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[Journal entry]

31 May 1773

I fear I shall not sleep to night. Though traveling and many tasks should have wearied me, each foreign noise troubles me. The rain has a gentler hand in the northern country... a lusher palette and softer canvas upon which to paint. The droplets here sound so coarse upon the stones.

Three times I have arisen from my bed to investigate an unfamiliar sound, and three times I have felt more foolish. Once, the passing shadow of a wind-whipped branch nearly saw me call out for one of the servants. I have reproached myself for being so childish, and yet I cannot help but feel perhaps too young for the task set before me.

I know that the servants gossip; not even one and twenty, with a station they feel is far beyond my capabilities. I have become aware of the stifled giggles of the maids when I misstep or try to be firm with a clumsy footman. But these things mustn't weigh upon me, for I have made a promise, and I intend to prove to them, and to myself, that I will make a good mistress of this house, and... perhaps someday... a worthwhile and useful wife.

The rain is now starting to ease. There is a change of atmosphere in the patch of trees beyond the walled garden, turning black to dappled golden hues, and I know the dawn cannot be far away. I pray for even an hour's rest, to fortify myself for the day's work ahead.

I have a weekend party arriving in only three weeks, and I must be at my best to assure that everything is in order for their arrival!

To morrow, I shall visit the church and pray for a stronger will and for a foundation of wisdom upon which to build my future.

14 May 1773

Dearest Mama,

The journey to the estate was, as I had imagined, long and arduous but otherwise uneventful. The last of my trunks were brought in by William and James only moments before an absolute deluge of rain.

I would be woeful of the weather, were it not creating the prettiest painting of the garden from my windows. I have arranged my desk so that I might write to you with the garden, and park beyond it as a backdrop, and an inspiration of beauty, rather than to focus on the rigours of travel. So you see, Mama, not all of your lessons went unheeded by your daughter.

The estate is just as you and Papa left it; the staff has been dutiful in restoring the covered contents to their stately beauty, and the grounds keeper has done very well in keeping the park and surrounding land tame and navigable.

I do hope to see you both soon, perhaps in town, once I am settled in as mistress of the house. I must admit it is a very strange thing indeed to be so saddled with this great house and its responsibilities, but I have given you both my word that I will run it well, and so I shall.

Katie is fitting in well with the other maids, and has made herself quite invaluable already. Not one droplet of perfume wasted, nor one hair left unbrushed; all of my gowns have sturdy seams and hook and button are in no peril of coming undone. I thank you for parting with her; I know that it was a sacrifice to do without your personal maid. I will continue to hold her to your high standards and correct any missteps with your patented kindness, should the need arise.

I will write again very soon, and please be sure to give a kiss to my beloved Papa. Until we meet again, I remain your loving and devoted daughter.

Initially developed by French monks, the potager evolvedthroughthe French Renaissance
styled garden to the more formal Garden la franaise with an emphasis on beautyrealized through the studied application of measure and proportion.

In 1678 when Louis XIV, the Sun King, demanded a kitchen garden or " Potager du Roi " befitting his palace of Versailles no expense was spared in providing it for him. The king, a great amateur gardener, wanted his fruit & vegetable paradise close to the chateau so that he could inspect it at will and enjoy its beauty. It is even said thathe learned even to prunehis ownfruit trees!

Read More ...

~

Paris, May 25th 1774

My beloved sister,

I highly doubt you haven't heard of the news coming from France during the past weeks. As you probably know by now, the King Louis XV passed away over a week ago, and Louis Auguste is now our new King. The fateful day of May 10th shall never be forgotten by those who closely watched the pitiful, and then cheerful events that unfolded. The emotions were such that the poor Princesse de Lamballe fainted. I feel proud to say I was helpful to Madame as much as I could.

Regarding some vain subjects and court trivialities, I have not yet had the displeasure of seeing Lord D. , nor any gossip and whatsoever involving his person reached my ears. Monsieur Etiquette seems to have resigned his life as a courtier, for his name has been not mentioned in quite a while. Both of those happenings brought me much happiness and peace of mind.

I must add that Vicomte has once more gone away for hunting, one has to wonder what he finds so exciting about it, and I whole heartily hope that is not the company of other not accompanied men that is the main cause, as its being said in Paris.

But alas! Do write me more often Josephine, do not forget your lonely sister at Versailles!For she lives only in the hope of being reunited with her loved ones once more!

