The Countess Of Assis - Romance, revenge and ambition during the Second Reign

by PAULO FOSCHI, JOÃO; Sobrinho, Vanusa;

  “I didn’t know that, besides all other abilities, you were also a Sybil[26]!” Lorena teased her.

  “I wouldn’t say that I’m a fortuneteller, but some things cannot be explained, my friend. We can only feel them!”

  Chapter VIII

  That same radiant morning, while the clock pendulum was still swinging for the eighth time, the delightful sound of the piano filled the air at the sitting room of the magnificent palace of the Laranjeiras. It was Alma da Veiga Santiago getting ready to receive another group of students for their scheduled class. She was so involved in executing the notes in the music book that she didn't realize anything until two male hands involved her head from behind, closing her eyes. The small gesture was enough to bring a smile to her face for she knew who was the author of that playful gesture done so many times before.

  “You really surprise me for being out of the bed so early in the morning!” she exclaimed.

  The owner of the hands changed his voice, trying to prolong the playful moment even more between him and the young pianist.

  “First of all, you must guess who I am, cara mia!”

  Alma pretended to think about it and soon answered:

  “Uhh, Certainly, the one whom my heart belongs to!”

  “Not too bad, but you should at least be a little more discreet in your declaration of love...”

  The young lady corresponded to the joke with a sphinx’s laugh and, impatient to hug the owner of those hands, she got up with a sudden movement.

  “Hey, that’s no fun!” the joker protested.

  “Well, I would say that today I am in no mood to play”, and hugged him with overflowing tenderness, placing her face on the chest of her beloved, her hero.

  “Good morning, little sister!” He said, now with normal voice, husky and involving, which had always been one of his strongest enchanting qualities.

  “Good morning, brother! But why did you get up so early? Today, they didn’t even called you for a consultation... Or please don't tell me that girl from the Cassino continues to appear in your dreams?”

  “Alma, since Saturday I have continually thought of another way to see that angel again. Ah, without a doubt, God has listened to yours and mother’s prayers! Now I feel my heart pulsing and growing, as if I was a child once again”, her brother confessed, enchanted by the memory of whom had awakened his heart, dormant until then.

  Inspired by what she had just heard, Alma sat down once again by the piano; and, while she delicately touched the keys of the instrument, she closed her eyes as if she wanted the chords to penetrate the deepest of her soul. Showing reverence to that sublime moment, her brother kept silent to listen to such a beautiful and angelical song that involved both, as if the chords had a balsamic power to anesthetize even the more painful anxiety.

  Suddenly, Alma interrupted the melody to ask another question.

  “Do you know her name?”

  “Yes, that I had to have asked.”

  “What’s her name?”

  “Lorena Duarte Valão.”

  “Duarte Valão? It seems that she doesn’t belong to our social circles, for I do not recognize the last name. It’s a shame that I couldn’t come with you to the ball to get to see the novelty of the night. I imagine she is really gorgeous...”

  “Not less than you, Alma. A real enchantress!”

  “Oh, my! How charming you are, little brother! Sometimes I think you even forget that I am your sister. But to compare myself to a sorcerer...”

  “You know way too well that you have the ability to such a thing, my sister! You women are always full of spells. Poor Adam, he was deceived by his wife! For, did he refuse to eat the forbidden fruit Eve offered him?”

  Alma eyed him tenderly, for he was her only brother. And even if he was already thirty years old and she ten years his junior, the love she felt for this man was a love of a mother for her son.

  “Atílio, you are a widow and without children. But, my brother, you are still so young! I approve that you are interested in a young lady. Now, we just need to know where she lives... And if she by any chance doesn’t live in the Court?”

  “We can rule this possibility out. She herself told me that she is from Rio de Janeiro and that she lives in Botafogo.”

