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A raven sits atop a nearby rooftop - seemingly glaring at me - only me.

The way to the Villa Vesuviana is familiar and usually an enjoyable walk from my dwelling on the south-eastern stretch of La Rocca, but not in this moment. Presently, each step is filled with trepidation; anxiety growing in the pit of my stomach as I get nearer my destination.

News of a visiting personage - Emira Xiamara of Andalusian descent- who claims to be a "medium" with the ability to call upon spirits from the world beyond - has been led to our seaside shores summoning those who are brave enough to be in the presence of her mysticism to perhaps receive messages of, or news from, those departed.

Should I dare to speak publicly, my intention is to seek knowledge, clues, or leads to the whereabouts of a baron who crossed my path on horseback many seasons ago on a moonlit late autumn evening whilst I was traversing the French countryside in search of a place to lay my head and rest Sir Pinto, my equine companion since arriving on the soils of the Old World. Gone on mission much longer than the norm without having sent word of delay, I fear he has contracted severe illness or met his demise. His efforts in assisting me locate lost family relations and neighbours in the aftermath of our horrific expulsion from the mother country have been ceaseless and noble indeed; not an easy endeavour given how scattered about as seeds on the wind we have become ... left to our own resources to build new lives from nothing amidst facing the dangers of the elements, the wilderness, the native peoples.

Quite the crowd has gathered and I enter the room timidly. I have chosen to veil my face in the hopes I will not be recognized and questioned in the days to come. To speak of what brought me here is not something I relish. Being fairly new to the Island, I wish to maintain my calm as much as possible and perhaps eventually be comfortable enough to settle and uncover new facets of myself in these virgin climes.

Persuaded by the mystic's charm and mysterious chantings, one by one people begin telling their tales of woe, worry, pain, and eternal hope. To help with facilitating contact with the departed, we are prompted to leave a personal belonging on the table in the centre of the shrouded room. I have brought with me an old parchment envelope within which the baron once sent me word and reassurances. Sitting close to the table, I do not need to stand and bring attention to myself ... I simply reach forward and gently place it there.

I cannot put into words what follows. The medium is speaking gibberish, her body convulsing, ghostly apparitions and flames appear. Is that satan himself? Is this sorcery?

But no ... wait! Lady Xiamara begins to address people's queries - and they are gasping in recognizing facts and details she could not possibly know of. Suddenly she shouts out, asking that the noise cease and the room become quiet. Noticing the piece of paper that I left for her energies, she reaches for it, searching the room for a sign of recognition as to its owner, but chaos ensues with the clamour of everyone pressing her and she collapses to the floor in a heap, completely spent.

The room comes to an abrupt hush. Is she dead? Has she been punished for trespassing realms not meant for our inquiry? Will our humble Island ever be the same again ... ?

But what is this now suddenly visible on the other side of the room from where she has fallen ... in the entranceway?

Are my eyes deceiving me on the cusp of all this upheaval? I take a slow deep breath then close my eyes firmly, but upon reopening them, I discover this young girl's own green eyes peering deeply into mine and I immediately feel a warm rush course through my veins and sense an intuitive knowing - that this lass is a part of my family, or my heart - somehow.

And as Lady Xiamara rouses, the angelic vision leaves ... swiftly, yet softly. Tears come to my eyes. My heart pounds unbearably. T'was but a wisp of recognition; not enough to truly know for certain.

The crowd quietly disperses once Lady Emira assures everyone she is fine, but must rest and regain her strength. As I make my way home, I accept that I may never know the fate of the baron, yet I have been granted a gift, a peace, of a different kind.

I become aware of the raven again. But this time, he is not gazing upon me. His attention is on the great beyond .

It's been a whirlwind three months since the Duch de Coeur & Rocca Sorrentina formalized their plans for a closer physical connection between their two realms.

We started with the addition of two, brand-new, sailable regions linking Rocca Sorrentina to the southern shores of Provence Coeur. Then the real work commenced.

