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

by PAULO FOSCHI, JOÃO; Sobrinho, Vanusa;

  “What do you mean? I am not going home!”

  “Even after listening to so many insults?” Mercedes was confused with her friend’s reaction.

  “Never! Now is that I really want to stay here. Comments such as these don’t faze me; after all, they have a point. I’m the one that invaded the territory of this snobbish and rich crowd, but, at the end, I’m the one who will prevail! I also know how to play this game.”

  They got ready. Back at the main room, after a brief discourse, they announced the special homage. Carolina was also called to participate, and all of the people present became captivated by the melodic voices of the three friends who, together, produced what one of the guests confided to another: “They sound like mermaids singing!” They sang the popular modinha called Little House[40]:

  Don’t you remember the oaths and promises

  That you did with fervor?

  Of that long and prolonged kiss

  That sealed our love?

  While they sang, Lorena smiled whenever she and Atílio looked at each other, while Carolina, at the end of the song, rushed to hug Rafael. However, nobody present in the ballroom, not even Mercedes, Carolina, Atílio or Rafael, could have imagined what the mind of the little bourgeois girl was planning. Everyone there, later on, would be victims of what she was capable of doing to get what she wanted.

  Chapter XVI

  Lorena couldn’t take her eyes away from the breathtaking view during the outing that day. It was a magnificent Sunday morning, announcing a brilliant and strong sunny day. The view of the Laranjeiras was a rare beauty, announced by the size of the farm states and homes that could be seen. It was near that location that the Guanabara Palace was located, built by Mr. José Machado Coelho around 1853, and that was the current home of the Imperial Your Highness, princess Isabel.

  That entire region, which interlinked itself between Botafogo, São Clemente and Andaraí, was the luxury habitat and the sophistication of the beautiful Empire capital. There resided those born in a golden crib, those who patronized elegant stores downtown, in order to splurge their money and feel like the Europeans. These descendants of the nobility were the same that accused Lorena of being simply the daughter of a businessman and who rejected her because she belonged to an inferior social class. Even though she was blessed with beauty, the girl comprehended that transposing those social barriers was no easy task; but not impossible. And the means by which this would be possible was right there, before her, admiring her with sincere devotion: Atílio Santiago, the Count of Assis.

  That was the day scheduled to visit her future husband’s home and family for the first time. Mrs. Veridiana and Alma, already expecting her visit, got ready to welcome her. While the daughter seemed to be excited and happy to see her again, the old lady remained suspicious and stern, with fear that it would be another adventurer, similar to her son-in-law Donato.

  When Lorena entered the mansion, accompanied by Atílio, she tried to be the nicest and most polite of creatures. Alma received her with a tight hug, welcoming her, while Mrs. Veridiana was curt, greeting the girl from a distance.

  “I believe we are going to be great friends, Lorena, In fact, today you will have the opportunity to meet my husband, Donato”, Alma said, quite ecstatic.

  “I’m the one who thanks you for being so friendly! But I would like to ask you something.”

  “Yes, please. What is it?” Atílio’s sister asked.

  “I would like to visit your library...”

  Alma’s face enlightened and she smiled. How hadn’t she remembered that Lorena was an avid romance reader?

  “Of course! But not now, for I want to show you the whole house... Atílio, why don’t you come with us?”

  “Forgive me, Alma, but I have to solve some issues with Mr. Farias in the office, but take your time and I will soon join you again.”

  Lorena was finally able to know the beauty of that mansion: its gardens, artistic pieces acquired in Europe, family heirlooms; she was also able to play Alma’s piano for a few minutes, and her future sister-in-law complimented her on her ability with the instrument. When they returned to the sitting room, they found Mrs. Veridiana already waiting for them. Her gaze was hard and full of caution. Who saw her would notice in her face the marks of a past in which she was a very elegant and pretty woman. Both Alma and Atílio had many evident features that proved they were the old noble lady’s children. However, the girl soon realized that the similarity between them ended there because, unlike the gentleness that emanated from her two children, the house owner turned the air heavy with sarcasm and loathing due to Lorena’s presence.