I kiss you and Anne on your foreheads.

Your most devoted sister, Leopoldine.

~

He had left in the middle of the night, a note hidden where no eyes but save one might find it. Henri, always suspicious and untrusting, knew that anyone could use this information against him if in the wrong hands. Monsieur le Stern would just have to understand that this was for the cause, that he would arrive back in time with the cannons that were needed. On the dock, the men stood ready, waiting for him to board the ship and into the night they sailed.

For several days they sailed, chasing their quarry... a ship laden with bronze cannons. It was then when the storm rose in the distance and at sea, there was no place to hide. The men had to ride out the storm with little choice. The old ship did not fare so well in the storm and the main mast splintered as if a twig, the ship tossed in the waves and the sea claiming many of the men who were not so fortunate to find a way to secure themselves to the ship in time. It was when the sea calmed again that they were able to assess the damage to the ship and see that their fate was grim...

Could they make it out alive, or not... only time will tell.

~

away for just a moment to take care of a little business...

~

The conversation was still going in circles when Don Aldo returned. There was an enigmatic smile on his lips as he sliced some more cheese, and passed small plates laden with cheese to Dieter and Elisabetta. Hugo Dieter mumbled his thanks as he pondered the mans happy demeanor ....

Eliisabetta just smiled and thanked the Professore. What a gentleman he is, she thought .

As he ate the cheese that kept appearing in front of him, Hugo tried to clarify his point of view for the Conte.

I simply meant to say, Signor Conte, that I hope your daughter is well. The sbirri are not to trifled with, even if Cristofoli is a friend of yours.

The Conte smiled, amused. I was using the term friend sardonically, he explained.

I doubt if that man has any friends, added Beatrice.

Don Aldo sighed. To a man with an obsessive purpose in life, friends are only a distraction...until he finds he needs some...and then wonders why he has none....and as long as we are using the term friends in an ironic sense...please rest assured that your friends from the voyage are being shown a particular brand of local hospitality, even as we speak. You need not trouble yourself about them at present.

Ahhh...Professore, said the Conte, so is that what you did when you slipped out for a while...you made arrangements for these rascals to be made prisoners?

Don Aldo shrugged. No...of course not. They are now our guests in a manner of speaking."

Hugo eyes widened in shock at the realization that he was now among people who were quite unafraid to take on the Sbirri...even willing to detain their agents.

You are entertaining these guests? Is this not a dangerous course? asked Hugo.

Don Aldo shrugged again. Life is dangerous. Both for the wolves and the watchdogs of this world. if these fellows are indeed sbirri agents...then this watchdog has just acquired two wolves to be used as two bargaining chips of his own. On the other hand if they are merely contractors...piratical sorts engaged for temporary harassment of you good people...well, then they are neither wolves nor watchdogs. Jackals, perhaps, if I might be permitted to continue using our canine metaphor. So, if they are not true wolves...merely jackals...Neapolitan authorities have ways of entertaining men whom they believe to be pirates. If these men prove to have no value to us for information or trading purposes, then I will simply turn them over to the magistrates on the mainland and have them punished for attempting to rob you people while at sea. I am sure you will not mind signing an affidavit to that effect, no?

Before you do that, Professore, interjected the Conte, "I would be very interested in talking to these guests at some point. I am just wondering if it was merely a coincidence.

Hugo shook his head. No Signor Conte, the more I reflect upon it, these villains knew who we were and where we we going...the comments they made implied we were being watched and manipulated...they were toying with us, I am sure of it. I think it was no coincidence.

The Conte looked at Hugo appraisingly and then turned to the Professore. Unless I am very much mistaken, the common connection still seems to be this Sior Gandt...

Don Aldo looked at the Conte and sighed. Si, Signor Conte...Don Mercurio does appear to be the keystone in this structure. And if these men also know something of Signor Gandt and what his role in this affair may be, then that would be useful for us to know.

"But then what was their purpose in coming along on the ship with us?" asked Beatrice. "They were not able to rob us even if we did have something of value...

No, Signora, answered Don Aldo, if these fellows wanted to take something from you, they would now have it and you...you would not.

For the first time in a while, Elisabetta spoke up, and did so in a clear, confident voice: Perhaps they were trying to frighten us?

The Professore nodded. I suspect their purpose was merely to make you ill at ease...nervous people make mistakes -- they give away information they otherwise would manage to conceal. Yes, I think their primary goal was to make you nervous.

