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The Flight to Fanciful Part 5 ~ Of Men and Their Manners

Although the Villa Vesuviana was lovely, the sea called to Lady Leena. Missing the salt air and the breezes, her faithful agent Silas Becker, made arrangements with Don Alfonso for her to move closer to the shoreline on Rocca Sorrentina. It was moving day and to Lady Leena's utter delight Madame Savatier had arrived not long before by ship, having received the previous letter about the balloons while on her travels.

Silas Becker met the ladies at the door of the new apartment and bowed while Madame Savatier returned his kindness with a curtsey.

"Good Day to you ladies. I believe your new apartment will be suitable, my Lady," Becker said.

Madame Savatier answered, "What a pleasure, Mr. Becker!"

"'Tis an honor Madame Savatier, my Lady Leena has told me much about you." Becker replied.

"Why, thank you." Madame Savatier said.

"How was your journey to the island?" asked Becker.

Madame Savatier shakes her head, "Miserable ... the ship was taken over by a huge swell. It was most displeasing."

The small group was about to enter the new apartment and start getting settled when a gentleman approached, later to be known as one Signore Mercury Gandt.

And the gentleman speaks, "Ladies, Signore, what is this commotion at my door?"

The ladies curtsey with polite puzzlement while Becker bows in shock, offering the gentleman a simple greeting.

"Why, I'm moving of course, this is my new apartment Signore." Lady Leena looks on with an odd look on her face.

"Your new apartment? Where I live? Signorina, I would be the most happy man on earth to live together with you, but this is my apartment," says the gentleman.

Lady Leena Fandango with her mouth gaping says, "Begging your pardon?" while Madame Savatier looks totally shocked and offers, "Oh, Mon Dieu!"

The very forward gentleman with a smirk on his face states, "At least it was mine when I left it behind this morning."

Silas Becker, glaring at the gentleman asks him, "Have you paid the bill? You presume much Sir, about my Lady."

"Signore, we haven't met before so I can't take it an as offense only as a misunderstanding. My name is Gandt, at your service, and this is where I live," now the gentleman is finally introduced.

Madame Savatier asks, "Are you sure?" and begins laughing while Signore Gandt laughs along with her and shakes his head in disbelief. "I merely jest with you, Monsieur... there must be some misunderstanding. Monsieur Becker has obviously been misinformed."

Becker raises and eyebrow, "Don Alfonso or myself must have misunderstood Signore, it was thought this was to be Lady Leena's new apartment."

Signore Gandt bows again formally, "Mercurio Gandt, at your service, Mesdames."

Lady Leena Fandango curtsies again, "I am Lady Fandango, Signore. May I present Madame Savatier and this is my agent, Silas Becker."

Madame Savatier curtsies, "Well met, Monsieur."

Mercurio Gandt offers, "Enchanted, Madame and Madamoiselle."

Madame Savatier answers him, "Merci," while Signore Gandt nods politely.

"Well, Madamoiselle Leena, I am sure the gentleman knows where he lives," Madame Savatier states.

Lady Leena Fandango says "Well, this is a dilemma it seems Signore Gandt ... now what?" and looks over at Becker with a small frown. "I'm so sorry Madame this was to be a better afternoon for you than your journey."

Madame Savatier asks, "Perhaps we can allow Monsieur Becker to sort this out while we take coffee and Signore Gandt would like to join us?"

Mercury Gandt with a smile on his face, "I would gladly help, as soon as you tell me where do you want to move."

"Monsieur Gandt, how civilized," laughs Madame Savatier sweetly.

Silas Becker eyes the man up and down and hiding a scowl, finally speaks, "I shall go to Don Alfonso at once, and get this straightenend out," bows and walks away to the office to have a word, "If you'll excuse me."

Mercury Gandt, completely amused by the situation looks over at Lady Leena, "So you are a local here, Mademoiselle? How long? We haven't met yet."

"Perhaps as you two are going to be neighbors, you should get to know each other better," Madame Savatier offers with a bit of a sly smile on her face.

Lady Leena Fandango looking quite horrified at Madame's statement looks back at the gentleman and answers, "Not long Signore ... I was in the Villa Versuviana," then moving her eyes back at Madame with a bright red face, "I don't know Madame, it's not proper for me to get to know any gentleman I think."

Lady Leena stands a bit closer to Madame and watches the gentleman closely while Signore Gandt offers, "It is perfectly proper to introduce myself to a lady in my neighborhood, especially if we will meet in public places."

"After you suggested we perhaps 'live' in the same place Signore?" Lady Leena retorts.

Seemingly unaffected Mercury Gandt asks, "So you lived in the Villa? And why do you leave it?"

"The sea Signore, it called to me .... to be closer to it and the views of the beach," answers Lady Leena and begins tapping her foot wondering where Becker could be.

Madame Savatier watches the exchange and says coyly, "She loves a view..." and turns away stifling a giggle.