We were busy dredging harbours, forming islands and attending to all the little details that make this a magical Second Life destination. A few minor bumps were experienced along the way; I managed to flatten both Provence Coeur Est & Provence Coeur Est2 with one keystroke (note to self: always look above sea level when using the terrain tool especially when it's set to high) but all-in-all the work progressed smoothly.

My biggest contribution to this project was the addition of Port Trianon .

It began, as many new construction projects do, by making some tough decisions about location and existing structures. Subsequently, the old Coeur Fairgrounds, site of many a revelry, was boxed up and removed. I'll always have a soft-spot in my heart for those monthly fairs with the patrons yelling Beer!! and jigging around the apple tree.

Read More ...

1. Welcome to Regency Somerset, in Argyle Antiquity, SL.It is the year 1814, andRegency Somerset depicts the land ofthe Bristol Seaport of Port Austen, the social scene and spa at Bath, and the County of Somerset during the English Regency.

2. This is the time period of the reign of the Prince-Regent George the IV, Prince of Wales, who holds the throne for his ailing father King George the III,and of Beau Brummel who is setting male style as the leader of the fashion Dandies and is a good friend of the Prince. Beethoven and Schubert are composing music, and a Classical Revival has influenced design, both in architecture and clothing. The newly-published Pride & Prejudice is all the rage among novel readers, whose mysterious author in later years would be known to be Jane Austen.

3. Politically,Lord Liverpool, head of the Tory party, is now leading the English government. TheEmperor Napoleon of France is creating havoc in Europe, though the Duke of Wellington is having success against the French in the Peninsula of Spain. We are still a year before from the later famous Battle of Waterloo.

4. This is the world of the English Regency.

5. Because of the conflict in Europe, people the well-heeled of Britain cannot travel to the spas and coast of Europe, and so look to develop there own recreational resources. The Ancient town of Bath, with its Roman ruins and hot springs, become the place to go for one's health, and to see and be seen. Architects John Woods Sr. and John Woods Jr., assisted byThe Master of the Baths,Richard Beau Nash,designed and supervised many of the iconic buildings in their Neo-Classical Revival/Palladian architecturestyle, resulting in the Pump Room, the Assembly Room, the Circus and Royal Crescent,and the Florentine-style Pulteney Bridge

6. We have here our version of the Royal Crescent,started in 1767 bySir. John Woods the Younger. Among it many residents, were at one time the Prince of Wales, the Prince Fredrick of York. Ours has the feel, but is a bit smaller that the Original (we have 6 town house, the RL version has 32).

6. Directly across from the Royal Crescent is Burton Green, a open space which offers views down to the River Avon.

7. Two of Jane Austens novels, `Northanger Abbey and `Persuasion, are partly set inRegency Bath and give a good picture of the social life there. Box Hill in 'Emma' is a favorite picnic site to the East of Bath in the hills. Our Box Hill is set across from the Crescent.

8. To the side of the Crescent is a Box Hedge Maze, a popular garden feature of the era, and the Estates Gardens of Somerset and Devonshire are famous for these. Behind that, as it was in those days, is grazing land and farm land because the Royal Crescent was built in what was called the Upper City, and represents the end of town. Farming and Mining are mainstays of this part of the country.

9 Now heading up the hill we come across a Folly, built after a Roman Temple. It serves here as the local leading Library and Welcome Center.

10. Then as we descend to the sea, we have an Orangery. These elegant green houses were popular during this era for growing citrus indoors.

11. People who could afford these like to show them off, and would have teas and discussions in them. In ours we have tables and chairs and musical instruments, a nice place to sit and relax.

12. Out on the point we see a round tower known as a 'Martello Tower'. There where 198 of these built between 1793 and 1803 along the Southern cost of Britain to defend against a French Invasion.

