Chapter 2 Summary

We learn that Luigi Leopardi's press secretary, Francesca, was responsible for arranging photo shoots and press interviews for Annabel while The House on the Piazza was being promoted. In effect, Francesca controlled the information to which the media had access and she greatly influenced how Annabel was portrayed to the public. Francesca was also largely responsible for implicating Frederick in Annabel's public image. She arranged for him to appear in photographs with his wife and to be interviewed together with Annabel. Annabel's public image became that of the happily married wife who is outwardly cool and reserved, but who privately shares a passionate sex life with her husband.

Although Frederick plays the role that Francesca imposes on him, he disapproves of the extent to which Annabel promotes her own public image. There is more evidence of Frederick's unhappiness in his marriage. He has...