by C. De Melo
Massimo
Sabina reread the note before allowing it to fall from her hand. “He’s married and penniless…” Her knees felt weak and she leaned against the wall for support. “His wife knows he has a mistress and threatened to divorce him.”
Teresa embraced her mistress as she wept.
Sabina wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “We have no time for this,” she said crisply as she squared her shoulders. “I wish to leave here immediately. I’ll help you pack our belongings.”
“Are you certain, Signora?” Teresa asked, clearly seeing through the false bravado. “You’ve just suffered a terrible shock. Maybe we should leave in the morning after you’ve had some sleep.”
“I’m not spending one more day in another woman’s villa,” Sabina replied, fighting back a fresh onslaught of tears. “We leave tonight.”
“As you wish.”
Sabina instructed a kitchen knave to ride into the city center to procure a carriage. By the time they left Rome, the sun was making its ascent. While Sabina watched the golden rays kiss the sky, she vowed not to shed another tear for Massimo Reni.
Chapter 13
“You cannot go alone! I won’t allow it!” Clarice Orsini cried. It was the first time she had ever raised her voice to her husband.
Lorenzo shot his wife a look that silenced her instantly and made her cheeks burn with shame. “You forget your place, Clarice. I’m unaccustomed to taking orders from men, much less from women.”
In a softer tone, she said, “What if something happens to you? What will become of us? Think of your family.”
“You’ll be well cared for in the event of my demise.”
“Think of your sons.”
“That’s exactly why I’m going to negotiate with Ferdinand.”
“Why go alone? Do you not see the danger?”
“Of course I do! Do you think me a fool, woman?”
Clarice shook her head. “Not a fool but foolishly brave.”
“You think this has to do with bravery?” Lorenzo cursed under his breath. “If I show up in Naples with an army, Ferdinand will think it an act of aggression. If I show up alone, he’ll realize that I’m not a threat and hopefully be more inclined to listen to what I have to say.”
Clarice paced the room, unconvinced. “Lorenzo, please—”
“The pope has promoted an anti-Florentine league in an attempt to destroy me. If the Kingdom of Naples joins him, I won’t stand a chance and neither will Florence. This is why I must speak to Ferdinand face to face, man to man,” he explained as patiently as possible.
“When do you depart?” she asked, her tone one of resignation.
“I leave for Pisa tomorrow. From there, I shall set sail to Naples.”
“Will you at least reconsider the timing of your departure and spend Christmas with us?”
“Go to your prayers now, Clarice,” he retorted gruffly.
No sooner had Clarice left and closed the door, a small side door opened and Lucrezia Donati walked into the room. Lorenzo knew she had been waiting for his wife’s departure. The regal way in which she carried herself was always a source of wonderment to him.
Lucrezia’s head was tilted back and she looked down her nose at him in disapproval. “Clarice is right, you know. It’s extremely dangerous for you to travel to Naples alone.”
“Not you, too.”
“I know better than to try and dissuade you.”
Lorenzo pulled her into his arms. “I admit, I’m stubborn.”
She cradled his head as one would a child. “Like a mule.”
His hands began to roam her body. “I need you now.”
Lucrezia kissed him as he pushed her against the wall and raised her skirts. She whispered soothingly as he entered her body. Throughout their intense lovemaking, she kept her lips to his ear, speaking in hushed tones until he filled her with his seed.
Gripping her around the waist, Lorenzo pulled her roughly toward him. “I wish I could take you with me,” he confessed into the softness of her hair.
“I know you do, but I would only distract you from your goal.”
He bit her earlobe. “A sweet distraction…”
“You will succeed in your endeavor, Lorenzo. I can sense it.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Your predictions are never wrong.”
“Never,” she agreed with a confident smile.
“I hear the King of Naples is not a reasonable man.”
“Every beast can be tamed, my love.”
As Lorenzo began to pace, Lucrezia was reminded of the ferocious lions that were kept on display outside the Signoria. Her own Marzocco.
“I have every intention of taming this beast,” he said. “Go now, dearest. I still have someone I need to see before I depart.”
They stared at one another for a brief moment before Lucrezia opened the side door. “Give my regards to Sabina Rossi.”
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How do you know?”
“No one knows you better than I do, Lorenzo.” She paused. “Besides, it’s obvious that you’re fond of her.”
“Are you jealous?”
“Should I be?”
Silence.
She smiled knowingly. “Godspeed, my love. Come back to me victorious and unharmed.”
***
It was cold and dreary outside, so Sabina decided to spend the afternoon reading a book inside her cozy sitting room.
Teresa came to the door. “Lorenzo de’ Medici is here.”
“Good God,” Sabina said, surprised. “I’ll be down at once. Serve our best wine and the finest refreshments we can muster from the kitchen.”
Sabina waved her maid out of the room and heaved an anxious sigh as she crossed into her bedchamber. Peering into the looking glass, she bit her lips and pinched her cheeks for color. She retrieved the diamond brooch Clarice had given her from the jewelry box and pinned it to the center of the green velvet bodice of her gown.
