Summary

Chapter 23 takes place August 18, 1910; Verona, Italy. Belle and Bernard begin to be more open with their relationship, including holding hands as they walk through the Italian city where they are unlikely to see anyone they know. Belle discovers “the locals' skin tone matches my own, supporting my claims of southern European heritage” (189). She is surprised that she feels as if she is coming home. Bernard shows her the sights, including a famous landscape and a basilica. Bernard talks about his early love of art and the realization that he might find patrons, much as the early artists had done. When they return to the hotel, Bernard steps out of the carriage first and someone shouts his name. He loudly identifies Jacques Seligmann, a dealer who knows Bernard and Belle very well. Belle remains in the carriage and has the driver leave. Belle knows...