Sabina

by C. De Melo

“There’s no safer place for me to be than here in Florence under your protection,” she pointed out, baffled.

  He smiled wryly and caressed her cheek. “I can protect you from many things, my dear, but I’m powerless against the envy of other women.”

  “That’s ridiculous!”

  “Not to a woman who is obsessed.”

  “Obsessed with whom? You?”

  “It’s no secret that I have mistresses. Unfortunately, some of them are extremely jealous of anyone who claims my affection or attention.”

  Sabina eyed him knowingly. “Angelina.”

  Lorenzo sighed and spread out his hands. “She denies it completely, claiming that you’re one of her friends,” he said, but his tone betrayed a lack of conviction.

  “That spoiled, stupid girl!”

  “Don’t underestimate her capabilities. She failed in her attempt but could easily hire someone to kill you. It’s best if you go.”

  Her head throbbed. “Can’t you restrain her?”

  “Sabina…”

  “I should go to the Signoria and accuse her of attempted murder!”

  “Angelina would deny the accusation. Besides, you have no proof. Her father is a wealthy man with important political ties. Allowing you to accuse his daughter of such a crime would be a great dishonor to his family. I cannot risk losing any allies right now.”

  “But, Lorenzo—”

  “You must do as I say. It’s only for a brief period, I promise,” he said, wiping away her tears with his finger. “I would never forgive myself if a second attempt on your life achieved the desired results.”

  Oh, how she hated her new enemy, Angelina Bardi!

  “Why not visit your sister?” he suggested.

  Although she dreaded the thought of spending time in a dreary convent, she nodded for the sake of argument.

  “Good girl,” he said, giving her hand a squeeze. “My men will escort you home and you can prepare for your departure.”

  “You want me to leave now?”

  “The sooner, the better.”

  Lorenzo embraced Sabina and gave her lips a quick kiss before leaving the room. As promised, four of his armed guards were waiting in the courtyard. Looking over her shoulder, she thought she saw Angelina in the window.

  Massimo was already waiting for her when she arrived home. “Dearest,” he said, taking her in his arms. “I’ve been up all night, sick with worry!”

  “There’s something I must tell you.”

  “You’re weak and need rest. Let me help you to your room,” he said, leading her toward the stairs.

  “Lorenzo believes I was poisoned by one of his jealous mistresses.”

  Massimo paused, mid-step. “Which one?”

  Sabina shook her head tiredly. “It doesn’t matter. He told me to leave Florence for the sake of my safety.”

  “Where can you be safer than here, under his protection?”

  “That’s exactly what I said, too. He can fight off an army, but I suppose he cannot protect me against a scheming girl.”

  “Where will you go?”

  “Lorenzo suggested that I visit Cecilia in Lucca.”

  “I can’t imagine you praying beside the pious nuns in a convent.”

  “I don’t have many options. I suppose I could go to Fiesole.”

  “That’s not far enough from Florence for you to be truly safe.”

  Defeated, she said, “I’ll go to Lucca.”

  They entered the room and she stretched out on the bed fully clothed. Massimo sat beside her. “Why not come to Rome with me?”

  She hesitated. “I don’t’ think that’s a good idea.”

  “Would you rather be in a dull convent?”

  She knew he was right, yet running off to Rome with her lover could lead to disastrous consequences.

  As if reading her thoughts, he said, “I live in a villa outside the city. No one would even know you were there.”

  She stared at him dubiously. It was a tempting offer.

  He caressed her cheek. “Come with me. I want to care for you.”

  Sabina gazed into his pleading blue eyes. It would be nice to have a man care for her again the way Tommaso did. “I’ll go to Rome.”

  Pleased, he leaned over and kissed her lips. “I’ll leave in the morning and you’ll follow a few days later. I’ll send my manservant here to fetch you. Don’t worry, my love, all will be well.”

  Massimo left for Rome at dawn, and Sabina informed Teresa of their imminent trip.

  “How long do you plan to stay in Rome, Signora?”

  “Pack enough gowns for a month—or two.”

  “Who will accompany you?”

