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

by PAULO FOSCHI, JOÃO; Sobrinho, Vanusa;

  Rafael was not spared that spellbound feeling. Even if he pretended to smile next to Carolina, the man regretted immensely the way he had rejected that divine manifestation in the past. He was dying inside, remembering what had happened, especially the way she had treated him during that evening, in her house.

  Lorena thanked all the compliments she was receiving until she reached her mother-in-law, to congratulate her.

  “Happy birthday, Mrs. Veridiana!”

  “Thank you!”

  “I thank you for the invitation”, she said, opening her fan that she carried in her hand. “And I confess that I wasn’t expecting to have the honor to participate in your celebration.”

  “Don’t thank me! I was forced to!” Mrs. Veridiana was avoiding even looking at her, preferring to mask herself behind fake smiles to those waving to her from afar.

  “I suspected so...” Lorena confirmed, lowering her tone. “We completely agree on that, because don’t you think for a minute that I came here at my own will.”

  “You are more barefaced than I thought, rascal!”

  “Why are you saying that? Is it just because I don’t put up with your sarcasm anymore?”

  “It is better if you don't talk to me anymore, yes?” Mrs. Veridiana could no longer stand her daughter-in-law’s voice.

  “I would never refuse such a request! It is the only one coming from you that I will always fulfill with satisfaction”, Lorena answered her, walking away.

  When dinner was announced, the young countess distracted herself in the company of her husband, sister-in-law and other guests. She laughed and made to laugh those who listened to her, with jokes from the newspapers and scandalous news from the almanacs. Only after dessert she decided to get away from the state and from the crowds attending the party, asking Fanny to accompany her in a walk through the surroundings of the property.

  When they had already walked several feet through a beautiful path they had found, she reminded her governess that she had forgotten her gloves in the carriage. The servant had barely left to go fetch them when she heard a very familiar voice coming from behind the trees. It was Rafael Abrantes!

  Lorena, surprised by the audacity of Carolina’s husband, decided to ignore him, giving him her back.

  “Please, my lady, don’t go!”

  She, nonetheless, was not willing to be cordial.

  “What do you want? Don't you know it is unwise to speak to a married woman when she is unaccompanied?”

  “Forgive me the audacity, but I have to talk to you.”

  “There is nothing for us to talk. Good day, Mr. Abrantes!” and saying that, she started her way back to the state.

  “Please, Lorena, I beg you!”

  It was all she heard because, when she turned around, she saw Rafael kneeling down before her.

  “But what do you think you are doing?”

  “Simply give me the opportunity to talk to you. We can walk a little bit through this trail; I know it well.”

  “I shouldn’t! Fanny will come back soon.”

  “Please, don’t you trust me?” the gentleman inquired, extending her his arm.

  “That is not the case!”

  “Come on, Mrs. Lorena... as if I didn't know you! You are the impersonation of audacity yourself!

  She decided to risk it. In order to revenge herself, she would have to know the scumbag’s plans. The best would be to pretend to be naïve.

  “All right, Mr. Abrantes! But what would I say to Fanny?”

  “That you decided not to wait... I will leave you safely and nobody will know we have been together, I swear!”

  “Rafael extended his hand again, with an irresistible smile.

  “So, my lady? Shall we go?”

  Chapter XXIV

  The trail’s view was magnificent! The abundant green foliage, the different flowers with so many tones and colors and the birds singing were all enchanting elements with which Lorena was not accustomed to. Rafael, accompanying her, paid close attention to her appearance: her delicate bonnet ornate with blue ribbons matched her figure perfectly; her jet black hair, intertwined with clips, enhanced her long and light-skinned neck; her light blue and white gown, highlighted by the use of the crinolines and bustle, constituted the appearance typical of the noble ladies of the Court.

  However, what called the Countess of Assis’ attention the most were the rose bushes growing by the path.