Well, if that is the case, they succeeded admirably, replied Elisabetta. I was indeed frightened.

Don Aldo smiled at her. Then, Signorina, you are to be commended that you all handled it so well and made no mistakes. If you had, I have every confidence you would have met with some kind of accident in the course of your journey.

It genuinely appeared they were playing some kind of game with us, Hugo reflected. They didn't even try to steal anything ..... that we know of."

Maybe they were sent as a warning, suggested the Conte.

Perhaps, agreed Hugo. Cristofoli does know we are here, the 'guests' said so....

This then is the puzzle we are back to, said the Conte, looking at Beatrice. You say you have never met my daughter, only heard of her...that you know Sior Gandt only casually...and of course Cristofoli knows you are here: its his job to know...and he allowed you to leave on the ship....had he wanted to stop you he would have done so.

Elisabetta suddenly looked as though something had just come to her. Dont you have something belonging to Cristofoli, Hugo?

Hugo smiled a bit sadly. Elisabetta, dear one ..... I exchanged what I had for your release. I no longer have anything to offer Cristofoli.

Perhaps he is watching us! said Beatrice, and waits to see who we speak to! Oh dear...

The Conte arched an eyebrow at beatrice. Signora, wherever we are and whoever we are...there is a better than even chance that someone is watching us for one reason or another. Furthermore, Signora, understand me well...if they kept your sister in the piombi, and then let her go, there is a reason for that as well. Yes, it would seem that Don Hugo here made some kind of a deal...and I am sure that he made the best bargain he could, but he succeeded only because it suited Cristofoli to make the deal.

They sat in silence while Don Aldo poured more wine all around, refilling each glass. Finally the Conte spike again, apparently choosing his words very carefully.

Donna Beatrice, you say you came to Venice five years ago from the court of Frederick of Prussia?

She nodded. I was a Duchess...my dead husband a duke...but I am no longer one I fear....things happened...

Could these things have followed you to Venice?

Perhaps...sometimes it feels that way, Signor Conte.

My dear Duchesa, could there be something in your line of work which may have attracted this dangerous attention to you? asked the Conte.

The Duchesa did not respond. The Conte decided it was not the right time to enquire for additional details. There would be plenty of time to pursue this further.

Hugo, on the other hand, now seemed entirely relaxed, thanks in no small part to the Professores persistent but subtle efforts to keep Hugos wineglass consistently filled.

Don Aldo, laughed Hugo, I most sincerely hope that the hospitality you extend to those two rogues is at least the equivalent of what poor Elisabetta was subjected to in the piombi.

Don Aldo smiled. Oh, have no fear...my kindly old associate Don Alphonso will be extremely solicitous of their wants and needs. He will tuck them into bed at night and entertain them with intriguing conversation...who knows? he might even take them fishing.

Hugo Dieter smirked and grinned at Don Aldo. Cheers to you, Signore, I like the way you think."

Beatrice looked vaguely confused, but her sister looked slightly alarmed at the direction the conversation was taking. Conte Foscari tried to give the young woman a reassuring smile, but in truth he was beginning to think it was time to draw the discussion to a close.

As if he was reading the Contes mind, Don Aldo rose from his seat and gave a modest but dignified bow to the assembled group. Ladies and gentlemen...I regret that I must excuse myself again...I have asked that quarters be arranged for you...there will be a large fellow waiting by the villa steps to take you to your lodging. He is Miguel, our blacksmith. He will ensure you arrive safely, just in case there may have been any other unpleasant people concealed among those who traveled with you on your ship.

The Conte also stood. Yes I think we have talked enough for now...you must want to rest and refresh yourselves after you arduous journey.

They all said their goodbyes, and the travelers thanked the Conte and the Professore profusely. Hugo was grinning broadly as he went down the villa steps to meet their escort, a hulking, heavily muscled Spaniard with a cigarro clenched in his mouth, dark somber eyes, and a scowl that could crack walnuts.

****

After the travelers had left. The Conte stood watching from the receiving room window as they went with Miguel down the long walk to the village. He could hear someone approaching him from behind, but did not bother to turn as a dozen small clues had already told him it was Don Aldo.

Well my friend, what do you think? he asked.

