Chapter 15

Father invited us to polish off the remaining Champagne while we waited for the crowd to clear, so we sat, sipped, and visited with Angelina’s grandparents. SignoraTraverso was particularly effusive in her praise of the music. “I have never heard anything quite so amazing,” she said, “and I certainly didn’t know that pipe organs could sound so wonderful. The performer is so young….”

“Dr. Foster has an amazing gift,” Father said, “and I truly believe that it isa gift.”

“Tom would agree with you, Father,” I said. “He told me that the title of his doctoral thesis was Improvisation—art form or mere mechanics, or words to that effect.”

“Marco,” Father said, “be sure you tell Dr. Foster that he and his partner are invited to my apartment for a late supper.”

“I’ll take care of it,” I said. “If you will excuse us, Dani and I will go backstage and accompany our guests back to the castle.”

“You boys run along,” Father said. “We’ll see you at the castle after a while.”