by Gian Bordin
I was also surprised how quickly the two shed their Cagli farmers’ accent and adopted my Tuscan vernacular. Even their vocabulary seemed to expand daily. There was no doubt that both were highly intelligent and quick learners, in fact, more than that, like sponges absorbing any new knowledge hungrily, making up for the years their brains had been starved for stimulation.
Reluctantly, I also came to agree with Alda that it would be prudent to attend mass regularly. As traveling players with a fortune teller, we were always vulnerable to being denounced as profane or even accused of witchcraft, of Maleficium. Being seen in church might stop the tongues from wagging. I even went to confession, coming away feeling like a cheat rather than rejoicing in the lightness of having cleansed my soul.
Early one evening after our show, Alda, Veronica and I walked leisurely through the narrow streets of Monte Pulciano. I was surprised that even in such small towns, girls touted for business from doorways or windows. Veronica was upset when an older woman approached and told her that such a pretty face as hers could make good money in her establishment.
We lingered in the little piazza, next to the Franciscan monastery, that opened a vista over the broad expanse of rolling hills to the southwest, our gaze repeatedly drawn back to the dark silhouette of a mountain twice as high as any other — Monte Amiata as I learned later. Below us, peasants were still busy cutting fat bunches of grapes from the vines.
"I’m so happy," I exclaimed. "I’m so glad to be with you."
"So am I, Chiara," said Alda, giving me one of her big smiles. "I’ve never had it so good."
"I didn’t know life could be so good," murmured Veronica, "and I thank the Madonna every day that you took Jacomo and me in. I think we would be dead now."
I put an arm over her shoulder and hugged her. "You are one of us."
"Thank you, Chiara."
The main portal of Palazzo Benincasa to the right of the piazza opened with a big clang and a dozen soldiers in colorful uniforms formed an honor guard. We all watched as a group of nobles walked across the piazza toward the monastery, where the bells of the chapel were ringing for vespers. With a shock, I recognized the splendidly dressed woman next to the dignitary in whose honor the guard stood — Maria d’Appiano, the second wife of the Lord of Piombino, whose guest I had been on my only visit to the mainland with my father four years before.
Too late I turned away. I could see her surprise. She said a few words to the girl attendant walking behind her. When they entered the impressive oak doors of the monastery the girl stayed behind and then approached. I noticed that both Alda and Veronica had retreated a few steps.
The girl curtsied and addressed me in a clear, high pitch: "My name is Heloïse. I am Lady Maria’s attendant. Am I correct that you are Lady Chiara da Narni?"
"Yes, Lady Heloïse, I am." It was too late to deny it. Count d’Appiano was too powerful a man.
"Lady Chiara, Contessa d’Appiano requests your presence at the Palazzo after vespers."
The girl turned and rushed back to the monastery, forgetting her position temporarily, skipping a few times. She did not even wait for my answer, but what could it have been but "I am at her Ladyship’s command’?" What could she want from me? It could not be unfavorable or else she would have ordered my arrest.
My face must have shown my concern.
"Chiara, does it mean trouble?" murmured Alda, while Veronica asked almost at the same time: "Lady Chiara, do you have to go?"
I could not help smiling at how she addressed me, in spite of my concerns. "Alda, I don’t know, and Veronica, yes, I have to go. This is like an order. But first, I have to chide you. For you, like for Alda and Pepe and Jacomo, I’m Chiara, nothing more and nothing less. I will get really annoyed if you call me Lady Chiara again."
The girl went crimson. I hugged her, feeling bad for having been so severe. "I love you, Veronica. Let’s remain sisters. Smile again, please."
She wiped a tear and tried to return my smile.
Selva, you may wonder why I tell you all this in such detail. The reason is simple. It was the beginning of a new phase of my life. What I learned from Lady Maria was worse than what I had imagined could happen to my father, and all because of what I had done to the old Sanguanero. Our holdings on Elba were lost. My father was suffering from poor health and had taken refuge in Grosseto with a friend and fellow knight. I needed to see him, seek his forgiveness, become his daughter again. Once I had made that decision, some foreboding drove me to great speed. I was blessed. I reached my father in time and I passed his last hours at his side.
* * *
Chiara went to Palazzo Benincasa an hour later, as conservatively dressed as her unusual and elegant wardrobe permitted, rather than in her colorful players’ garments. After she gave her name, a liveried servant ushered her into a parlor. She had no time to admire the darkening sky through the glass pane, with reds and pinks in all its shades. She had hardly entered, when Maria d’Appiano appeared through a side door.
Chiara curtsied and the young countess offered her hand to be kissed. She looked her over critically for several seconds and then said: "Chiara, you look good. You have become a fine woman, as I knew you would, but you have given us great worries when you so suddenly disappeared without apparent reason."
"Lady Maria, I want to thank you for not revealing my presence and I am deeply in your debt," replied Chiara, bowing again.
"And why do you conclude that I have not betrayed you?" the countess said with a smile.
"My Lady, because you would hardly have sent a charming girl to summon me here."
"I see, you have not lost your sharp wit. But tell me about you, and then I will give you news that will sadden you."