She descended the stairs to the main hall and found him comfortably seated in her best chair. A servant was setting out small silver trays on the table beside him. They contained dried figs stuffed with blanched almonds, sugared apricots, and honeyed pastries topped with crunchy hazelnuts.
Sabina mustered a smile. “Lorenzo, what an honor. Had I known you were coming, I would have prepared something special.”
He did not smile or speak, but studied her with a stony expression.
She continued, “I hope all is well with you and your family.”
“Sit down,” he instructed in soft voice laced with steel.
She obediently sat down in the chair opposite him.
He looked at the servant. “Leave us.” When they were alone, he demanded, “Why didn’t you come to me when I summoned you?”
Three invitations had arrived since her return from Rome. The last had been written in Lorenzo’s own hand.
“You sent invitations, not summons.”
“I told you to leave Florence for a few weeks and you were gone the entire summer. You returned in mid-September and didn’t bother to send word to me.”
Unable to face anyone, Sabina had shut herself off from the world after Massimo had abandoned her. “I’ve been ill, Lorenzo.”
His eyes narrowed. “Your cheeks glow with good health. You’re not being honest with me.”
“I’ve been here alone and…”
“And?” he urged. “Is there something you wish to tell me?”
Another servant came in with a bottle of her finest wine. Sabina took the bottle and waved the girl away. “You must try this vintage, Lorenzo. It’s a fine Vernaccia di San Gimignano.”
“Forgive the indelicacy of what I’m about to tell you.”
“You can always speak freely with me,” she assured, filling two silver chalices with wine.
“I’m aware of your relationship with Massimo and I know what happened in Rome.”
Mortified, she almost spilled the wine. He leaned forw
ard and steadied her hand, guiding the bottle toward the tabletop.
“How?” she managed to ask.
“Clarice had her suspicions, and so did I.”
She lowered her head. “We tried to be discreet.”
“My wife and I knew that Massimo had a secret lover in Florence, but we never imagined it was you. The day you were poisoned, he was reluctant to leave your side, which made me suspicious. Then he abruptly left for Rome and you departed a few days later.”
“You told me to leave Florence.”
“Yes, for a brief spell to visit your sister.”
Sabina was too ashamed to speak. She possessed a genuine fear of displeasing Lorenzo—not even her own father had been capable of evoking such a sentiment.
“Sabina?” he prompted when she remained silent.
“I didn’t want to go to a tedious convent.”
“I can understand that.”
“I’ve been hiding within these walls, dealing with my shame alone.”
“And mending your broken heart.”
She placed her head in her hands. “I feel so humiliated, Lorenzo. I can only imagine what you must think of me.”
“I think no less of you. If Tommaso was alive today, and had you made him a cuckold, it would be a different story.”
“I was loyal and devoted to my late husband.”
“I know.” He paused and took a hearty sip of his wine. “The problem is that you have no male relatives.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“You’re young, beautiful, rich—tempting prey to any predator. A male relative should have arranged a marriage for you by now, but you lack one. Had you satisfied your need for male companionship discreetly, it wouldn’t be so objectionable. Unfortunately, you chose a married man who is related to my wife. That complicates matters.”
“I didn’t know Massimo was married. I swear.”
“Rest assured that he’ll answer directly to me for that deception when I see him. Your ignorance doesn’t change what happened, however. Massimo’s wife knows that his mistress is from Florence, and she’s demanding to know the woman’s identity. I strictly forbade Clarice from divulging that information. Massimo’s father-in-law is quite influential and vindictive.”
“How did she ever find out about us?”
“Servants, most likely. Maybe someone saw the two of you together while you were out in public. Who knows?”
“What do you want me to do?”
“You must avoid scandal at all cost. It may be prudent to visit your sister at this time. If anyone discovers your secret, you can claim that you’re doing penance for your sins at the convent.”
She nodded reluctantly before taking a deep swallow of wine. The liquid warmth spread throughout her body.
Lorenzo refilled his own chalice. “I’ll summon you to Florence when the time is right.”
“When do you want me to go?”
“Immediately.”
“What will happen to Massimo?”
He gave her a dark look. “Don’t waste your time thinking of him. It will be good for you to get out of this house and spend Christmas with your sister. Hopefully, this matter will be forgotten in a few months.”
In a few months? She doubted that a drafty convent in winter would be good for anyone.
“Everything will turn out well if you do as I say.” His tone was both affectionate and stern.
“How many people know?”
“There are rumors spreading throughout Rome, but I’m certain your name hasn’t been mentioned since your identity hasn’t been revealed. Here in Florence, only Clarice and I know the truth.”
“Please know that I meant no disrespect to you or your wife.”
“I know.” He reached across to caress her face the way a father would his favorite child. His touch and the look in his eyes had nothing to do with paternal feelings, however. “Promise me that you’ll leave for Lucca before the week’s end.”
