My gaze caught on an ornate wooden box. Something compelled me to open it.

A delicate portrait of a woman, all soft curves and coy beauty, had been tucked carefully into a hidden compartment. Along the edge, in small, unassuming script, were the words:

"I wish to be the sparrow nesting in the eaves, so that morning and evening, we may always be together."

"The fifth of October. The year we were married."

I sank to the floor, my vision blurring before I could stop it.

That was one month after our wedding. His heart had already strayed by then.

I was a fool. A complete and utter fool.

The dishes on the table had been reheated again and again. I waved my hand, signaling Rosa to clear them away.

"I'm tired. Help me to bed."

Rosa stared at me in disbelief. "Ma'am, aren't you going to wait for the Don? He promised he'd make it back in time to take you to the orchard. The cherry blossoms along the old road."

I shook my head and began undressing without another word.

Ermanno wasn't coming back.

The next morning, the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was Ermanno kneeling at the side of the bed, his face heavy with guilt.

"Gioia, I'm sorry. I lost track of time yesterday. I broke my promise..."

I stared at him for a long time, unblinking.

Who would have believed it? The Don who cut through Commission politics without flinching, who ordered men's fates decided with a nod, on his knees before me over a broken date.

A husband like that. Anyone would find it impossible to stay angry.

When I said nothing, he grabbed my hand and pressed it against his own body, urging me to hit him.

"If you're upset, take it out on me. Hit me until you feel better, all right?"

I shook my head, my voice flat. "I'm not upset. I just think it's a shame. The cherry blossoms in full bloom. I never got to see them."

Relief flooded his face. He lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a deep, lingering kiss against my fingers.

"Silly girl. There'll be plenty of chances. I promise I'll take you. I swear it."

Then he hurried off to the compound. There was business with the captains that couldn't wait, there was always business that couldn't wait. The front door closed behind him and two soldiers fell into step at his back, their footsteps fading down the gravel drive.

I watched his retreating figure, straight-backed and sure, and sat there motionless for a long time.