13. From here we look out on Port Austen. It is based partially on the coastal town of Lyme Regis at the border between Devon and Dorset on the England's Jurassic Coast. The harbor wall there, known as "The Cobb", is featured in Jane Austen's novel 'Persuasion'and in 'The French Lieutenant's Woman', a novel by British writerJohn Fowle. The other English harbor we used as a model is Porkerris in Cornwall (to the West of the Bristol Channel)

14. Facing the Harbor along the stone walk of the cay is the shopping district.

15. The Stone Cay is a lovely promenade to stroll on, or to sit and watch the waves, the sea gulls, and the sunsets. Overlooking the harbor in Port Austen we have a number of wonderful shops which provide an exciting regency shopping experience. Please do take time to come by and see them. The shops include:

Chez Giroux by Sybil Vawdrey, No. 24 Port Austen

Cherie House of Design by Joandarc Ninetails, No. 23 Port Austen.

Sophia by Sophia Treusia, No. 22 Port Austen.

Timeless Dcor by Sere Timeless, No. 21 Port Austen

Regency Piecework by J.E.W.L.S., (Jewelia Blessed) No. 11 Port Austen

BHD by Renata Constanine, No. 12 Port Austen

LeGrenier Du Chateau (GC) by Trasgo Beaumont, No. 13 Port Austen

The Music Box by Cara Cali, No. 14 Port Austen

16. Our final stops on the tour are the Nelsons Blood Tavern and the Trafalgar Arms Inn.

17. A Tavern is far more than a Bar in this era. It is a center of community where the news of the day is exchanged, where people eat, where visitors first stop, where stories are told, and dances are held.

18. Nelsons Blood is based on photographs of hundreds of taverns in the South of England and Cornwall. It built to look and feel like one. Items are hung on the wall. A nice fire to warm one self by and hot food served from the kitchen. It also the stop for the Royal Mail Stage, and in the Mews out back one can mount your horse or rent one, or catch the Omnibus.

19. Up above the tavern is the Trafalgar Arms Inn.

20. Built to service the carriage trade, the Trafalgar Arms offers finer dinning without the need to mix with the lower classesand provides clean rooms. Many come and stay for the season.

20. The Tidal Salt Water Marsh

21. This little creation is actually one of my favorites, Because of the way the English channel and the Bristol Channel act as funnels, capturing storm surges from the Atlantic they get huge tide and storm surges ( the phrase Ship-shape and Bristol fashion, refers to a ship able to stand the storms and a hull which can be left high and dry at low tide, and still be seaworthy.)

So we created an estuary where the fresh waters and seawaters mix, where birds live and wiled grasses grow. It makes for Lovely pictures.

22. The Builders: I receive a Lots of praise on this sim, but really, it not me, I am simply the Conductor of a really Great Orchestra, I chose the music, we talk about how to preform it, how it will fit in to the space and the time allotted, they create, I critique. I really own a great deal of thanks to them, the unseen creators of Regency Somerset.

Crotian Egerton de Bexar

HRH Jacon Cortes de Bexar

Baroness Cara Cali

Baroness Marry Chase

Sere Timeless

23. How we design, well, it is collaborative, we start by talking about what we think we need, or is missing, we have a Pintrest account, where we each go thru and fine pictures and painting of the subject we looking to create. So we have a page on Regency Hair, Regency Clothing -Womens, Men. The Roman Baths in Bath, The Royal Crescent, the Landscapes and Garden. Country Fairs. Seaside resorts. Ports and Harbors. Pubs and taverns. Inns, Shops Lyme-Regis, .. We then compare notes and talk about it.

So theyre a lot of research that goes in to it.

I when thru a lot of discussions early on, I first wanted to do exact reproductions, but what I learned was to try and capture the spirit, the feeling was more Important.

What we have is, the world of Jane Austen, it not the drudgery of the working classes, it not the glitzed of the high nobility, it is the Middle gentry as described in her books.

