Alessandro's Prize Read Online Free PDF Page B

their time, their resources, to ensure Sophia’s safety and well-being.
    It was a commendable act, and one Lily could only admire.
    â€˜Let’s begin, shall we?’
    She gave her aunt an infectious smile. ‘Lead the way.’
    It came as no surprise when Sophia was greeted by name and afforded deferential treatment at many of the shops they visited.
    â€˜The Charity Gala, signora ? For you?’
    â€˜And my niece, Lily.’
    â€˜Ah, I have the perfect gown. So elegant.’ She paused as she considered Lily’s slender curves and height. ‘For Lily, perhaps something from the Spring Collection. An opaque floral silk chiffon in delicate shades of powder blue, lavender, with a hint of pink. There is simplicity in the style, and with your hair swept high…’ Her head tilted a little. ‘Or the red, sì , the red would be stunning with your colouring. We shall view them both.’
    Of the two, Lily adored the red silk chiffon with its bias cut skirt, ruched bodice. Elegant, the design showcased her delicate shoulders, narrow waist, and Sophia clapped her hands together as she accorded it perfectto.
    â€˜We will take both.’ Her eyes twinkled with pleasure and she lifted a hand at Lily’s protest. ‘It is my gift to you.’ A light laugh escaped her as she took hold of Lily’s hand and lifted it to her lips. ‘All these years I am your godmother, and there have been so few opportunities for us to spend time together.’
    â€˜ Zia , please. It is much too generous.’ She turned towards the vendeuse. ‘The red gown, for which I shall pay.’
    â€˜ Cara , we will not argue.’
    â€˜We have exquisite stilettos to match the gown.’ As if by magic the delicate shoes were presented for approval, and as promised, they were perfect.
    â€˜Lily, you may pay for the stilettos,’ Sophia conceded graciously. ‘But that is all I will allow.’
    It was an exceedingly beautiful gift and a very specialmemory she would treasure for a very long time, and she said so as she hugged her aunt with genuine appreciation.
    â€˜Now I shall stand strong,’ Lily insisted as they emerged onto the street. ‘Lunch is on me, at a restaurant of your choice.’ She paused fractionally, then lobbied with an impish twinkle, ‘We will not argue, sì ?’
    Sophia gave a delighted laugh. ‘You remind me so much of your mother, when, as single young women, we shopped together.’
    Carlo retrieved their signature-emblazoned carry-bags, and spared both women a musing look. ‘Success?’
    â€˜Indeed,’ Sophia agreed. ‘Yet we are far from done.’
    Carlo merely smiled. ‘Of course not.’
    Together they strolled towards Via Manzoni, pausing frequently to browse the shops, venturing into a few, purchasing items that enchanted the eye, as Sophia and Carlo pointed out places of historic interest, the aristocratic palazzi along Via Manzoni, the Grand Hotel, the Archi di Porta Nuova, a city gate once part of the medieval walls.
    There was a sense of timelessness, a lingering knowledge of centuries past, and how life must have been then in comparison to today’s era.
    Lunch offered a leisurely respite, and they sampled excellent cuisine, shared a light white wine, concluding with coffee before they emerged onto the street to visit a famed museo where paintings graced the walls and precious ceramics were featured.
    It was Sophia who suggested they dine before returning to Lake Como, and Carlo drove them to a charming little osteria owned by a couple who made divine pasta sauce. So much so, Lily savoured the taste with a view to determining an elusive ingredient.
    â€˜I have tried to persuade the chef to divulge the secret of his sauce,’ Sophia confided. ‘All he will do is smile, lift hishands and offer “a bit of this, a touch of that”. Incredible, is it not?’
    â€˜A hint of chilli,