  “Only you.”

  “I have always wanted to see Rome.”

  “Now you have your chance,” Sabina said as she picked up a jewelry box, opened the lid, and inventoried the contents. “Discretion is of the utmost importance.”

  “No one in this household has ever talked of Signore Massimo’s visits. They wouldn’t dare betray you.”

  “Good,” Sabina said, handing the jewelry box to Teresa. “Pack this as well. Massimo’s manservant will be arriving soon to accompany us.”

  Sabina was in deep thought throughout the day, still unsure if it was wise to disregard Lorenzo’s suggestion of staying with Cecilia. Before going to bed that night, she walked to the open window and gazed up at the sky. Only a thin sliver of a moon was visible, making the night inky black.

  I wish I had a sign to let me know I’m doing the right thing.

  A loud cry broke the silence. Mendi flew inside to perch on her shoulder.

  “Are you my sign?” she asked as she stroked the smooth, black feathers on the crow’s head. Mendi replied with a caw. “I bet you want to come to Rome, too. God knows none of the servants want to look after you.”

  Mendi snapped at her hair, pulling a few strands in his beak. She lovingly reproved her odd pet and placed him in his cage along with some bread.

  “Goodnight, Mendi.”

  Later that night, she tossed and turned in her bed, unable to sleep. When she finally drifted off, she dreamt of her father and Paolo. She awoke with a start and realized that her face was cold and wet from tears.

  Chapter 12

  Leo, Massimo’s servant, arrived a few days later. His youthful skin was so smooth and unblemished that it incurred Sabina’s envy. Light eyes and wavy blonde hair contributed to his angelic appearance.

  Sabina could barely contain her excitement on the morning of her departure. Aside from the one time she accompanied Tommaso to Pisa, the only journeys she had ever made in her life were between Lucca and Florence. The thought of visiting a new destination was thrilling, especially under such romantic circumstances.

  As their hired carriage passed under the archway of Porta Romana, she bade Florence a temporary farewell, then sat back as the driver urged the horses down the old Roman road leading south. She took in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside and breathed in deeply. The air was fresh and sweet, and free of the vile odors her nose had grown accustomed to within the city walls. Across from her sat Teresa and Leo, her two companions on this secret rendezvous. The rhythmic motion of the carriage soon lulled the three of them to sleep.

  They spent the night at an inn, and arrived in Rome before sunset on the following day. Sabina and Teresa marveled at the Imperial Roman Forum, the Coliseum, and the Pantheon. The piazzas were full of people sporting different hair and clothing styles than the Florentines. The carriage continued through the crowded city center and across the Tiber River, where they saw the magnificent Castello Sant'Angelo. They were soon out of the urban bustle and on a quiet road lined with lush pine trees. The carriage eventually stopped before a gracious villa painted the color of apricots.

  Massimo greeted them warmly, then took Sabina aside to kiss her lips. “Come, I have something to show you.”

  They walked down a side path that sloped into a delightful lemon grove. In its center was a trellised
canopy heavy with fragrant grapes. A small table for two was set underneath the shade of the vineyard.

  “I know how much you like to dine outside,” he said.

  “This is wonderful, Massimo. Thank you.”

  “I want you to feel at home here.” He traced the curve of her neck with his fingertip, making her shiver. “I want to make you happy.”

  “I’ve never been happier.”

  “Yet I sense that you’re anxious.”

  “I’ve never done anything so….so bold before.”

  “You’ll feel better after a few days. Trust me, my love.” He paused. “Would you like to rest or would you prefer to dine first?”

  “I’m ravenous,” she confessed. “As long as my disheveled appearance doesn’t offend you.”

  “You look as fresh as a rose. Besides, you could wear a beggar’s rags and still look elegant. Here, sit down,” he said as he pulled out a chair.

  They dined on stewed hare with freshly baked bread, crisp greens, and fine wine. Afterward, they toured the grounds and the private walled courtyard adjacent to the villa. A large marble fountain boasting a life-size statue of a mythological pan playing a flute made an impressive centerpiece to the space. Well-tended flowers grew along the walls and the soft buzz of insects blended with the bubbling sound of the fountain’s water.