Each in their own way, they are people of character. I could see the young one recovering from her experience even as we were sitting here. By the Holy Saints and Angels, I wish I still had that kind of resilience. And the gentleman, I feel, is a good fellow. That took some balls, going in to try to make a deal with the Sbirri to get that girl out...they could just as easily have taken whatever it was that he had to trade, and sent him for an all expense-paid trip to the bottom of the Grand Canal. As for the Duchesa....well...

He shrugged and said no more.

Does the Baronessa von Khr still work as an intelligence agent of the Kingdom of Prussia? asked the Conte.

Yes, I am sure that she does.

For the military or diplomatic service?

With the Prussians, is there a difference?

Conte Foscari laughed. No I suppose not. Could you do me a small favor? would you send a communication to la Baronessa and request that she use her contacts in Prussia to investigate the background of that woman, Duchesa Beatrice?

Certainly. I am sure the good Baronessa will be happy to oblige.

What about the two rogues you took into custody?

Don Alphonso says that in his professional judgement, they are what they seem to be: a couple of hapless lumps who were hired on the wharf in Venezia to go along on the trip and simply frighten and harass Signor Dieter and two women. The assumption would be that once they got here, Don Hugo and the women would then turn to someone for help and protection -- most likely someone associated with you and/or your daughter -- and the Sbirri could learn something from that about who is here and who you are working with. So we may assume there was someone else among the passengers on that ship who is the actual observer...someone who was -- and still is -- laying low and being discrete. Hence we are currently watching everyone who got off the ship...and the ship itself, in case someone is hiding on it.

The Conte smiled. There are advantages to being on an island, arent there? What will you do with the two men, after we get all the information we can from them?

It depends on what I find out about them. If they are serious criminals of some sort, there will be consequences. If they are merely feckless pawns, as they seem to be, we will try to find some way of providing them with false information and arranging for them to escape.

Conte Foscari nodded and turned back to the window. In some ways the arrival of Signor Dieter and the two ladies had reassured him about a number of things...but it had also raised questions...not the least of which was how did Mercury Gandt fit in with all this?

~

~

Rocca Sorrentina, May 1783

~

greeted at the wharf

Conte Fillipe Foscari gazed thoughtfully out the window of the receiving room at the Villa Vesuviana. He had just been informed by Don Aldo Stern that there was a ship which had just recently arrived from Venezia, by way of Sicily, and it carried some passengers that the Conte might be interested in speaking with. The Conte agreed, and had asked that Don Aldo bring the new arrivals to talk with him; he also requested that the Professore remain and take part in the discussion. Don Aldo had gone to find the travelers and to invite them to the Villa for some refreshments and a bit of conversation. Now, Conte Foscari sat waiting, lost in his own thoughts and turning over in his mind what he knew of these people.

Don Aldo had said there was a man and two ladies; one of the ladies seemed to be unwell; the man was a venetian merchant; and one of the women claimed to be a Duchesa.but Don Aldo noted that he had heard her name before, from one of his associates in Venezia that the lady in question had been present at some gambling parties in the company of Mercury Gandt, of all people.

To make things even more interesting, the travelers had sent to Don Aldo a letter of introduction that Signor Gandt had written on their behalf.

Yes, this all was very interesting.

Presently, Don Aldo appeared at the door to the receiving room with a well-tanned and earnest-looking gentleman, a young lady who indeed, did not appear to be at all well, and a third woman who carried about her a veneer of some sophistication, but a rather thin veneer at best. She had a well-made gown, but very causally-dressed hair, and the air of someone whose life was more than likely characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty.

The man bowed. How do you do Signor Conte, it's a pleasure to meet you.

The Conte nodded in response and added, Professore, pray, introduce us.

Signor Conte, may I present Signor Hugo Dieter, lately arrived on the brig Annabella from Venezia.Signor Dieter, this is the Conte Fillipe Foscari

Hugo bowed again and then introduced the Duchesa Beatrice and her sister, Signorina Elisabetta. After the exchange of some pleasantries about the weather and the trip, Don Aldo had some cheese, bread and wine brought in. Elisabetta seemed entranced as she gazed around.

How pleasant near the windowand what a view! she commented softly.

Yes, this is a lovely island, added Hugo. Don Aldo and I were just discussing that outside.

The Conte nodded. Oh there is a wonderfully calm atmosphere here.

Indeed, that is a great part of the island's appeal, said the Professore. That and its distance away from unpleasant people.

Hugo coughed a bit at the mention of unpleasant people and shifted somewhat uneasily in his chair.

