by Lora Thomas
Oliver made his way into an adjacent room. Several men were playing billiards. He played a few rounds and enjoyed keeping himself distracted for the time being. The less time he was in the view of others, the less of a chance Angela would have of finding him and the less of a chance he would see Madelena.
Stephano found him and motioned with his head for Oliver to approach.
“Yes?” Oliver asked.
“I was wondering where you had hidden yourself. It is getting a bit stuffy in here.”
“Then leave.”
Stephano shot Oliver an agitated glance. “I was wanting to take a walk. With Mae. Remember?”
Oliver closed his eyes. Hell, he had forgotten about that plan.
“Oliver?”
Oliver looked back at his new friend. “Actually—”
“You did forget. No, wait, you’re not going to back out on me, are you?”
“I do not think it would be a wise idea for me to be seen with Madelena. Russo already dislikes me for some reason. I do not need to give him more reason.”
“Come on, man. I want a few minutes alone with Mae. Signora Valenti will allow her to take a walk only if Madelena goes as a chaperone. If Madelena is with us, then how can I be alone with Mae? You have to help me.”
“Isn’t there someone else?”
“No one who is willing to risk Russo’s wrath.”
“Thanks,” Oliver replied with sarcasm. “Is that the only reason you like me? Because I am not afraid of Russo.”
Stephano chortled. “No, but it certainly helps.”
“Shit,” Oliver mumbled.
“Please.”
“Fine.”
Stephano swatted Oliver upon the back. “I knew I could count on you. Now, wait for us at the bottom of the steps leading into the garden.”
“Not just outside the doors?”
“No. I need to make certain Signora Valenti isn’t watching. If she sees you so soon after we step outside, then she is liable to come as well.”
“This holiday is becoming quite tedious. First, I had to repair a home, then had to entertain the Russos, and now this. I think I should have stayed in Governor’s Harbour.”
“Great,” Stephano said, ignoring Oliver’s rant. “You go take your place. We’ll be outside momentarily.”
Stephano departed the billiards room. Oliver made his way through the crowded ballroom, occasionally giving a polite greeting to the patrons. Glancing around the room, he slipped out the veranda doors to the designated rendezvous point. What had he gotten himself into?
Stephano stood across the ballroom and watched for Oliver to leave. He wanted to make certain that Oliver was not going to back out on him. Stephano’s entire plan revolved around his new friend. His plan? A few moments alone with Mae. A few stolen kisses. He found her very intriguing, and before he left Rome, he was hoping to ask her to marry him.
He spotted his prey. She was at the back of the room speaking with her mother and several other women. Where was Madelena? That was the only way he could get Oliver to agree to this, and that was the only way he would be granted a few moments alone with Mae. If another went then he might as well kiss his alone time good-bye for it would never happen.
His gaze drifted over the dancers. Where was she? You would think spotting a woman of legendary beauty in a room full of eligible bachelors would be easy. You would think men would be surrounding her. But apparently not. Evidently, her father’s reputation kept men at bay. Even from as far away as Stephano lived, he had heard of Russo’s reputation. Russo was a man known to use brutal practices to get what he wanted. Bribery. Extortion. Fear. Murder. Name an intimidating tactic and the magistrate had used said tactic to keep the peace and to get the desired outcome. Yet, Stephano was not worried about Russo for the influential man played only a small role in his desired goal. Stephano's goal? Well, presently, it was to be alone with Mae.
Russo was across the ballroom. The man seemed vexed. His usually blank façade appeared angered. The man’s face was etched in hard, angry lines, and his jaw was clenched tight. Even from Stephano’s location, he could tell it would not be wise to approach Russo. Russo spoke to a man to his right. The man was older and on the portly side. The man’s long white hair was pulled back in a queue and caused his sideburns to appear rather…well, fluffy was the word that came to mind. The man gave a smile that caused Stephano’s insides to churn with nausea. The strange man then patted his obese stomach and looked around the room, reminding Stephano of an eel searching for its prey.
