About the extract A Roman Nunnery that鈥檚 also a business centre? Well, yes 鈥 and Alberto, the hero of this novel-in-progress, is trying to sell it to Mrs Loeb, a rich American widow鈥 鈥淗ey - are all nunneries like this?鈥 asks Mrs Loeb, gazing up into Mother Valyeri鈥檚 glinting eyes. 鈥淥f course,鈥 replies the Mother Superior disdainfully. 鈥渁lthough our Order requires us to exercise the virtues of humility, meditation and prayer we are equally aware of the need to maintain a positive attitude to cashflow and profitability.鈥 She waves an imperious arm at the nun behind the Reception Desk. 鈥淛uliet - take this lady. Signor Minare and I have serious matters to discuss. We shall be in my office - no calls.鈥 And she tows Alberto off through an archway towards a room at the end of the corridor. The Reception nun slides open a drawer in her desk and produces a clipboard and a pack of Camels. 鈥淪moke?鈥 she enquires. Mrs Loeb waves a dismissive hand. 鈥淕ee honey, don鈥檛 you know they鈥檙e bad for you,鈥 she says. 鈥淣o, no,鈥 protests the nun, feverishly lighting a cigarette with a battered Zippo. 鈥淚s vegetarian. Come, we see Corporate Planning Department, then I show you Sales Promotion and Publicity.鈥 |
