Sabina

by C. De Melo

  Sabina noticed numerous soldiers along the battlements. Following her gaze, James said, “Our army consists of nearly one hundred men. Fifty are garrisoned here, and the rest are stationed at various military posts throughout our territories.”

  The soldiers discreetly eyed the Tuscan beauty as she passed beneath them into the castle.

  The interior was furnished with colorful tapestries and fur skins. The flagstones had been swept and the servants had taken the trouble to hang dried lavender in order to give off a pleasing aroma. The main hall was enormous, with the biggest hearth Sabina had ever seen—an entire tree could fit inside! They crossed its expanse and passed several spacious areas, some of which contained shelves of books and atlases.

  Finally, they came to a stairwell. At this point, James and his father bid Sabina goodnight and instructed a page to take her and her servants to their respective quarters. Sabina found her room to be well appointed and pleasant. The bed canopy and drapes were of red velvet with gold trim. A fur rug was set to the side of the bed and on the far wall hung a large tapestry depicting a group of women primly seated in a garden reading what appeared to be prayer books. The tapestry’s background was also red. Later, she would learn that the color red was as popular with the English as it was with the Florentines.

  Teresa busily unpacked their belongings while Sabina noticed various small details throughout the room. There was a ceramic bowl thoughtfully filled with pears, a prayer book beside the bed, two empty storage chests, and a pretty little chair set before a small writing desk. Parchment, quills, and ink were neatly stacked on the desk’s surface.

  “It’s a lovely room,” Teresa said as she shook out a night shift.

  “Yes, it is.” Sabina paused. “I want to thank you for being here, Teresa. I can’t imagine being alone right now.”

  “I would never abandon you, Signora Sabina.”

  Touched, Sabina took the night shift from her maid. “I’ll finish unpacking. I know you’re tired. Go and rest now.”

  Teresa smiled. “Thank you. Goodnight.”

  The next morning, James gave Sabina a tour of her new home, commonly known as Hart Castle. It derived its name from the Norman baron who built it in the late ninth century.

  James pointed to a cluster of trees. “London is less than a day’s ride in that direction.”

  “You and your father attend court quite often.”

  “My father is actually a distant cousin of the king and therefore favored by him. We must formally present you at court in order to obtain His Majesty’s official blessing before the wedding ceremony can take place. Father has procured an English tutor for you.”

  “I shall start my lessons at once.”

  He chuckled. “I admire your enthusiasm. First, I would like to show you the land surrounding the castle.”

  Sabina knew how to ride a horse fairly well and did a decent job of keeping up with James as they rode along the river. The autumn trees were ablaze with color, making the landscape come alive. She expected James to lead her to a private spot where he could steal a few kisses, but he did not. In fact, aside from the brief kiss they shared on the ship, he hadn’t touched her once since their departure from Tuscany.

  Sabina’s cheeks were red and slightly chapped from the cold wind. Teresa would need to concoct an emollient cream to protect her skin from the harsh English weather. Later in the afternoon, she was introduced to an old man by the name of John Bullock, who was to be her English tutor. John, who knew both French and Italian, insisted on being called Tutor John.

  The first lesson proved to be difficult since Sabina’s tongue was unaccustomed to the task of pronouncing English sounds. She would eventually speak her husband’s language with a thick accent, and hoped it would not be too offensive to the ears of English courtiers.

  Sabina was determined to memorize a few simple phrases before her introduction to the king. She took the time to learn which families were considered allies and which were enemies.

  Shortly after Sabina’s twenty-second birthday, the earl announced that it was time for her to meet the King of England. Unlike her first husband, who had summoned the seamstress for his bride’s presentation at the Palazzo Medici, James did nothing.

  Sabina was put out by this. “Will I not have a new gown, James?”

  The earl, who stood nearby, took it upon himself to reply. “If you need a new one, of course we’ll summon the seamstress, but if you have something suitable, why bother? No one has seen any of your dresses before. To the English courtiers, everything you own is new.”

  She looked to James, who shrugged in agreement.

  “I suppose you’re right, my lord,” she replied in English.

  “Very good, Sabina,” Thaddeus said.

  Sabina wanted James to act as Tommaso had, making her feel special—but the earl did make a valid point.

  Sabina found London to be much dirtier than Florence. She chided herself for making comparisons and tried to look at the positive instead of the negative. It was dark when they arrived at the royal residence, and they were shown immediately to their rooms.

  Teresa helped her mistress dress the next morning in the fine red gown she had worn for her presentation to Lorenzo de’ Medici. A costly ruby and diamond necklace flaunted the creaminess of her skin.

  Thaddeus and James arrived in order to accompany Sabina to the main hall. Eyeing her gown, the earl said, “The neckline is too low.”