  Atílio demonstrated great enthusiasm for this unknown young lady with whom he danced during the emperor’s coronation anniversary, for the long period of mourning since the tragic death of his first wife had finally come to an end. The young doctor, who also had earned from his father the title of Count of Assis, had decided to rebuild his life a few months back. He hadn’t had any children with whom to share the pain of losing Amália forever. Without success, he tried over and over to find enchantment in the life at the Court, but all was lost! Some of the friends of his youth, just like him, had married and had children, besides other preoccupations. He had been to famous soirées, had travelled to Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and even London in search of the distractions and of a sweet soul that might be his. And see and behold, the elected one was right there, waiting for him, in the Empire’s capital.

  Alma, unaware of Atílio’s romantic daydreams, had a practical spirit with few digressions. Even though she was the younger sister, she inherited from her mother an emotional control that is typical of men. Although she was still a graceful and enchanting woman, this young lady kept with her a unique strength. And that’s why she believed she had found the perfect match for marriage, her dearest Donato. Atílio, her beloved brother, was the only one capable of fathoming the deepness of his sister’s heart. And that’s because, for her, love was nothing more than a make-believe story created to delude the hearts of the poor naïve ones, leaving nothing to desire as in the story of a Cinderella who readily awaits a Prince Charming.

  “Don't be saddened by it!” Alma responded. “There will be plenty of occasions where you will be able to see this lady again.”

  “No, I will not tolerate the waiting. How long have I been alone without any consolation!? Place yourself in my shoes and imagine your life without Donato, for example.”

  “I understand what you are feeling, dear... But what can you do if not wait for life to take its course?” And Alma showed in her face that she just remembered something. She got up and walked towards the cabinet, returning soon with an envelope in her hands. “Forgive me, but because of our conversation I ended up forgetting that early this morning this message arrived for you. I know it’s from Pedro Augusto, for I know his handwriting...”

  Atílio opened the envelope and, soon after reading the message, scornfully crumpled the paper.

  “Something unpleasant?” Alma inquired.

  “Just rubbish! The emperor’s dear grandson is inviting me to tea, later today, at the Leopoldina Palace. He wants to talk about the current situation of the economy e of politics and, of course, discuss the matter of his succession to the throne...”

  “He really expects to be the third in line, doesn’t he?”

  “Pedro Augusto wants the support of influential people and families such as ours, judging that this is the only solution to revert the situation in which he currently is. My position is favorable to Princess Isabel; and thinking he is a good judge of character, I assumed that I wouldn't be receiving his invitations anymore. But what a surprise! He is a stubborn individual...”

  The slave girl Luana came up from the kitchen, wanting to confirm with Lady Alma if Mrs. Veridiana would come back in time for dinner. The answer was positive, which stirred Atílio’s curiosity about the whereabouts of his mother that morning. “She went shopping at the Assembleia Street”, the sister answered.

  “I hope you are not thinking about going out right now, after all, we never have the opportunity to talk”, Alma reminded him.

  “No, my dear, I won’t go out. For now, I will settle with the reading of a good book.”

  “And what are you going to read? I know how much you like French authors...”

  “Madame Bovary[27], fro
m Gustave Flaubert[28]”, Atílio answered, with an air of self-contemplation.

  “Perfect! After, you must tell me what’s so special about this book. I heard the writer has very eccentric ideas. Besides, mother had prohibited from reading it because it is not a book for honest women...”

  “This is a new era, Alma! We must keep up with the changes...”

  “Oh, so do you think I’m a conservative?” the sister joked.

  “Conservative, no! Traditional, maybe...”

  “Be happy to know I am a woman of my time: dedicated wife, good daughter and good sister, getting rid of all the hardships and of the exploiters who have come knocking on our door.”

  Atílio’s compassionate heart had put himself in embarrassing situations many times, without mentioning that his selflessness went too far, making him to consult even the most disadvantaged people, always reserving time to help them. He had sworn that, when he became a doctor, he would use his knowledge to save lives. This romantic vision of his profession made him get criticized by his relatives.

