End of September 1939
Sally collapsed, exhausted emotionally and physically, into the wing chair by the window of her bedroom at Villa Vittorio. Gazing at the gardens stretching towards the cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, she felt a brief bit of calm that allowed her to release a deep breath and relax her shoulders. “So much has happened in such a short time since the waning days of summer,” she thought to herself. A light knock came at her door, Sally turned briefly to whisper, “Come in,” as the door gently opened and Contessa Cavallo quietly peered in before slipping inside the room, closing the door gently behind her.
“I brought you a little something to help calm the nerves, for both of us,” Contessa Cavallo whispered as she offered the small crystal glass of Amaretto to Sally. “I figured we both could use a bit now,” she continued. “I’m ok to leave it with you and give you time alone if you like, or happy to sit with you too my dear,” Contessa Cavallo added. “I don’t want to impose.”
“That’s very kind of you, Isabella,” Sally replied. “You aren’t imposing at all, and I am grateful for your company if you’d like to stay for a while,” she said with a sigh while looking out on the sea and taking a sip of the fragrant Amaretto, feeling it’s warmth deep inside.
Taking a seat in the wing chair opposite Sally by the window, Isabella responded, “I know it may seem overwhelming my dear, but you’ve been an amazingly stalwart presence in this family during what is a most troubling time. But, I don’t want you to feel that you have to bear the full weight of worry about what’s happening and what’s to come by yourself. You are a formidable woman Sally, even if you doubt yourself, but remember that a smart woman also knows when and how to gather those who can best support each other and work together during difficult times. Remember that my dear. It will serve you well in the life battles and challenges ahead,” Isabella concluded, lifting her glass to toast with Sally. “To formidable women, bonded together in times of challenge and celebration!” she exclaimed.
“To formidable women!” Sally replied enthusiastically while clinking her glass with Isabella’s. “Thank you for that reminder, Isabella,” she replied after taking another sip of Amaretto. “I know that in my mind, but my heart needs reminding from time to time that even on days when I don’t feel like I’m accomplishing much, that it is ok, and I’m giving the best I can on that day. It is just a lot to process from what is happening so fast. It seems like yesterday that Luca and Luciano and I were basking in the sun on the beach in the summer, and now, all of this. I talked to Rita in the summer and she and her family had just gone to Brussels to spend time with her older sister and her family so that Rita could continue her neuroscience research there without the harassment she was facing in Turin. Then, September came, and the world seems to have gone mad!” Sally exclaimed.
“We all felt something like this coming, but still it comes as a shock,” Isabella replied with concern. “September has been a tumultuous month for not just Italy and Europe but the world, I fear. First, Germany invading Poland on September 1st. Then the UK and France declaring war on Germany on September 3rd,” Isabella added with a look of worry upon her furrowed brow. “I know right now Il Duce and Italia remain neutral in the war, but how long will that last?” she concluded with a tremble of panic in her throat.
“Let’s hope Italy does stay neutral,” Sally replied. “We are seeing more Jewish refugees from other parts of Europe who are fearful and coming to Italy for safety. “We are seeing many coming from the Croatian region of Yugoslavia, mostly from Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. They make their way down to Dubrovnik and then come by boat across the Adriatic Sea to the port of Bari.” “I’m most thankful for you and Count Cavallo for allowing us to host the DELASEM (Delegazione Assistenza Emigranti Ebrei) Assistance Organization for Jewish refugees’ monthly meetings here at Villa Vittorio to coordinate our efforts to support all the refugees. We’ve been able to find volunteers and homes all over Puglia who are willing to assist these families in time of need. Even those who have little are volunteering to share what they have to help others. It gives me hope to see that in these times of war, discrimination and threats of violence against minority communities throughout Europe,” Sally continued, taking another sip of Amaretto while watching the sea in the distance thinking of all the Jewish refugees all over Europe seeking safe harbor from hate.
“How are Rita and her family doing now in Turin?” Isabella asked.
“They returned to Turin earlier this month after the German invasion of Poland as other Jewish people in Belgium and across Europe became increasingly concerned about the risks of remaining in other countries. But, shortly after returning to Turin, they felt it was safer to go to their home in the Piemonte countryside,” Sally replied. “Rita said it was easier for her to continue her neuroscience research with chicken eggs from the nearby farms, while also remaining somewhat close to their villa in Turin if needed. They are doing well there right now,” she concluded. “And when I last spoke with Marjorie she informed me that she and Ambassador Davies have been called back to the United States from Belgium with the outbreak of war,” Sally added with sadness. “I do miss Marjorie, but she promised me that we would stay in close contact, and she’s available to assist us at any point if needed, which is a great comfort,” Sally sighed.
“Perhaps we all could use a break now, a change of location, and spend time together during the upcoming holidays,” Isabella replied. “Maybe we can join Rita and her family in the Piemonte countryside!” Isabella continued excitedly. “We have other families we know in the region with large villas to accommodate all of us if needed so as to not overwhelm Rita and her family, and it would be wonderful to spend time with other friends and family in the region that we don’t see that often,” Isabella continued, her excitement at the thought increasing. “We all need to gather and support each other during this unsettling time of war,” Isabella added, “War or not, life goes on!” Isabella shouted with a smile, startling Sally, who suppressed a surprised chuckle at her mother-in-law’s quick change in demeanor and exuberance. Isabella ran to the door and rang the bell, calling her attendants.
“You called?” the smartly dressed attendant replied as she quietly entered the room. “How may I help you, Signora Contessa?” she asked.
“Please place a call to our cousins in Piemonte to inquire what their plans are for the approaching holiday season and if they are amenable to hosting and planning a holiday gathering in their estate for the Count and Contessa Cavallo and family as well as the Levi-Montalcini family from Turin. Let them know that the Cavallo’s will cover all expenses for the gathering and provide additional staff as needed, traveling with us from Villa Vittorio. If they would like to discuss with me in detail, please let me know, and I will be available to talk with them.”
“Right away, Signora Contessa!” the attendant replied excitedly at the thought of traveling to the Piemonte with the Cavallos and working at a grand estate there for the holidays.
“What better to drive away the blues and worries of war and troubles than to plan and host a fabulous holiday party with family and friends, supporting and encouraging each other!” Isabella laughed, turning to Sally who smiled and laughed in response.
“You know I always love a good party, Isabella,” Sally laughed in response. “And it would do us all some good to have a change of scenery and see family and friends in the safety of the countryside. I’ll call Rita and her family as well and share the news and confirm their availability and interests in this holiday party. I’m sure they will all be thrilled for the support and encouragement during this time as well.” We can celebrate the Christmas and Hannukah and New Year holidays together,” she added. “Thank you, Isabella for breaking through the fog of my dreary mood today and making things brighter. I’ll tell Luca and Luciano the happy news now too. They will be excited to see Rita as I will too,” Sally replied as she ran from the room, the dark cloud of war and worry lifted from her mind, if only for this moment.
