The Driving Ambition of Edda Mussolini

By Helen Lashbrook

Like her father Edda loved cars
Like her father Edda was driven by ambition
Like her mother Edda married a man who loved other women.

From the moment the Mussolini family moved to Rome Edda was in her element. Rome gave the teenage Edda a taste for the high life & love.
But Edda’s ambition drove a wedge through her marriage until the day her husband was arrested by her father’s order.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Helen Lashbrook
• Release date: Jan 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466052376

Helen Lashbrook

I am the author of Lucifer: A Personal History, The Driving Ambition of Edda Mussolini & The Amazing Adventures of Max & the Isdottir. My research into the SS is presently on hold, while I work on the follow up to Lucifer. I have 2 cats, 2 dogs, a husband, an MBA & I live in a small village in Oxfordshire.

Book preview

Like her father Edda loved cars

Like her father Edda was driven by ambition

Like her mother Edda married a man who loved other women.

From the moment the Mussolini family moved to Rome Edda was in her element. Rome gave the teenage Edda a taste for the high life & love.

But Edda’s ambition drove a wedge through her marriage until the day her husband was arrested by her father’s order.

The Driving Ambition of Edda Mussolini

Helen Lashbrook

Published by Helen Lashbrook at Smashwords

Copyright 2012

Smashwords Edition Licence notes

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The Driving Ambition of Edda Mussolini

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword

Letters

Epilogue

Biography of Francesca Browning

Bibliography

FOREWORD

The letters published here were found during a house clearance in Woking. They have been translated & footnotes appended, appearing in publication for the first time.

The letters were written to a Mrs Francesca Browning, formerly Francesca Gina di Cosetti, over a 15 year period from 1929 to 1944 by Edda Mussolinii (daughter of Benito Mussoliniii) & cover some of the most important period of Italy’s history in the 20th century.

LETTERS

4th September 1929

Dearest Cesca,

You can’t imagine what has been going on here. Aunt Edvige has told Papa and Mama that I must marry a nice boy (boy ha!) and she has found one for me! Count Pier-Francesco Orso Mangelli is 27 (a good age for a husband for a 19 year old girl according to Aunt Edvige. But not to my way of thinking). I think Aunt Edvige was inspired by the announcement of Prince Umberto’s engagement to that Belgian princess, who went to our school – do you remember her? Did you hear the rumours going round that Umberto and I were to get married? I’ve never even met him!

I’ve been seen with too many unacceptable boys. The security men, who follow me everywhere, have been reporting on my assignations!!! Aunt Edvige hasn’t bothered to ask me who I would like to marry. I’m just going to have to put up with Pier-Francesco (not if I can help it!!!). Papa said that a nice boy from Forli would make an ideal husband. Pier-Francesco’s father owns a factory there and the family is rich and noble (otherwise Aunt Edvige wouldn’t have been interested) iii. Mama also thinks that a boy from the Romagna must be good.

A meeting was arranged at the Villa d’Este, with Pier-Francesco and his family so that we could get to know each other. His family are very pleasant. His attractive, amusing, younger brother Carlo told me that Pier-Francesco smokes a little, wears pyjamas (better than a nightshirt), doesn’t drink and likes sport. His sporting prowess involves great attention to detail. I’d much rather marry Carlo, but that is not possible as he’s a younger son.

Pier-Francesco has returned to his studies, (still studying at 27!!!), so I had a Jewish boyfriend (Julio) on the side. Julio’s papa is an army colonel. When I told Papa I would rather marry him than Pier-Francesco, Papa went through the roof!!! In retaliation Papa took my beautiful automobile away from me. Mama was furious too!!!!!!! If I’d been a bit younger her broom would have been pulled out of the cupboard! Uncle Arnaldo went round to see his parents (who are Orthodox) to tell them Papa didn’t want me to marry their son. Julio’s parents said that they didn’t want their son to marry a gentile. That didn’t go down too well (turning down the Duce’s daughter).