24. How did Regency Somerset come to be.

Well, the Regency era all ways been fascinating to me, and when I first came to SL, I was surprised to fine that there was No Regency sim.

As time went on, I meet more and Moor people in SL, with such Interest. Jane Austen Book Club, Jane Austen Fans, Napoleonic Association, Friends of the English Regency, Georgian Roll play Theyre plenty of Interest inn the Regency era, just no one group or place. A group was formed, which came to be known as the 1800Project, which was to bring all the groups and Interest together to build a sim. Well, for various reasons, that fell apart, but I continued with the ideas we talk about in those meetings.

25. I hope you've enjoyed your tour and will come to visit us often. If you'd like to stay abreast of events I can offer your membership in the Regency-Somerset group. We would also welcome student groups and other educational activities. So please do contact me if you would like to use our facilities here for your teaching.

Gentle Reader,

It has been a very long--but very happy--day. At last, my dear nephew, Duke Edward, has taken the lovely Duchess Rose Bomse as his bride. As you know, this was TRULY a family affair and, it is at times like these that I am so grateful that our beloved Grandma RubyPearl Beaumont married so often, and had so many children. We would not have been able to hold so beautiful an event without the help of our cousins, whose generosity has left me in awe and so deeply appreciative.

The wedding was held out-of-doors between Chateau Champs-sur-Marnes in Antiquity Loire, the home of my cousin Conte Louis d'Amblise,

and Chateau Clagny in Antiquity Bexar, the home of my cousin, Prince Jacon Cortes.

I truly think there is not a lovelier venue to be found anywhere in the world. Lady Cara Cali fairly cleared out her hothouses in order to supply the flowers for the wedding venue and reception.

The bride was escorted down the aisle by my cousin, King William IV,

and my cousin, Marquis Klaus Wulfenbach served as the officiant. Rose was attended by little Baroness Beatrix Muircastle, who carried the flowers, and Lady Merry Chase, Lady Athena Alchemi, Baroness Claudia de Tancarville, my niece, Duchess Renate Constantine and myself; while Edward had Conte Louis, Duke Gnaeus Constantine, and Prince Jacon to attend to him.

There were nearly fifty people: family members, friends, and visiting heads of state, in attendance to witness the union of these two lovely young people and to wish them well on their way.

After the ceremony, the party retired to the Antiquity Palace's Amber Ballroom for dancing and refreshments which included a wedding cake and other tempting goodies made by Lady Drezenda Firebloom.

As I get ready to retire for the evening, I am full of gratitude to all who helped make this wedding possible, and know that I shall fall asleep counting my many blessings.

Inspired by William Hogarth (* 10. November 1697 in London ; 26. Oktober 1764 )

Written by Jean-Matisse & Alessandra de Fiorentino Conti

Chapter I

The Letter

The young Duchesse Alessandra de Fiorentino-Conti felt a bit uncomfortable after she has read the letter.Not, that she did not like her Grandmother, the Comtesse Jeanne Adelaide de Conti, but she remebered the former attempts of her Grandmother to marry her with a suitable husband again.

Grandmere Jeanne Adelaide was the head of the family, essentialy it was nothing to say against a remarriage. On the other hand she knew how orthodox and old-fashioned her Grandmother was. Alessandra read the letter again. Maybe her new little Companion has made her grandmother somewhat milder, she thought. But there was another reason, why she was worried.

Alessandra has met recently a very charming and elegant young Gentleman while riding. Monsieur Armand de Belgrave has made a great impression on the young Duchesse. He associates at the Court of Versailles, he was sophisticated and knew how to make the most beautiful compliments. It was no wonder, that the young Duchesse fell in love head over heels, after the tragic death of her husband she lived a bit isolated on her Estate in Lourmarin.