"Ah... the salty air, you say .... it's very healthy," Gandt answers as he carefully examines the roses of Lady Leena's face, she doesn't seem to be sick.

Lady Leena Fandango nods, "Yes, and the coffee at Aphrodite's Cafe' is quite enchanting I hear ... along the company."

"We love our cafe au lait," offers Madame Savatier with a beaming smile.

Signore Gandt, looking back and forth between the two women, "Are you sisters, ladies, if I may ask?"

Laughing softly, Madame Savatier answers, "Oh no .... but very close friends."

"Madame is most kind, she is like family to me," says Lady Leena while she looks over at Madame with a large smile.

Madame Savatier blushes and adds, "Indeed, we could have been sisters."

Silas Becker finally returns and bows to the ladies and gentleman, now able to solve the problem before them.

Mercury Gandt looks over and asks, "Well Signore Becker, where to escort the ladies?"

Becker narrows his eyes at Gandt and offers, "Yes ladies, the apartment is indeed Gandt's here. We are just below HIM."

"Thank you very much, sir," quickly trumpets Gandt, looking quite satisfied with himself.

Madame Savatier becoming quite exasperated, "Ahhh, so the gentleman does indeed know where HE lives ... perhaps you've discovered where my friend is to live?"

Lady Leena Fandango quickly states, "Sincere apologies Signore, it was our mistake."

"Oh, it has been my pleasure to meet you," Signore Gandt offers, looking like he just won a card game.

"Such nonsense. Monsieur Becker is surely responsible. But he can redeem himself!" Madame Savatier says with reproach.

Becker, now feeling a bit sheepish, "Rest assured my Lady I shall move your things over to the proper dwelling straight away."

Smiling gently at both Becker and Madame, Lady Leena asks "How can Becker redeem himself Madame?"

Sighing Madame Savatier answers, "By conveying you to your new apartment, of course."

Mercury Gandt can't help himself and adds, "Do you allow me ladies, to escort you? I promise I won't force myself invited in, only escort you till your door is reached."

Madame looks over at Signore Gandt and breathes, "How thoughtful ..."

Becker grimaces and sighs, "If the ladies will allow it, it's this way."

"That will be fine Becker, lead the way," Lady Leena answers, eager to right this obvious wrong.

Mercury Gandt offers his arm to the ladies, which Lady Leena politely declines and moves past him quickly. Madame Savatier did allow his escort and takes his arm. Winding their way through the staircase, they come to the new apartment, the right one this time.

Becker stands in front of the large wooden door, "Here we are my Lady, Number 2 is your new home," and slides the key into the lock.

"Oh, so you will live above the cafe'? It will be a bit noisy," observes Signore Gandt, "Now this is the moment I should say goodbye. Madame, Signore, good luck and Madamoiselle Fandango, enjoy your new home."

"A pleasure," Madame Savatier says as she curtsies and smiles.

Lady Leena curtsies and responds "Thank you Signore," while Becker hastily shuts the door and slides the lock back into place, turning around he has a rather large frown on his face.

The Flight to Fanciful ~ Part 4 Of Men and Balloons

Rising early, Lady Leena decides to write a letter to a dear friend to tell her of the recent events of her new home. Sitting at her desk she puts quill paper and begins the tale ......

30th October 1783

My dearest Madame Savatier,

I hope you are well and in good spirits. I know you've been traveling of late so I sincerely pray this letter finds you on your journeys. Some extraordinary events are happening here at Rocca Sorrentina of almost a fairy tale nature that I can scarcely believe myself.

Some of the gentleman here on the island of Rocca Sorrentina have decided on a very peculiar course of action. Men can be men of course with all their requirements of duty and honor, as we know well. Two of them, Mercury Gandt, I think you remember him Madame, and Friedrich von Brenneysen, a native of Prussia have decided to have a duel.

I know perhaps you are sitting back wondering why I might consider this a fairy tale? The duel is not an ordinary one my dear friend. It shall take place in of all things a 'balloon' which floats up in the air making them able to fly. Yes Madame, fly in the heavens like the birds or the angels themselves.

Fabrics filled with heated air or something called hydrogen, some alchemists concoction perhaps, will allow the duelists and their seconds to rise into the sky where fate will decide what is to become of them. I can imagine your surprise Madame, for I'm quite certain many of the residents here on the island share your wonder.

I include a pamphlet for you to see, some French brothers named Montgolfier, decided to try this in Annonay, France this past June. One can only imagine how the people of the French countryside took to seeing something other than a flock of geese flying above them.

With Fondness,

Lady Leena

~

Devi was lost in reflection, standing in the shadows by the rail, watching the moonlit water sliding by. She heard someone someone softly calling her name and turned to see Achille coming towards her. On his face, he was wearing a happy smile -- well, more like an idiotic grin, to be honest. The reason for his happiness was obvious: somewhere, here in the middle of the sea off the coast of southern Italy, he had managed to acquire a guitar.

She could not help but smile in return as he held it up.

