This is the first story I remember hearing about Nonna.
Love in Marseille
While working as a governess in France, Nonna met a handsome Frenchman. They fell in love but were not allowed to marry as the family had already chosen Guiseppe Torlai as her future husband. The family felt that Italians should marry Italians. Marianina was fond of Guiseppe and agreed to marry him.
They received permission from the church to marry. This was necessary since they were cousins. ( I don't think they were first cousins, but who knows.)
On the day of the wedding, the Frenchman confronted Nonno and announced his plan.
"If you marry Marianina there will be three bullets fired."
Nonno answered, " All right, go ahead, just remember, your skin will hurt as much as mine."
The wedding went on, no shots were fired.
(I'm sure it sounds much better in Italian)
That is a beautiful picture and an exciting story. I'm glad Nonna didn't marry that Frenchman. There would have been no you or Gloria! Or any of your adorable children. Or Zoe or Ian, or any of the others. Horrors!
ReplyDeleteJoe and I were lucky enough to visit this town.
ReplyDeleteThe priest( who we found out is related), showed us all the Torlai homes. They looked more like little chapels with crosses on entry way.
It was an interesting/informative visit.
Thank you for your comment.