10 November, 1784

Rocca Sorrentina,

My dearest Love, Master of My Heart and Mind,

I write to you bereft. Though you have not yet been gone from here even twenty-four hours, I find myself suffering as though you were lost to me forever. I do hope you have arrived safely in Genoa and will soon be well in your lodgings in Milan. So kind of the maestro to offer you rooms there. You will make a splendid Guglielmo and I look forward in strutting in pride as the wife of the much praised basso, Gabriel Piozzi! I will, of course, be present when you sing this role for the first time.

Although I miss you terribly, I am not without distractions in your absence. I have made an appointment to meet withEmira Xiamara, one of the band of gypsies in residence on this island. Yes, I know this is quite out of character for me. I assure you I will not be abducted or swindled. I seek just one conversation with this woman. She is a fortune-teller of some great skill, I am told. I would very much like to know a little bit of the future. Having reason to believe you and I are in for a happy surprise, I would like some input from one who can see what lies ahead. After I have spoken with her, I will have another appointment to keep. This one with another woman of this island. Between the two, I will learn enough to feel confident in sharing what they tell me with you. my love.

For now, know that you are deeply missed and that I will be at your side in a few week's time. Please write to me every night after your dinner and every noon before you take to the theater to rehearse. I shall sleep with your ring clutched to my bosom.

Truly and devotedly, your wife,

Hester