Now Luigi was gone, but his son was still here. Perhaps it was time to make amends. Franco intended to try.

Last edited by Frogize on Wed Aug 01, 2007 9:47 am; edited 2 times in total

#9: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:13 am
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Poor Francesco. Its so many new people and changes for him

#10: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:35 am
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Poor lad - and very telling that he refused to call anyone else 'Papa'. Crying or Very sad

So pleased that his uncle is going to look after him.

Thanks Pat.

(Edited as Pat had added a bit to the end! Laughing

)

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:37 am; edited 1 time in total

#11: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:18 am
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Poor Luigi to go through all of that during the War. It's so hard to imagine what it would be like killing someone in that way, knowing you have to to save other men's lives but probably not wanting to at the same time. I hope Franco and little Francesco can form a bond. I think both of them need will need it

#12: Emilia's Story (2) cont Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 5:48 am
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Little Francesco had eventually found his place within the family, though he continued to panic if ever he was left alone - especially if he couldn't see Emilia. As the year progressed and the weather cleared Franco became a frequent visitor at the home of Emilia and Luca. Francesco had become firm friends with his cousin, Marco, and the two little boys were invariably seen together, often being carried off on some adventure or other by Franco. Emilia never worried about them when they were in his care, and often smiled at the thought that the relationship between the younger Marco and Francesco was in total contrast to that of the previous generation.

This happy state of affairs had continued for a little over three years, until September 1939, when six-year-old Marco began attending the village school with his older siblings and five-year-old Francesco was left alone at home with Emilia. As war broke out again in Europe, chaos reigned once more in the home of Emilia and Luca.

However they tried, it was impossible to make Francesco understand why Marco disappeared each day, and he once more became the fearful and fretful little boy he had been initially. Things were only resolved when Franco came to stay at the farm. He would take Francesco into the village each day with Marco, then keep the youngster occupied until school was over and it was time to collect his cousin again and return home. As Francesco spent more and more time with Franco, and learned to trust him, a strong bond formed between the two, and the day finally arrived when he could watch Marco leave without the tearful scenes that had prevailed earlier.

#13: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 5:56 am
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Poor little Francesco.

Thanks Pat - had missed this!

#14: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:09 am
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I'm glad they're all trying to reassure Francesco like this. Thanks Pat.

#15: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:41 am
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Glad they're all looking after Francesco - but wish Biddy knew all this.

#16: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:15 am
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Poor little Francesco. Its so many changes in his life

#17: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:38 am
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And EBD just threw those characters aside without a further thought

Lucky you are telling us what is happening with them.

#18: Emilia's Story 2 cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 2:53 pm
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A few days before Francesco's sixth birthday - on Saturday February 3rd 1940 - Emilia's older brother Marco sent word that he wanted to see Luca at his office, so he joined Franco and the others on their journey into the village, continuing on to the nearby small town where all official business was conducted. Once there, he'd been kept waiting for only a very short time before being admitted to Marco's office.

"Good morning, Marco," Luca began, as Marco looked up from the papers on his desk, and grunted in response. Rapidly scribbling his signature on the bottom of the paper closest to him, he folded his hands and looked at his brother-in-law.

"I have some information for you," Marco said. "I believe that you knew your son, Mario, was one of our brave volunteers in Spain?"

Luca nodded. It was something he and Emilia had disapproved of, but Mario had long since ceased to pay attention to their wishes, instead preferring to go along with whatever pleased his Uncle Marco. It was a source of sadness to them that Mario was much closer to his cousin Alessandro than any of his own brothers. Now Marco handed him a piece of paper, but he looked at it blankly; he had no idea what it was.

"It's an official death notice," Marco said impatiently. "Mario was killed last year, only a few days before his 21st birthday. It was a couple of months before the end of the war there, when everything was in a mess, and we've only just been notified. I'm sorry for your loss," and he returned to his paperwork. Noticing that Luca hadn't moved, he added "Is there something else?"