  Stunned, she said, “This is the fashion in Tuscany, my lord.”

  “You’re in England now. Our ways are not your ways.”

  Teresa did her best to tuck the edges of a flimsy scarf into the bodice of the gown so that it would appear as part of the garment’s design.

  They made their way to the main hall, which was full of people. Many of the courtiers greeted the Earl of Rochester and his son while staring at the dark-haired beauty beside them. Sabina’s raven hair, emerald eyes, and dazzling attire stood out in stark contrast to the English female courtiers. The earl bowed before the king.

  “You’ve finally come home,” Edward said. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Likewise, sire. I have many things to tell you about my travels.”

  “We will speak later in private. Let us see this Tuscan treasure.”

  Sabina was officially presented to the king, whom she found to be rather plain in appearance but with a pleasant countenance. The queen, a striking woman, sat beside him with their son close at hand. The young prince appeared bored until he saw Sabina.

  Edward gazed upon the beautiful foreigner as she bowed before him. “Welcome, my lady. I hope you find England to your liking.”

  “It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I find England lovely and most agreeable,” she said in the best English her stubborn tongue would allow.

  Several people heard her foreign accent and narrowed their eyes to study her more closely.

  Edward grinned. “Already speaking English! We shall make a proper English lady of you, yet.”

  Sabina didn’t understand, so James quickly translated. She smiled at the king and said, “Nothing would please me more, my lord.”

  Edward turned to James. “You have chosen wisely, Sir James. Your betrothed is comely and well-mannered. God bless your union.”

  “Thank you, sire.”

  James and Sabina backed away from the king while Thaddeus remained close to the throne. Once it was appropriate to turn their backs, James ushered her toward a quiet corner. “The king likes you,” he said.

  She sagged with relief. “I’m glad.”

  “You doubted? Foolish girl.” James placed his hand on her waist. So far, he had made no attempt to bed her during their brief courtship. There was desire in his eyes. “If we could wed now, I would do it.”

  Aroused, she whispered, “We could enjoy the pleasures of man and wife tonight, if you wish.”

  “I won’t do that,” he countered, taking a step back.

  “I merely jest,�
� she lied in an attempt to conceal her wounded pride.

  “What do you think of a quiet, private ceremony?”

  She had hoped for a lively banquet with troubadours and dancers, yet said, “That would suit me.” She was lucky to have been given a second chance at a respectable marriage and didn’t want to go against her future husband’s wishes.

  Sabina and James were married one week later. A few of the earl’s closest allies and relatives were invited and, to the bride’s surprise, musicians and acrobats were hired to entertain the guests. The wedding feast consisted of roasted meats, breads cleverly woven into braids, cheeses, fruits, and Tuscan pastries prepared by Sabina’s cook. The English cooks had prepared tasty, meat-filled tarts called chewets.

  She danced with her husband and he spun her around until she became dizzy. English music and dancing was different than what she was accustomed to, but she liked it. The guests cheered the couple on and even followed them to the nuptial chamber that had been prepared in advance by the servants. Despite the door being bolted shut, the guests continued to bang on it, shouting vulgar warnings and scandalous advice on how to properly conceive.

  Sabina laughed as she sat on the bed, which had been sprinkled with dried rose petals. Candles burned throughout the room and fresh tansy had been strewn into the mattress. James began to undress and she followed suit. They both got into the bed and James kissed her for several minutes. His lovemaking proved to be pleasant enough, but far from passionate.

  It paled in comparison…

  She cursed herself for thinking of him, especially during the first night with her new husband. Her kind, sweet, and decent husband who had not lied to her about having a wife! James would never abandon her or go through life without trying to at least contact her in some way or another. Unlike Massimo, James was a good man.

  “I love you,” James whispered before kissing her forehead.

  “And I, you,” she replied automatically.

  Long after James had fallen asleep, she was still wide awake.

  ***

  Massimo’s horse came to a halt in front of Sabina’s palazzina. He took a great risk coming to Florence.

  This visit was long overdue.

  He desperately hoped she would understand why he was unable to contact her sooner as he knocked on the gate.

  A bleary-eyed old man eventually came to the door and peered at him. “What commotion is this at such a late hour?”

  Massimo took a step back in surprise. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Iacopo, the caretaker. Who are you?”

  “I’m here to see your mistress. Please, it’s of the utmost importance.”

  Iacopo bristled in irritation. “The house is closed, sir. My mistress is in England.”

  “England? What the hell is she doing there?”

  The old man frowned. “She lives there with her husband.”

  Massimo felt as if he had been kicked in the stomach. His knees went weak and he placed his hand on the door for support. “Husband?”