"Look,one of the sailors has permitted me to borrow his guitar! May I play something for you? Or do you wish to be left alone with your thoughts...."

"Yes, please do...is it a good instrument?"

"Not bad at all." He began tuning it, plucking on string and then another and tightening or loosing the keys as needed. "But the poor thing, she doesn't like the sea air. Being on ship board is not always the happiest of circumstances for a guitar."

Once he was satisfied, he began gently strumming a tune, something that sounded vaguely spanish. He looked up from the guitar as he played, an impish twinkle in his eyes.

"So, what brings you up on deck here? the beauty of the night and stars and the water, or did you simply weary of hearing the old gentleman once again regaling the other passengers with his stories of our combat with the sibbiri agents?"

Devi rolled her eyes and laughed.

"Yes indeed...then she paused, her expression betraying a touch of concern. "Did he really join in the fight...or is he just inventing it?

"Oh yes, a pistol in one hand, his sword cane in the other...a most ferocious sight." Achille laughed as he said this, but then dropped his voice and said in a very serious tone, "though in all honesty, I am not sure what I would have done without his assistance..."

Devi nodded. "There is more to the old nonno Foscari then people realise."

"Oh yes, the old Signore was very enthusiastic in his desire to do mayhem to those rascals."

Devi could not help but giggle at the mental image this conjured up.

"Ican imagine Nonno Focari ready to do battle,I have always thought he pretended to be sicker than he really is."

"He is a cagey old fellow...I would not put it past him to pretend to be frail if he thought it would give him an advantage. But in reality he is a fighter..."

Achille paused for dramatic emphasis and then sighed, "Saturnines, on the other hand..."

"Ahhh, Saturnines," sighed Devi. "I suppose he hung back as if he was waiting to see how things went and only then would decide which side to join." She laughed. "A stand-up battle isnot really his preferred way to settle an issue...but don't underestimate him -- he is very good at what he does."

"Oh yes, I am certain of that" agreed Achille, "you know, after all, it was Saturnines' idea to negotiate with the sbirri thug who looked like he would give us the most trouble...he was a rather large gent... the other agent called him "Burly" as I recall."

"Oh?"

"Definitely. Old Signor Foscari was hot to have at them, and I was ready with a club, but it was Saturnines who talked Signor Burly into giving up his boss to us and taking a little blow to the head for show. To his credit, that big fellow could have given us quite a fight, but he saw the good sense in Saturnine's argument...though a little purse of ducats didn't hurt."

"Knowing Saturnines, they probably were counterfeit," Devi snorted derisively. "But he is reliable in his own way. He has been with Nonno Foscari since he was a boy."

"Well, as I said," Achille went on, " they all were a great help. You know it was the old Signor Foscari who came up with the idea of taking that really nasty Sbirri agent -- the one called Rinaldi --and bundling him into a cask with some biscuit and water and sending him on a ship to Istanbul."

"Really?" This was intriguing news to Devi, she had avoided asking about the other agent, as she had assumed he had met the ultimate fate that he arguably deserved.

Achille nodded. "We arranged that when he gets there, he will be drafted into the Turkish navy...I am sure he will make a fine sailor. Hey, the Turks need all the men they can get to fight the Russians."

"So it will be a long time before he is in a position to report to Cristofoli," mused Devi. "And we will all be long gone."

Achille Giglio continued to play softly and commented without looking up from the instrument, "if he survives, that is."

"Oh....I am sure he will...his sort always does," observed Devi.

"Well, if he does not," replied Achille, "at least it is not on our heads...he may have deserved it, but I am glad I did not have to send him to sleep with the fishes on the bottom of the canal...let some Russian cannon ball do the job.And if he makes it back, it is by God's will."

Living as she did in a world where she had known plenty of individuals who would cut your throat for half a loaf of bread -- or just for the sheer fun of it -- she did not often encounter working class people who had much in the way of scruples. Having principles was a luxury, something usually reserved for a few of the well-born who could afford to have them...or who could afford to pay someone else to do their dirty work. But here was this ordinary guy who seemed to have some kind of priorities beyond his own comfort and convenience. Devi found this side of Achille a little puzzling...almost quixotic...but in the end, appealing. She realized that this tavern keeper was a man who was perfectly capable of killing if he had to...but only if he really had to.

Meanwhile, Achille was playing some snatches of Boccherini. Finally, he said quietly, "Yes, we all made quite a good team...you did your job with getting Signor Gandt where he needed to be, old Signor Foscari and Saturnines helping me spring the trap for those guys...and we can't forget the young lady...she played her part well...very well indeed."

"Ah yes, the young lady," said Devi drily. "I am very curious about her."

"Oh?"

"I am not really sure who she is..where she came from...andare they really married? You know back at the villa, Nonno Foscari acts like he's on death's door half the time...he even has a chair with wheels and will tell people he can't walk!!! What kind of a husband would that be for a young woman?"

"Well for one thing, I think we all know that feeble old man routine is pretty much a charade. And as for what kind of a husband he'd make...a rich one to be sure."