“You have my word.”
“I depart for Pisa tomorrow,” he announced, changing the subject. “My ship will then set sail for Naples, where I will attempt to reason with the king and dissuade him from attacking Florence.”
“How many men will accompany you?”
“None.”
She touched his hand. “You intend to go alone?”
“I do.”
“What does Clarice say about this?”
“She has no say in my decisions.” Smirking, he added, “Do you think all women are as brazen as you?”
“Traveling to Naples alone will be dangerous. God knows who could be waiting along the roads to ambush you.”
“I know.”
“Please reconsider, Lorenzo.”
He was moved by Sabina’s concern for his person, whereas his wife cared only for her own welfare and that of her children. Once again, the thought of bedding this remarkable woman crept into his mind, but he cast aside the urge. He could not disrespect Tommaso’s memory.
“I must go alone to speak with the king. The future of Florence is in my hands. I cannot fail.”
“What if something happens to you before you have a chance to speak with him? What will happen to Florence?”
“I’ll be back to summon you home soon. I promise.”
“You’d better keep your word,” she said, her eyes filled with worry. “We’ve already suffered the loss of Giuliano. We can’t lose you, too.”
“If I keep my word and return, I expect you to present yourself at my home when I invite you. Understood?”
“Yes.”
He stood. “You will come to the palazzo to feast with me after I succeed in Naples. For now, take care. Your reputation is at stake.”
She stood, too. “What about Angelina?”
“By the time you return to Florence, everything will be resolved. I’m in the process of aiding her father arrange a marriage for her.”
“Thank God.”
“Let us not speak her name or of this matter again,” he said, stepping forward to embrace her. “You should have been born a man.”
Hugging him tightly, she said, “You’ve said this to me before.”
“I’ll probably say it to you again. You’re too unconventional for womanhood. I could use a man with your innate perception to aid me in decision-making or to simply keep me in line. The fact that you’re a woman leaves me with only two choices. I can either watch over you like a brother or make you my mistress.” He kissed her cheek and walked toward the door. “I’ll see you soon, Sabina.”
She opened the door for him. “Be safe, Lorenzo. Godspeed.”
The four Medici guards who had been waiting for their master outside the gate encompassed Lorenzo the moment he stepped into the street. Sabina locked the gate and immediately summoned Teresa.
“I’m going to Lucca to see my sister. Pack only the plainest gowns. There is no need for finery at the convent.”
“Will I be accompanying you, Signora?”
“Do you wish to come with me?”
“It’s my duty to follow you wherever you go.”
“I appreciate your loyalty, but that’s not what I asked.”
Teresa blushed. “God forgive me, but I have no stomach for the severity of convents.”
“Then my answer is no, you will not be accompanying me.”
“You cannot go alone.”
“I’ll be surrounded by God and the angels,” Sabina said drily. “Besides, I need someone to be my eyes and ears in Florence while I’m away. Oh, and to watch over that mischievous crow of mine.”
“You won’t be taking Mendi?” Teresa asked, disappointed.
“They wouldn’t allow me through the gates of Hell with that little demon. I expect you to keep my home in order and the servants in line. I want to know what’s happening in Florence, so write to me weekly.”
“Yes, Signora.”
“That’s all for now. If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.”
Teresa moved as if to go, then stopped. “Signora?”
“Yes?”
“Does Signora Cecilia know about your aversion to convents?”
Sabina laughed. “Oh, yes.”
“If I may be so bold…what excuse will you use to explain the purpose of your visit?”
“I’ll tell Cecilia that I’ve come for a retreat in order to cleanse my soul of its many sins. She’ll be ecstatic.”
***
Cecilia was happy to see Sabina at Santa Lucia, and even happier when she discovered her sister’s intention to stay indefinitely. “Everyone can benefit from a spiritual retreat,” she said. “Come, let me give you a tour of our convent.”
Sabina learned that the century-old structure had started out as a small convent with a handful of nuns before its expansion. Now, it housed over fifty nuns.
It began to drizzle as they crossed the courtyard, so they ducked beneath the arches of the cloisters and entered the church. Cecilia wore a rough linen habit the color of dirty water with nothing but a thin wool cape for warmth.
“Aren’t you cold?” Sabina inquired.
“I am warmed by Holy Spirit,” Cecilia replied cheerfully. “Tell me, what’s the real reason for you coming here?”
“I wanted to see you.”
Cecilia studied her sister through narrowed eyes. “You invite me to Florence when you want to see me. Come on. Out with it.”
“I wanted to get away from the city.”
“That’s not like you, Sabina.”
“Well, maybe I’m getting tired or bored—or both. I need a respite, and this seemed like a good place to get some peace.”
Although Cecilia’s expression remained skeptical, she seemed to accept Sabina’s reason and said nothing more on the subject. They walked down the nave, then through a side door that led to the refectory.