
In a sprawling provincial estate steeped in centuries‑old aristocratic tradition, the widowed Prince d’Astianello presides over a world of prized horses and genteel rituals. Though surrounded by well‑meaning relatives and eager suitors urging him to remarry, he clings to his late wife’s memory and to a quiet, contented life that revolves around his beloved foals and his shy young daughter, Camilla. The prince’s reluctance to enter a new marriage fuels gentle but persistent gossip among the household’s matriarchs, who see a suitable match as both a duty and a chance to secure the family’s future.
Camilla, a delicate and timid child, wanders the grand salons with a quiet curiosity, her fear of the thunderous world beyond the manor’s walls barely concealed. The prince watches her with a mixture of affection and concern, hoping to nurture her confidence without forcing her into the harsh expectations of the noble class. As the seasons turn, the estate’s timeless rhythm—horse shows, garden strolls, and whispered counsel—sets the stage for a story of love, duty, and the subtle courage required to honor the past while facing an uncertain tomorrow.
Language
it
Duration
~4 hours (281K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Carlo Traverso, Paganelli and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images generously made available by Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense - Milano)
Release date
2005-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1849–1897
An Italian writer remembered by the pen name Memini, she published fiction and writing for children in the late 19th century. Her life moved between Lombardy and Piedmont, and her work left a small but lasting mark on Italian literary culture.
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