Devi snorted. "Humph! I am notentirely sure they are actually married in the eyes of the law and church. Besides,the old man has been a widower for many years...a new marriage will not affect his heirs...oh, but Elena will be so shocked!"

"She has had to deal with stranger things in life, I am sure. But what do you thinkthe Conte will say?" asked Achille.

Devi giggled. "I bet the Conte will be surprised...I can't wait to see the expression on the Conte's face when we get to Sorrentina and he sees this traveling comedy troupe we are bringing with us."

Achille smiled at this, but offered no further comment and continued to play. Except for the gentle sounds of the guitar, a silence fell as Devi turned and looked back out over the rail at the flecks of moonlight that danced on the waves, and the stars that so utterly filled the cloudless night sky.

After several minutes Devi spoke again.

"So ....what is this Sorentina like?"

"Ah...Sorrentina...have you not been there?"

"No...I know its somehwere south...but when Elena went there she left me behind at the Malcontenta,and that would have been fine, except my brothers came to take me home." She made an expression of disgust.

Achille Giglio stop playing the guitar and stood beside Devi at the rail. "Then you have missed the closest thing to Paradise that one may find in this sorry world," he said quietly.

Devi looked at him, not entirely sure if he was serious. He shrugged and added, "at least in my humble opinion...but then I grew up thereand have lived most of life on or near the island...soI am not objective about it."

"It is beautiful there?" she asked.

"I think so...it is almost always pleasantly warm...I have never known it to snow there. The waters and sky are a brilliant blue...the island a small multicolored jewel in the Bay of Naples...the green orchards and vineyards, flowers of all sorts of hues, the red tile roofs and yellow and pink stucco of houses and white marble of old buildings...very old.

"You do make it sound like paradise. I hated the mountains when it snowed. Everything...white and grey...and cold. Living in a caravan is nice enough in the summer, but in winter..and much of spring and autumn as well, it comes through every crack in the boards and eats into your bones. What is it like to live there?"

"Pleasant is an inadequate word for it. Coffee in the coffee house, with friendly people and good conversation. Local wine and honey and fruits...fish from the sea, fresh each day...and the grandest sunsets you will see anywhere can be viewed from the table just outside my tavern by the docks. Go out on a boat and look back at the island and you see little houses that are comfortable, but not ostentatious, piled up like a child's building blocks on the hillside...even the great villa is not a massive sprawling palace,but like something that grew from the earth and the rocks...like nature..balanced and perfect in its imperfections..."

"So it's not like Venezia?"

"Oh no, nothing like Venezia...it smells like sea breezes, clean salt and flowers...not fetid water, stale piss and dead fish."

Devi looked at Achille and laughed. "Not all of Venezia smells like that!"

"The parts I was in did."

Devi decided to not argue the point. It did all sound lovely. "How long until we get there?I long to see it."

Achille was beginning to tune the guitar again. "A couple days," he answered. "We have to tack up the coast past the straits and then catch the westerly breeze." He paused a moment and than asked, "do you think you will be able to stay a while on la Rocca?"

Devi frowned. "I guessthat will depend on the Conteand whatever message he has from my father." She appeared to be lost in thought. "You know, I have never been on a ship for so long before...this is a new experience for me. I have only really been to vist two other places besides the mountains."

Achille looked surprised. "I would think with you heritage of the Sinti, you would be very well travelled."

"No," she answered. "You see,the Conte helped my people to come out of the Austrian lands, but I was born after their travel...since they settled in their mountain camp they never went anywhere. The menfolk go down to the valley to trade,but the women don't go with them. Since the persecutions that were suffered, they try not to draw attention to themselves...I only got to travel a bit because of the Conte and Elena. Most of the work I have performed on behalf of the Conte has been in and around Venezia."

"Well," replied Achille in an almost somber tone,"although I would understand how under such circumstances, you might be having a desire to travel widely and see more of the world...if I may say so...after we get to Rocca Sorrentina...it is my hope you will not have to leave again too soon."

She did not reply, a he started playing the guitar again.

"Do you know this one?" he asked. "I just learned it recently." And he began to sing.

"Caro mio ben,
credimi almen,
senza di te

languisce il cor,
caro mio ben,
senza di te

languisce il cor
Il tuo fedel
sospira ognor

Cessa, crudel,
tanto rigor!
Cessa, crudel,

tanto rigor,
tanto rigor!
Caro mio ben,

credimi almen,
senza di te
languisce il cor,

caro mio ben,
credimi almen,
senza di te

languisce il cor"

Devi found herself blushing. "You sing it beautifully...it is the song of someone asking that his heart not be broken by the one he loves."

Achille stopped playing when he finished the song andgently leaned the guitar against the small cannon next to them "As I said...I hope you do not have to leave the island too soon...you know...we have spent much time together...but it has always been about the job...what we do for...for others."