After a pause, the Conte went on. So....I gather your experiences of late have been rathershall we sayeventful"?

Elisabetta responded emphatically, oh yes!

The Conte was struck by how the question seemed to have given new life to the tired and ill-looking girl.

May I enquire as to the details of what happened? he asked.

Hugo, You tell! interjected the Duchesa. The she added admiringly, Hugo was so brave!

Hugo replied a bit nervously, Are you certain Beatrice? I will do my best to tell the whole tale.

We will add to it if necessary, answered Beatrice.

Conte Fillipe Foscari listened intently as Hugo Dieter sat up a bit straighter and began.

The Duchesa Beatrice alerted me to the fact that her sister was being held captive, in a prison in Veneziaquite unjustly, I should add..

Aldo Stern arched an eyebrow ever so slightly at this information, while Elisabetta let out an apparently involuntary sigh.

Held captive? asked the Conte. My dear....how awful.

Well, jailed on trumped up charges, explained Elisabetta. It was horrible. You can't imagine!

Under such circumstances, we three here are a bit....shall we say, looking for safe haven and refuge, added Hugo.

Yes off course, replied the Conte, you must rest and recuperate Sorrentina is the perfect place to do that nothing ever happens here.

Thank you, said Hugo. We were given hope that it would be such a place for usa friend and resident of this island -- Mercury Gandt -- suggested we come here.

Ah, that is interesting, the Professore commented quietly. As a matter of fact, while you were still struggling to get your baggage extricated from the hold of the Annabella, I was given a letter from Signor Gandt, a letter which he provided to introduce you to us.

Don Aldo then noted the young lady was gazing rather intently at the large cheese on the table, but she seemed a bit shy about helping herself. He quietly rose to cut off a slice or two, put it on a small plate and offered it to her. She accepted it and thanked him. He then proceeded to pour out glasses of wine for the travelers and handed them around.

Are you a native of Venezia? asked the Conte.

Umno, replied Elisabetta. my sister and I are exiles, and moved to Venice to make our way>

Where are you from originally? the Conte casually enquired.

Umm.. the north, Elisabetta responded vaguely. The Conte smiled and did not press the point, but he did not need to. After glancing at her sister, Elisabetta went on. We lived in the Court of Frederick the Great in Prussia.

Our days spent at Sans souci were wonderful, added Beatrice.

Conte Foscari nodded. Ahh yes, Frederick...an interesting man...and Sans Souci, a wonderful place. He looked thoughtful for a moment and then he questioned the girl further, And you had been in Venezia for how long when they arrested you ?

Oh, about five years.

So it was the Sbirri who arrested you?

Yes.

Hugo grumbled and twisted uncomfortably in his seat at the mention of the Sbirri.

As there were no real charges against you, Signorina, do you have any idea why they elected to take you into custody? asked Don Aldo.

Elisabetta frowned. We think they arrested me purely to use me as a bargaining chipapparently to help them in finding your daughter, Signor Conte.

If the Conte was surprised or distressed by this news, he gave no indication of it. He continued his questioning with a very business-like, almost disinterested air. You had no notion or warning of this arrestand once you were in custody, no legitimate reasons for it?

None whatsoever. I gather this is very common. They put a bag over my head, would you believe? And then dragged me to the piombiwhere was kept in a cell and fed nothing but bread and water for days

The Conte pressed the point. Why do you think they wanted to use you as a bargaining chip?

Elisabetta sighed and then began her explanation. From what they asked me, form things I overheard...they want to find your daughter, Signore, and thought that my sister would tell Mercury who would then contact you ... oh I dont understandit is all so strangeperhaps Beatrice understands this better, she concluded rather helplessly.

Conte Foscari looked at the Duchesa and smiled.

Can you, in fact, explain this more fully, Donna Beatrice? he asked.

Yes, but only a little, the "Duchesa" replied.

Sowhat has my daughter got to do with this? And how are you connected with my daughter?

Beatrice seemed hesitant.

With all due respect dear Conte, interjected Hugo, they want your daughter. In fact they seem to want very, very badly to take your daughter into custody. The reasons are still unclear to me... but she seems to have made enemies of the Sbirri in Venezia.

Beatrice nodded in agreement. They had been following your daughterand then they lost track of her, so then they thought that Signor Gandt might know of her whereaboutsand they were using Elisabetta to get to him through me, to get information about your daughterthey said they would let my sister go if I helped them to get what they wantedwhich was to get Mercury to tell them her location

As her voice trailed off, the Conte Foscari looked at the Professore, who shrugged slightly, adding the observation, Typically byzantine approach to what should be a simple problem for them, isnt it?