Luca stood holding the paper, looking dumbly at Marco, and wondering what he would say to Emilia. As Marco took up his pen once more, Luca turned and left the room, walking out into the street and turning towards the village. They had hoped that Mario would soon be home, but now it seemed he was gone for ever. The thought of telling Emilia was more than he could think about right now. He needed time to himself first.

Last edited by Frogize on Mon Aug 20, 2007 2:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

#19: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 2:56 pm
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Thanks Frogize Very Happy

#20: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:02 pm
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It's never easy to be the bringer of bad news. Poor Luca.

#21: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:20 pm
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What a total piece of s *** Marco is - I really hope he'll be first up against the wall when the revolution comes. banghead

Thanks Pat.

#22: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:48 pm
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Poor Luca to have to bring that piece of news. And what a complete **&^ MArco is.

#23: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:12 am
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Oh poor Luca and poor Emilia. Joins in the poke

of Mario for the way he broke that news. He is so callous and unfeeling. It wouldn't have hurt for a little emotion by him.
Thanks Pat

#24: Emilia's Story (2) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 2:50 am
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As Luca made his way through the village a short time later he saw Franco and little Francesco making their way home for their midday meal and called out to them. Seeing his uncle limping towards them Francesco ran to meet him, delighted to have an opportunity to show off the two fish they had caught that morning. He was a little put out that Luca didn't seem to be particularly interested but, seeing that his brother-in-law needed to talk, Franco sent the boy on ahead to display his catch to Emilia while the two men followed at a slower pace.

When they arrived at the farm Emilia and Francesco were together in the kitchen, the boy seated on a bench swinging his feet and discussing the best way of cooking fish, as Emilia cleaned and prepared the catch. She looked at Luca questioningly as he entered with Franco, and knew at once that something was wrong.

"Francesco, come outside now," Franco said quietly, and with a worried look at Emilia and Luca the little boy followed him into the yard.

"What is it, Uncle Franco?" Francesco asked fearfully, climbing up onto the knee of the man he trusted more than anyone in the world, and feeling the comfort of strong arms around him.

"Mamma and Luca are very sad right now, Francesco," Franco began. "Do you remember your cousin Mario? He lived in town with Uncle Marco."

Francesco nodded but didn't speak. He knew something bad had happened again, and he was frightened. Anything that involved Uncle Marco frightened him.

"Well, Mario won't be coming home any more. He's gone to heaven, now, and Mamma and Luca will miss him very much. He was their little boy, Francesco, the very first little boy they had, and they will be sad for some time yet."

Franco saw the huge brown eyes staring up at him fill with tears and hugged Francesco to him, wondering just how much the boy understood. Wiping his eyes on his sleeve, Francesco sat up and looked closely into Franco's face.

"Will I have to go away again, now?" he asked, trembling a little at the idea but trying to be brave. "Will they be sad if I'm here and Mario isn't?"

Franco quickly rose to his feet and swept the little boy into his arms, hugging him tightly as Francesco buried his face in the man's shoulder and wept. His hand stroked the thick dark curls that covered the boy's head, comforting him with his action.

"No, Francesco, you won't have to go away," he said, his own voice as unsteady as the boy's. "They'll need you more than ever, now," and he returned to his seat, speaking quiet words of comfort and reassurance to Francesco as he held him close and continued to stroke his hair.

#25: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 3:19 am
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Thank goodness Franco could reassure Francesco that he'd still be wanted. It must be awful to live in fear of being abandoned or losing those you love.

Thanks Pat.

#26: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 6:43 am
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Poor little boy - so glad Franco could reassure him.

#27: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 7:10 am
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Poor little Francesco - and how apt that his Uncle Marco frightens him.

Thanks Pat.

