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

by PAULO FOSCHI, JOÃO; Sobrinho, Vanusa;

  Donato, seating at a table, was observing his wife dancing. Alma was pretty, but she didn't have the virtues and characteristics he sought in a lady. Despite being a zealous woman, very dedicated to him, it had never been enough. That bon vivant cared, above all, for his comfort: expensive and tailored clothes, exquisite food and good wine, a cheerful round of voltarete game and, of course, enjoying the pleasures of the flesh. Lately, he had indeed missed the jokes of the Bernardo[45] or a night at the lively Alcazar. But this was an occasion to go out with his wife, to be a man of respect and a good citizen. The eccentricities would have to wait for another moment...

  It was then that paying attention once more to the square dance, something caught his attention. During the exchange of pairs, Donato thought it was strange how Rafael’s gaze would direct to Lorena. Even if he didn't do it at length, it was his insistence that bothered him. Initially, he thought he was just seeing things, but after the second and third times they approached each other, he noticed something was going on there. In the art of flirting and capturing a woman’s heart, he was a master! Those mirrors of the soul[46] denounced more desire than anyone could have imagined, of that he was sure. Rafael’s eyes were not naïve, but they denounced a crime... who knows if a possible adultery wasn’t already being foreshadowed... Wasn’t the priest who used to say during mass: if you look to your brother’s wife with ulterior motives, you have already committed adultery?

  If it was so, he could not even condemn him — He who has no sin may throw the first stone. However, it would just take an invitation to drink and a night well spent at the Alcazar, and the confession would come easily. Donato, after all these questionings, came to think that he might even have some interests in the theological studies. Who better than him to comprehend theses things of sin and confession, which are typical of a decayed human being? Doesn’t a priest proceed the same way, inviting the sinner to confess his trespasses? Well, if his suspicion had any real ground, he would be the first to help Rafael to alleviate the weight of his conscience. All he needed now was to find the right moment to arrange such confession.

  Chapter XXI

  Lorena got up late that Friday. Atílio decided not to wake her up, because he had already let her know, on the previous night, that he would go out early in the morning to take care of some issues. However, the husband’s absence made her spirit even more excited, for she hadn’t forgotten her brief contact with Rafael during the beneficent ball some days ago. Even if only for a few hours, she realized that, after such a long time, the man who had rejected her was now among many others who admired her.

  Suddenly, she stopped her reminiscing because someone was knocking at her door.

  “Come on in!”

  It was Fanny, the governess, who was bringing her breakfast. There were brioches, fruits, and warm milk with coffee. She served her in bed, while Lorena was admiring herself with a hand mirror.

  “Fanny?”

  “Yes, milady?”

  “I want to ask you a question, but you must be completely honest with me!”

  “What do you wish to know, milady?”

  “What’s your opinion about the last ball? Was it to your liking?”

  “But why are you asking me?” Fanny answered, with an embarrassed smile. “I saw that you dedicated yourself tremendously, and the result was flawless!”

  “I am not sure. I think it could have been better...”

  “Don't think like that, milady! I know everybody said great things about the ball and, besides, you were complimented by princess Isabel in public. Do you need a worthier round of applause?”

  “You are right!” Lorena smiled confidently. “I believe I’m being too strict with myself.”

  “I totally agree, milady!” the governess commented, smiling back at her.

  “Now, let’s see...prepare me that green gown that I like so much, Fanny, for I want to be dazzling!”

  “Are you going out?”

  “Yes, I want to go shopping and, later on, stop by my father’s store at Ouvidor Street. If Mr. Atílio asks for me, tell him that I might be a little longer because I want to visit Mercedes, as well.”

  “As you wish, milady!” and saying that, the governess left the room.

  Fanny was a woman with a little more than forty years of age, still single and of flowery disposition. Efigênia was her name, but she preferred to be called by this nickname because she thought it was simpler and of good taste, and of English fashion. She had been educated by the respected Chancellor João Barcelos Pimenta, thanks to her godmother’s support, who was a nun. Her disposition to her studies and a rigorous religious discipline made Fanny a woman of notorious refinement and knowledge, even though she had come from a lowly family. Before she had been hired as the governess at Atílio’s house, that young lady had already worked as a governess of the children of an influent Empire baron. With such a respectable recommendation letter, Lorena thought it would be great to hire her, so that she could take care of the minor issues around the house, give orders to the slaves and keep her company. Still, what the new Mrs. Santiago admired the most was Fanny inspiring loyalty and trust: she was a woman of Britannic punctuality, always wearing tailored and sober clothes, and that had never been reprimanded for lack of decorum. In fact, even her voice could only be heard when someone talked to her. Lorena had asked herself many times the reason for her not marrying; after all, women of that kind were considered the most virtuous of them all.

  At the end of the morning, after finishing her shopping downtown, Lorena went up to her father’s store. She found Mr. Estevão, who promptly offered a chair for her to sit down.

  “Ah, Lady Lorena.... I mean... Mrs. Lorena, just wait a little bit that Mr. Gaspar will not take long.”