The tiniest of smirks passed across the Contes lips. Then he turned back to Beatrice. Please tell me more about this Signor Gandt.

The Duchesa coughed. She did not seem to know where to start.

The Conte frowned slightly, but then offered helpfully, This is the young Englishman who travelled with her to Venezia, no?

And it is the same gentleman who has maintained a residence on this island for sometimeand provided the letter of introduction for these good people.

And you are a friend of this Sior Gandt? asked the Conte.

I have met him, she replied. and I know he was trying to find your daughterafter she disappeared into a convent and never came out again.

But you do not know him well, I take it?

Beatrice shook her head. NoI live in Venice; he is from here.

Don Aldo noted that upon hearing this answer, Hugo Dieter had shot a quick glance at over at Beatrice, betraying what might have been a bit of surprise at her statement.

It would seem that a great many people are trying to find my daughter. the Conte remarked drily.

Yes, agreed Beatrice. As for the Sbirri, they seem to feel that she is a way to get to you and some organization you belong to.

Again the Conte gave no indication of any surprise at this revelation. Oh? Did they make some mention also of myself?

The Profesore frowned slightly. And how did you become aware of that information Signora Duchesa?

Oh- the odd rumour, she answered vaguely. You know...after all...I know many people through my profession...

The conte now looked a bit curious. And your profession is?

Beatrice's face took on a slight air of defiance and her reply was clear and direct. I am a courtesan, Signore; I know many fine gentlemen in powerI hear things on the pillow, so to speak

In spite of himself and the seriousness fo the situation, Hugo smiled a little at hearing all this .... old fond memories began to run in his head. But now that Beatrice had given her explanation she seemed to be at a loss for words. She simply sat, looking down at her hands.

To her surprise, the Conte smiled in a sympathetic sort of way. We all have to survive, Signora.

Then he turned to Elisabetta. Signorina, I am very sorry that you suffered in this unfortunate way because of my family; I shall endeavor to make it up to you in some way.

It was not your fault Signor Conte, she replied softly. There is no need

How long did they keep you at the Piombi?

For well over a month - the days seemed like years. And the cold ate into my bones.

The Conte nodded. I understandthat is the nature of such placesbut now you must rest and get your strength back I am sure that we will have the colour back in your cheeks by the end of the week.

Hugo coughed, and after a moment, broke the silence in order to bring up a new issue that was preying on his mind. Ah, Signor Conte, Don Aldo if I may, I feel I should mention something else that may be of concernwith relation to the Sbirri wanting to find your daughterand to have some leverage over youduring our trip here, there were also two ruffians who sailed on the ship from Venezia as wellthey seemed to know who we werethey showed strange interest in us, and asked odd thingsmade odd comments

Do you think they were Sbirri agents? Don Aldo asked bluntly.

I cannot say for sure," repleid Hugo, "but they were most certainly not your usual sort of people who take passage

The Professore leaned over and spoke quietly to Hugo. These fellows on the ship with you...was one with short hair, and a green sailor's roundabout...and another with long unkempt hair and a red waistcoat?

Hugo looked at Don Aldo in surprise. Why....Yes ! Yes, that was them! And yes, I do feel they were sbirri agents .... I'm not sure how much to say in front of the ladies here, so as to not worry them."

Don Aldo nodded. I thought so. Yes, probably agents of the Sbirrior at least in their employ ...private contractors as it were. Cristofoli mostly likely wouldnt risk any of his own men in such a pointless fashiondont you agree, Signor Conte?

No, you are quite right right, Professore, agreed the Conte. "My old friend Don Christoforo is very careful with his human resources.

Hugo was trying to keep track of things and was not doing a very good job of it. This was all becoming very confusing. He thought he had heard the Conte just say he was friends with Cristofoli, the head of the Sbirri secret police in Venezia, but that couldn't be right. Meanwhile, the Conte and Beatrice had moved on to going back and forth about how well Mercury actually knew the Contes daughter, and then there was another undercurrent about how well Beatrice actually knew Mercury...and Hugo could tell that Beatrice was not being entirely honest with the Conte. Meanwhile, Elisabetta was sitting there next to him, seemingly oblivious to all that was going on, happily eating cheese and licking her fingertips, and gazing around at the very nice murals that were painted on the walls

...and suddenly Hugo became aware that the Professore had quietly risen from his seat and left the room.