Stephano spotted Marino and approached. “Who is that man with Signore Russo? I don’t believe I have ever met him before.”
Marino snatched a glass of wine from a passing tray. Without looking, he answered, “That would be Signore Miles Drakos from Greece. Repulsive looking man, is he not?”
“Repulsive is not a strong enough word. Why would the Russos pair their daughter with that man?”
Marino sipped his wine and his face involuntarily crinkled. “I do say, Signore Cancio’s wine tastes like piss. They should have imported your wine.”
“Thank you.”
Marino smacked his lips and sipped the wine again. “Now, what was your question?”
Stephano stared at Marino. “Are you drunk?”
“I am in the process of getting soused, yes. I had a little disagreement with the missus and intend to be completely snockered before the carriage ride home. That way, when she starts her tirade again, I will be so foxed, I will not care.”
Stephano shook his head. “Why did the Russos pair their daughter with that man?”
“Oh.” Marino placed the cup to his lips again. He looked into the cup and then over at a potted plant. Pouring the contents into the pot, he answered, “My guess is so that Signora Russo can finally get Madelena as far from her as possible.”
“Why?”
“She hates the girl. Despises her.”
“Why?”
Marino looked around and pulled Stephano next to the wall. In a loud whisper, he spoke, “Because Madelena is not her daughter.”
“That is rumor that few people know.”
Marino shook his head. “It's not a rumor. I heard the confession myself.”
“When?” Stephano asked.
“A few days ago, I was delivering furniture to Signora Cancio. She and Signora Russo were on the veranda in a heated discussion. Signora Russo shouted it at Signora Cancio and said that Madelena was the daughter of Russo’s quadroon whore.” Marino puckered his lips and shook his head. “No, that does not sound right.” He rubbed his chin, and his eyes grew wide. “His black whore! That’s what she called her.”
“Shhh,” Stephano scolded.
“Oh! Am I a tad too loud?”
“Yes.”
“Apologies. Anyway, Signora Russo went on to say that Madelena’s mother was Francesca Demachi. Russo purchased her from some sultan, freed her, and made her his mistress. Signora Russo learned that Russo was going to leave her for Francesca.”
“You heard all that?”
Marino bobbed his head up and down. “No.”
Stephano drew his brow together in confusion.
“Not entirely. I had already heard part of that rumor. What I did not hear was how it came to be that Signora Russo claimed Madelena as her own.”
“Interesting,” Stephano mumbled.
“Isn’t it? This town is full of interesting little tidbits. Like did you know that Signore Cancio’s wine tastes like piss?”
Stephano patted the older man upon the arm. “I hear that Signore Cancio has a collection of brandy, the likes of which you have never seen.”
“Brandy, you say?”
“Yes. Well-aged.”
Marino rubbed his chin. “I think I will go sample a few. Care to join me?”
Stephano glanced at Mae and noticed that a beautiful woman he did not know was with her.
“Is that Madelena with Signorina Valenti?”
Marino smacked his lips together and lo
oked at the Valentis. He widened his eyes and then squinted. “That would be the woman in question. Madelena. Now, I believe I will have a sampling of Lucio’s brandy. Care to join me?”
So that was the legendary Madelena Russo. The gossip about her was not wrong. She was stunning. No wonder Oliver was so enamored with the woman. Stephano shook his head as he answered Marino, “Not now.”
“Your loss.” Marino stumbled away.
Madelena sighed again for the thousandth time. This ball was entirely too boring. Well, it wouldn’t be boring if she were allowed to leave her mother’s side. Instead, the entire evening, all she got to do was listen to her mother brag to everyone who would listen on how she was going to pair Angela with Oliver. And how she had three other daughters that she needed to match with rich, handsome men. Madelena wanted to hurl herself under a racing carriage. The pain from that would be far less than what she was experiencing now. However, that was not possible, so she simply stared at her hands.
“Oh, look, Madelena. Your intended is here,” Sandra said.
Madelena’s head shot upward. “What?”