"I do hope I can stay some time also," she answered, not daring to look at Achille. "Yes we each have our orders...our purpose. I and my people owe the Conte a lot...and he is good to us..."

Achille gazed out over the dark waves. "You talk of orders...but I do not follow orders...I do what I do for the Padrone out of duty and my respect and affection for him."

Devi nodded. "Yes, I understand, it is the same for me. The Conte has been like a second father to me. And as you have seen, old Sior Foscari sees me as an extra grandaughter...so maybe they will let me stay."

Achille moved a little closer to Devi. "So...you know...if I ask the Professore...and you ask the Conte...they maybe will not send us away on our separate paths for other missions...perhaps not right away..."

Devi looked at Achille with hope in her eyes. "Yes I will ask him...and if he says no, then I shall ask his father to badger him into saying yes..."

Achille laughed. "Devi...I have never known anyone like you before..."

Il Professore was at his desk in his rooms at the Villa Vesuviana, reviewing the letter he had just finished. It seemed adequate, so now all that remained to be done was to have copies made for the other recipients. This original would go to Don Mercurio. Don Aldo sighed as he thought about this duty he was performing. Necessary, but rather sad. It was always regrettable when a matter such as this involved young men, with their entire lives ahead of them...but as the Baronessa was fond of saying, "life is dangerous." She also was prone to say things like "we all have to die sometime." But Don Aldo hoped that would not be the case for the young men who had chosen this particular path to travel.

After a moment, he decided to review the letter one more time, to make sure he had not missed anything:

To Signor Mercury Gandt and Signor Friedrich von Brenneysen (copies to be sent to your seconds).

Gentlemen,

As the longest-serving Magistrate (and therefore, by default, the senior) who is present upon the island of Rocca Sorrentina (the Baronessa von Khr being absent), I find myself in the position of having to oversee the proper execution of this affair of honor that you seem determined to proceed with.

I trust that in accordance with established traditions your seconds have communicated in an effort to find an alternative. If it seems that there is none to be had, then we must take the next step and settle upon a time and date. I would suggest to you Saturday, November 2nd or Sunday the 3rd, perhaps at 9 or 10 AM? Otherwise, would 1 PM be preferable? Please let me know as soon as possible so that I can make certain arrangements.

Dottore Greymoon has already agreed to serve as the attending surgeon, although under the circumstances you have seen fit to chose, I fear his skills may be of little avail should one or the both of you suffer some misfortune. In fact, if you will entertain a suggestion from a gentleman whose passing of years has enabled him to witness more than enough such encounters, I most respectfully request that you two be willing to consider calling the affair settled with the drawing of first blood. I think such a course would more than satisfy the demands of honor and confirm the courage and steadfastness of both parties.

I look forward to hearing from the both of you at your earliest convenience regarding this matter.

your most obedient servant,
Don Aldo Stern, Magistrate

The letter seemed to be sufficient, so il Professore dusted it with sand to dry, and then carefully folded it and put it in a envelope for delivery to Don Alfonso for copying.

"What a plan," he thought to himself. "Well, if young men will be hardheaded and insist upon risking their lives over honor, there is something to be said for doing so in a unique way like this."

Don Aldo had read a good bit about balloons. They seemed a novelty -- a dangerous novelty -- but perhaps they would someday change the course of history, he mused. As he reflected on the situation he decided he would have to write to Dr. Franklin and ask him what he thinks of these devices. If anyone would have interesting ideas about the potential for aeronautical experiments to turn into something useful, it would be Don Beniamino, he thought.

Just when I thought things were proceeding well, my complacency has been shaken and I am now in a state of worry and fear. I had happily settled into a routine as Conte Foscari's administrative secretary--spending three days a week dealing with his correspondence and familiarizing myself with the nature of his business. Then, on Friday, I came across a letter that was among the rest of the count's papers. It was signed by someone with the name of Saturnines who, by the servile tone of the words, is apparently an employee of the Conte.

The letter comes from Venezia and contans a warning that Mercury Gandt is in the employ of the Sbirri, the corrupt police of La Serenissima. They have been paying him to spy on the Foscari family, and most particularly upon the Contessa. I sat there in cold shock, reading the letter over and over again registering the implications. If what Saturnines says is true, sweet innocent-looking Mercury has betrayed all of us! I knew he was short of scudi but this was too much! I could not believe it. All of my heart and soul wanted to reject what the words on the paper, written in a tight crabbed hand, were saying. Putting my face in my hands, I wept in sadness and disappointment.

I decided to share the contents of the letter with the only friend I know I can trust, Hugo. I contacted him on Saturday as he was leaving Aphrodite's Cafe. We arranged to meet later on, in the library of the Villa when no one else would be about. He arrived punctually and we sat down together. Recognizing by the expression on my face that I was in severe distress, Hugo dispensed with all pleasantries and quicky asked me how he could be of service. I handed the letter over to him, avoiding his eyes and looking down at my lap as he read it. I expected a tirade of anger to fall from his lips.