#28: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 7:10 am
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Am very glad Franco is there for Francesco. He explained that really well. Thanks Pat

#29: Emilia's Story (2) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 9:17 am
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It was very cold sitting outside, and rainclouds were beginning to gather, so Franco carried Francesco indoors, carefully avoiding the kitchen, where he could hear the sound of Emilia weeping against Luca's chest; and though he couldn't be certain, it seemed most likely that Luca was weeping too. As Franco began to tuck him into bed Francesco burrowed under his pillow, reaching for the little carved donkey that he invariably clutched each night as he fell asleep. It was his greatest comfort in times of stress, though he couldn't remember now where he'd got it, and he soon fell asleep once he felt its hard smoothness under his fingers.

When their other children arrived home Emilia and Luca gathered them together in the kitchen and broke the news to them. A few minutes later, followed by her own youngest son Marco, Emilia came in search of her eldest brother, and found him seated beside Francesco's bed.

"Is he alright?" she asked anxiously, wiping her tears away as best she could, and crossing to the bed.

"He will be, I think," Franco answered softly. "Somehow he thought he'd have to leave; that you wouldn't want him any more. What made him think that, Emilia?"

Emilia stared at her brother in horror and confusion. "I've no idea," she said.

"It was Alessandro," came seven-year-old Marco's voice from the doorway, as he stood watching Francesco sleep, a frown creasing his brow. "He told Francesco he didn't belong in our family, because his name isn't the same as ours. And he said they didn't want him because he wasn't a proper Desti. But he is, isn't he Mamma?"

"Of course he is!" she exclaimed indignantly, while Franco rose from his seat and hurriedly left the room. Emilia heard him swear softly as he passed her, and knew that he was trying to control the angry outburst that burned on his lips. Marco looked up at his uncle as he swept past him and out into the yard, then hurried over to his mother.

"Mamma, is Uncle Franco Francesco's father?" he asked, searching her face. "Alessandro said he was, and that you're his mother. I told him he was a liar, and I hit him, but he's bigger than me so it didn't hurt him and he just laughed at me."

Emilia stared at her son in appalled silence for what seemed a long time, knowing that it was just the sort of thing 13-year-old Alessandro would say - "He's certainly his father's son, after all!" she thought bitterly - but not wanting to believe that he really had. She stood up and faced her own son then, and said in a barely audible whisper, "Don't you ever repeat such wicked words again! Do you hear me? Not ever!" and rushed from the room in search of Luca, tears of anger and frustration pouring down her face once more.

Last edited by Frogize on Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:05 pm; edited 4 times in total

#30: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 9:50 am
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Alessandro is Marco's son? Well that explains it - nasty little boy - hope he gets shown the error of his ways.

Thanks Pat.

#31: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:55 am
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Alessandro's a right little monster, isn't he?

#32: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 2:21 pm
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So much sadness Sad

-- and downright rottenness.
poke

Marco & Alessandro

Good thing Francesco still has some supportive family members.

Thank you, Frogize.

#33: Emilia's Story (2) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 8:44 pm
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Standing outside in the yard, Franco heard his sister weeping anew and wondered if he should go back inside, but Luca came looking for him only a few minutes later, his face suffused with anger in a way that was rare for him. The two men had been friends for many years now, and Franco listened as Luca explained exactly why Emilia was so distressed, his own anger boiling up once more.

As Luca returned to Emilia, Franco set off through the dark and rain in the direction of the village and, without pausing, continued on to the town. It was not a place Franco normally visited, but this time he headed directly to the building where Marco had his office and entered, much to the consternation of the junior officer seated at the desk. He stared at the angry man who dripped mud and water on the carpet as he stormed through, and tried to prevent him from going any further.

"You can't go in there!" he said weakly as Franco strode past him towards Marco's office.

"And just how are you going to stop me?" Franco asked, turning to glare menacingly at him, a barely veiled threat in his quiet voice.

Turning on his heel, he tore open the door to Marco's office, entered, and shut it noiselessly behind him. Marco looked up, intending to berate whoever had dared enter his inner sanctum, and stared into the cold eyes of his older brother. Getting to his feet and smiling in a snake-like manner, he was about to speak when Franco's fist hit him full in the face and he staggered back against the wall, sliding down it and finding himself unable to rise.