  “Alma, I don’t like that you talk like that!” Atílio scolded her.

  “You know that if I say so, it is for your benefit. I know that we have good money coming in every month and that you have a good clientele. You are a renowned doctor here in Rio de Janeiro, or even in the province of São Paulo, where there are so many other talents. But think carefully! The heritage that our father left us with must be preserved.”

  “You are way more practical in regards to this than me. I believe that mother was dangerously very close to conceiving another man. You would look good in a pair of pants...”

  “I was lucky to inherit it from our mother. And you look a lot like our father. I don't see you as a weak man, my dear, but I believe you need bigger responsibilities to see life from a different angle.”

  “I already had this experience side by side with Amália, and she understood me...”

  “But you didn’t have children. I believe that when there is an innocent human being involved in the story, ideologies change. When you have them, I am sure that you will agree with me.”

  In that exact moment, Mrs. Veridiana was entering the house, the mother of Atílio and Alma. Although she was nearing sixty years of age, she hadn't lost the gait of a lady of the society, stern and, many times, authoritative.

  Atílio approached her, asking for his blessing and lightly kissing her face. Alma did the same. While she was giving orders to the slaves to carry all her purchased goods inside, Mrs. Veridiana sat on the sofa, complaining about the heat of the Rio de Janeiro, alleging to prefer the climate of Petrópolis, which was more pleasant.

  “Mom, dinner will soon be served. I did as you requested”, Alma said.

  “Has your spouse by any chance already arrived?” Mrs. Veridiana asked, with suspicion in her own voice.

  “No, not yet...”, the daughter hesitated, looking down to the floor and already expecting to hear something sarcastic. Whenever Donato was involved, her mother rarely avoided saying something mean.

  “Oh, please, tell me something new! Your husband is lazy! And he still keep you in my house so that he may not spend any of the dowry he got from marrying you, that scoundrel!”

  “Mother, please!” Alma pleaded, already tired of getting upset with Mrs. Veridiana because of her husband’s sudden mood changes. “I don't want to discuss this with you any more, ok?”

  “And I am the one who didn't want this marriage! Your father was a relapse, but then again, the scum knew how to make everything right, gaining the trust of old Santiago. He is from a good family, I won’t deny it... But he is bum! He doesn’t work and continually waste our patrimony, as if what he received as the dowry wasn’t already enough.”

  Alma tried to change the subject to make her mother forget Donato for a moment.

  “Mother, aren’t you going to talk to Atílio about what happened at the Cassino?”

  “It’s true! Alma told me that you are interested in a certain lady that you met at the emperor’s coronation anniversary.”

  Atílio approached his mother again, leaning on her chest as if he was a little scared child.

  “Indeed. Her image is stuck in my mind. If you could see her, you would know the reason I am acting this way...”

  Mrs. Veridiana caressed his dark and soft hair as she used to do when he was just but a little boy. However, she couldn't do this without a little bit of sadness, for her son was no longer a boy, but a grown, widow man.

  “I’m happy for you. Amália was a good wife; and unlike you two know whom...” She said that looking at Alma, who immediately understood her mother was referring to her husband. “She gained my affection and, undoubtedly, she was truly an authentic countess.”

  “I assure you that you will feel the same for Lorena”, Atílio answered.

  “Is that the name of the one you fell in love for?”

  “Yes, my mother.”

  “And you saw her once, at the Cassino, at D. Pedro II’s coronation anniversary? That’s not enough! Doesn’t this young lady have a last name, by chance? Is she the daughter of one of our acquaintances?” inquired Mrs. Veridiana.

  “Her last name is Duarte Valão. I asked her name myself.”

  “I’ve never heard about such a last name! Ah, my son, I don’t want any more problems in our family! An adventurer or a daughter of one of these new bourgeois families would be too much...”

  “My dear mother, how you are overacting!” the son exclaimed, showing her a smile with perfect teeth.

