In a 17th-century Lombardy home, the loyal housekeeper, wearing a sturdy skirt and an apron, stands with hands on hips. Her wrinkled face shows a worried frown as she confronts Don Abbondio with a scolding tone. Keys jangle at her waist while she clutches a broom and ladle, her fretful eyes darting to the hearth-side, where a copper pot simmers. Perpetua-whispering-clutching-apron-sharp-eyes-leaning-rumorous-smirk-animated-hands-eavesdropping-busybody-gossip-gesture