But he handed the letter back to me and said nothing. His face was white as Aphrodite's apron and his mouth was drawn tightly across his lips. Then, without a word, he stood up, bowed to me and quickly left the room.

I now fear what consequences might come from this new knowledge we both have. Should I have told Hugo? What will he do? As I returned to the Conte's office and put the letter back with his papers, I wondered for the first time why the Conte had been so careless with information of such importance. Normally he is very secretive about affairs that do not concern me...

"The solicitor is here to see you, milady."

My recent discovery of poor Lieutenant Angarano, and his subsequent confinement in my home left me with no choice but to ask that the solicitor visit me at Ravens Landing, rather than travel to his offices. Mister Warren arrived precisely at ten o'clock, making me grin and think of Herr Naumen's obsession with punctuality. Alas, he had returned to Germany, and with him, my lessons; but I had resolved to maintain the practice.

"You are in good spirits, Baroness. That is a relief."

I looked at him curiously and gestured that he should follow me outside. "I thought we might take some tea in the sun and fresh air. And seeing as you appear rather tense, I think that is a very good idea, indeed." I turned, hoping to replace his somber expression with amusement, but saw no change. Not a good sign, I thought.

Finally settled, a steaming cup before each of us, he began. "I have spent the entire journey trying to think of a way out of this, but as there appears to be none...." he paused "Forgive me, let me start at the beginning."

I leaned forward, my expression now as solemn as his, as it appeared that less than happy news was on the horizon. Noting my change in demeanor, he raised a hand, "Everything is.... is alright, Baroness. There has been, well, something of a discovery, which changes your position, but all is not lost."

The disclaimer failed to bring me relief and I sat looking at him, waiting.

"When we met some time ago, I was assured that the Baron had been quite successful, and that has not changed. However, we did find some..." his lips curled into an uncomfortable sneer "... other business dealings of a rather distasteful nature."

I sat, dumbfounded as Mister Warren detailed the treasonous acts of the Baron during the early stages of the colonies' revolution. He had set up a trade under the auspices of attaining provisions for the regiment, and all the while, he had been stockpiling weapons for the rebels.

I grew pale.

Mister Warren continued, "As such, under a writ of attainder, all of the estate of the Baron is being posthumously seized." I recoiled at the use of the word "attainder", the corruption of blood.

Before I could ask the question, Mister Warren consoled me "You have no involvement in this, but your title will of course be removed. As your father is a Duke, you shall revert to Lady Olivia, no mar or mark on your name or that of your parents..." Thankfully, he let the last of it remain unspoken.

The wind kicked up momentarily, sending leaves twirling and rattling. I sat, listening as he spoke of meeting with Papa, and that they had seen to the removal of my personal belongings from the estate at Portsmouth. I turned, looking out at the hills, seeing the shadows reach for the water's edge and sighed.

Mister Warren had done what he came to do. He apologized profusely, asking if there was anything in particular that he might do for me. I looked at him, then beyond him, upwards to the window of the room where Lieutenant Angarano rested and thanked him as gracefully as the moment would allow.

The solicitor gathered his things, bowing deeply "My lady...."

As he walked toward the house, I turned to look at the water. I was back to square one: in need of a husband, and an heir.

I reasoned that I was not worse off. I was being extricated from the soiled grasp of the Baron for good, and forever.

It dawned on me that I was sorry he was dead. I would have enjoyed seeing him hanged.

The summer season had ended in spectacular fashion, and I decided to move northward for the colder months. Ravens Landing, a family estate, just outside Chelmsford, would be far cozier, and more appropriate than Portsmouth for the autumn and winter. I longed for the country.

The journey was long and arduous and the house required much work upon arrival; it had been shuttered for more than a year's time. It took over three weeks for the grounds and downstairs rooms to be restored, and only the family rooms and adjoining sitting room were seen to. The guest quarters could wait, as I was sure most were busy doing the same as I, and returning to other homes after the season had come and gone.

A short time after arriving, I received word from my solicitor that certain information had come to light about the late Baron Clive that I should be advised of immediately. As I read the note, my spirits fell; it seemed that the horrid man would haunt me for the rest of my days. Resolute that I should get it over with, I told the footmen that I should be traveling to London in the morning.

We were no more than three miles from our destination when the carriage slowed. I looked out the window to see a horse, saddled and bridled but with no rider. I found it curious, indeed. Then I saw the body on the ground and I hammered my fist on the box to signal the carriage to stop. I knew that there was a chance this was some sort of trick; highwaymen were renowned for their creativity. But should this be a person in actual need of assistance, we could not simply ride on.

I scrambled from the carriage and stood a fair distance off, still unsure, until a strange feeling overcame me. Somehow, I recognized the horse. How could that be? I stood there, flexing my aching hand until it dawned on me that it was Pyramis! During the last weekend affair in Portsmouth, I had learned quite a bit about some of my newer acquaintances, and one in particular, about his horse. I felt queasy suddenly in the knowledge that one of my guests who had, mere weeks earlier, been dancing in my ballroom, lay on the ground. Had he been thrown? Had he been robbed?