But what would Grandmere say ? For the old Lady , Versailles was the anteroom to hell. Today Alessandra wanted to meet the Monsieur .... here at the park of Lourmarin. She wanted to tell him about the letter of her Grandmother

In the afternoon the Duchesse and Monsieur de Belgrave walked through the gardens of Lourmarin. He brought her a bouquet of her favourite flowers. Oh how attentive you are , Monsieur...she whispered. He took an elegant bow. A beautiful woman deserves this attention he answered. After that Alessandra mentioned the letter of her Grandmother.

I have to let her reside here....she is the head of the family and one day she will leave me a considerable fortune.... she tried to explain. She did not notice the wide smile on Monsieur de Belgraves face, as she mentioned the considerable fortune.

A gardener of the Duchesse crosses their path, carrieing a big basket with leaves.He bowed and walks on. Immediately Monsieur de Belgrave pressed his perfumed handkerchief under his nose and kept hold on the Balustrade.Oh ...Monsieur what happened? Alessandra asked.

Madame....je suis desol.....it is an old family suffering. The glance on working people makes me feel uncomfortable. We Aristorats have a much stronger sensibility as the common people.... How horrible Monsieur, I am so terribly sorry about this. Would it comfort you, if I ask you to join me for dinner tonight here at Lourmarin? Willingly Monsieur de Belgrave accepted the invitation.

I felt the wheels still beneath me turning, even long after having alit from the carriage. My parents had tried; nay all of my friends had tried to cajole me out of leaving the country too early. I had taken some day trips to socialize with some friends of my youth whom I had not seen since that time, and had barely been in one place long enough to enjoy the country.

I would miss the best fox hunts, they said. I had not been to a one.

I would be lonely in town all alone, they said. They knew not the value of solitude!

The season would not start again for another 3 months, but I could not stay in the country. No amount of snow-covered road nor harsh warning of a broken down carriage in a frozen wood could dissuade me. At last, a quiet house in which to gather my thoughts!

Packing and arguments aside, I made it to the London house in rather short order and happily found it empty but for a cook, assistant housemaid and a young boy who could manage, and would do for a valet should the need arise for any livery duties.

A mere day after arriving, I heard of changes made in my beloved La Rocca, and thought that may be just the sort of socializing I might be able and willing to do after all. I charged the staff with seeing that the regular housekeeper, butler, valets and maids might return when I return from the island, and no sooner had I arrived, than I departed.

I look forward to seeing my friends after such a long time away, and hope that the warmth both of the land and its inhabitants might wash the winter cobwebs from my mind.

The Conte Liked to think of himself as an enlightened man. He had always enjoyed learning, and was fascinated by all the Sciences. His, was a curious and restless nature, always ready to pursue a mystery, always seeking to know more. He liked to work late into the night and often it would be dawn before he was ready to stop.

This Christmas Eve had been just such a night. When Midnight Mass was over, everyone had gone to their respective homes. He had found himself alone, far from his family, so it had been a perfect night to indulge his interests. Now the cold winter light of dawn was shining through the windows. The Conte felt tired, but satisfied with the nights work.

He liked this time of the night, when everything was quiet. He liked to stand and look out from his window at the port and Village of Sorentina, asleep bellow, sipping his home made Grappa.

As he gazed out of the window, as he had done on so many other nights he saw something very unusual. The Conte moved closer to the window to get a better look........Not believing his eyes he looked at the glass containing his latest batch of Grappa and put it down and looked again.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!!!!

The distance is great as we try to reach Venezia, but all of you are close in our hearts. We wish we could see you again. So we Sorrentine apprentices send warmest greetings to one and all for a very happy Christmas! Rico, Fiorino and Prospero

The Flight to Fanciful ~ Part 6 Of Men and Rooftops

Moving day had been a bit eventful, as Lady Leena had nearly moved into a gentleman's apartment purely by accident. Once the slightly uncomfortable exchange with Signore Gandt was over, Lady Leena and Madame Savatier decided to take a moment and have a breath of fresh air on the small balconey outside her apartment. The ladies could barely believe their eyes when they looked up and yet again saw Mercury Gandt, but this time, on his own roof top.

