Have just arrived at Capraia. Ernesto and I called it quits yesterday and I want to gather my wits together before moving on to Cecil. Thinking of ringing him tonight, tho’ may wait until tomorrow.

Had the most interesting visit from a Count Fosco this afternoon. What a wonderful, charming man! He gave me an envelope to deliver to an American man with a side-kick who he said would be coming by for it. Oooh! I wonder if C.F. is psychic?!? I’ve never dated a psychic before...it bears thinking about.

If I married a Count would that make me ‘Lady Countess Viola’, or ‘Countess Lady Viola’? They both have a certain ring to them...

Was mucking about in the garden today when two American gentlemen came wandering over the hill. Such a delightful surprise! I could tell they were taken with me immediately. The old ‘pull the hair out from under the hat and shake it loose’ trick never fails. Though at first they both seemed strangely disappointed to find out I was not in fact a man. (?) I think sometimes my attractiveness is so overwhelming it intimidates men. It’s the only explanation.

The pale one, Aloysius, looks promising; good breeding there for certain — I smell money. One gets a sense about these things, you know. He may be just the man for me! The commoner he was with didn’t look too pleased about the way A. was looking at me but there’s not a lot he can do to compete, is there? I mean, really. Not everyone can have a body and personality like mine. Glad I put off ringing Cecil last night!

Insisted that Aloysius not call me Lady, but Vincent thought I meant him, too. Commoners can be so dense.

Finally remembered envelope C.F. gave me and realized it was for A. Well, it was yesterday, after all. I can’t be expected to remember everything. A. said he’d come back for me with a violin. That will be nice.

Tried to draw out the conversation so they would miss their ferry and have to spend the night, but they both seemed v. anxious to be away. Pity; I didn’t have those peasant children down the road cart a king size bed all the way up here for nothing!

Vincent arrived today to tell me that Aloysius is dead. He seemed quite broken up about it. I made sure he didn’t miss the ferry. Rang up Cecil and chatted for a while; I really do think he’s the one for me.

Received letter from Aloysius today saying he is alive! Broke it off with Cecil two days ago so this is perfect timing. Must go pack!

Aloysius has a very charming brother. Diogenes took such a great shine to me when he picked me up at the airport that I think he is now infatuated and has decided to keep me for himself. Hardly surprising, but I think he’s a bit shy. Admittedly his idea of foreplay is a little unconventional, but certainly not the weirdest I’ve encountered. Goodness knows I’m bored with being wined and dined tho’ it would be nice if there were more variety in the boiled sweets. Can’t wait to see where this relationship is headed — I’m sure he’s the one for me!

---