"Has my father died?"
"First your news, then mine. And I want the truth or else I will not be able to convince my Lord to help you. Let us sit and talk."
My father is alive, Chiara argued, as she sat in the chair opposite the countess, or else she would not have given such a lighthearted response.
"Lady Maria, my case is beyond help. My actions have heaved such disgrace on my father that the courage fails me to face him ever again."
"We will see about that, but did you really run away because you did not want to marry Niccolo Sanguanero?"
"My Lady, to my shame I cannot deny that."
"But I’m told he is a fine young man with a promising future. Any girl should be pleased to become associated with such a distinguished family."
"My Lady, I could not face the prospect of spending the rest of my life with a man that I cannot respect, that I despise, that I find beneath me."
"These are strong words. His family is at least the equal of yours, and it might surprise you to hear that he has sworn allegiance to my Lord."
"I did not mean status, but intellect and character."
A quick laugh. "I must admit, I would also find it hard to be the wife of a man whose intellect is not equal or superior to mine. But as to character? Did you not assert that you dishonored your father?"
"I did, but I did not compromise my beliefs in justice, nor did I do anything to blacken my conscience. I only regret the hurt I caused to my father."
"Chiara, I sense your pain for having hurt your father, but I also discern that you do not regret what you did. Am I correct?"
"Yes, my Lady. To my shame it is so. The only thing I can say in my defense is that subsequent events have proven me right."
"Have they? It has been reported that you blinded the very man who saved you from certain death, from being claimed by the merciless sea like your brother."
Chiara bowed her head. So the story was known. "He violated me, and so would have his son. They intended to drown me afterward," she murmured.
The countess sucked in her breath. "Child, beware to make such grave accusations."
Chiara noticed the switch to child. Her eyes were blazing. "My Lady, why would I reveal something that disgraces me if it were not the truth?"
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"Oh, Chiara, my poor child, my heart bleeds for you."
"And why did Signor Sanguanero want that union? It was hardly because of my looks. It was only to secure his grip on our land and why? Because it would serve as a convenient base for piracy. But if he threw me back into the sea and I drowned, it would be his anyway, except that I jumped in myself after my revenge."
"Chiara, Chiara, my child, you still have to learn a few truths. First, don’t underrate your looks. You are an imposing woman, you are intelligent, and there is something in your eyes that draws attention. And second, most noble girls have to enter marriages that strengthen alliances and enhance interests. It is our duty to our families. Third, you had your revenge, but it cost your father his land. Massimo Sanguanero sued for compensation and now owns your heritage anyway. And last, beware of the da Narni fiery temper. Its vendettas have almost wiped out your family and I fear that its last survivor is still under its spell."
"Vendettas? I do not understand, my Lady."
"Did your father not tell you that the da Narni and the Baglione of Cività del Monte were feuding for half a century and the feud only stopped when your grandfather married a Sanguanero, a family branch?"
Chiara blanched.
"Chiara, are you not feeling well?"
"I’m fine, my Lady. Did I hear correctly? Baglione?"
"Yes, why?"
Chiara closed her eyes.
"Chiara, what is wrong?"
"If the feud is between the da Narni and the Baglione, it is already too late; it has already happened again."
"Chiara, you must tell me."
Should I? Dare I? she wondered. But she could not disobey Lady Maria. "I traveled with friends over the Giogo di Scarperia, and we were attacked by bandits. I killed their leader, a Baglione."
The countess raised her eyebrows. "There was a rumor that a Baglione got killed there. Was that you?"
"Yes, and in Assisi four weeks ago, another Baglione came to claim revenge and died."
"Oh Chiara, what have you done? We heard that he burned."
"It was self-defense both times."
"That will hardly matter to them. They will be after you."
"I don’t think they know who I am."
"My poor child, let us hope it is so… But how did you get away without getting killed yourself?"
"They are stupid men who think they can win by brute force alone."
"And that priest in Pisa? Was he stupid too?" Her voice was mocking.
Is she informed of all my bad deeds? "No, he was simply a young man who could not resist the charms of a young maiden."
"Do you know that you deeply embarrassed Casa Malatesta. He is their youngest son, and they hoped that one day he would make cardinal."
"If he is a Malatesta, his career will hardly be affected, but I fear I have ruined his opinion of women."
The countess burst into her chirpy laugh. "You know, I find it hard to reconcile the woman in front of me with that innocent, bright young girl that was my delight when you stayed at the palazzo four years ago. In fact, I would not have recognized you, except for that typical way you turned away, tilting your head a bit, the way you did then whenever you wanted to hide something. Why did you not want me to see you?"
"My Lady, I must apologize humbly, but I did not want to cause you embarrassment."
"Chiara. Chiara," the countess cried, chuckling, "let us not be clever. You know perfectly well that I had a choice whether or not to acknowledge you. The truth."
"My Lady, I was embarrassed for myself and I feared that my discovery could cause trouble for my friends."
"That is better. Who are your friends? In fact, how have you survived? Have you lived by selling your mother’s jewels?"
"No, Niccolo Sanguanero stole those from me. I —"
"They stole them? … You know Lady Lucia, Niccolo’s sister?"
