Summary

Chapter 41 opens with Elena’s sister Elisa bearing a son to Marcello Solara. With Mrs. Greco being ill and unable to help, Elena helps with her sister’s new baby until Mrs. Greco falls ill and is taken to the hospital. Nobody is able to help care for her but Elena, and she takes the job willingly. Her mother is hostile at first, but eventually a new intimacy forms between them.

In Chapter 42, Elena’s mother begins to tell her daughter long held secrets. She confesses that she has no real feeling for her other children - only Elena. Furthermore, she complains that the three younger children are all in the Solaras’ hands and begs Elena to help get them out, although she feels that Elena cannot do it without help from Lila.

In Chapter 43 time moves along for Lila and Elena...