Karen Aldous - Under a Tuscan Sky

Financially, Olivia was exceptionally lucky having inherited her grandparents’ home, and running a thriving business. Having a child was not going to ruin her, but she wasn’t convinced about being a committed mother. Doubts still lurked in her mind and until she had a child, she would never know. She would never be able to test her reaction to having her own child and that was such a huge and possibly damaging leap of faith to take, one that convinced her she would need a relationship with every ounce of support.

However, Alberto’s suggestive tones and readiness to make her even consider a child was hugely provocative, a massive turn-on. If anyone was going to persuade her to get pregnant, it would be him – but still, such a risk. And anyway what had happened to that iron determination to embrace being single and manage without a man? Her nerve was already weakening.

Could this be what love was all about? Meeting someone who turned your life upside down in just a few hours? Could she be struck by someone so quickly and totally out of the blue? Would it be madness to ignore such a magnetic force and live life regretting she didn’t at least find out?

As the plane parked, passengers stood and gathered their belongings, Alberto included, and as he lifted his arms to collect his rucksack from the overhead locker, she perused the lithe, slim trunk of his body, and wondered if she would regret not taking up his offer.

He lowered his gaze, catching her again and triggering a further heat rush from her chest to her brow. Her skin pinked and licking her lips she said, ‘Well it’s been lovely meeting you. Have a good trip.’

He bowed his head slightly and although appearing disappointed, forced a smile. ‘Thank you. You too, but I hope you make use of the number on my card. I think destiny has arranged our meeting today.’

She clenched her fists, trying to reconcile her head with her heart. He was right: it was destiny, and obviously it was time she threw caution to the wind and had a bit of fun, wherever it took her. Before she could speak and agree, her conscience intervened again. She gritted her teeth. But what about remaining unattached and learning how to be totally self-reliant and independent? Yes, and miss the one opportunity to be with someone you really feel at one with.

‘You may be right,’ she told him, resisting a commitment.

***

In extremely high spirits, thinking of the gorgeous Alberto, Olivia’s self-esteem had swelled to top level in just a few hours, even aiding her with her rusty driving skills. Apart from negotiating the first roundabout, she almost forgot was on foreign roads. She followed the satnav instructions with a new-found confidence, catching glimpses of the undulating hills and vined landscape as she drove along the Tuscan motorway and to the village for supplies first.

Soon back on the winding roads and climbing round tight bends, it was only when she reached the grounds of Villa Elena that it dawned. It was possible that she was in love, or lust at least. She had felt Alberto’s presence beside her for the whole car journey and she felt elated. Olivia Montague may have found the man of her dreams.

Following the driveway, she entered the gravel parking area in front of the villa, spotting the familiar figure of Nico, the farm manager, speaking to one of the groundsmen. The groundsman held a Strimmer in one hand and a set of earphones with the other. Nico waved and headed towards her car.

‘Ciao. Welcome again, Olivia. You have bags?’

‘Thank you, yes in the boot.’ She stepped out of the car and pressed the fob to open the boot, then reached across to collect her hand luggage from the passenger seat. Peering up at the villa, she sighed at its towering strength.

It was a farmhouse really, but for some reason earned the title of villa. Three storeys high, built of local stone, and nestling so fittingly within its own hamlet of medieval cottages and farm buildings – now renovated for agritourism – among the sprawling vineyards and olive groves. It was a sight to behold and one she had barely appreciated in her youth. She loved the farm as a child, loved being able to run as wild as any beast, and enjoyed her time helping out.

Now it appeared so organized and formal compared to the ruggedness she remembered as a child. Still stunning but in a different way. Nonna had secured grants to renovate and elevate the accommodation, which now drew in the tourists, the complex reorganized and kept to much higher standards.

It was only the separate house – the villa, her grandparents’ home – which for some reason hadn’t yet been renovated. It had been maintained but suffered neglect compared to the complex and, yet, had so much potential if funds allowed.

After kissing him on both cheeks, she smiled at Nico who was standing in front of the vines. ‘Lovely to see you again, Nico. Have you harvested the vines?’

‘You look – you see the fruit?’

Olivia gazed more closely at the vines between the buildings, unable to make out the details. ‘I’ll take a look.’

‘Yes, we harvest two days ago.’ Nico shook his head. ‘Come. Gabriella make you something to eat first.’

As they entered the main courtyard, Gabriella, with combed-back grey hair and wearing a navy trouser suit, walked towards them, the ruddiness in her face immediately warming. ‘Olivia, so happy to see you. How was your journey?’

‘Good thank you and, as you ask, quite different to the usual actually. I seem to have made a new acquaintance. A very charming Italian man who is keen to show me around Tuscany.’

Gabriella’s kind eyes smiled and she reached out to hug her. ‘How very romantic. You go with him?’

‘I think I might call him.’ Blinking at her instinctive response, Olivia kissed Gabriella’s cheeks and wrapped her arms around her. ‘You look well. How is business?’

‘Is quieter now of course but we have a small party of artists. How are you?’ Gabriella ushered her towards the table overlooking vines drenched in afternoon sun.

‘Very well. I should be asking you. I expect you miss Nonna greatly?’

Unwrapping a platter of assorted bruschetta, Gabriella’s lips tightened. ‘Very much I miss Elena. The farm is not the same. She was a very good friend to me.’ She bit her lip, then wiped an eye. ‘Your nonna’s wish would be for you to continue for her at the farm.’

Olivia took an olive-paste bruschetta and bit into it, grateful for the tiny reprieve as the rich flavour of Italy burst on to her tongue. She swallowed the first mouthful. ‘My life is in England, Gabriella. Unfortunately, I know nothing about Nonna’s business. How could I possibly get into such a huge business with no experience? My mamma would know far more than me.’

‘Like your nonna, you learn, and me and Nico show you. You are a clever girl. If we have new owner, we don’t know if we like them or trust them.’ Her head rocked from side to side. ‘Nico and I are very worried.’

Olivia’s chest rose as she felt the burden of guilt inside her. This was why her mother, Roz, should have been given the responsibility. It was the natural order of things. Nonna was wrong to leave it all to her. Her mother grew up here and understood the land and culture, and all that was involved in farming, maybe even the business. Although, she suspected, with all the changes, it was now as alien to Roz as it was to her.

Finishing another mouthful, Olivia said, ‘Please don’t worry. You know I would select the new owner carefully and try to put in a clause or covenant that you and Nico are to remain. I can’t make guarantees. I really can’t tell what buyers are searching for. Not until the market is tested, but you and Nico will be my first consideration, I can assure you.’