.Hugo opens his journal, rubbing his eyes weary but hopeful. He sighs deeply and feels the weight of the city crushing in around him. Raising his quill, he realizes his journal is keeping the game of cat and mouse still unfolding fresh in his mind. And perhaps, helping him plan his next move so Hugo reaches over to smooth the paper and beings to write..

Journal Entry 13th of March

Beatrice sent word of her plan to host an evening of entertainment in the apartments here in Venezia. I knew for a fact she was hopeful for news of her sister, Elisabetta, languishing in prison. The news I was to deliver was not the most optimistic.

Upon my arrival, I was surprised to learn that this Mercury Gandt fellow was to be joining us for the night. Beatrice had informed him of my involvement and thought it prudent that we at least meet face to face.

Once we had settled in with pleasantries, Beatrice offered us wine and Gandt suggested a game of cards. I dealt a swift blow at the start by announcing that Cristofoli had decided to stall and not agree to any meeting with me. Elisabetta would remain in that filthy prison until the secret police, the sbirri , and their leader, Cristofoli, deemed fit to make a deal. Cristofoli seems determined to find the elusive Contessa Elena Foscari, even at the cost of innocent lives.

I fear that the strain of Elisabettas imprisonment is starting to show. Beatrice is anguished at the thought of her sister in that place. Beatrice was at first distraught and somewhat quiet and Gandt was extremely sympathetic to her plight. He stated he had no idea of the whereabouts of Contessa Foscari, the root of the troubles he and Beatrice have encountered recently.

I eyed Gandt from across the table and wasnt quite sure what to make of him. Beatrice assured me of his favorable nature and that I should trust him. I was still unsure. The wine was flowing freely, at least on my part, and I had to remember myself. It seems the strain of the latest turn of events is wearing on me, call it what you will, simple worry for Beatrice and Elisabetta or impatience for us to be on our way.

Mercury Gandt then seemed quite interested in my background. And at times, Beatrice was trying to coax it out of me along with him. Perhaps it was a way for Beatrice to take her mind off her troubles and Mercury was being a gentleman. Beatrice was an enchanting hostess, even in her distress. Her formal title of Duchess, I keep neglecting to use since she and I are so close and so familiar. Neither Mr. Gandt, nor myself, seemed very forthcoming about our histories. Some generalities of course, both of us being from England.

The evening proceeded along well enough, I couldnt help but smile a bit when Gandt lost a round of cards to me. In my memory I wonder if that was some sort of ploy, to let me win at first, he does fancy himself a gambler. Gandt later appeared to loosen up, slightly, so I went along with him.

We made a bit of bargain, this Gandt fellow and myself. Gandt has offered to write a letter of introduction to his friends in Rocca Sorrentina, paving the way for easier access to that port for my business. Gandt, in turn, asked me for a favor. He asked me to locate and check on the welfare of a certain gentleman in England, a gentleman of some standing. I informed him I will do what I can and let him know when the answer arrives. But, he still owes me those ducats from the card game.

One can only hope that Cristofoli will meet me soon and agree to Elisabettas release. My small token will be enough to convince him, I pray. Beatrice and I can sail to Sorrentina with Elisabetta and be done with this place. I certainly wish that Mercury Gandt keeps his end of the bargain and writes to them. I would hate for myself and the ladies to arrive at Sorrentina without proper introduction.

..Hugo lowers the quill and leaves the journal for now. He goes to bed, hoping for a less fitful sleep and some peaceful dreams ..