"If your son so much as looks at Francesco in the future, I'll break every bone in his body!" Franco said softly, glaring at his brother. "After I've broken yours first, of course! I know Alessandro can't help who his father is, but you'd better teach him to watch his mouth while he can still use it - because I'd be more than happy to make sure he can't in future. Do you understand me, Marco?"

Dazedly, Marco nodded, and immediately wished he hadn't as the pain shot through his head, and he realized blood was pouring down his face and dripping onto his shirt.

"Good!" Franco said. "Don't forget, Marco, because I certainly won't!" and he left the office, signalling to the officer at the desk that Marco might need some assistance, before he left, his feelings only a little relieved.

#34: Author: PaulineS, Location: West Midlands

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 9:02 pm
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Well done Franco. Marco certainly got his "reward"

#35: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 9:24 pm
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Hope that that sorts things out.

#36: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 10:06 pm
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Very, very pleased that Marco has got his come-uppance. I really hope he doesn't try and get back at Franco - unlikely though because, as a bully, he won't want to fight someone stronger than himself.

Thanks Pat.

#37: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:10 am
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Way to go Franco. That was very satisfying. In a way am glad Biddy didn't have to put up with that cos she would have understood a lot more. Thanks Pat

#38: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 1:14 pm
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Doesn't Marco have political power at the moment?
*worries*

#39: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 2:56 pm
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But he so deserved a good thumping! Nasty man.

Thanks Pat.

#40: Emilia's Story (2) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 12:02 pm
—
There had been no immediate repercussions from his attack on Marco, but Franco was well aware of his brother's vindictive nature and kept a watchful eye on both Francesco and the rest of his family. He knew that Marco would have his revenge somehow, and he intended to be prepared for whatever penalty might come their way.

By June, when Mussolini finally decreed that Italy would join Germany at war, Luca and Emilia were beginning to recover from the worst of their pain. The fact that there could be no funeral had been very hard for them to accept and Emilia, especially, regretted that there was no grave-site she could tend. They were also tormented by the knowledge that their other sons would soon be required to enlist.

Giulio and Giovanni were the first to go. At just turned 21, custom demanded that they should already be married, but they had always been happy-go-lucky characters, and the army seemed to offer them an acceptable alternative. Pietro, at 17, was very reluctant to join them; like his father, Luca, he was very much at home on the land. They were all surprised when a message came from Marco saying that, as he would be needed to work the farm, it would not be necessary for him to enlist until told to do so.

Last edited by Frogize on Sun Sep 30, 2007 11:31 am; edited 1 time in total

#41: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 12:18 pm
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Glad their were no immediate reprisals for what Franco did, though he is right. Marco is extremely vindictive. BTW didn't Marco's wife originally fall in love with Franco when they were all much younger?

#42: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:35 pm
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I'm glad that Pietro doesn't have to enlist right now. But I do hope they'll all be ok during the war.

#43: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:50 pm
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Thanks Pat - this is really interesting.

#44: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 10:39 pm
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Thanks Pat - such a terrible time for parents - seeing their children going off to war.

#45: Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 10:17 pm
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Some **&&^%$#* person has stolen my bag with all my research notes for this story and 'Patrick's Story' (plus a lot of other useful stuff like my purse, Mum's medication, stuff I need for work, etc etc!). I'll try to redo the notes and finish this off later; it tells what happens to Emilia and Luca's family during the war, and how Francesco escapes with Franco and his two cousins, Marco and Alessandro (Yes, the horrible one!) The story then continues in 'Francesco's Story' which I started a while ago and is here in Ste Therese's House. It's a work in progress, so please read on from there and I'll finish off 'Emilia's Story' when I've re-written it!

(Edit 02-09-07 at 5.39pm) Here's the last bit of it, that I've just found in my desk!

(Edit 30-09-07 at 7.34pm) Removed the last bit and incorporated it in the last post for this part (which I'm posting right now!)