Our families jointly organised a trip to Spain; to allow Pier-Francesco and I to get better acquainted. There were duennas from both families in attendance. I tried very hard to put the Mangellis off; by smoking, using bad language (you wouldn’t have been very impressed) and I told them that I would never have children as I wanted to keep my bella figura! All to no avail. Papa had decided that I was to wed this wonderful (I couldn’t see the attraction) young man. Pier-Francesco and I got engaged after our return from Spain; I cannot stand up to Papa when he has set his mind on something.

I didn’t have much choice – especially as Papa threatened not to return my beloved car. I got my love of cars from Papa – he always has lovely red Alfa Romeos. I remember when he got his first car. I was about ten at the time. It was white and after family trips Papa insisted that Mama and I cleaned all the dirt off it – inside and out. He would inspect our handiwork and woe betide any smears that were left on his beloved car.

Mama finally had the baby. Her name is Anna-Maria. She was born yesterday, during a lot of bother, taking a long time before making her appearance. Papa stayed in Rome as he is not very good in domestic crises. Luckily Anna-Maria doesn’t look like Romano did when he was born. We decided he looked like a monkey (he’s improved since then).

Papa chose Anna-Maria’s name and Mama only discovered it when she read the announcement in the newspaper (she asked Papa to surprise her). Anna-Maria was my grandmama’s name, so Mama was very pleased. Things were very different when Romano was born. Papa had the birth announced prematurely at 5pm and Romano wasn’t born until nearly midnight! Luckily for Papa, Romano was a boy otherwise he’d have looked rather silly.

Anna-Maria is so tiny and lovely, you can have no idea. It just seems very odd having a new sister; I’m old enough to be her mother. Mama is too old to be having babies at her age, she’s nearly 40 – grotesque. The boys have decided that Mama and Papa are incorrigible. You’re so lucky to have parents who don’t make an exhibition of themselves. Papa has been battling for wheat again without a shirt on - pictures in the newspapers – so embarrassing. Then he suggested that people who are hungry should eat wild plants! He doesn’t!!!

Write to me soon and tell me what you are doing in Venice. I miss you.

Lots of love

Edda

PS Mama and Papa have bought a beach house at Riccione, so I guess that’s where we’ll be spending the summer in the future.

30th January 1930

Cara Cesca,

I have just met the most wonderful man. So handsome, so debonair, elegant, witty, charming and wonderful. His name is Count Galeazzo Cianoiv. He’s a diplomat accredited to the embassy to the Holy See. His fatherv works with Papa. I think I’m in love. Now I realise that all those boys, that I thought were wonderful, were just that – boys. Apart from the station master at Cattolica – but that was just a crush. They don’t measure up to Galeazzo.

At the beginning of the week I was planning to run away with Federico to Yugoslavia; to avoid any more of Aunt Edvige’s suitable young men. Today I wouldn’t go down the street with him – I might miss Galeazzo.

We met two days ago at a dance that was being held for him, he’s recently back from our embassy in China where he was Secretary to our legation in Peking, coming home via Seattle and New York. He’s also been posted to Brazil and Argentina. Galeazzo is wonderful, along with all his other talents he speaks French, Spanish, Portuguese & English – I’ll be able to practise the English Papa made me learn two years ago. Galeazzo graduated from Rome University with a law and political science degree, just before we started at the Collegio.

After he finished at university Count Constanzo made him apply for the diplomatic service. Galeazzo came 27th out of 600! He’s so worldly and polished. We danced together all evening (he dances divinely). I could tell that all the other girls were so jealous and I promised him that I would see him again. He’s 26, just the right age for me!

Maria Ciano took me to the dance and introduced me to her brother. She’s talked about him lots of times and shown me his picture; but he was far away in China.

Fate intervened; we met again at the opera last night. I went to the Barber of Seville and in the interval I went to the Ciano’s box. As luck would have it Galeazzo was there with his Mama and Maria. I had hardly been there two or three minutes when Papa saw us and sent for Galeazzo to discuss political events in China. Oh, I can’t wait to see him again. He’s promised to call, I daren’t move from the phone in case he rings me.

Thank you for your lettervi. I’m glad that your family are all well. Anna-Maria is keeping us all awake at night – I’m not sure that Papa is that pleased that we are all living with him now.

