https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari Mon, 11 May 2026 22:38:16 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/647/morwena-chapter-1 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/647

Morwena had spent the afternoon down by the shore collecting Clams and Mussels.  She could already imagine how wonderful they would taste with some Leeks and wild garlic.  She could get some on her way home through the forest.
As she looked up, Morwena realised that it was late, and the sun was setting.  It would soon be evening.  If she hurried, she might still see Malcom, when she went through the Village.  He often helped the shopkeepers and stallholders to pack up their wares.

As She got close to the Village, Morwena realised that a small group of Recoat soldiers had stopped for a rest on the path ahead of her.
The Redcoats had been stationed in the Village for some weeks.  So far there had been no trouble, the Soldiers mostly kept to themselves, and the day to day life of the Village hadn’t been affected.
It was to late to turn around.  This was the only path into the Village.  The Soldiers were standing and sitting around on either side of the path.
There was no way to avoid it, Morwena would have to walk through them.    
As she got closer, most of the Soldiers ignored her and continued chatting amongst themselves, but some noticed her and watched her as she walked past them, as quickly as possible without seeming to run, avoiding eye contact and keeping her eyes on the ground before her. 
A few shouted comments, but although she felt uncomfortable, it wasn’t the first time.  Boys always seemed to behave like this when they were gathered in groups.  The local boys were not better when they were all together.  Even Malcom behaved like this when he was with his friends, although when they met and he was by himself, he was always respectful and sweet.

Morwena made her way to the village square but realised that it must be later than she thought.  Church square was already deserted, and the shops and stalls were already shut up for the night.  There was no sign of Malcom.
“Pity” thought Morwena, he could have walked her home. 
As Morwena left the village and entered the forest, she began to feel uneasy.  She forgot about the wild Garlic, and quickly looked around but saw nothing.  Morwena hurried her steps.

It was really getting dark now.  The more she hurried, the more convinced she became that she was being followed.  She could now hear footsteps behind her.  She began to run.
Rough hands grabbed her from behind.  Her basket fell to the ground, and rolled away, spilling the contents.  Another hand went over her mouth.
Morwena tried to scream