  Mrs. Veridiana would honor the test she had proposed to her son weeks prior, affirming that she wouldn’t allow any other woman to usurp the place of the deceased Amália, so much so that she came up with an excuse for Alma to leave her alone with Lorena for some time.

  “So, did you like the house, Miss Lorena?”

  “Ah, yes, very much so! This mansion is indeed stunning!”

  “It is a family heritage. I came here as soon as I got married to Mr. Santiago, but this mansion was built way before that, during the regency period. It was a wedding gift given by my father-in-law... But now, tell me about yourself and your family.”

  “Well...” Lorena was nervous for the way Mrs. Veridiana was observing her. “I come from a rich family, thanks to God! We are not noble, but I live very well. I am an only-child, and my father is owner of a manufacturing business on Ouvidor Street.”

  Lorena realized that Atílio’s mother wasn’t that happy with what she was hearing.

  “I am just surprised with one detail in all of this, Miss Lorena: how did your family managed to participate in an event such as that of the Cassino? From what I know, that celebration was only for distinct guests, and when I say that...”

  “I understand what you mean. My parents were invited through Mrs. Leonor, General Figueiredo’s wife.”

  “Oh, yes, of course! Because otherwise I know it would had been impossible...”

  Lorena noticed that the hostess was being hostile. Even though she didn’t use any rude words, she was very good in her humiliation techniques.

  “Miss Lorena, may I know more about your true intentions for coming to my house?”

  “Dear Mrs. Veridiana, I came to visit in consideration of Atílio and Alma. They were the ones who invited me to come here.”

  “I understand that my children are very generous and cordial towards other people. Atílio was enchanted with you since he met you, and I know that he has been visiting your house and that he knows your parents. But I already warned him to slow down a bit.”

  “Do you think he shouldn’t visit my house?”

  “I don’t know. What do you have to say to me? Is there any reason that prevents or that indicates that he shouldn’t?”

  “I don’t know where you want to get with this question...” Lorena commented, bothered by the tone of this last question.

  “Didn’t you understand what I said?”

  “I believe that you shouldn’t worry so much with that. Atílio and I are, above all, good friends.”

  “And, for instance, do you think a marriage is sustained by a mere friendship?”

  “No, Mrs. Veridiana. But I believe that a friendship is the first step. I would never marry a man I wasn’t pleased with.”

  “And does my son ‘please’ you, Miss?” Mrs. Veridiana made sure to emphasize the meaning of that verb.

  “Well... yes!”

  “Interesting! So, how does my son please you?”

  “Well, he is gentle and cordial. My parents like him a lot and respect him, as well.”

  “Yes... I can have an idea of how these things are. You are very different from Amália, did you know that? She was very reserved and didn’t dare to say a single word to complain. However, you seem to be.... how can I say... impulsive! Yes, this is the word!”

  “Each person has a different temperament, Mrs. Verid
iana. And this is mine.”

  “All right, my child!” answered Mrs. Veridiana, displaying a sarcastic smile. “You know, I am a very sincere woman and with you I will be even more! I don’t believe in this angelical attitude with which you came to my house.”

  The guest’s eyes widened, taken by surprise.

  “But I will accept you, until you prove otherwise, simply as a future guest in this house.”

  Lorena tried to answer her back when, once more, Mrs. Veridiana interrupted her.

  “No, you don’t have to say anything! I am already aware of everything, and that Atílio already proposed to you. Of course I cannot intervene! My son is a grown man, a widow, and he can choose whoever he wants to marry him, but don’t you think that your life in this house will be easy, because it will not!”

  “I didn’t expect it to be...” the girl answered, defiant.

  “Voilá! I see you are more intelligent than I suspected you were. So, do you agree that this is an absurd situation, and you still insist! Very well, you are giving me more evidence that I am not mistaken about what I think of all of this.”