  “Wow, what a beautiful color!” Lorena exclaimed, admiring the scarlet color of the roses. “They are really gorgeous!”

  Rafael was keeping up with her pace; careless, carrying his usual cane in his other hand. With his Wellicamp hat, to avoid the fatigue of the afternoon sun, he felt in his face the pleasant breeze coming from the east, mixed with the perfume emanating from the lady accompanying him.

  “Now, are you willing to listen to me, Lorena?”

  The young countess looked up to the gentleman, holding his gaze. While she smelled the perfume of one of the roses she was bringing with her, she answered him immediately:

  “Mrs. Lorena! Don’t forget that I am a married woman, Mr. Rafael!”

  “As you wish, Mrs. Lorena!”

  “What do you want? What do you want from me?”

  “Seeing you here, all relaxed amidst this beautiful landscape, I would say that I am in front of a fairy...” he said, lightheaded.

  “I imagine that you haven’t called me all the way here to simply compliment me. I would reserve those to Carolina.”

  Rafael realized that his companion wouldn’t let her guard down so easily.

  “Pardon me! I just wanted to know how you have been, if you are happy...”

  Lorena became annoyed with his inquiry.

  “What do you think?”

  “If I am asking is because I don't know.”

  “And what would you say if I asked you the same question?”

  “Well, I didn’t ask you any malicious question...” Rafael justified himself, lowering himself down to admire a small caterpillar that was crawling on top of a rock.

  “Mr. Abrantes, I simply accepted your invitation given our acquaintance... Otherwise, I...”

  “Otherwise, you wouldn’t have accepted”, completed him, visibly irritated. “Why don’t you spare us the formalities?”

  “I just want to clarify to you that things are not like they used to be before.”

  “And what have changed?” asked the man, approaching her dangerously.

  “Come on! You got married and so did I!” she answered, feeling a sudden lack of air.

  “And does that mean forgetting about the past? Perchance, when we get married, do we have to also forget the good memories of when we were single?”

  “I have no idea of what you mean by this story”, she said, turning her back to him.

  “You do know very well what I am referring to.” Rafael, on that moment, made her turn back to him to look him in the eyes.

  “I don't know anything! And it’s best that you release me because you are already being inconvenient.”

  He took her in his arms.

  “Don't deny what you made sure of informing me one day!”

  “Let me go, Mr. Abrantes!”

  “No, I will not let you go because I know that otherwise you would be the one wanting to hold me tight in your arms!”

  “Oh, but how pretentious you are!” Lorena laughed sarcastically.

  “Deny that you desire me with the same intensity than before!” he exclaimed, already feeling the eagerness in his lips to kiss her.

  “I deny it! And I will deny it as many times as it is necessary!” she hollered between her teeth.

  “You are lying!” Rafael whispered, hypnotized by the woman’s gaze.

  “All right! As you wish, I will say it: I am in love with you, Rafael!” she declared, altering her voice and not hiding her urge to laugh.

  Realizing he had been a victim of a joke, Rafael pushed her away.

  “You are playing
with fire!” he declared, pointing at her.

  “Me? Who was the one who played with fire and ended up burned? Me or you?” That kind of flirting had no longer an effect on Lorena.

  Lorena was fed up with him and started walking down the path in the opposite direction. Not satisfied, Rafael run after her and, not containing himself, kissed her.

  The Countess of Assis tried to get away from his arms, but it was in vain. The sensuousness of that kiss, for a moment, almost supplanted her desire for revenge. She noticed that now it was different, that kiss was different! But no, she could not deny her internal need and desire to pay back all the misery Rafael Abrantes had caused her.

  “Lorena, why do you deny what you yourself have always made sure to say?” he asked, looking at her longingly.

  “There is nothing else to deny, Mr. Abrantes. Are you satisfied in stealing a kiss from me? Just know that it is the only one you will ever have from me! In the name of all the admirers of the Countess of Assis!”