Madame Savatier had been desperate for coffee for quite some time, and made a hasty retreat after seeing this Gandt fellow begin a slow climb down the building. Leaning over her friend and patting her arm, she murmured, "Best of luck my dear Leena, I'll be off to the cafe' to get some coffee now." Lady Leena realized she was on her own since her agent, Silas Becker, had just left .... heading back over to the Villa to see to the last of her things.

Coming ever closer, she realized that Signore Gandt was heading towards HER balcony. "Of all the places he could come to, it has to be mine, naturally," Lady Leena whispers under her breath. Watching and waiting, Gandt indeed makes his way to her balcony as if he were a cat, without any trouble whatsoever.

Signore Gandt begins with a very strange request, "It is very awkward to ask you for this, but would you let me in? I will leave your apartment through your door."

"Let you in? You crawled from the roof but you can't make it to the ground?" Lady Leena smiles brightly and responds.

"As you see, I can't and I will break my leg if I try," answers Gandt mockingly.

Lady Leena speaks plainly and carefully, "As a Christian woman, I should let you in Signore but my reputation would be in tatters if I do."

With a soft smirk on his face Gandt offers, "Yes, but your reputation would be even more damaged if you are standing with me together in your balcony for everyone to see."

Glancing around to see if anyone is watching them, Lady Leena says "Alright, you may go in."

Entering the apartment quickly and closing the door behind them, Signore Gandt says, "Thank you a million times - you saved me!"

Laughing a bit Lady Leena can't help but ask, "May I ask from whom? You climbed down from your own roof?"

Mercury Gandt looks out the window carefully, "My creditor's agent arrived a minute ago. He wants me to pay and I can't right now .... so I escaped, while my footman tries to stop him entering my home. If I leave your home through the cafe', I can be safe." Letting his eyes wander about the room he comments, "Nice bedroom."

Blushing profusely, Lady Leena steps closer to the doorway, "Well, the door is over here and safe travels to you Signore."

"Please forgive me ... I hope I'm not much trouble to you," Signore Gandt adds as Lady Leena tries to escort him to the door.

Lady Leena curtsies, hoping that he will leave quickly, "Not at all Signore Gandt and I wish you luck in your .... future travels?"

Pausing and appearing less in a rush now, Mercury asks, "How can I express my thanks to you?"

Lady Leena waves a hand in front of him really wishing he would be on his way, "No need Sir, it was my Christian duty."

Mercury Gandt offers a wry smile, "Christian duty for a sinner like me... you are too generous."

Lady Leena Fandango smiles gently, "Am I?"

Pointing to the door Mercury says, "I'll just check if the air is clear before I exit your door... I wouldn't want to hurt your reputation more."

Lady Leena Fandango offers, "I wouldn't have wanted you to injure yourself by falling off the building ... men can be so dangerous."

"Signorina, if I survived a balloon duel, I can survive anything," Signore Gandt replies.

"I heard about that balloon duel Signore. The man Dieter was shot and injured?" Lady Leena asks.

Nodding, Mercury answers, "Yes, my opponent's second."

"And was the honor satisfied?" Lady Leena asks, curiously.

Mercury Gandt answers quickly with a wave of his hand, "Of course... we are best friends since then."

Lady Leena looking shocked, "You shoot a man and are now best friends?"

Signore Gandt asks her, "Were you there? Did you seen the duel Signorina?"

"No Signore, I didn't see the duel, well .... not too much," shaking her head.

Mercury Gandt looks disappointed, obviously he wanted to impress her by his eccentric duel.

Lady Leena states, "I saw some flying things out the window, but it's my opinion that only God should fly and perhaps the angels, not man."

Signore Gandt looks into her eyes boldly and smiles, "Then you can see an angel now in front of you."

Lady Leena blushing and looks down, "How bold you are Signore!"