Last edited by Frogize on Sun Sep 30, 2007 11:36 am; edited 1 time in total

#46: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:50 pm
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(((((Pat))))) It's horrible when you have things stolen - hope you manage to salvage the work.

Loved that episode - and how nice of Biddy to reatrain herself and not rush to the airport.

Laughing

About the fireworks.

#47: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 10:23 pm
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Thanks for the last update Very Happy

#48: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 7:26 am
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Can understand why Biddy wanted some privacy at her first meeting with her brother. Love how she and Eugen went looking for fireworks Laughing

#49: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 11:59 pm
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*pokes evil bag-snatcher 100-fold*

Biddy & Eugen are lovely together. I always wondered if his sense of humor matched hers!

#50: Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 12:59 pm
—
Giulio and Giovanni were the first to go. At just turned 21, custom demanded that they should already be married, but they had always been happy-go-lucky characters, and the army seemed to offer them an acceptable alternative. Pietro, at 17, was very reluctant to join them; like his father, Luca, he was very much at home on the land. They were all surprised when a message came from Marco saying that, as he would be needed to work the farm, it would not be necessary for him to enlist until told to do so.

"We were all amazed!" Emilia said. "Of course, we should have realized right away that Marco would have an ulterior motive for making such a concession but, at the time, we were just glad that Pietro wouldn't have to go," and her voice trailed off sadly.

The old lady seemed lost in her memories and the three visitors looked at each other in some consternation. Just as Joey was on the point of ringing for a nurse Reg Entwistle entered the room, surprised to see Emilia's visitors were still there.

"I'm sorry, but you'll need to leave now," he said. "Signora Guazza needs to have a meal.....and a good rest by the look of things!" he added with some concern. "I think I'll have to put a time limit on any future visits."

"I would like to rest, if you don't mind," Emilia said, looking from Biddy to Patrick. "But please do come back, won't you?"

"Of course we will," Biddy smiled reassuringly, as she rose to her feet and kissed Emilia's cheek. "Sleep well, Aunt Emilia," and the visitors quietly left the room.

As they left the building together Patrick decided that he really must speak with Mme Courvoisier before his parents arrived. So far, only Jack Maynard knew that they were on their way to the Gornetz Platz, and Patrick knew that he intended telling his wife about the plan that evening. It seemed an ideal opportunity for Patrick to speak to Biddy. Walking towards the car he quietly laid his hand on her arm.

"Excuse me, Mme Courvoisier," he began, "I need to speak with you about something."

Biddy shivered, even though it was a hot July day. She'd known he would want to speak to her eventually and had deliberately not forced the issue. Biddy had waited more than fifty years for this day, and now it was here she hoped she wouldn't be disappointed. She intended to tread very carefully indeed.

"Of course, Father," she answered, remaining very formal, and refusing to seek any kind of acknowledgement from him. "Perhaps we could talk a little easier over coffee. I'm sure Eugen would be pleased to meet you."

"Thank you; I'd like that," Patrick replied, looking at her more closely. The strain of the past few days was beginning to show on her face, and he realized just how patient she had been throughout this whole ordeal - and it certainly had been an ordeal for her, he decided.

Turning to Joey, Biddy gave the smallest of smiles as she spoke to her friend. "I'm going to spend some time talking with Father Desti, Joey," she said. "Would you be kind enough to take us both to my home, please?"

"Of course, Biddy," Joey replied, giving her a quick hug. "Hope it all goes well," she added in a whisper as her friend took her seat, while Patrick opened his door on the other side of the car. A few minutes later, Patrick and Biddy waved goodbye to Jo and together entered the Courvoisiers home. They were met by Biddy's husband, Eugen, who led Patrick into the comfortable lounge room while Biddy went to prepare the promised coffee, and in a very short time all three were seated, looking at each other and wondering just where to start.

"Father, this is my husband, Eugen," Biddy began, still retaining her formality. The two men nodded to each other across the room in acknowledgement of the introduction, as she continued, "and this is....." and suddenly she ran out of words, and looked at Patrick.