The thirty or so paces from carriage to his form took what seemed hours. The footmen had already been to him and turned him, to determine if he was alive. As I drew closer, a mark on the man's face brought a queasiness to my stomach; not because it was an injury, but because it was familiar. Lieutenant Angarano lay still in the grass.

After determining that he was not bleeding, I directed that he be placed in the box with me and that we would be tending to the Signore at the house. The accompanying rider raced ahead to inform the physician he was needed, and Pyramis was tied to the rear of the carriage. I bade the footmen to be careful as they carried him, and without some effort, managed to set him reclining next to me. With his head gently cradled in my hand, the carriage slowly turned around and made the short distance back to the house at a snail's pace, with the solicitor's message easily forgotten.

Upon arrival, servants were waiting near the back stairwell, and the Lieutenant was carefully carried up to the family rooms, and laid on a bed. I waited in the adjoining sitting room while the physician tended to his wounds and determined his condition. My feet made a path from the sill of the closed doors to the fireplace, and back again. Over and over, I paced, waiting for the physician, until finally the knob turned and I dashed to the doorway, looking past the physician as he silently closed the doors behind him.

"Doctor...?" I left the question open. He must have seen the distress on my face.

"Baroness, that man is fortunate you came upon him. Who knows what might have befallen him, if he were left out there past nightfall."

I shuddered to think of all of the grisly possibilities "And....?"

"Well, there are no signs of internal injury, and should none arise in the coming days, I see no reason why he should not recover fully. Though I imagine he will have some issue with his vision for some time, I should think that will resolve itself in due course."

Breathing a sigh of relief, I walked past the doctor to open the door and he moved to block my way "Forgive me Baroness, I...." he faltered, obviously finding it difficult to find the words "We have ample room at the hospital, and nurses aplenty to see to his recovery, should you wish to retain some level of .... well.... privacy.... and propriety."

Both irritated at his presumption and amused at his caring for my reputation, I merely shook the good doctor's hand, thanked him for his services and his concern, and asked if he was familiar enough with the house to see his own way out. He bowed, offered a parting "As you wish," and left.

Lieutenant Angarano was in good hands; capable hands.

Later that night, after a small meal alone, I found myself again in my room, an open book lay in my lap as the candle next to me set shadow creatures to dancing on my wall. I could not sleep.

I walked across the sitting room and opened the door slightly and watched as the valet took up the coat and shoes of the unconscious gentleman to be cleaned, and walked in. Thomas stood upright "Beg pardon milady, I didn't know you were...." I lifted my finger to my lips to silence him, and moved next to the bed.

I looked down on the gentleman and in the dim light, I could barely make out any scratches at all, though his forehead was wrapped with the gauze and some blood dried there... and there. I leaned over, pulling the blankets up to keep him warm and laid my hand on his chest, feeling it rise and fall gently with each breath "Have no fear, Signore," I whispered, "You will be waltzing again in no time." My hand lifted, and gently moved his hair from his face and lingered longer than I should have. Thomas averted his eyes and studied a loose button on the man's coat and I stood, smoothing invisible wrinkles from my skirts "Well then.... you see to those clothes and shoes, Thomas." He nodded, taking up the shoes again from the floor and made his way out the door. I turned to follow him and paused at the door, watching the soft blanket rise and fall. Lieutenant Angarano lay still in the bed.

[all photo credit goes to the talented and charming Rinaldo Angarano]

(Written in conjunction with Rinaldo Angarano's blog: Crossing Paths - Rinaldo - Chapter 1

Read more at Duch de Coeur: Fabulous Fall 2013

The Flight to Fanciful ~ Part 3 Settling Up with Don Alfonso

Now that Lady Leena has settled into her apartment in the Villa Vesuviana, it was time for her to settle her account with Don Alfonso, who handled the financial affairs of Rocca Sorrentina. She's been putting it off a bit as Silas Becker, her agent, had nothing much to say about the gentleman in question and only managed to offer that he seemed dedicated to his work and then Silas would laugh. Becker was laughing yet again as she explained to him that she needed to meet the gentleman and was hoping for directions to his office.

Silas led the way down the path from the Villa and through the village to his office and politely decided to wait outside instead of going inside with her.

"Becker?" Lady Fandango asked yet again, "Why in heavens name are you laughing?"

"No reason M'Lady," as Becker bows graciously and starts to wander off to the beach. He can hardly wait to hear his Ladyship's reaction to what the gentleman may or may not do. Humming a tune Becker decides to walk along the beach and await Lady Leena's return.

Standing up a bit straighter and smoothing her gown, Lady Leena enters the dimly lit room and approaches the desk where she sees a gentleman standing. "This must be Don Alfonso," she thinks to herself and begins with an introduction. "Good Day to you, Sir, I'm Lady Fandango here to settle my account for the villa apartment, my agent Silas Becker told me where to find you." Offering the gentleman a cordial smile she waits patiently for some response from him, and waits and waits.