Mercury Gandt answers quickly, "And how bold you are, to let me in to your home informally? We are both bold, we are alike."

Lady Leena let's her jaw drop for a moment, closes her mouth quickly and looks at Gandt in the eye, "Perhaps we are alike Signore, one never knows about people, do they?"

Signore Gandt becomes embarrassed for the first time, "How do you mean?"

Lady Leena shrugs her shoulders, "It's nothing Signore, I'm a simple English girl enjoying the warm air here on the island."

"English? How charming. From London?" and bites on his lips.

"No Signore, Cornwall ... St Just in the Penwith. I'm a country girl ... you are of London?" Lady Leena asks curiously.

Mercury Gandt sighs with relief, "Ah yes, I was born in London, though I left it behind many years ago."

Lady Leena Fandango smiles and answers, "Oh? I know many people in London, Signore, I write to them often. I do like to hear the news from back home whenever I can."

Signore Gandt slightly blushes and then looks like someone who wants to escape again, "This is wonderful. I have no living contact there."

"I can certainly pass news along to you if you wish," Lady Leena offers and watches the facial expression change on Gandt's face, "Is there anyone I can ask about for you Signore?"

Signore Gandt suddenly and quickly reaches for her hand to give her a goodbye handkiss, very eager to leave, "No, certainly not... it is better not to. Thank you," and smiling at her provokingly, "All my interest is here, in Italy."

Offering Signore Gandt a smile and a curtsey, Lady Leena turns a bit red and a takes a step back from him after his last remark.

Signore Gandt then peeks out the door to see if there's anyone about.

Watching him, Lady Leena says, "Enjoy your day Signore .... is anyone there?"

Slipping out the door Signore Gandt looks back and says, "I'm grateful to you forever, Signorina and no, no one is there."