  Suddenly, they heard a noise in the bushes nearby.

  Lorena thought about the possibility that someone curious was observing them. Still, she decided to ask:

  “Who is there?”

  It was then that Fanny appeared, bringing the white gloves that her mistress had forgotten.

  “Forgive, milady! But when I couldn't find you on the spot I left you, I decided to search for you.”

  Lorena was annoyed by the sudden appearance of her governess. Had she seen or heard something?

  “Well, it’s all right! Let’s go, it is time to return, anyway! Atílio must be already looking for me everywhere.” She exasperated, grabbing Fanny by the arm.

  “But, milady! What about Mr. Rafael?”

  She turned to the man, pretending to thank him for his company.

  “Thanks for accompanying me during this walk, Mr. Rafael! I hope we may soon enjoy other moments such as this... in the company of Carolina and Atílio!”

  Rafael simply waved his hand, without understanding what, in fact, was happening. However, deep inside, he smiled, noticing that Mrs. Santiago’s lips were still inflamed with passion.

  Back at the state, Lorena found Atílio by the entrance, worried about her absence.

  “Lorena, where were you?” her husband asked her, complaining.

  “I went to see the surroundings... and Fanny accompanied me!” she said, embarrassed.

  “If you wanted to know these parts of Andaraí and Tijuca so much, why didn't you ask me to accompany you?”

  “Well, Atílio!” she smiled, touching his shoulder. “I didn't want to bother you with my vanities! And that’s why we have a governess, isn’t it?”

  “You know that I wouldn't have minded...”

  “But I still prefer Fanny’s company. This way you are free to talk to your friends and relatives...”

  Atílio took her hands and kissed them.

  “Nothing to me is too troublesome, if you are by my side”, he declared.

  The wife reciprocated the gesture, caressing his wild black hair. It was then that, seeing Rafael coming back from the trail, she stole a voluptuous kiss from her husband.

  Rafael, seeing them kissing, walked faster so that he wouldn’t have to talk to them, but there was not enough time. Lorena interrupted the kiss to talk to him.

  “Mr. Abrantes!”

  Rafael turned around and glared at her.

  She looked sensual, involved in Atílio’s arms.

  “Could you please inform your wife that I need to talk to her? It is a very important issue.”

  Carolina’s husband nodded briefly and walked even faster, away from the couple.

  “Poor Rafael!” Atílio exhaled, with pity. “He is a good man, but I am not sure if he is happy in his marriage.”

  “Why do you say that, sweetheart?” Lorena asked, caressing him.

  “I don't see his eyes shining, which is typical of men in love.”

  “Oh, and I thought that such symptoms were exclusive to women!” she joked.

  “Oh, yeah? Just look into my eyes, my lady, and see how in love I am!” Atílio said, hugging his wife tightly.

  And again, the Count of Assis kissed her.

  Later on, when the guests were leaving, while Lorena was taking her seat in the carriage, Fanny approached her mistress breathlessly. Her face was covered with sweat, and her hands, cold and shaking.

  “But what happened, Fanny? Tell me!” Lorena asked worriedly.

  “Ah, milady, they almost caught me in the act!”

  “What do you mean? What did you do?”

  “I didn't do anything... but milady, I need to tell you something!” she said with a mysterious air, whispering in her employer’s ears.

  “Stop with all this mystery and tell me at once!”

  “Ah, milady! I am ashamed for what I saw!” the governess confessed, making the sign of the cross.

  “Speak up, woman!”

  “It is just that...” and she whispered in her ear what she had seen.

  “But what are you telling me?” Lorena exclaimed, shocked with the information.

  “It is just what I told you, milady!”

  “Impossible!”

  “I’m a witness, milady! I saw it!”

  At that moment, came towards her Carolina, Rafael and Eduardo Ferraz, who had also been invited along with his family to the birthday party of Atílio’s mother.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Countess!”

  “How do you do, Mr. Eduardo?”

