Rosamanti Read Online Free Page B

horns. Again, he opened up a secure barrel and took out some alfalfa, handing some across the fence to Sarah.
    “She’ll love you forever if you feed her.”
    Gingerly, she held out the bunch of green, sweet smelling hay. The goat gently nuzzled it from her grip and happily chewed on it, her lower jaw sawing sideways as she munched away. Geraldina turned her attention back to Pietro as she heard him pop the lid on the bucket, running over to him as he pulled out a carrot, some lettuce, and other fruits and vegetables. As she ate, he went into the shed and brought out a little stool and a shiny, stainless steel bucket. Fascinated, Sarah watched as he perched on the stool and milked Geraldina while she contentedly munched away, obviously enjoying the experience. It seemed clear to her that Geraldina and Pietro were an item.She smiled broadly as she watched them, the big Italian man and the goat, marveling at the simplicity of life here on this rocky ridge, bathed in sunshine. Inner peace settled deep inside her for the first time in quite a while.
    After about fifteen minutes, Pietro stood and carefully pulled the little pail out from under Geraldina. Handing it to Sarah, he smiled.
    “Have you ever made cheese?”
    She shook her head.
    “Well, I could teach you.”
    She took the shiny metal bucket from him and looked inside. It was nearly full to the brim with white, frothy milk. It smelled sweet and fresh. He stowed the stool inside the shed and gave Geraldina one last pat on her ample belly.
    “Ciao , bambino .” He turned and looked at Sarah. “Are you ready for more of the tour of Rosamanti?”
    She grinned broadly. “I certainly am. Lead on!”
    He took the pail of milk from her, carrying it back up the rough, steep track. “This ground is a series of rocky ridges, with small dales or valleys in between which are relatively flat. Or, at least, flat enough to be productive. Nonnaand I have a vegetable garden that would rival any you would find anywhere.” The pride in his voice made her heart quicken—or maybe it was just the exertion of climbing up and over the rocky outcrops that dotted the pathway.
    At the top of each ridge, there was a 360-degree view. To the north, she looked over the Tyrrhenian Sea to Naples. If she looked northeast, past the steep sides of a nearby mountain, the hulking Sorrentine Peninsula stood impressively high against the dark blue water. Looking west, she could see down to the Marina Grande and beyond, able to make out the coastline of Capri all the way up to a far headland.
    “Over there, you can see the boats off the Grotta Azzurra.”Pointing to the left, he indicated what looked like ruins. “That dark shape is the remains of Villa Damecuta.” He put a hand gently on her shoulder and turned her until she was facing west. He pointed a finger. “On that far hill top is Anacapri. There you can see the chairlift which goes all the way up to Monte Solaro—the highest peak on the island.”
    A rocky, mountainous ridge blocked the view as she turned south, but completing the circle, several large, jagged rocks rose out of the water.
    “Those are the Faraglione Rocks.” He sounded excited. “Sarah, there are so many wonderful things for you to see here. I would love to show you my island—if you would let me.”
    She turned to look at him, seeing the kindness in his eyes.
    “Pietro—I-I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. I-I’m not here to—find a man or fall in love…”
    She immediately saw the color in his eyes change intensity, like a shadow crossing them. He looked away and stared out into the distance. When he spoke, his voice made her regret what she had said.
    “Signora. I am merely offering you the hand of friendship. I love to have the opportunity to speak English, and I love my island. As I told you last night, Zia Maria is more than capable of finding me a wife if I should want one. I don’t need to do it for myself.” With relief, she heard just a