Notice the new addressvii – the move was hideous – Mama was in a foul temper. Mama’s family the Guidi mafia have been remodelling the house to suit Mama’s tastes. The kitchen has been moved from the basement to the ground floor. Mama has varnished all the furniture to make it shine. I hate to think what Prince Torlonia (the owner) thinks. There are pictures of Papa everywhere – on just about every horizontal surface – a bit over the top.

Mama is turning some of the park into a farm. She plans to keep chickens, rabbits, pigs, turkeys and geese as well as having a vegetable garden. She has already been out shooting at the starlings and sparrows – one of her favourite pastimes – Mama is a very good shot.

After we’d moved in Mama sacked one of the maids (who was rather pretty). I don’t think she paid Mama the deference due the lady of the house. The maid complained to Papa, who had words with Mama. Mama made it quite clear to him that she runs the house, while he runs the country. So the girl went.

Vitttorio and Bruno are amazed at the number of tourists in Rome. They think that the English look very funny in their knickerbockers. One of Papa’s ministers suggested bombing Venice and Florence so that the Venetians and Florentines can benefit from modern homes and stop tourists coming here. Tourists apparently degrade modern Italy! I’m not sure if he was serious

Papa has also moved. His office is now in the Palazzo Veneziaviii. I’ve seen more of Papa in the last few weeks than in the years since he left Milan. I missed him – there was no-one there to protect us children from Mama’s fury. When Papa edited l’Avanti and Il Popolo he took me in to work with him. I was the only girl in Italy who learned to read using a printing press! I practised my ABC writing in chalk on the kitchen floor. Papa was so proud and tried to stop Mama cleaning up my endeavours. Mama would have none of his nonsense!

I meant to write to you last week to tell you my news. Pier-Francesco has had the push. Just as well, as after meeting Galeazzo, I couldn’t have married him anyway. I’m sure Papa wouldn’t make me marry Pier-Francesco when he knew I love someone else so desperately. Pier-Francesco’s exit happened on the 17th – Papa ordered me to write to him cancelling our engagement – hooray, hooray.

Pier-Francesco seriously annoyed Papa two nights before. He came over to dinner with us, but asked to see Papa in his study before the meal. During dinner it was very tense as Papa was obviously furious. Pier-Francesco was uncomfortable and barely ate anything. After he went home Papa exploded. Pier-Francesco had the temerity to ask Papa for a dowry for me. Papa told him My wife brought me no dowry and my daughter does not need one either. He must be a cretin asking il Duce for a dowry as well as his daughter!

Pier-Francesco tried to see Papa again, but Papa would have nothing to do with him. It turns out that his papa ordered Pier-Francesco to ask for the dowry, poor thing. But luckily Papa is no longer interested. Mama is pleased, as it was all Aunt Edvige’s idea. If Aunt Edvige has a brainwave; Mama tends to go in the opposite direction! Aunt Edvige doesn’t understand how a nice Forli boy could make such a mistake!!!!

Have you been to many parties in Venice? I’ve been to loads here with Maria. Papa might be surprised at my expertise dancing all those modern dances that the party secretary hates so much (hopefully no-one will tell him, otherwise I’ll get told off). Maria is shy, but very determined when she makes up her mind (like you). She’s obsessed with her weight – she’s very thin and hardly eats. Maria encouraged me to go on a diet last year, so I lost all my puppy fat. She can also be very prickly, so I do have to be careful, which is a bit of a pain. She’s nice but not such fun to be with as you. You and I have got history – all those terrible months at school. At least I was only there for a year, you had to put up with years of those horrors being beastly to you.

I can’t wait to see Galeazzo again!!!

Lots of love

Edda

3rd February 1930

Darling Cesca,

Just a short note. The most wonderful news. Galeazzo asked me to marry him two days ago and I accepted. We were watching a film (White Shadows – have you seen it?) and he turned to me and said You must know, Edda, that I love you. Will you marry me? I said Why not?

When I got home I ran into Papa’s dressing room and told him. It’s better to get Papa on your side, before tackling Mama. He was putting on his trousers, ready to go to a reception. When I told him that I was marrying Galeazzo; he ran through to Mama’s room waving his trousers, saying Rachele, Rachele. Edda is engaged! It’s Count Ciano’s son. I certainly approve of him!. Mama is pleased as well, although Galeazzo is from Tuscany, not the Romagna.