"I suppose you'd better say 'my nephew, Patrick Desti'," he smiled, and suddenly the tension that had been building in the room vanished, and all three relaxed in their seats. "It's rather a weird feeling, isn't it?"

"Very weird," admitted Biddy, smiling back at him. "You've no idea how I've tried to imagine what happened to Francesco all those years ago, and how many times we've all prayed he was happy. It's been my own last prayer every night for.....well, longer than I care to remember, now!"

"Well, prayers never go unanswered," Patrick replied, "and I think our family has always been of the 'happy' persuasion.....though I'm sure Dad wouldn't say it's been uneventful!" and as she saw the grin that spread across his face Biddy's heart contracted as she remembered that same grin on Luigi's face.

"You look like Papa," she said softly. "Your father looked very much like him, too. It was obvious, right from the day he was born." Her eyes took on a faraway appearance as, in her mind, she was once again held close by her mother, looking at the new little baby in Luigi's arms, red and crumpled but so much like him, even then. Watching her from his armchair nearby, Patrick smiled a little sadly, wondering how she would react to what he had to say next.

"I'm sorry to have to say this, Aunt Biddy," he said, hoping she wouldn't be too disappointed, " but I don't think Dad remembers you at all."

"I suppose I always knew that was probably the case," Biddy murmured sadly. "I wish things had been different, but the whole situation was a mess, and I'm sure evryone did what they thought best."

"Dad never speaks of his childhood in Italy, and hardly ever of his early days in Australia," Patrick continued. "Even what he does say is always in the vaguest terms. It's almost as though his life there didn't begin until he met Mum. I spoke to her on the phone a couple of days ago, and told her about Emilia.....and you. Dad was away at a conference in Sydney, so I left it to her to decide what to tell him. They.....they'll be here in Switzerland tomorrow night, and here at the Gornetz Platz on Sunday."

Biddy stared at him, her eyes filling with tears, then glanced quickly towards Eugen, already hurrying towards her and who gathered her in his arms as she stood up abruptly. She wept softly on her husband's shoulder, while Patrick sat in embarassed silence, wondering if he'd done the right thing.

"Are you sure?" Biddy asked at length, looking at him tearfully as she mopped her eyes and tried to smile. "They're really coming here?"

"Absolutely certain," Patrick answered. "I'm driving to Zurich to meet them at the airport tomorrow, though their plane doesn't arrive until very late. Would you like to come with me?"

Biddy considered for only a moment before she shook her head. "No, thank you, Patrick. I'm afraid I'd make rather a spectacle of myself if I did, and I'm sure they'll be too tired to appreciate my presence. Better to wait until they've had a chance to rest, I think, and meet them in private. You will bring them here, won't you?"

"The plan is for them to stay with the Maynards initially," Patrick began, and both Biddy and Eugen stared at him in amazement.

"Does Joey know anything about this?" Biddy asked, incredulously, a huge smile playing around her lips.

"She does now," he admitted. "Jack was going to tell her when she got home after visiting Emilia today."

Biddy and Eugen made a concerted rush for the window, staring out expectantly, while Patrick wondered if they were really quite sane. Had he been too insensitive in his announcement?

"What are you looking for?" he asked, curiously.

"The fireworks!" they laughed.

--------------------------------------------

(Story continues in "Francesco's Story")

#51: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 2:16 pm
—
Thanks Pat Very Happy

#52: Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:19 pm
—
Thank you, Pat!

#53: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:33 pm
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Thanks Pat. Very Happy

#54: Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:38 pm
—
Thanks Pat Very Happy

#55: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 5:14 pm
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Love the last line and that both Biddy and Eugen know Joey so well! Laughing

Thanks Pat.

#56: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 7:31 am
—

Lesley wrote:

Love the last line and that both Biddy and Eugen know Joey so well! Laughing

So do I. Thanks Pat

#57: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 11:33 pm
—
Poor Biddy! But hopefully things are coming as right as possible, now -- and she and Eugen have a lovely relationship.

fireworks rofl

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

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