]]> Tue, 23 Jul 2019 09:58:36 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/565/quarantined-in-sorrentina https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/565 Fri, 08 Aug 2014 15:15:58 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/564/quarantined-in-sorrentina https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/564 Fri, 08 Aug 2014 15:15:58 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/549/return-to-sorrentina-interlude-devi-and-maria-cecilia-chat https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/549 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:51:30 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/548/return-to-sorrentina-interlude-devi-and-maria-cecilia-chat https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/548 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:51:30 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/539/arrival-at-sorrentina-part-2-cesares-mission https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/539 Sun, 22 Jun 2014 19:03:54 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/538/arrival-at-sorrentina-part-2-cesares-mission https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/538 Sun, 22 Jun 2014 19:03:54 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/537/arrival-at-sorrentina-part-1 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/537 Miss Margaret Cindercroft steps onto the Docks and looked around the port, her eyes coming to rest on a tall man dressed in dark clothes. She gives him a long, appreciative glance, starting from his boots and working her eyes up, slowly.
Her sister, Lady Grubiella Foxglove follows her, gently crooning to the small dog in her arms.
He is quite handsome, that fellow over there, the one we travelled over with, don't you think, Grubiella?
Ohh Margaret, my poor little Princippe he really doesn't like the sea....he is quite off his feed! Look! He is still shivering...
You are right, Poor little "Princippe" he is indeed shivering.
Grubiella looks sideways at the tall Gentleman and whispers back.
But you are right about that man, though. He can pat my Pug any-time!
So forward sister! What will he think of us?
He will think whatever we want him to think....
Margaret gives the man another approving glance from his boots up, raising her eyes slowly and admiring his male form.
.and my forwardness has served us well in the past I seem to remember. What about that time you got into that tight spot with that French Captain at the barracks. continues Grubiella.
Tight spot, me? Margaret puts on her most innocent expression, while giving the tall man another admiring glance.
You were happy enough for me to be forwards that time, Grubiella gives Margaret a friendly hip push.
I seem to remember a friendly Frenchman, or two.Margaret smiles at the memory.
...or three or four...and they were all rather friendly I seem to remember. Grubiella giggles. The tall Man, unable to ignore the Ladies, bows politely to them and introduces himself.
My name is Cesare Bertolini, from Mestre. At your service Signore.
Do you know this island, Signor Bertolini? Margaret smiles her second best smile.
I am afraid I don't. I too, am a stranger here. Cesare smiles back
I hope we meet again. Cesare bows again and walks towards the village.
I hope so too Signor. Margaret beams at his receding form. Grubiella strokes Il Princippe and looks around.
I wonder what they will be like here?
Tanned and brown, I'm guessing...it's not like England here with all that dreadful rain. Margaret smiles.
I do still miss Ol'Blighty you know. Grubiella looks wistful for a very short moment. Will we ever return, do you think?
I don't know if England is on the cards for us, any time soon, Grubiella dearest. We have a job to do here, don't forget. For a fleeting second Margaret's eyes cloud over.
This is true. I don't forget. Grubiella nods seriously.
Margaret reaches over to pet Il Princippe warmly: There must be some sort of boarding house, where we can get some chicken stew for your little darling.
I certainly hope so, he hasn't eaten since Napoli.
I am sure there must be. Look around, it looks lovely here, and well appointed. Its not all huts and shacks. I think we should follow our noses for some food and drink, dear sister.
Grubiella nods in agreement: do you think the trunks and luggage will be safe here for the moment, or will everything be stolen?
I am sure they will be safe. This isn't Naples. Margaret waves to a local man in the distance, and signals him to come over: Pardon Signore? Can we safely leave our things here, while we look for lodgings?
He isn't bad either. Grubiella whispers to Margaret. Welcome to Sorrentina Ladies. Of course you can leave your things here, they will be quite safe. Hugo bows to the two Ladies.
I couldn't help overhearing that you are looking for somewhere to refresh yourselves. There is an excellent coffee establishment, on your right down the walkway over there. Hugo points towards the walkway in the distance.
Bu-o-n-a se-r-a, Gi-o-va-n-o-tto. Grubiella tries her best Italian. Gr-a-z-i-e.
Hugo Bows again and strolls away. A short while later, having found the Coffee house, Grubiella and Margaret savour their Coffee.
A most charming place, Marge. A lovely view, don't you think?
Very lovely, dear Grubiella. One really couldn't do this in England, without catching one's death.
Margaret pulls down her bodice a bit, just in case a man might pass by. A girl has to be prepared.
How much money do we have left? I imagine we will have to be a bit careful....you know these small places. Grubiella strokes Il Princippe, now fully revived, after tasting the local rabbit stew.
Do you want me to dig it out right now sister? Margaret looks around and giggles and thinks of the purse safely strapped to her upper thigh.
Don't be daft! I was just wondering how long before we would have to think about acquiring some more?
Not much, sister. We may well have to earn our supper soon. Margaret whispers.
That is what I was thinking. We shall have to see what the people are like here, and which of our methods will work best here. Grubiella continues.
I do wonder how many Men there might be on such a small island though... Margaret looks wistful.
It looks like an affluent place, so there may well be some men that will suit our needs. Grubiella narrows her eyes and looks around critically. ....Or Ladies with too many jewels... Grubiella continues.
We had best be polite then, to all we meet until the right opportunity presents itself. Margaret gives Grubiella a meaningful look.
I shall be politeness personified. I promise. I shall curtsey to everyone...ect...ect...not knive anyone...I know...I know
I do adore you Sister, and your wit. Margaret giggles. Have you hidden your dagger in a safe place?
Off course I have Dear Sister. Its strapped to my thigh. Its quite safe. Grubiella touches her thigh. ]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 09:19:33 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/536/arrival-at-sorrentina-part-1 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/536 Miss Margaret Cindercroft steps onto the Docks and looked around the port, her eyes coming to rest on a tall man dressed in dark clothes. She gives him a long, appreciative glance, starting from his boots and working her eyes up, slowly.
Her sister, Lady Grubiella Foxglove follows her, gently crooning to the small dog in her arms.
He is quite handsome, that fellow over there, the one we travelled over with, don't you think, Grubiella?
Ohh Margaret, my poor little Princippe he really doesn't like the sea....he is quite off his feed! Look! He is still shivering...
You are right, Poor little "Princippe" he is indeed shivering.
Grubiella looks sideways at the tall Gentleman and whispers back.
But you are right about that man, though. He can pat my Pug any-time!
So forward sister! What will he think of us?
He will think whatever we want him to think....