I am so happy. I can hardly breathe I am so excited. You must come to the wedding and then come and visit when we have set up home. We will go out to parties all the time and find you a nice Roman boy.

Galeazzo just phoned. His father called him in last night, to talk to him. The chief of police told Count Constanzo that Galeazzo and I had been seeing each other, and that he’d had to report our meetings to Papa. Count Constanzo was not very pleased; perhaps he thought that Papa wouldn’t like it. Galeazzo said that he just laughed and told Count Constanzo that we are engaged!

I must go now and think of him.

Lots and lots of love

From your starry-eyed friend

Edda

10 April 1930

Cara Cesca

Thank you for your congratulations and for those from your parents. Mama and Papa appreciated their letter. I am so sorry that I haven’t replied sooner but we are so busy preparing for the wedding on 24th April. Well you know that; you should have had your invitation by now. You are coming aren’t you? It’s been a whirlwind getting ready, so much shopping for my trousseau (it’s being created by a couturier - Montorsi!) and lots of things for when we set up home. My Burano lace veil has been donated by the senate.

You know my penchant for nicknames. I call Galeazzo Galloix and he calls me Deda. Did I ever tell you my story of me and the cockerel? (More of that anon).

We got formally engaged on the 17th February. Gallo came here at 3.00pm dressed in a smart grey suit and carrying white gloves. He looked so handsome. Gallo says he was very nervous; he stumbled as he came up the drive. He was taken into Papa’s study. Papa pretended that he didn’t realise Gallo was there (just Papa being silly). Then all of a sudden he noticed him (theatrical start of surprise no doubt). After Gallo asked for my hand Papa called Mama and I in. We all embraced after Gallo took a ring from his pocket and put it on my finger – a real engagement ring! It’s beautiful - gold and huge diamonds.

Mama told Gallo Edda doesn’t know how to do anything. She can’t cook even an egg, sew or run a household. Her character I can’t speak of. I’m her mother, I know her and I had to warn you. Gallo was a bit bemused by that, but we still managed to steal a kiss on the stairs before he left. It was wonderful; I knew then that everything between us would be right.

I’m not sure why Mama brought that up about the cooking and everything else. Gallo doesn’t need a wife who can cook; we will have servants to do that. Mama does the cooking here; she still makes her own pasta. Papa doesn’t need her to do that any more; it’s just that she can’t change herself into the wife of il Duce. She even plays cards with the servants in the kitchen.

As Gallo gave me a ring I sent him one in an envelope. I got my secret service man (who follows me around) to deliver it. Gallo phoned to thank me saying I knew I could expect anything of you, but you will never fail to surprise me. Your sending me a ring by way of a policeman does not lack originality.

Gallo has been appointed Consul General of the embassy in Shanghai, so we will be going out there in the autumn. When Gallo told his colleagues of our engagement, one of them said it was a sound career move. Gallo isn’t marrying me because of Papa, but because he loves me!

Gallo got a severe dressing down from Papa the other day. He took me to a nightclub – la Bonbonnière. It was very chic, with lots of people I’ve met at the best parties and they all know Gallo. Papa thinks that nightclubs are dens of iniquity, so I thought it would be sleazy with drunken, shady characters skulking about. When Papa got the secret service report, of where we’d been, he blew his top. Gallo was very good and did not answer Papa back, which would only have infuriated him even more.

Gallo’s family came to dinner. My brothers Bruno and Vittorio weren’t impressed because they had to dress smartly. Mama was very put out because she rarely entertains outside the family. Papa knows Count Constanzo but I don’t think he’d met Countess Ciano before (just think in two weeks time I’ll be Countess Ciano too!!). Maria says that her Mama wears the trousers in their family. Gallo loves his parents very much. He is devoted to both his Mama and Papa, but Maria is more cynical. Mama wasn’t too impressed by the Countess, who is very grande dame! She liked Count Constanzo, although he seemed a bit forbidding to me.