Finally, Don Alfonso opens his ledger and points to a page, quickly handing her a quill. With raised eyebrows Lady Leena takes the quill, signing her name and offering the proper amount of coin to him. Again she waits for a response from the gentleman, as their transaction is now concluded. Don Alfonso looks her over and grunts, while Lady Leena tries to keep her mouth from gaping open and her chin from hitting the floor. Biting her lip and trying hard to control her own laughter Lady Leena thinks to herself, "I've just handed this man a fair amount of coin and he grunted at me like a swine! Now I know what Silas found so amusing."

Wishing Don Alfonso a pleasant day, again with no response, Lady Leena turns and leaves the office. Once she closes the doors behind her she covers her mouth with a gloved hand and laughs, now that's she away from him and he cannot hear her. Walking off to the beach now, she sees Becker gazing off into the horizon with his back to her.

Silas hears not only her footsteps but Lady Leena's soft laughter as she approaches. Grinning to himself, he can only imagine her reaction to Don Alfonso and his, in turn, to her. As he spins around to face her, he can't help but ask, "Did you find your meeting pleasant M'Lady?"

Eyes sparkling with laughter, "Silas Becker, you know full well how it went, you devil!" Lady Leena replies, teasingly. "He actually grunted at me!"

As Silas looks down and then back up quickly with his eyes as innocent as possible he says, "A curious fellow don't you think? Perhaps when one deals with numbers all day, you forget how to have a conversation?"

"Perhaps," Lady Leena replies with a huge smile on her face. "Our business is done for now, all is forgiven for not warning me. Now, it's time for tea." Lady Leena and Becker slowly walk away from the beach and back toward the villa, where tea and refreshments are waiting for them. They cross the great lawn, admiring the spectacular view of the facade of the villa as the sun hits it.

Meanwhile back at Ravenna....

Devi had been kicking her heels for many days in Ravena, waiting anxiously for Achille to arrive. Sior Gandt had left immediately upon their arrival in Ravena, for his overland ride to Roma. She had felt relieved to see him go, but also had grave doubts. She pretty much expected him to disappear, and a good bit of work they had done for the Conte and the Professore would be utterly wasted.

But for now all she could do was to wait for Achille to show up from Venezia. She had even had time to visit the famous mosaics and admire the tomb of Galla Placidia. She smiled in spite of herself. It would be nice to spend some time with Achille...just her and the handsome tavern keeper, on one of the Conte's ships, heading down to Sicily and then up the other side of the peninsula to Rocca Sorrentina...it would be very nice, she dreamed.

As she continued her daily tour of the portshe noted that yet another ship had arrived in the harbour at Ravenna ...the harbour master said that yes, this indeed was a ship from Venezia...and sure enough after she was tied up at the wharf, and the gangway set up, she could see a familiar figure among the disembarking passengers. Devis heart did a little somersault!

Yes, there was Achille...he was coming down the gangway from the tall-sided merchantman...but his expression seemed a bit odd...slightly strained...

Devi moved towards him as quickly as she could, and then noticed he was not alone. Devis expressionbecame one of horror and surprise as she recognisedSior Francesco and Saturnines following Achille down the gangway.She looked at Achille raising her eyebrows questioningly. He responded with a weary look.

Where did you find THEM!!? she whispered to Achille as she watched them slowly make their way down the gangway.

Achille coughed They found me.......it seems the Contes father, Sior Francesco has a wish to take a holiday at Rocca Sorentina and introduce his new wife to his son.

His Wife!!!! it was then that Devi noticed a young woman following the men down the gangway.

Achille gave Devi a look that spoke volumes, and from their exchanged expressions she knew that he would explain everything later in detail, meanwhile all he just said You know them?

Yes, I have known Sior Francesco since I was a girl, and Saturnines also. I have not met the....errr...young lady. Devi quickly whispered back.

Sior Francesco smiled a broad smile as he stepped onto the paving stones of the port.

Ahhh but its good to have ones feet on terra firma. I may be Venetian but I dont like big ships....ahhh but is that my little Devi I see? Come and give your Granpa Foscari a big hug!

Devi had no choice but to let herself be embraced. Out of the corner of one eye she quickly looked the Wife over, then she noticed Achille making a Lets get this party on-board the ship to Sorentina as quickly as possible gesture, and gently disengaged herself from the old gentlemans grasp.

So my little Devi, you must tell me all about what you have been up to, since I last saw you. Are you married yet? Has Donna Augostina succeeded in marrying you off to one of your cousins? Or are you holding out for someone else? You are, arent you...I can see it in your face Sior Francesco continued with a knowing chuckle.

Devi could feel herself going the colour of a Napolitan Pomodoro, and had to put effort into resisting the temptation to impale Old Granpa Foscari on his own walking stick. Instead she smiled as sweetly as she could, as dreams of days alone with Achille on the ship to Sorentina faded.