Linn Halton - The Secrets of Villa Rosso - Escape to Italy for a summer romance to remember

The tour of the villa is eye-opening as it’s much bigger than I had realised. When you approach it from the terrace you see a cluster of three interlinking stone buildings, whose roofs are at differing heights. My room is more or less directly above the reception area and my window looks out across the front, southern elevation. The large building off to the side mostly comprises guests’ rooms, but being at a ninety-degree angle to the main building the views look west, in the direction of the mountains. Between the two buildings is a smaller building, nestled into the corner and Bella informs me it’s Trista’s suite.

‘Ooh, there’s a wonderful chest in here you might like to see. I’m sure Trista won’t mind if we go in.’

This part of the villa is very different to the rest, where everything has been carefully designed. Trista’s room is a mix of the old and new. An ornate wooden table is covered with silver-framed photos and for the first time I get a glimpse of Trista’s husband. Several are of their wedding day and they are young, happy and smiling fit to burst. I have no idea from the other photos if any of them include Aletta, as there are so many group photos taken over the years.

‘Do you have children? Bella asks, noticing my interest.

‘Yes, two. Hettie and Rosie. They’re both teenagers. It’s always chaotic in our house. Lots of noise.’

She smiles. ‘I bet they’re missing you. Where’s home?’

‘The Forest of Dean. It’s on the Welsh border. It’s a beautiful spot and we love exploring the nature trails.’

‘Oh, I’ve never been, but I’ve heard of it.’

‘I’ll give you my number and if you go back home for a holiday and fancy a weekend away, give me a call. We have a spare bedroom and don’t get many guests.’

‘Thank you, I just might take you up on that. I’m overdue a return visit and that could be just the incentive I need to make it bearable!’

Bella stands in front of a wooden chest inlaid with panels of intricate metalwork.

‘Lovely, isn’t it? And it looks old.’

‘Wow, that’s gorgeous. I’m sure Olivia will love this. It’s perfect for storing linen, or to use as a coffee table. Thank you, Bella.’

‘That’s Aletta,’ Bella points to a photo of a beautiful young woman. Tall, slim and elegantly dressed. A young Audrey Hepburn springs to mind. I don’t know quite what to say, so I point to the photo next to it.

‘Is that Stefano Ormanni?’

She nods. ‘Yes, it’s all very sad, isn’t it? To lose your daughter and your husband in such a short space of time is unimaginable. Life doesn’t get much crueller than that. But Trista has Max to rely on and he’s been her saviour. The son she never had.’

I flounder for something safe to say as a response, not wanting to pry.

‘Only time can lessen the pain. You never really get over a loss like that, do you?’

Arrgghh, I shouldn’t have made it a question.

‘Trista will never get over it. She told me once that she feels her life is now about existing, rather than living. I didn’t know what to say to her so I gave her a hug. There aren’t many things that leave me speechless. But that was shortly after I arrived here and feelings were still running high. People were suspicious about Aletta’s disappearance and it wasn’t a good time.’

I make a show of taking a few snaps to avoid having to reply and then, thankfully, we move on to some of the rooms towards the rear of the main building. Bella has no idea how uncomfortable I feel and I’m glad the conversation about the family ends there. Is it wrong to be curious about someone else’s tragedy?

The magnificent views of the mountains and the forest areas on the slopes looking north, which is the backdrop to the village of Castrovillari, soon have me clicking away once more. Too far away to see in any great detail, it’s mostly the shapes and colours that dominate the horizon as far as the eye can see.

I continue snapping a few photos to show the girls on my return, in between shots of wall hangings, rugs, rustic metal-and-wood coffee tables, and various decorative items.

‘This is such a good idea, Bella. What better setting in which to display what the cooperative has to offer than a stunning villa like this one?’

‘That’s Max, for you. He’s constantly trying to think of ways to give the locals some return. The Ormannis weren’t keen at first, treasuring some of the more old-fashioned family heirlooms that were a part of their heritage. He convinced them that updating the villa was essential and a part of that should be to make it a celebration of the way forward. When I arrived here the work was in full swing and tempers were a little frayed at times. But in the end everyone could see it was the right thing to do and now I do believe Trista genuinely loves it. In a way, I think it makes the past a little less painful, as so much of what is here now is new.’

I pretend to be occupied with taking some snaps of a rather large rug, but my head is trying to formulate a question. Bella smooths the cover on the bed, taking out a wrinkle.

‘Is it possible to move on in such a situation?’ It’s an honest remark. How can any mother bear not knowing what happened to her only child?

I’m not sure what exactly Bella knows about Trista’s daughter, maybe nothing, and I’m cross with myself for letting my curiosity get the better of me. But I’m going to spend several hours with Max again today and it would help to understand him a little more.

‘Trista has had no choice but to accept what seems inevitable now, that she may never know for sure what happened. With every month that passes even clinging onto a slim hope now seems pointless. I feel so sorry for Max, too. Since Stefano’s funeral Aletta’s name is rarely mentioned and never by Trista or Max. Anyway, I think it’s time we headed back downstairs, as he’s probably waiting for you.’

I don’t think Bella meant to cut off the conversation as such, but glancing at her wrist watch she’s conscious of the time. However, I hate to take advantage of her willingness to chat to me about this, so in a way it’s probably for the best.

‘Thank you for the tour, Bella. I really appreciate it and I had no idea just how sprawling this place is; I’ve toured French chateaux that aren’t as interesting, or commanding.’

‘I feel lucky to be working here. My mother, however, will never forgive me.’ The smile on her face says more than words could ever tell me. Here she feels free to be herself.

And I know that when I leave tomorrow a part of me will be very sorry to be saying goodbye.

~

‘I must apologise for my absence, Ellie, but the matter was pressing. I’m sure we can make up some of the lost time and get you back here in time to rest up before dinner. I’m conscious that you have an early departure tomorrow and will want to retire promptly. I … um—’

As Max holds the car door open I slip inside, then wait a few seconds as he walks around to the driver’s door.

‘I was wondering if you’d join me for dinner this evening?’

He seems hesitant, as if he’s not sure it’s the right thing to do.

‘Well, as we have something to celebrate I think that would be very appropriate and a lovely way to end my visit.’

His head turns sharply and his brow lifts, taking in my words.

‘You’ve spoken to Olivia?’

‘Yes. She said to tell you that based on the photos I’ve sent her she will have absolutely no problem in filling the first container. And she said “first” container too, implying there will be others.’

Max slams his hands on the steering wheel as his body rocks back into the seat, the smile on his face quite possibly the biggest one I’ve seen so far. His eyes twinkle as he looks at me and grins.