Mama finally met the king and queen. Several years ago Mama, Bruno, Vittorio and I met the Queen Mother at a concert. Her Majesty insisted we went in to her box to meet her, although Mama was very reluctant. She was very nice, quite unlike what I expected a queen to be (shades of Marie-Antoinette – do you remember in our history lesson that French girl telling the class that Marie-Antoinette was her great, great, great etc. etc. aunt?)

Now that we live in Rome Mama couldn’t refuse the king and queen’s pressing invitations. The first meeting went without a hitch. The king told Mama that the ladies in waiting made the palace sound like a hen house. The second meeting was more stressful for Mama as she was worried about missing Anna-Maria’s feed. It was at a performance for Princess Maria. The queen kept an eye on the time and gave Mama permission to go home in time to feed Anna-Maria. Mama was very touched by her thoughtfulness.

When she was a girl Mama had her fortune read by a gipsy. The gipsy gave Mama a small stone and took in return a bag of flour (for which Mama was told off by her employers). The gipsy told Mama that she would be the equal of a queen. As Papa has the Collar of Annunziatax; she and Papa are cousins of the king and queen.

Mama gets on well with Prince Torlonia, calling him Giovanni. He attended a séance at the house, with Mama and Papa. Prince Torlonia summoned up the presence of his mother (ha ha). His mother’s spirit told him that when she disappeared, violets would flower on the table. Immediately afterwards the scent of violets pervaded the table. Mama was overcome by this proof of the existence of the spirit world. I think the medium splashed some violet scent around! Mama can be rather gullible at times. Mama thinks Villa Torlonia is haunted, but I don’t know if she’s met any ghosts – I certainly haven’t.

Do you remember me saying I would never marry a Tuscan and I would never marry a lawyer? Here I am marrying a Tuscan lawyer – even if he doesn’t practise law. I had to buy Gallo a birthday present last month – the first of many. I got him a little framed drawing I saw in an antiques shop. It was attributed to the school of Leonardo – ha ha!

I look forward to seeing you at my wedding. I wish you were here now to talk to.

With love

Edda

PS When I was little in Milan, during the war while Papa was away fighting, we were very poor . Mama had a cock that she was fattening up for a meal. It was my pet; I didn’t know the end destined for my gallo. I had to take him for walks, with a string tied around his neck. He ended up taking me for a walk, whilst keeping his beady eyes open for slugs, snails, worms and other interesting food not available in our kitchen, where he lived behind some metal bars.

All the slugs helped him grow too big for the bars and Mama decided to make a cage from wood. We didn’t have any wood, but there was some wood belonging to an empty apartment, down in the cellar. Mama decided we would use this wood and told me to get the cellar key from the caretaker (a very cantankerous old man). But I was on NO account to tell him why we needed the key to the cellar. I got the key, without any problem and we appropriated the wood. BUT when I took the key back, the caretaker asked why we wanted the key and without thinking I told him. He was furious and charged up the stairs to our apartment and he and Mama had a set to. I hid under the bed because I knew what was coming. After he left Mama got me out from my hiding place with her dreaded broom and then thrashed me!

25th May 1930

Darling Cesca

Marriage is wonderful – we must find somebody for you, so you can enjoy it too! I am so sorry you couldn’t come to the wedding. How is your poor ankle? Your note didn’t say much, did you slip on the stairs? Is it in plaster or are you on crutches? How do you manage?

Thank you so much for the lovely silver dressing table set. I hope you didn’t spend all your money on that for me. I will take it with me to China and have it in my bedroom there, to remind me of you.

We are having a great time here in Capri, although we are returning to Rome soon, to live with Gallo’s parents until we go away. There is no point in setting up a home for just a few months or so. I am not looking forward to that. Count Constanzo is very stern and Maria says that her mother rules the roost.

The day before the wedding there was a huge reception at Villa Torlonia. It was originally meant to be for 30 people. Mama wasn’t very pleased as the dinner for the Ciano’s was the biggest non-family party she had ever given. She decided to make the most of a bad job. Papa, Count Constanzo and Papa’s secretary kept adding names to the guest list until the total reached 512! Mama was furious, but Papa calmed her down and the reception went very well. I was wearing a beautiful pink chiffon gown.