  “This is such a splendid villa,” Sabina commented. “Did you have it designed to your specifications or did you procure it as is?”

  A shadow crossed his face. “I inherited it. Let me show you inside.”

  She followed him from room to room, commenting on the finely painted frescoes on the walls and ceilings. “Do you live here year-round, or do you have another home in the city center?”

  “This is my only residence. So many questions, Sabina.”

  “I’m only curious. Forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive,” he said, taking her hands in his and bringing them up to his lips so that he could kiss each one. “While you’re here, I want to live each day as though it was our last, full of love and laughter—without a care in the world. What do you think of that?”

  She lightly kissed his lips. “I think it’s a good plan.”

  Massimo pulled her in for a deeper kiss before sweeping her into his bedchamber. Once inside, he locked the door and walked toward Sabina with a sly smile. She allowed her lover to ravish her with his mouth and hands. They made love throughout the afternoon and into the evening, not bothering to dress for dinner or care about anything else.

  “This is how I wish it to be between us all the time,” he said, teasing her earlobe with his teeth.

  Nestled in his embrace, she sighed. “Me, too.”

  “Your skin is like silk,” he said sleepily. “Sabina…mia donna.”

  Her eyes grew heavy and, just before she drifted off to sleep, she thanked God and Fate for her good fortune.

  Life was blissful for the next few weeks. They ate, drank, made love, rode horses, took long walks, and talked for hours on end.

  By mid-July, Massimo made it clear that he wanted Sabina to stay with him indefinitely. They sat under the shade of a linden tree when he proposed the idea. She refused at first, claiming that she should return to Florence. After several kisses, he managed to change her mind.

  One day, a thought struck her: Why hasn’t he proposed marriage?

  While taking a walk with Massimo in the countryside that afternoon, Sabina noticed two children playing in the nearby hills. It was the perfect opportunity to broach the topic of marriage.

  “Look at those children playing over there,” she said, pointing. “Aren’t they darling? Who are they?”

  “They belong to a peasant farmer who works the land bordering this property.”

  “I miss my little nephew,” she admitted quietly.

  “I’m sorry, my love. Someday, God-willing, you’ll have children of your own to bring you comfort,” he said in an attempt to soothe her.

  She snatched the opportunity. “Of course we will.”

  “We?”

  He had repeated the word with such surprise that she stopped walking and faced him. “Who else would I be referring to?”

  “Naturally…”

  “We would have to get married first.”

  His face visibly flushed from discomfort. “Sabina, my dearest—”

  “You do have intentions of marrying me, don’t you?”

  “I adore you!” he exclaimed passionately. “I love you!”

  “But not enough to wed me.”

  “I never said that. You’re upset and jumping to conclusions.”

  “A moment ago you seemed shocked at the thought of having children with me,” she pressed. “Do you not like children?”

  “Of course I do. I was surprised, nothing more. Who wouldn’t want to marry someone as perfect as you?” he countered. His lips brushed against her cheek, then her lips. “I would be proud to be your husband and the father of your children.”

  “What if you spoke with Lorenzo? Tell him you wish to officially court me. I’ve mourned Tommaso’s death long enough, and no one would speak ill of a young widow who wishes to remarry.”

  “I know you hate sneaking around like this—so do I—but now wouldn’t be a good time to bring up the topic of courtship. Lorenzo has too much to worry about these days. We should wait a bit longer.”

  Satisfied that his intention matched her own, she said, “Very well.”

  ***

  On a sunny September morning a messenger arrived at the villa with a letter for Massimo. He and Sabina were in the middle of breaking their fast, so he wiped his fingers clean before reading the penned words.

  Seeing his troubled expression, she asked, “Is something wrong?”

  “It’s nothing for you to worry about.” He stood and kissed her lips lightly. “Would you please excuse me?”

  “Where are you going?”

  “An urgent matter needs my immediate attention.”

  She stood. “Can I help with anything?”