~

thank you to Aphrodite Macbain for the images

Rising late in the day, the Contessa quietly dresses for another hot afternoon.Unfortunately the recent death of the King of France dictated, frombeyondthe grave it seems, the nature of her attire. Formality and rankoverrulespracticality. She would be in Mourning.

Lost deep in thought, she slowly makes her way through the footpaths in the ruins till she finds herself in the shade of the trees, a welcome relief from the heat. Nothing more can be heard except the sound of the incessant Cicada's in the trees and the odd passing bird, punctuated every so often with the sounds of the waves crashing on the nearby rocks. The island seemed deserted.

"Troubled times indeed" she mused.

Her husband, the Comte de Chiverny has been missing for some time, last seen leaving hastily in a covered carriage just before the King fell ill. Not long after hurried whispers and glances in her direction soon followed and she also left, to sail to her beloved Rocca.

Suddenly the sound of crunched gravel underfoot broke her away from her thoughts. Her Valet Otto had arrived to bring some news.

Otto stops andbowsdeeply, unsmiling.

"Madame"

The Contessa's smile fades a little, but she still hopes for somepromisingreports.

"Otto, what news?"

"Madame, we have questioned both the traders in Paris and contacts further South. No one has heard of the whereabouts of your husband. He has seemingly vanished into thin air."

The Contessa frowns and looks away towards the sea, deeply saddened once more.

"I'm sorry Madame. We shall continue to search for him"

The Contessa nods distractedly.

"Of course Otto. Let me know if there are any further...ah...expenses to be paid to aid memories..."

"Naturlich, Madame"

The Valet bows once more and leaves.

Folding up the fan and tapping the tip to her cheek a few times, she slowly walks through the trees towards the waterfall. The sun begins to dip lower in the sky and the evening breeze is laden with the scent of the nearby flowers.

"Hmmm, husband missing, probably in the arms of a whore in a seedy alehouse somewhere, my children shamefully bickering with the other courtiers in Paris, my own family fortune mostly spent bribing those backstabbers at Versailles to grease the way for my husband's rise in position...*sigh*...will we be ruined?"

The Contessa lets out a hacking cough, rumours about her Consumption for now seemingly being true.

"I shall have to take matters into my own hands, before my children have nothing left to inherit. Yes...I shall have to pay a visit to 'him'. "

Pausing for a little longer to watch the sun set, she nods and smiles grimly with a new determination and heads back to her apartment.

"The taper was extinguished.On this signal the Body Guards pages, and

equerries mounted on horseback, and all was ready for setting off. The Dauphin was with the Dauphiness. They were expecting together the intelligence of the death of Louis XV.

A dreadful noise, absolutely like thunder, was heard in the outer apartment; it was the crowd of courtiers who were deserting the dead sovereigns antechamber, to come and do homage to the new power of Louis XVI.

This extraordinary tumult informed Marie Antoinette and her husband that they were called to the throne; and, by a spontaneous movement, which deeply affected those around them, they threw themselves on their
knees; both, pouring forth a flood of tears, exclaimed: God! guide us, protect us; we are too young to reign!

the Memoirs of Madame Campan

Hugo wipes his brow with a cloth, tired, puzzled and still angry at the turn of recent events. He pauses and goes to his journal, writing his thoughts of the events that unfolded over recent days. Sitting down at the desk, Hugo inhales deeply and runs his fingers around the back of his neck in an attempt to soothe himself. Beatrice must be slumbering at this late hour and can offer little comfort. And so the story continues, he murmurs quietly to himself in the quarters of his ship as he begins to write.

Journal Entry 3 ^rd of May

Leaving, we were finally leaving Venezia at long last to sail to Rocca Sorrentina. Beatrice has nursed her poor sister, Elisabetta, back to health after her imprisonment at the hands of the sbirri, the secret police. My dealings with Cristofoli, the head of the sbirri, had reaped some rewards and secured her release.

Beatrice was overjoyed at seeing her out of prison, but heartbroken at her appearance. Elisabetta was agentle girl, so gaunt and pale and half starving being in that awful place. The ladies were both doing better now, having been taken in by the shared excitement of our departure. Elisabetta looked much better thanks to Beatrice and some much needed rest and pampering. As we boarded ship and set sail, they were waving and happy while strolling on deck.