“Signore Drakos is here.”
“What? Why? I mean, I thought he wasn’t coming until the end of the week.” Alarm caused Madelena’s voice to come out shrill.
A snide smirk came to Sandra. “I guess he decided to arrive early. Let’s go meet him, shall we?”
“I think I’ll pass.”
“That is not an option.”
“Signore Russo,” a man said approaching. “I need a moment of your time, if you’ll allow me?”
A look of triumph flashed over Sandra. This was one of the men she was hoping to pair Flora with. “I did have a prior commitment.”
“It is about your daughter, Signorina Flora.”
“Well, I suppose I can postpone my commitment. Madelena, be a good girl and get me a glass of wine.”
Madelena did not have to be told twice. She nearly ran from her mother. She had to get as far away from Sandra, Drakos, and every other person in this blasted ballroom. She spotted Mae. Perfect!
Madelena weaved her way through the ballroom and came charging up to Mae, uncaring that she was interrupting. Unbeknownst to her, the timing was perfect. “Mae, I need to go for a walk.”
A man approached at that time. He stopped before the women and bowed.
“I have traveled the globe and have never seen a more attractive group of ladies in my life.”
Mae bashfully fluttered her lashes. “Signore Mortilini, that is kind of you to say.”
Madelena snorted.
Mae motioned to her friend. “Signore Mortilini, I would like to introduce you to my dear friend, Madelena Russo. Madelena, this is Stephano Mortilini.”
“A pleasure,” Madelena said, giving a curtsey. Yet her words were lacking sincerity.
Stephano bowed. “Signorina Russo, the pleasure is all mine. I do say, being engaged in a conversation with the most beautiful women in Rome will make me the envy of every man here.”
“Signore Mortlini,” Mae said, blushing.
“Please, we have known each other for long enough. Call me Stephano.”
“Very well.”
Maude stepped forward. “She will do no such thing. It is too soon for such familiarities.”
“Momma,” Mae protested.
“Signorina Valenti, your mother is only looking out for your reputation. She has your best interests at heart,” Stephano said.
“That is better,” Maude said.
“I was wondering, signorina, if you would be so kind as to allow me to escort you through Signora Cancio’s gardens? I hear that the roses are quite stunning to behold in the moonlight.”
“I would be delighted.”
“Roses are not blooming this time of year,” Maude protested.
“Roses? I meant to see the moonlight reflecting off the lake. It is a sight to behold.”
Maude snorted. “Nice recovery.”
Stephano gave a winsome smile. “Do I have your permission, Signora Valenti, to escort your daughter to view the lake by moonlight?”
“Not without a proper chaperone,” Maude intervened.
“Signora Valenti,” Stephano spoke. Now was time to turn on his charm. “No need to take you away from such a social gathering. You look too beautiful to be hidden in the dark. And your charm will only be wasted in the darkness. You need to be here, to shine in the eye of others.”
Maude snorted. “Are you trying to charm me?”
“Is it working?” Stephano arrogantly asked.
“Yes and no.”
“All I am suggesting is that you allow, say…Signorina Russo to escort your daughter. That way you can stay and socialize with your friends and Signorina Valenti will have a proper chaperone. No one would dare to question the impropriety of me escorting your daughter if Signorina Russo is with us.”
“That is an excellent idea!” Mae interjected. “Please, Momma.”
Maude looked at her daughter and the pleading in Mae’s eyes broke down her defenses. “Very well.”
A small squeal left Mae. “Thank you, Momma.” She took Stephano’s outstretched arm and turned to her friend. “Come along, Madelena.”
“What have I missed?” Madelena whispered to Mae.
“I’ll tell you outside,” Mae answered.
