They would join her at the Mass without her invitation, and she sent them away, complaining to the priest at San Piero of their intrusion into her devotions. “But, Signora Allibatore,” he said to her, “did you not allow the English gentleman to join you?” “After he first requested my company weeks ago, I explained to him I was in mourning for my husband and would not entertain the idea of such a thing until my mourning was completed. He graciously accepted my words, and he asked again once my mourning for Alfredo had concluded. As he was a good customer of my father’s, I considered it would be proper to permit his company at the Mass. Now that Lord Lisle is gone, these bold fellows think they may have my company easily, without my permission, Padre, and they cannot.” “I understand,” the priest said immediately, but then he added, “Of course, some of them might be interested in courting you, signora.”