The wedding was wonderful, like a fairy story. Everyone, Gallo especially, said I looked beautiful in my beaded headdress and I think they were right. There were photos in the paper. Some reports said I had a plus bella figura than our future queen! I didn’t wear any make-up (despite what the newspapers said). Papa can’t bear women who wear make-up. He forbad me to wear lipstick. In some ways he and Mama are very bourgeois, despite their political convictions!

Papa and I were late arriving at the church, because Bruno and Vittorio had hidden his opera hat (it’s one of those that squash down and they pretend it’s an accordion). Mama failed to get ready on time, getting in Papa’s way; desperately throwing her clothes on and doing all those last minute things that always need doing. In contrast I was very serene.

Things were not helped by Mama’s new butler, who hasn’t got used to us all yet. Papa hasn’t got used to him either. He was very put out when he sat down to eat on Antonio’s first day. I’ll just eat a sandwich in my room he muttered. Mama quelled him with one of her looks!

The church service was followed by a trip to St Peter’s Basilica, where everyone but Papa kissed the foot of St Peter. The wedding feast was held at the Villa Torlonia, but Mama swears that she will never do it again. Bruno, Vittorio and the little ones will have to make do with receptions at hotels. I don’t think Mama liked all the important people Papa thought we should invite, plus all Gallo’s relations. After the reception Mama had all the flowers sent to the crypt for those fallen in war.

The papers said the family played football throughout the house, whilst the servants tried to clear up. That’s not true; Mama would never allow that to happen. Papa does play football with the boys, but only in the garden (although windows have been broken – then the culprit gets chased by Mama).

Besides, the truth is far more amusing than that. I drove off in my Alfa, with Gallo sat beside me (he doesn’t mind me driving him, as I love it so much). After several kilometres I noticed a column of cars chasing behind us. I stopped and let them catch up. It was Papa and Mama, followed by his secret service men. Papa didn’t want to let me go – even though we’d just said goodbye. I told him that he would have to go home. There would be no point in following us to Naples (where we caught the boat). If he and Mama continued following us they were only going to be covered in a cloud of dust.

Mama managed to slip me a 1000 lire note, in case I needed any money. Gallo was incredulous. He was amazed that Mama thought that he couldn’t afford to give me anything I needed! Anyway Mama and Papa had to go home because Gallo’s parents were coming to dinner. I’m not sure if it was a pleasant evening – Mama looked as though she had a headache (always a sign of a storm).

When we arrived on Capri it was so embarrassing. We were met by the Mayor and just about the whole population – we were given a triumphant welcome with flags etc. When we reached the hotel the manager greeted us and took us up to our suite. I felt like a sacrificial lamb to the slaughter. Everyone knew what was going to happen later!

At dinner I ordered one dish after another to avoid being left alone with Gallo, who had become an ogre. I ate nearly nothing I was so petrified. When I ran out of menu I ran into the bathroom and locked myself in. I shouted through the keyhole, at poor Gallo, that if he came near me (through a locked door?) I would throw myself off the enormous rock outside the hotel room. Gallo said I know you can do it because you are capable of anything. I wouldn’t dream of preventing you doing something you really wanted to do. But please tell me how you plan to get to the rock to throw yourself off? He was so sensible I unlocked the door and came out. He looked quizzically at me and I looked at him and we both burst into laughter. Everything was all right after that. I do hope you can find someone as wonderful as Gallo for yourself.

The king and queen gave me a brooch and Papa gave Gallo an icon of the Madonna. Papa gave me a beautiful lace tablecloth for when we entertain; which as the wife of a diplomat I shall be doing a lot. There were lots and lots of presents on display in the drawing room from all over the world, despite Papa requesting that gifts be given to charitable organisations where possible.

Papa’s friend D’Annunzio sent the most magnificently wrapped, enormous present, which when opened turned out to be a pair of Chinese red, embroidered pyjamas! Surely he realised I can buy as many pairs as I want in a few months time. Mama is going to make them into a cycling outfit for herself – that should be a sight for sore eyes! Papa just laughed and remembered the time that D’Annunzio fell out of a window during an argument with his