  Pain crept into his eyes. “No, my love. I’m going into my study, but I want you to enjoy the fine morning. I’ll see you a bit later.”

  Massimo walked out of the room and she stared after him, perplexed. Sabina tried to distract herself by playing cards with Teresa in the garden, but it was no use. At midday she went to check on him. The door of his study was locked, but she heard him pacing back and forth. Something was clearly troubling him. Was a family member sick? Was a debt called in early? Had someone threatened him? She lifted her hand to knock on the door and froze. Should she disturb his privacy? She backed away, opting to wait until he was ready to reveal the problem.

  Massimo finally emerged several hours later and Sabina greeted him with a kiss. “Would you like to go out for a walk? It’s a lovely afternoon and you’ve spent most of the day indoors.”

  “Forgive me, but I don’t feel well,” he replied tiredly. “Take Teresa or Leo with you if you want some company.”

  There was a film of perspiration on his brow. “Massimo, are you ill?” she asked, touching his forehead. “Tell me what’s happened, my love.”

  He gently removed her hand. “Please, Sabina, give me some time alone for a little while. I need to sort something out.”

  Massimo walked away and she knew instinctively that something was terribly wrong. The uneasiness she had first felt in Florence resurfaced, and this time she couldn’t ignore the ominous premonition. She went out for a long walk, but it did little to relieve her anxiety.

  Another possibility entered Sabina’s head and she stopped in her tracks. Had Massimo tired of her already? She chided herself for being insecure. Did he not make love to her every day? Was he not constantly declaring his love? Everything would be clarified this evening during supper. After all, they were not just lovers, they were good friends.

  Massimo did not come out of his room for supper, and Sabina was forced to dine alone with her unpleasant thoughts. His behavior ha
d been extremely uncharacteristic throughout the day, but now it bordered on rudeness. She pushed aside the plate containing her half-eaten meal and went to his study.

  Placing her hand on the closed door, she called out, “Massimo?”

  Nothing but silence greeted her from the other side.

  She tried the doorknob and it turned. “Forgive my intrusion—”

  The room was a complete mess and Massimo was nowhere to be found. The desk drawer was open and empty. She went into his bedchamber and found the large armoire empty, too. A few articles of clothing had been left behind on the floor.

  Sabina felt instantly sick. “Teresa!” Her maid poked her head inside the doorway and she demanded, “Have you seen Massimo today?”

  “I saw him getting into a carriage.”

  An icy chill settled over her. “When?”

  “He left this afternoon while you were out taking a walk…”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I assumed you already knew.”

  “Where did he go?”

  “Forgive me, Signora, but I didn’t feel it was my place to question the master of the house. Leo was with him—they left together.”

  “Massimo has abandoned me.”

  Teresa placed a comforting hand on her mistress’s shoulder. “He would never do such a thing,” she reasoned quietly. “He’s a good man and he loves you. There must be a reasonable explanation.”

  Sabina shook her head in dismay. “A letter arrived this morning. I have no idea what it contained, but Massimo was terribly upset and remained locked inside his study all afternoon—and now this,” she lamented, indicating the vacated room.

  “Look! There’s a note on the bedside table,” Teresa said, pointing to the small piece of folded parchment. She picked it up and handed it to Sabina. “Your name is written on the outside.”

  Sabina unfolded the note and recognized Massimo’s handwriting:

  My dearest Sabina,

  Our days together have been the happiest I’ve ever known. I don’t know how to convey this troublesome news, but I can no longer live with my deceitfulness. I was afraid to tell you the truth because I wanted you so badly—even if only for a short time. Please forgive my selfishness. My dearest love, I’m a married man and cannot provide the future you deserve. My wife and I are estranged, but she discovered that I have been keeping a mistress. She demands that I come home immediately under threat of divorce. Her family is powerful and her father is a close associate to the pope. Divorce would cause a rift in their political alliances. Unfortunately, I’m also utterly destitute. My wife owns everything—even the villa where we have shared so many unforgettable moments. Thank you for the sweet memories. I shall cherish them forever. Please be comforted by the fact that I wish you nothing but happiness. I will love you forever.