Summary

In Part V, Chapter 1, though Giovanna heard little of what Roberto said during the parish talk, she was desperate to speak with him.

In Chapter 2, Vittoria and Giuliana introduced Giovanna to Roberto, who listened when Giovanna spoke with marked attentiveness. When he moved on, Giovanna noticed he engaged everyone the same way. Feeling deflated, she fled the church. Vittoria found her outside, and trying returning the bracelet. Giovanna refused it.

In Chapter 3, Giovanna pressed Nella about her relationship with Mariano, convinced her mother was lying. She went upstairs and changed her usual all-black attire. Downstairs, Mariano was over. He leered at Giovanna's breasts. Giovanna thought Roberto was the only respectable man.

In Chapter 4, Giovanna realized she had "fallen in love at first sight" (184). Feeling foolish and desperate to see Roberto again, she called Vittoria. Vittoria was angry; Nella had told her to stay...