  “You know way too well that I am not exaggerating, Atílio! Are you forgetting your cousin?”

  “Are you talking about Adelaide?”

  “And is there any other, by chance?” She has always had the hopes of marrying you...”

  “We are totally incompatible, something like oil and water. Adelaide likes big night parties and ballrooms; I, on the other hand, am a mere mortal! I prefer the comfort of my house, a good book to read and the affection of a wife. And, besides, my mother, you do know that the heart does not follow any rules.”

  “Those are youth foolish daydreams, my son! Now you are a mature and experienced man. You already know what marriage is and must look after your family name. That is your obligation!”

  “You still don’t know Lorena, mother. When you see her, you will realize that she is more than worthy of becoming my wife.”

  “All right, then! Do as you want, but I will indeed know this exotic flower you are talking about and, in a single minute, I will know if she is worthy of not to carry the title of Countess of Assis.”

  Chapter IX

  Lorena decided that she should seek Carolina as soon as possible. It was best if she could go visit her unannounced so that she may not have time to find an excuse to not receive her. She spent days organizing her thoughts about how she could dissolve her friend’s irritation. In order to halt this wedding, it would be necessary that she be constantly present in the couple’s life. This way, she could observe any deficiency in their commitment and only then she would be able to invest confidently in her goal: to win Rafael’s heart.

  Thus, Lorena hired a horse-drawn carriage to take her to Catete Street, address where Carolina resided. After arriving, she knocked at the door, and was received by a chubby slave called Donana, who went to let the house owner know about the guest. Mrs. Leonor came to meet her, overflowing with friendliness and making Lorena feel comfortable in her house.

  “Lorena, my dear, what a pleasure to have you here in our home! How are Mrs. Teodora and Mr. Gaspar?”

  “They are well, Mrs. Leonor, thank you very much! My mother sends you greetings. I am sorry for arriving this way, without any notice, but I need to talk to Carolina. Is she here?”

  “Yes, she is upstairs with her cousins organizing her trousseau for her wedding. Now she doesn’t do anything else besides that! We bought so many embroidered pieces... Some I ordered from the countryside, done by the hands of a woman who is very good a
t it. All so beautiful!”

  “If it is not an inconvenience, could I talk to her for a bit?”

  “Yes, of course! Just wait a minute. I’m the one who was leaving to take care of some pending issues, but I will ask someone to call her right now...”

  After Mrs. Leonor left, Lorena waited a few moments at the sitting room, and then Carolina came down the stairs. She stared at her visitor with a surprised and suspicious expression, crossing her arms in a defensive position while her friend eyed her with serenity and gentleness. After that unpleasant quarrel, this was the first time they met each other.

  “I’ve always thought that it was good to let people know before paying them a visit. As you can see, I am receiving two cousins this morning. Therefore, I cannot give you too much attention”, Carolina said, full of bitterness.

  “Forgive me, Carolina! But I did it on purpose, for I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me.”

  “And don't you think that I have many reasons not to?”

  “Yes”, she answered, lowering her head. “You are right. And that’s exactly why I am here. I didn’t come to ask, but to beg your forgiveness, my friend!” Saying that, Lorena threw herself on the floor, at Carolina’s feet, kneeling down next to her.

  “But what are you doing, Lorena?” the young lady was startled, impressed with her visitor’s attitude.

  “I came to reconcile with you, so that we may forget the incident of the other night. I never had any intention of offending you. Never!”

  Carolina was overwhelmed before that pathetic scene. At the same time, Lorena was laughing inside, enjoying her dramatic request for forgiveness. She would never do something like that, but for now she needed to concede and humble herself at the feet of her rival, for that was all part of her plan. After all was said and done, than her revenge would come for sure.

  “Come on, Lorena! Get up, please! This is ridiculous!”

  “No, only if you will forgive me!” She said, hugging her friend fiercely by her waistline.