  At that moment, Alma and Atílio entered the room and interrupted the ‘lively’ conversation between the two women.

  “Would you like a truffle, my dear?” Mrs. Veridiana asked, trying to dissimulate the topic and offering her some delicacies that were served on the table.

  “Yes, I’d love to, thank you!” the girl answered, sweetly.

  “So, how are you two getting along?” The Count of Assis asked, curious.

  “All is well, Atílio”, Lorena answered, smiling. “Your mother is very pleasant and already helped to envision how wonderful it will be to live here after our wedding.”

  He smiled, embarrassed by the sarcasm of the answer. His mother could have many qualities, but being pleasant definitely wasn’t her biggest virtue. Mrs. Veridiana eyed him with a mysterious smile, something typical of her nature.

  Now it was Alma’s turn to intervene.

  “Come, Lorena! Now it is time to show you the most special place of the house – the library!”

  Taking her by the hand, they walked to the chamber, where the two young ladies exchanged experiences of many readings of romance novels. Meanwhile, in the sitting room, Atílio questioned about Mrs. Veridiana’s impressions on Lorena.

  “Ah, my son, this decision is yours! Either way, I don’t want to get involved.”

  “Mother, you know how much it means to me.”

  “Atílio, I only want yours and your sister’s happiness. Just be careful on this choice so that you may not suffer later on. See that I am warning you!”

  “Mom, Lorena is the woman with whom I want to marry!”

  “Well, if this is your wish, I won’t be the one to interfere!”

  Atílio, satisfied with his mother’s consent, kissed her on the face and went to meet Lorena in the library.

  Meanwhile, the handsome Donato was arriving home, Alma’s husband, complaining about the potholes caused by the recent rain showers and that, because of them, he had almost fallen of his horse coming home. Mrs. Veridiana, as always, didn’t exempt him of her sarcasm.

  “Well, why don't you work on repairing the streets yourself? Besides, aren’t you an engineer? It would be a more useful way to employ your time, don’t you think?”

  “Fortunately, my mother-in-law, I have more important things to do. Certainly, I am only here to satisfy Alma’s wishes, otherwise...”

  “Otherwise, you wouldn’t even be here!” Mrs. Veridiana spoke, revolted. “Certainly you would go to a gambling house or downtown, as it is your habit, to waste all the money you got from the dowry.”

  “You have nothing to do with that!” Donato answered, aggressive. “Don't you take care of my life!”

  “I am just waiting for a slip on your part, my son-in-law, to end up with this marriage once and for all.”

  “I doubt it! You care too much with other people’s opinion to involve your own daughter in a divorce scandal. It would be the social downfall of the Santiago family and of the Counts of Assis!”

  It was at that moment that Lorena, Alma and Atílio returned from the library. Donato’s wife, seeing him, rushed to his side.

  “Ah, my dear, I’m happy you already arrived home! I would like to introduce you to my future sister-in-law, Lorena Duarte Valão.”

  When Donato looked at her, he realized that Atílio had all the reasons in the world to get married again. The woman, undoubtedly, had the appearance of a goddess, even though her outfit denounced a little bit of simplicity. That, before him, was a great reason for a gentleman to give up being a bachelor.

  “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Donato!” Lorena greeted him.

  “Pleasure is mine!” he answered, kissing her hand.

  “Are you going to have dinner with us, my brother-in-law?” Atílio asked.

  “No, unfortunately I will not be able to keep you company, for I am a little under the weather. Can you imagine that I almost suffered an accident when I was coming home?”

  “Dear Lord!” Alma said, shocked, hugging him tighter.

  “Nothing to worry about! I will tell you what happened...”

  After Donato finished telling them what had happened, Alma asked one of the slaves to check on the horse and begged her husband to stay home for the day until he had recovered from the fright.

  After dinner, Atílio and Lorena talked about the details of the wedding, deciding that the date for the ceremony would be best after Carolina’s wedding. They talked a little longer, then the girl decided it was time to go home.

