Journal of Conte Filippe Foscari

26 of May, year of our Lord 1781

...Whileonbusiness in Tuscany, Ireceiveda message from my daughter Elena, requesting me to join her in Melioria as soon as possible.

The Ship from Naples arrived in Melioria late in the afternoon, and following the advice of the Inn keeper, Signora Macbain, I set of in search of a certain Sior Aldo Stern, who has taken over the smooth running of the island since the Princippe disappeared in the new world.

Sior Stern proved a most hospitable and charming fellow, and invited me to take coffee in his office.

We discussed many general subjects for some time.

I could not help observing that there was only one picture in his office. Alovelyportrait of the late Madame Pompadour. I commented on her unique charm, and note that Sior Stern looked very wistful, as he told me he had known her well.

There is more to Sior Aldo Stern then meets the eye, of that I am sure.

Finally I enquired about the whereabouts of my daughter Elena.

Sior Stern became very serious, put his finger to his lips to indicate for me to be silent and led me out of the office onto the pier.

Here, safe from being overheard, he informed me that Elena had sailed forVenice2 weeks previously, with two companions. Fiorino one of theyoungApprentices, and a Sior Mercury Gandt, an English Gambler and Adventurer.

It seems that Elena made this decision based on a message she had received from me requesting her to return Homeimmediately.

I inform Sior Stern that I sent no such message. We agree that both messages must have been forgeries, and sent by someone who has an interest in having us both travel in opposite directions.

But whom?

Sior Stern offers me the full use of hisintelligenceand courier service, which I , always interested in a good organisation, gratefully accept.

Later after having taken my leave of Sior Stern, I sit, in the best of company, watching the sun set accross the bay of Naples, pondering all these questions.