  “Lorena, I’m glad I found you!” Carolina exclaimed. “We need to see each other as soon as possible.”

  “Indeed! And don’t forget to invite Adelaide, as well.”

  “Adelaide?”

  “Yes, what’s the problem?”

  “But I thought you two were a little distant...” she answered, baffled.

  Lorena smiled.

  “Those things belong in the past!”

  Carolina displayed an incredulous face that annoyed her friend.

  “Can’t we make peace with someone and get over the old differences?”

  “As you wish, then...”

  The goodbye was fast and curt.

  “We will see each other soon, on the settled day. Good afternoon, gentlemen!”

  After saying that, she ordered the carriage to go.

  “How strange!” Carolina mumbled, seeing the Santiago carriage going away.

  “Did something happen, dear?” Rafael asked her.

  “When we think we’ve seen it all, it is then that we surprise ourselves!” Lorena’s friend commented, still recomposing herself from the news.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Nothing, my husband! I am just talking to myself... shall we go home?”

  And they went home, to their house in the Tijuca.

  While the carriage travelled the streets back to Laranjeiras, Lorena reclined her seat, thinking about the shocking revelation witnessed by her governess. If that were the case, the taste of revenge would be the most delicious and refined delicacy she had ever tasted.

  “Either this happened by chance, or I would say that I am lucky...”

  And not holding back, she smiled with satisfaction.

  Chapter XXV

  Mercedes had just put away her belongings in the guest room, when she heard a knock on her door.

  “Come on in!”

  It was the house owner, wanting to make sure that the girl was settled adequately.

  “Thank you, Lorena! You have no idea how relieved I am to distance myself from that house, even if only for a few days...”

  “Have you had the opportunity to talk to Ernesto again?”

  The friend shook her head and started crying.

  “Oh, no, Mercedes! I don’t want you in my house crying on the corners, as an unhappy soul!”

  “It is easy for you to say!” she contested, grabbing a tissue. “You have no idea how hard it is to live like this, away from whom you love!”

  �
�How about him? Did he even try to talk to godfather?”

  “And do you think father even gave him a chance? On the contrary! He closed the door on his face; and even threatened him!”

  “Wow! I would never think that...”

  “Exactly! Just so you know all I have been through... But I told you and I will say it again: if father doesn't allow my marriage with Ernesto, I am capable of doing something crazy, Lorena! You will see!”

  “You have to be patient in this situation...”

  “Look, I had an idea! I took the liberty to inform Ernesto that I was going to spend a few days here. This would be the perfect place for us to meet. Please, don't reject my request...”

  “Mercedes, I don't want to have problems with Atílio because of your romance. And what if my godparents knew about it? What would I tell them?”

  “Oh, I am very thankful to you, Mrs. Countess!” the friend said sarcastically. “I can count not even on you!”

  Lorena put her hands in her head as if a migraine crisis was starting out. And if she didn’t already have to worry about getting Rafael in trouble, now she would also have to prevent her friend from doing something stupid.

  “It is not that... All right!” she surrendered. “I will have you two see each other again, but it will have to be when my husband is not home!”

  Half an hour later, Atílio was already home. Lorena found him in his office chamber, seating down and examining some papers.

  “You are already home!” she said casually.

  “Yes, I arrived a few minutes ago...” the husband responded, attentive to the documents in front of him.

  “Mercedes arrived earlier today. It will be great to have her here with me for a few days and...” Lorena saw in his face a worriedly expression. And this was something rare. She had never seen Atílio with such a heavy expression, not after that tragic day, when both sworn to each other never again to mention what happened in the state of Campos dos Goytacazes...

  Even so, she didn’t avoid asking him the reason for his state.

  “Did something happen at the public offices, or with one of your patients?”

  Atílio lowered his head, rubbing his face with his hand. Lorena stopped to observe him better and noticed a few new wrinkles in his handsome mature face.