  “Please, Mr. Estevão, no need for ceremonies! I’m still the same Lorena of always.”

  “Ah, but now you are married and has a title to show off to these important people of the Court.”

  “Lorena took her eyes off her interlocutor to pay attention to her father’s figure, who was approaching. She rushed to hug him.

  “My dear father, how I have missed you!”

  “Oh, my angel! What a beautiful surprise to see you here! How are things in your house?”

  “Everything is going well, father! And when will you and mother come to pay us a visit?”

  “As soon as your mother is displaying a better mood. You know, child, I am little worried about her. Teodora is very irritated lately and gets offended with everything. I don’t know what else to do to please her...”

  “Oh, dad, you know that mother is just like that! But I want you to promise me a visit one of these Saturdays, and please let me know beforehand, that I may order a delicious dinner to be prepared for you two, all right?” Lorena requested, kissing his cheek.

  Mr. Gaspar, suddenly, became very serious and asked her:

  “My daughter, are you happy?”

  “Of course, my father!”

  “If you are happy, then know that I am even happier to know that I married my daughter to a man of good character. I married you as I should! Not like these lost women that give themselves to any man, and that dishonor their good family name!”

  Lorena, hearing that, shuddered. And what if her father discovered the unthinkable act that she had done a long time ago?

  “Dad, do you have any news from my godparents and Mercedes? She didn't even attend the ball that I organized to the princess...”

  “Well, but look at that! My little one is now organizing parties to the royalty!”

  “Please, father!” the daughter censured him, embarrassed.

  “I don’t know anything. You should ask this question to your mother. My life is to take care of this store, child!”

  “You should rest more often! And now that mother is alone, it is natural that she wants more of your company...”

  “Oh, daughter, don't ask so much from me!” Mr. Gaspar asked, shaking his head. “The only thing that st
ill gives me some pleasure is to attend those meetings.”

  “Dad, are you still linked to that little group of republicans?” Lorena asked, lowering her voice.

  “But what is the problem?”

  “You do know that you shouldn’t. Not if you know that you have a daughter married to a man extremely monarchist!”

  “I could care less about what Atílio or any other monarchist may think!” Mr. Gaspar responded, exalting himself.

  “Father, please, no scene!” she contested, reprimanding him. “I didn’t come here to discuss politics with you... only to ask for your blessing. From here, I want to go visit Mercedes.”

  “All right, child! Give me another hug!”

  And Mr. Gaspar hugged his daughter with tenderness.

  “I’ll tell your mother that you stopped by.”

  “Tell her I’m sorry for not have gone to visit her these last weeks.”

  “Mrs. Teodora will understand, after all, wasn't she who wanted to see you married?”

  Leaving the store, Lorena went to visit her godparents. Mrs. Piedade was very happy in seeing her, offering her favors and asking her many questions. Mr. Romero, satisfied in being able to meet his goddaughter, asked her if she had already adapted perfectly to her new condition.

  “I’ve been well, godfather, living as God wants!”

  “And your husband, how is he?”

  “These last days, he has been quite anxious, because it looks like the emperor wants to have a meeting with him, scheduled for the near future.”

  “It seems your husband will get out from this interview in a very comfortable position, child”, Mr. Romero commented. “I heard that the emperor has been extremely generous to all the historical monarchists, and your husband is a historical monarchist! From what I hear, Atílio’s grandfather was one of those who supported D. Pedro I himself!”

  “Child, you have no idea how your mother is satisfied with your marriage!” the godmother spoke. “In fact, I accompanied her in a procession of thanksgiving for the fulfillment of your matrimony...”

  Lorena was impatient to see Mercedes, but she couldn’t be impolite with her godparents, until she saw the daughter of the house owners hidden behind a set of stairs that went up to their bedrooms. The young lady signaled her to come upstairs quickly, and so Lorena had to make up an excuse to go upstairs to her friend’s room. When she arrived there, Mercedes quickly closed the bedroom door, what spooked her friend.

  “You have no idea what I’ve been through! You have no idea!”

  “Mercedes, what happened? You do not even look like yourself!”

  “My problem is that I’m in love!”

  Lorena was shocked with Mercedes’ revelation.

  “And wouldn’t you tell me anything?”

  “How could I, if now you are locked up in a palace serving as an accompanying lady to the princess!” her friend reprimanded her.

  “What are you saying?”

  “And you were the one who complained when Carolina used to say that she wouldn’t have time for us anymore!”

  “Well, I confess that I am in debt with you! However, you must understand that I have obligations to carry out.”

  “But the worse you still don't know...” Mercedes commented, checking the door constantly to make sure nobody heard them. “My parents do not approve of my involvement with Ernesto. Father already ordered not to pronounce his name in this house anymore!”

  Mercedes told Lorena about how Ernesto and she met, and when they found themselves in love with each other. She also explained that he was a young sergeant of the Army and had a lowly background, hence her parents’ opposition.

  “And what do you think about doing now?”

  “Run away, Lorena! That’s the solution!” her friend answered, resolved.