Madelena fell in line behind the couple. She was happy for Mae. At least her friend was getting what she wanted. Madelena wished to speak to Mae but had not been granted the opportunity thanks to her confinement. She had hoped to get a few moments to talk to her this evening, but the number of guests had made it nearly impossible. It was only by sheer luck that she had managed to slip away from her parents’ watchful eye now. Well, not luck. She simply was supposed to get a glass of wine and neglected to return. If they knew she was leaving the home, they would tie her to the stair railing until it was time to go. But she simply did not care. Her life was ruined! She was destined to live in hell with the devil as her husband. Oh, she had the grand notion of leaving Rome with her saved money, but how? She was under constant watch, and when she wasn’t, she was locked in her room. A room from which there was no way out except the locked door or the window. The window was not an option for her chambers were on the third floor. So unless she learned to fly, there was no way out.
With a heavy heart, Madelena followed Mae and Stephano. The couple was standing a little too close, but Madelena did not mind. They appeared to be in love. If Madelena could not find happiness, the least she could do was allow Mae hers. She trailed behind as the pair spoke in hushed tones. Madelena allowed her eyes to wander. The Cancios had a lovely property. Tall trees provided shade during the day. Stone-lined paths were scattered about the property. Madelena had not realized that the Cancios’ property was so large. In the distance, the moon’s light reflected from the pond and danced over the ripples.
The group made their way down a set of steps and stopped by the water.
“It's lovely here,” Mae said.
“Not nearly as lovely as you, Signorina Valenti.”
“Please, call me Mae. I do not hold my mother’s sense of propriety.”
“Mae.”
Madelena rolled her eyes at the sentiment.
The sound of someone clearing their throat caused Madelena to turn. Her eyes widened upon seeing who was hidden in the dark. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched Oliver approach.
“Am I interrupting?” Oliver asked.
“Oliver,” Stephano replied. “Of course not. You remember Mae?”
Mae curtsied and Oliver bowed.
“A pleasure,” Oliver spoke. “Stephano has spoken of nothing but you. I can see why he thinks so highly of you.”
“You are too bold,” Mae protested.
“I have been told as much.” Oliver turned to Madelena. “Signorina Madelena. We meet yet again.”
“Again?” Mae inquired looking between the two.
“Yes,” Oliver answered. “Signora Russ
o invited me to dinner the other evening where Signorina Madelena graced us with her musical talents.”
“You didn’t tell me,” Mae spoke, looking at Madelena.
“We haven’t spoken since,” Madelena answered. “Remember, I have been…indisposed.”
Mae’s eyes widened with knowing. She had forgotten about Madelena’s confinement, which she had learned about from her servants.
“Well, now,” Stephano spoke. His gaze locked onto Oliver. “Care to join us for a stroll?”
“Actually, I would like to speak to Madelena. Alone,” Oliver said.
Mae shook her head. “I don’t think that would be a wise idea. Momma said I must have a chaperone.”
Stephano spoke, “I promise to be on my best behavior. Besides, no one will know but the four of us, and I promise not to tell.” Stephano looked at Oliver and Madelena.
Oliver shook his head. “I will not say a word.”
Madelena nodded. “I promise.”
Mae looked at Stephano with apprehension in her eyes. She was excited to spend time with him, but alone time?
He sensed her worry. “I promise to behave like a gentleman. Your virtue will be safe with me.”
Mae looked at her friend. “If you hear me call out, come.”
“I will.”
Mae placed her hand upon Stephano’s arm and allowed him to escort her away.
Madelena looked back at Oliver. “You wanted to speak to me?”
“I do.”
“About what?”
Oliver looked around. The night was perfect. Warm with enough light for couples to see but dim enough for privacy. A gentle breeze rustled the foliage of the evergreens.
“Oliver?”
He looked back at her and was entranced. What was it about this Italian beauty that he was drawn to? Since their first meeting, she was all that he could think about.
“Let’s take a walk.”
“But Mae—”
“Will be fine. Stephano is enthralled with the chit. She is all he speaks about, so I highly doubt he would do anything to jeopardize their relationship.”
“She is all he speaks about?” The doubt in her voice caused Oliver to grin.
“Well, mostly. But he is taken with her. I believe if she asked him to jump into this lake, he would do so without question.”