Margaret gives the man another approving glance from his boots up, raising her eyes slowly and admiring his male form.
.and my forwardness has served us well in the past I seem to remember. What about that time you got into that tight spot with that French Captain at the barracks. continues Grubiella.
Tight spot, me? Margaret puts on her most innocent expression, while giving the tall man another admiring glance.
You were happy enough for me to be forwards that time, Grubiella gives Margaret a friendly hip push.
I seem to remember a friendly Frenchman, or two.Margaret smiles at the memory.
...or three or four...and they were all rather friendly I seem to remember. Grubiella giggles. The tall Man, unable to ignore the Ladies, bows politely to them and introduces himself.
My name is Cesare Bertolini, from Mestre. At your service Signore.
Do you know this island, Signor Bertolini? Margaret smiles her second best smile.
I am afraid I don't. I too, am a stranger here. Cesare smiles back
I hope we meet again. Cesare bows again and walks towards the village.
I hope so too Signor. Margaret beams at his receding form. Grubiella strokes Il Princippe and looks around.
I wonder what they will be like here?
Tanned and brown, I'm guessing...it's not like England here with all that dreadful rain. Margaret smiles.
I do still miss Ol'Blighty you know. Grubiella looks wistful for a very short moment. Will we ever return, do you think?
I don't know if England is on the cards for us, any time soon, Grubiella dearest. We have a job to do here, don't forget. For a fleeting second Margaret's eyes cloud over.
This is true. I don't forget. Grubiella nods seriously.
Margaret reaches over to pet Il Princippe warmly: There must be some sort of boarding house, where we can get some chicken stew for your little darling.
I certainly hope so, he hasn't eaten since Napoli.
I am sure there must be. Look around, it looks lovely here, and well appointed. Its not all huts and shacks. I think we should follow our noses for some food and drink, dear sister.
Grubiella nods in agreement: do you think the trunks and luggage will be safe here for the moment, or will everything be stolen?
I am sure they will be safe. This isn't Naples. Margaret waves to a local man in the distance, and signals him to come over: Pardon Signore? Can we safely leave our things here, while we look for lodgings?
He isn't bad either. Grubiella whispers to Margaret. Welcome to Sorrentina Ladies. Of course you can leave your things here, they will be quite safe. Hugo bows to the two Ladies.
I couldn't help overhearing that you are looking for somewhere to refresh yourselves. There is an excellent coffee establishment, on your right down the walkway over there. Hugo points towards the walkway in the distance.
Bu-o-n-a se-r-a, Gi-o-va-n-o-tto. Grubiella tries her best Italian. Gr-a-z-i-e.
Hugo Bows again and strolls away. A short while later, having found the Coffee house, Grubiella and Margaret savour their Coffee.
A most charming place, Marge. A lovely view, don't you think?
Very lovely, dear Grubiella. One really couldn't do this in England, without catching one's death.
Margaret pulls down her bodice a bit, just in case a man might pass by. A girl has to be prepared.
How much money do we have left? I imagine we will have to be a bit careful....you know these small places. Grubiella strokes Il Princippe, now fully revived, after tasting the local rabbit stew.
Do you want me to dig it out right now sister? Margaret looks around and giggles and thinks of the purse safely strapped to her upper thigh.
Don't be daft! I was just wondering how long before we would have to think about acquiring some more?
Not much, sister. We may well have to earn our supper soon. Margaret whispers.
That is what I was thinking. We shall have to see what the people are like here, and which of our methods will work best here. Grubiella continues.
I do wonder how many Men there might be on such a small island though... Margaret looks wistful.
It looks like an affluent place, so there may well be some men that will suit our needs. Grubiella narrows her eyes and looks around critically. ....Or Ladies with too many jewels... Grubiella continues.
We had best be polite then, to all we meet until the right opportunity presents itself. Margaret gives Grubiella a meaningful look.
I shall be politeness personified. I promise. I shall curtsey to everyone...ect...ect...not knive anyone...I know...I know
I do adore you Sister, and your wit. Margaret giggles. Have you hidden your dagger in a safe place?
Off course I have Dear Sister. Its strapped to my thigh. Its quite safe. Grubiella touches her thigh. ]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 09:19:33 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/531/return-to-sorrentina-part-9 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/531 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 06:54:12 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/530/return-to-sorrentina-part-9 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/530 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 06:54:12 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/512/return-to-venezia-part-44-devi-reports-to-the-conte https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/512 Tue, 22 Apr 2014 09:47:11 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/510/return-to-venezia-part-44-devi-reports-to-the-conte https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/510 Tue, 22 Apr 2014 09:47:11 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/485/twas-the-night-before-xmas-or-what-the-conte-saw https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/485 Tue, 24 Dec 2013 17:37:34 -0800 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/472/return-to-sorentina-part-1 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/472 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 19:54:50 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/468/escape-from-the-sinti-camp-interlude-part-2 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/468 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 13:53:54 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/465/escape-from-the-sinti-camp-interlude-part-1 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/465 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 04:39:44 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/455/return-to-venezia-part-41mercury-boards-the-ship https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/455 Thu, 29 Aug 2013 12:04:52 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/433/return-to-venezia-part-36 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/433 Mon, 29 Jul 2013 10:47:49 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/388/return-to-venezia-part-28-achilles-thoughts-by-aldo-stern https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/388 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:18:26 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/387/return-to-venezia-part-27-devis-thoughts https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/387 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:11:20 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/369/return-to-venezia-part-18 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/369 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:34:08 -0800 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/361/return-to-venezia-interlude-3-memories https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/361 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:32:21 -0800 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/322/return-to-venezia-part-10 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/322 Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:23:24 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/321/return-to-venezia-part-9 https://livinghistoryvw.com/contessa-elena-marina-foscari/blog/321 Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:20:07 -0700