Surprisingly, Mercury Gandt was not there to see us off at the harbor. He did make good on his promise of a letter of introduction for those in charge at Rocca Sorrentina. Mercury had it sent by courier instead of making an appearance. It was curious, very curious that he neglected to see Beatrice, Elisabetta and myself on our way. Since I had helped Gandt with some information about his misspent youth in England, I thought we had formed a bit of a friendship but it could simply be that things are not always as they appear. There were troubling rumors in Venezia, my new friend was allegedly seen having some contact with the sbirri. It seems that Gandt has decided to ignore my warnings and has jumped headlong into the pond with the sharks?

Hopefully the wayward Contessa, the missing Elena Foscari, had the elusive Mr. Gandt otherwise occupied. How one woman can cause so much trouble for so many is quite an interesting puzzle. His supposed visit to the sbirri headquarters could have been a mere coincidence. Gandt shared he had no knowledge of Contessa Elena at our gambling evening with Beatrice but perhaps Cristofoli was just assuring his honesty?

Excitement and gaiety were alive and well aboard ship. Beatrice and Elisabetta had settled in and were happy and hopeful about our new adventure. Calm seas and the promise of a fresh start for all of us in Rocca Sorrentina livened all of our moods. Cristoforo Cristofoli, Venezia and the past haunted memories for all of us would soon fade away. Later on in the day as we made way out of the harbor and into the open sea, I couldnt have dreamed how wrong I was. Our departure did not go unnoticed and our happy goodbyes soon took a more sinister flavor.

We had unwanted guests.

Pirates, pirates of all the creatures of Venezia were aboard my ship. We had genuinely hoped for a clean get away from that place and Cristofoli with his sbirri minions. A fight ensued and the ladies were afraid of being kidnapped, sold into slavery or taken to the dreaded prison where Elisabetta had lanquished. There were only two scoundrels and they seemed to prefer terrorizing and toying with us. Cruel jibes uttered from their lips as they taunted, A gentleman in Venezia sends greetings and safe journeys to you all. Rocca Sorrentina is a lovely place. Cristofoli, the bastard, it had to be him. He must be the mastermind behind their arrival. Keepingtrack of us,he even knew where we planned to sail.

He must have sent these two underlings but how? I was certain they werent members of the crew and they were repelled before they even attempted to steal Beatrice, Elisabetta or even some cargo. After a brief melee there was an answer to my question, we had been followed. The pirates were sailing a small vessel, shadowing us perhaps or even waiting in the currents just to further manipulate the ladies and myself. The scoundrels made a hasty getaway to their ship and headed straight back to Venezia. More taunts and jibes were carried on the wind as their forms grew smaller and smaller, moving away for us.

Faster, we needed to move faster to leave. It would not be prudent to turn the ship around to Venezia and run straight back into the fire, so to speak. Beatrice and Elisabetta needed to be safe, enraged as I was. While standing at the rail of the ship in an attempt to calm myself, Beatrice gently took my arm and spoke, Rocca Sorrentina awaits us, let us be gone of Venezia and those people. Beatrice turned and began to walk away, quickly returning to Elisabettas side and soothing their rattled nerves. The women recovered their emotions somewhat and we pushed forward, even joining me at the wheel for some diverting conversation and thoughts of our future plans.

The rest of the voyage had us wary and a bit on edge, the crew kept a careful watch and we waited to see our new home on the horizon. We hadnt been followed again and the rest of the voyage was uneventful. And suddenly, there it was Rocca Sorrentina appeared out of the sea and we all breathed a careful sigh of relief. Our arrival was quiet and peaceful, and I sincerely hoped this new port would be good for business. Beatrice and Elisabetta embraced happily at the dock while I watched and we were all happy and thankful for a safe journey.

Hugo lowers the quill and his thoughts drift a bit. Someday, perhaps the events on the journey shall have to be dealt with and he hoped Cristofoli would leave them in peace. But for now, he gathers his emotions and rises from the desk. Walking across the room, he opens a trunk and organizes his belongings. The letter of introduction from Mercury Gandt was in his hand and the appropriate inquiries must be made. He hopes the administrators of Rocca Sorrentina would be forthcoming and agreeable. Hugo places the letter back into the trunk and peers out the ships window once more, looking over the night and his new surroundings. A new beginning for us, he utters, almost whispering and climbs into bed.