On the borders of Italy and France there stands an old chateau. It had been empty for many years, that is until Francesca Donati, the famous opera diva decided that this could be and would be made into a school for young musicians and singers.

''Fran, it's so far out and difficult to get to," Alberto spoke quietly to her.
''Shh! The opera is about to start!" Francesca whispered back.

Although she wasn't starring this time she still loved to watch others perform. This was her life, her love and most importantly her path into helping to train and teach how to sing - her passion. Alberto had always been there beside her gently leading her into being the best.

Life hadn't always been kind, though. When she was nine, her Papa died and Mama had to sell their home to survive. Papa had worked hard all his life in the vineyards surrounding their cottage but he left them poor. Francesca was the only child and at nine she knew how hard life could be. Mama never cried in front of her and always hugged her when Fran's tears fell.

They lived in a small house and her Mamma kept chickens in the tiny backyard. It was here that Fran met Alberto; a young, black-haired, brown-eyed boy with a glint in his eyes that said he could cause trouble. From their first meeting she loved him, trusted him and needed this fourteen-year-old to replace someone a nine-year-old missed so very much.

To her Mama's delight, the hens laid so many eggs that she could go to the village market and sell them. Yes, life became a steady routine and Francesca's youth slipped by quickly. When she went to school her singing teacher took an interest in her voice. It was he, Mr Eduardo, who persuaded her Mama to send her off to a voice trainer and teacher. From there she began to sing in many small companies until at last she got an audition in Milan, her big moment arrived and Alberto stayed with her. He became not only her confidant but her manager. At long last she was contented and now twenty-five years later she felt it was time to retire.

When her Mama died, Alberto held her, loved her and married her. Fran was his life and he would have died for her. She in turn knew that he was the only one for her.

'The interval,' Alberto stood and smiled down. "Fran do you need anything dear?"
''No dear, just that chateau!"
Alberto knew she would get her own way, so he sat down again and took her gloved hand in his, ''You win!" His eyes twinkled in the dimness of the box.
''Grazie." That was all she said, as the opera began.