  “You’ve lost your mind! Godmother would die if you did that!”

  “Ah, it’s easy for you to say that because you got married with whom you wanted. But put yourself in my shoes!” she responded, getting mad and crossing her arms in front of her. “Especially now that I finally found someone who likes me, my parents decide to oppose it! But I won’t become a spinster, you may be sure!”

  “Don't rush, Mercedes! What if we spoke with General Figueiredo!” Lorena suggested, excited. “Who knows if he would be able to help out in the case of Ernesto?”

  “And having to depend on Carolina’s good will? No, thank you! Besides, how would we arrive there, suddenly, at her parents’ house? No! As soon as we left, Mrs. Leonor would tell everything to my mother.”

  “Indeed...” the friend agreed, discouraged.

  “There is no way out, Lorena! The solution is to elope!”

  “But if you do that, you will kill godmother! You will! And, besides, everyone will consider you a lost woman. Is that what you want?” Lorena asked, worried.

  “Better to be lost than to die a spinster!” and saying that, she threw herself in her bed, crying.

  “Don't say that, Mercedes!”

  “You are the one happy married to Atílio!”

  “I’m not sure that in my place you would say that...” her friend said, giving her back to her and going to look out the window.

  Mercedes interrupted her outburst when she heard that declaration.

  “What do you mean? Why do you say that?”

  “I am not sure... I’ve always wanted to experience a romance such as those from the pamphlets that we used to read, from the newspaper... But do you know something? It is not the same thing...”

  Mercedes was speechless with what she had just heard.

  “If we knew how different life would be from our readings...” she continued. “You wait for the ideal man who will take your breath away, then you wake up to the reality, and realize that this man does not exist, that he doesn’t come.”

  “Aren’t you happy?” Mercedes inquired.

  Lorena turned back to her friend, who noticed a tear rolling down her face.

  “You are the second person who asks me this question today and to tell you the truth, I am not sure.”

  “But isn’t Atílio good to you, doesn’t he give you everything you want? What else can a woman want, Lorena?”

  “Yes, he is very good... Atílio does everything to please me!”

  “So? What is still missing?”

  “Love is missing, Mercedes! And that’s what a woman needs: love!”

  After a little longer, they said their goodbyes. Lorena, noticing it was getting late, took her carriage back home. After arriving, while she was entering her house, she didn't even realize her husband was on the living room, with a guest.

  “Atílio, my dear, I apologize for being late! You cannot imagine how my day was busy today! I went to visit Mercedes and...”

  Only then she realized who the guest was, who was waiting for her in company of Atílio.

  “Good night, Mrs. Lorena!”

  It was him, who had come to show up at the most unexpected moment. And the Count of Assis, smiling with the arrival of his wife, announced her the guest:

  “Good night, my wife! You won't imagine who I found at the public offices this afternoon, and who accepted my invitation to have supper with us tonight: my great friend Rafael Abrantes!”

  Chapter XXII

  Supper was served right on time.

  Atílio, Lorena and Rafael were at the table, serving themselves a delicious meal that night. While the two gentlemen conversed about important issues related to the public ministry, the house owner gave the last instructions to the governess. The Count of Assis, who had been talking lively with his friend until now, didn’t forget to ask his wife how her day had been.

  “It was a very busy day!” Lorena answered, with enthusiasm. “I went to buy some needed supplies on Ouvidor Street and took the opportunity to stop by at my father’s store; after, I went to visit Mercedes.”

  “And how are my parents-in-law? Atílio inquired, interested.

  “Father is doing well,
but mother has been complaining a bit. I believe it is because of my absence... Mr. Atílio, what do you think of inviting my parents to come visit us one of these days?”

  “But of course you can invite them! Just let me know beforehand so that I might free my day to host them.”

  “All right, then!” she said with a smile. “I know my mother will be very happy.”

  Lorena avoided talking to Rafael Abrantes at all costs, even though he kept insisting in asking her opinion about an issue, or her comments about something related to the Court happenings. The Countess of Assis, however, was mostly cold and indifferent towards the guest, treating him with a covert disdain. It was clear to him that his presence at that table was bothering the wife of his dear friend.

  “And when do you intend to pay us a visit, Atílio?” Rafael asked, eyeing her. “Carolina will be happy in host you both, specially you Mrs. Lorena, for being such a great friend to her...”

  “Carolina must be full of commitments, as so do I, Mr. Rafael.” she answered dryly, serving herself with a mint liquor.

  “Well, but even with all the commitments, we should always find time for those dear to us, isn’t it?” the guest questioned.

  “And if you knew that it is for this reason that I love her so much, my dear friend!” Atílio interfered, proud. “Lorena is just like me: she likes the domestic life. We are a couple who loves the comfort of our own home. Even if we have to go out sometimes, due to the formalities that the title of the family requires, it is here that we are happy.”

  “Please, Atílio, I am simply extending you a courtesy invitation! We’ve been friends for a long time. How could you deny us a day together?”

  Atílio looked at this wife, who was not that excited about the invitation.