  “It is a shame you already have to go! I would like for you to meet my niece. And to think she has always been in love with Atílio... But, anyway, you are the one who will marry him”, Mrs. Veridiana said provocatively.

  While Atílio was taking Lorena back home, he didn’t avoid asking her questions about the conversation she had with his mother. The girl would answer him with very few words and tried to avoid major comments about Mrs. Veridiana’s attitude.

  “Calm down, Lorena! My mother is a little difficult in the beginning, but I’m sure you will gain her trust soon enough.”

  At the Laranjeiras mansion, Alma was still talking to her mother about the commitments the following day, when once more she decided to talk about Lorena’s visit.

  “Isn’t she lovely, mother? She asked me if I had read all the books in the library and, of course, I said I haven’t and... Mother, are you listening to me?”

  Mrs. Veridiana was absorbed in thought, planning what she could do to put the little bourgeois in her rightful place; so much so that she didn’t even care about Alma’s comments.

  “Did you like her, mother?”

  “What are you talking about, Alma?”

  “About Lorena, my mother! You talked to her, didn't you?”

  “I did talk to her, my daughter!” the matron said with a distant look on her face, as if foreseeing what was to come. “She is... naïve! She thinks she is smart... She doesn’t know whom she will deal with! But rest assured that I will teach her!”

  Saying that, Mrs. Veridiana smiled and got up, kissing her daughter and going up to her room. It was the first time in many years that Alma remembered being kissed by her mother. How strange she thought that was!

  Chapter XVII

  Lorena didn't want to accept her defeat in her desire to try to separate Rafael from Carolina. Not satisfied with that last encounter, she decided she wouldn’t hide that she was expecting his child any more. Maybe the confession would make Rafael back out from that absurd commitment. But how would she approach him again without been seen? At the Abrantes house it would be impossible, especially after the argument she had with Mrs. Mariana. Inviting him to come to her house would also be useless, because when he needed him the most, he had turned his back on her. She would have to find another way to approach him.

  On the day before the wedding, Lorena and Mercedes decided to pay the bride a visit.
Ever since the day they sang together, they hadn’t seen each other again, and Mercedes was still upset and disappointed for how Carolina had talked about Lorena to her cousins. She only agreed to go in consideration of her friend, who had asked her several times for her not to repeat that incident again, and to forget about it, because it was not that important. When they arrived there, Lorena and Mercedes found her nervous and unsettled.

  “But how silly you are being, Carolina! Everything is already prepared, isn’t it? Why all this nervousness?” Mercedes asked, already showing a little bit of impatience.

  “How is it not important? Tomorrow is the most important day of my life, and everything has to be perfect.”

  Mercedes kept shaking her head, because she knew Carolina was full of whims and now, the day before the wedding, it wouldn’t be different.

  “And Rafael? Where is he?” Lorena asked, pretending to be casual.

  “He must be with his parents, preparing himself, as well. Ah, I still cannot believe I will get married tomorrow!” she said, sighing.

  “Are you happy? I mean... Are you sure Rafael is the right man for you?”

  “But why are you asking me this question now, Lorena?”

  “It’s just that we hear so many stories about unhappy marriages... I was just thinking that...”

  “No, this is not my case, my dear! I know I found the right person to marry me. And I have to thank my parents for that. They chose the right man for me!”

  “So, does that mean that you are only getting married because your parents chose a husband for you?” Mercedes asked, incredulous.

  “Well, parents know what is best for their children.” Carolina answered confidently.

  “I lament, but I will have to disagree”, interrupted Lorena. “I believe that a marriage can only subsist if there is love involved. I would never marry simply to satisfy my parents’ wishes.”

  “You two are the ones who are unwise! Nobody can defy society’s rules, nobody! I have my parents’ blessing. I will be happy with Rafael and I can assure you right now that I will no longer be able to be chatting foolishly with the two of you after my wedding. Not that I want to be rude, but I know you understand well what I mean. When we get married, our habits change, and I will have a husband and children to take care of...”