Seeing him finally leave, Lady Leena breathes a huge sigh of relief and whispers, "Thank you Signore..."

~~~

Two gentlemen met in the rotunda of the Villa Vesuivina, at a time they had agreed upon.

Buongiorno, Don Mercurio.

Greetings, Professore.

I regret that we have not had time to meet before this....I trust all is well?

Yes, I think all is well.

I am gratified to hear thatlet us proceed up to the Conte Foscari's apartment.

They went up the narrow stairway to the second floor and knocked on the door to one of the apartments. After being admitted and greeted by the Conte, they were seated, and the Professore initiated the cautious conversation:

Conte, I was telling Don Mercurio that I very much regretted not having been able to meet with him immediately after his arrival

The delay is my fault, Professore: I had the chance to move into another rental in the town, and such things take a good deal of time and attention

Signor Gandt, you have been on the island a while now, I believe? asked the Conte.

Mercury nodded. I haveand things have been very busy indeedAnd you have very busy office hours, too, Professore... I was literally on a waiting list for you to receive me...but I have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet with you and the Conte.

Mercury was being only slightly dishonest when he said this. In some ways this was a moment he had been waiting for, and he decided to push the conversation in a risky direction.

Yes, I have been awaiting this opportunity for agesat least since the point when your dear daughter hired me to escort her to Venezia.

The Conte seemed unconcerned that Mercury was already taking the discussion into territory where it might get uncomfortable.

Yes, Signor Gandt, I am not surprised by that. I am aware of this situation being one about which you would probably have some questions.

The professore coughed. The diplomat in him wanted to keep the conversation from getting messy too quickly. If I may, gentlemen...I would suggest that perhaps at present, the less said about the recent past, the betterother than I must thank you Don Mercurio for undertaking a small mission to my friends in Roma. I most sincerely appreciate your diligence in delivering a package to them, and for bringing another package from them to us here.

Mercury did not seem to be listening. He was glaring at the Conte with a demanding look, hungry to know what really happened in Veneziaand why.

The Conte was unperturbed by this. Do help yourself to some Grappa, he said pleasantly.

No one helped himself to the Grappa.

So if I understand things, eccelenza, said Mercury, your daughter is quite well, in spite of the fact that I lost track of her.

The Conte smiled enigmatically at Mercury. Yes. My daughter is well, Signor Gandt.

Believe me," answered Mercury, "I was the most desperate man in Italy that it happenedwhen she disappeared. It is a great relief for me, to know she was not harmedbut

The Conte interrupted him. I regret that you were attacked, but please let me assure you that the Foscari family had nothing to do with the assault upon you.

The professore sighed. Life often takes its odd turns, then continues.

Mercury was not finding the discussion to be terribly satisfying. Your daughter promised me that she would introduce me to you in Venezia, and that I could do you some services, but alas, it didn't happen because of the circumstances

The Conte cut him off once more. But my dear Signor Gandt, you did do us service in Veneziaalbeit it somewhat unwittinglybut you did do us service nonetheless, and for this, I am grateful."

Mercury was now feeling a bit uncomfortable, as he remembered other services he performed for others in Venezia, but kept silent.

At last the Professore spoke again. Well...there are many other services that you can do, after allsuch as making the journey to Roma to see my friends. And it is gratifying that you were able to so expeditiously return to us here

The Conte nodded in agreement, then frowned slightly. While it was good that you could assist the Professore, it is perhaps not so good that you also saw fit to help some other people who are not exactly my friends. I do very much regret you felt it necessary to involve yourself with the Sbirii in Venezia, although I can appreciate your confusion about the best course of action to take in those circumstances."

Mercury winced involuntarily at the word sbirrii, but the profesorre smiled and commented in a not unfriendly way, one could argue, that in the situation, you really no choice but to do what you did.

Mercury looked at the Professore for a moment and then replied, Yes, I hate to admit it, but there is some truth in that statementbut is it also not true, after all, that my connection with the Sbirii helped you to execute a plan of your own, to pass on false information and mislead them... and that went well, no?

Before the professore could answer, the Conte interjected, did they pay you well, Signor Gandt? I do hope so.

Mercury Gandt looked a bit chagrined, but only for a moment. Then he matter-of-factly replied, yes, in fact they did. So well, that right now I have a surplus in my resourcesand I can rent a nicer apartment now

The Conte chuckled. Indeed, and it saves me having to pay you!

Mercury continued, But please keep in mindI may have their gold, but they have not bought my loyalty. When Achille the tavern keeper made me aware of what the Profesore wantedthat I should go to RomaI did not betray him to the Sbirri. Instead, I went to Roma as the professore wanted me to, and have been discreet You have a special set of friends there, Don Aldo

Yes, you were very discreet, Signor Gandt. My people tell me you performed well in Rome, comment the Conte drily.

Don Aldo shrugged casually. In essence, you passed the test. Which is all the more reason why we should not dwell upon what transpired in Venezia. You delivered what you were supposed to deliver in Roma. And the package that you picked up there, you immediately deposited with Don Alfonso when you arrived here. I am greatly appreciative of this.

Conte Foscari smiled as well. Actually, you also have passed the tests I had my daughter set for you.

Before Mercury could inquire as to the Contes meaning in saying this, the professore began speaking again. While I cannot say what the Conte may have in mind for you at this point...I do have some other services for which an English-speaking gentleman would be of great value. I wish to know...would you be interested in undertaking a few simple...assignments, shall we say?

Well, answered Mercury, Achille already told me in Venezia that I owe you much, and in return I can do some service to you. How could I say no? That is a fair deal, of course only if my skills allow me to do it. How could I refuse?

Don Aldo smiled. Oh one may always refusebut yes, there is the small matter of your debts here, which I settled on your behalf...

Not so small, I'm afraid, interjected Mercury with a frown.

No my friend, it is merely money, and as such, it is most certainly no more than a small matter, responded Don Aldo. More importantly, there is the matter of trust. What do you think, Conte...can we trust Signor Gandt to assist us in some of our joint enterprises?

~~~