Chiara shook her head.
"Last time I saw her in Siena, she was adorned by a particularly exquisite necklace that betrayed the delicate craftsmanship that only the Spanish Moores master. When I admired it, she said that Niccolo had given it to her for her twentieth birthday… How naughty of them! I will have to let my Lord know of this."
"Oh, please, Lady Maria, do not bother his Lordship with such trifles. The jewels are of no importance. Since I never knew my mother, they are not even a spiritual bond with her. But to answer your question about how I lived, I was fortunate to join a troupe of traveling players and artists —"
"Is it the group I saw perform this afternoon in the Piazza Grande?"
Chiara could not help blushing.
"But I did not see you, Chiara."
"I paint my face. I was there."
"Doing what?"
"I am the target of the knife throwing act."
"Oh, Chiara, you cannot. That man could kill you. How can you be so reckless? And you did not even wear protection."
"I have done it for more than a year now. It looks more dangerous than it is. That is the whole point. And not wearing protection raises the tension of the spectators."
"And then you go and juggle with the same knives. No, Chiara. You may not do that. You must stop immediately."
"My Lady, it is my life, it is the life of my friends. We make an honest living, and I must admit I enjoy it."
"Oh, Chiara, I die just thinking of it."
"I do other things too. In the play this afternoon, I was the notario, and later the lover."
"But they were men! How could I let myself be fooled like this? … And you are intent to going on living like this? Isn’t it a hard life?"
"It can be, but we have been fortunate. Our act always draws big crowds, and they are generous."
"Yes, you made me give a whole florin." She remained silent, simply looking at Chiara. "I still can hardly believe it was you. I must say, it is the most thrilling act I have ever seen and it was outright wicked the way you prayed piously beforehand and made everybody tremble for you. My Lord will not believe me. I will ask him to come and see it with me."
"My Lady, I beg you, do not to tell his Lordship. He may not approve."
"Chiara, my Lord has a more open mind than you give him credit for. He will relish it and he has a lifetime of experience to keep secrets."
"Please, my Lady, accept my apologies for daring to doubt him."
"I accept your apology, but you have to promise me that you will perform your act again tomorrow. We will all be watching from the windows of Palazzo del Monte."
"Lady Maria, your wish is my command." She hesitated for a moment. "My Lady, you said that you had news for me."
"Oh, I almost forgot it over all the exciting things I heard from you. Yes, Chiara, I have news. It is not good news. Some of it you have already heard. Your father lost his land —"
"Where does he live now?" Chiara lowered her gaze embarrassed. "I am sorry for having interrupted you, my Lady."
"It is understandable that you are concerned. Your father has taken refuge in the house of Giancarlo Denardo in Grosseto. I understand that they both served under King Robert of Naples. Chiara, you must go and see him and do it soon. His health has suffered badly, and he is no longer a young man."
Chiara lowered her head.
"I know, Chiara, that you are deeply embarrassed by how you made him suffer, but I also sense that you still love him. Go to him and ask for forgiveness. He is a fair man and deserves to know that his only living child is well. Will you do this for me?"
Chiara could only nod. Her voice failed her and tears flooded her eyes. Yes, she would go and see her father and ask for his forgiveness and his blessing. Now that the decision was made, it felt like a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders, and she had a sudden urge to go.
"I am glad you do. It is only a bit more than twenty-five leagues. You can easily make it in four days."
"I will leave the day after tomorrow."
"How will you travel? Will your friends come with you?"
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sp; "No, they will wait here. I have a fine horse and may get another one, so I can change and ride faster."
"But Chiara, you may not travel alone. It is dangerous country."
"I will be well armed."
"I insist that one of our trusted guardsmen goes with you for protection. I know just the right man. He will be waiting for you here."
"Thank you, Lady Maria."
The countess rose, so did Chiara.
"Chiara, I must say good-bye now. I have already stayed away from my Lord much longer than I promised. I will see you tomorrow, and maybe one of these days you will bring your troupe to Piombino as my guests… Ah, there is one other thing I want to ask you about. I heard from one of my court ladies that there is an old woman with you who has great talents in reading the cards. Would you recommend that I consult her?"
"My Lady, if you were a peasant woman, I would say, go and see her, she may offer you some hope. But an illustrious lady like you forges her own destiny regardless of what the cards say."
The countess scrutinized her for a moment. "So you don’t recommend that I summon her?"
"I did not say that. If you want to see some impressive artistry for your entertainment, by all means summon her, my Lady."
"Chiara, you too have the making of an illustrious lady. It is in your hands."
"Thank you, my Lady, for your trust."
She curtsied and kissed the outstretched hand of the countess.
* * *
The players rushed up and surrounded her when she returned. She told them briefly parts of the conversation.
"Will you leave us now?" asked Jacomo with a worried face.
She knew that this was the question uppermost in everybody’s mind. "No, Jacomo, I Magnifici are my life. You people are my life. I will only be gone for a few days and then we will go back on the road and hopefully spend the worst of the winter in Siena. While I’m gone, you all take a deserved rest and, besides, there are a few things that need mending."