  “Didn’t you know?” Iacopo paused in concern when the young man’s face turned white in the moonlight. “Signore? Are you feeling all right?”

  Massimo rubbed his temples. No one had told him. Not even Clarice. After a moment, he asked, “When did she go?”

  “Almost two months ago.”

  Massimo left without saying another word. He had come to Florence in secret, wearing a disguise, and now he had to leave with the utmost caution. The moment he was safely outside the city gates, he rode at breakneck speed to the nearest inn. Once inside, he purchased tankard upon tankard of ale until his wits were thoroughly dulled. Placing several coins on the table, he demanded a bed for the night. Within the privacy of a simple room, Massimo Reni gave in to tears.

  Oh, Sabina…

  Chapter 17

  Sabina became pregnant in the spring and, according to the midwife, the baby would be born around Christmastime. James and Thaddeus were ecstatic, and they looked at her with newfound admiration for having fulfilled her duty in such a timely manner.

  Sabina was terribly disappointed when she came down with a fever in early June. She had passed through her first English winter unscathed, so it seemed odd that she would become ill when the weather finally warmed. After two harrowing weeks, she recovered from the ordeal with no harm to the child.

  “She’s as strong as an ox,” Thaddeus told his son. “If she can withstand illness without incident, then she can easily deliver a child.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  The earl had been correct about Sabina’s ability to deliver a child, but he had incorrectly predicted the part about it being easy. She gave birth to a healthy girl in December of the year 1481.

  The earl’s disappointment at having a female grandchild was only slightly overshadowed by James’s joy at finally joining the ranks of fatherhood. “What shall we name her?” he asked of Sabina as he cradled the newborn in his arms.

  “I’ve always been fond of the name Stefania.”

  James looked blankly at her. “Our daughter should have a respectable English name. What do you think of the Anne? It was my grandmother’s name, and it would please my father.”

  She thought of Santa Anna, mother of the Madonna, a venerated icon. “I think it’s a good name. Lady Anne Wynne.”

  Sabina wondered if the earl himself had not chosen the name and suggested it to James. Not wanting to cause problems, she dismissed the sly thought. Her father-in-law had a tremendous influence on his son, but she knew James would put his foot down when it was needed—or at least she hoped he would, if and when the time came.

  “We shall baptize her at the cathedral as soon as possible.”

  “We can’t christen the baby in this weather. It’s too cold.”

  “We must,” he insisted. “Heaven forbid something happen to her. Our little Anne’s soul would not make it to Heaven.”

  “Nonsense! God wouldn’t do that to an innocent child.”

  James gaped at his wife. “You dare question the wisdom of God?” Handing the baby to Teresa, he instructed, “Bundle her up warmly and help your mistress get dressed.”

  “Teresa, give me my daughter.” Looking pointedly at James she added, “She’s going nowhere and neither am I.”

  “Sabina, I insist the child be baptized.”

  “I’m only asking that you wait until the weather is warm. The baby is newly born and will most likely die if you take her out in freezing temperatures,” she said, using the tone one would reserve for a daft child. As an afterthought, she added, “If it’s so important to you, why not have the priest come here?”

  “It should be done in the house of God on holy consecrated ground.”

  “For God’s sake! Jesus himself was baptized in a river!”

  She is too clever and swift with her words. Flustered and lacking an appropriate counter argument, he said, “My father and I insist on taking her to the cathedral.”

  She let out a long breath in an attempt to regain her composure and patience. “What about the castle’s private chapel?” He said nothing, so she added sweetly, “Will you at least not try to compromise?”

  When she stared at him with those piercing green eyes, he felt helpless. “I’ll speak to my father and find out what he thinks.”

  “Why?” she snapped, eyes flashing. “Are you not the child’s father? Is it not your right to make such decisions on your own?”

  “Apparently you don’t think so.”

  She was silenced by his retort. “If it means that much to you, so be it, but please let us wait a few days. Let the baby thrive a bit before she is forced out into this miserable weather. I’m very tired, James.”

  He stroked her cheek. “I didn’t mean to worry you. All is well.”

  Her exhaustion was so great, that she fell asleep instantly.

  Sabina woke up and asked for her baby. Teresa, who stood wringing her hands nervously, only stared at her.

  “Where is m
y child?”

  “I had no choice, Signora,” Teresa said. “I bundled the baby up as warmly as I could. I even took one of the small fur-skin rugs from your bedchamber and wrapped her in that, too.”

  Sabina was livid. “Good thinking. The fur will keep her warm. I’m not angry with you, Teresa. I’m angry with my husband, who apparently lacks a spine and cannot stand up to his father.”

  Sabina was relieved when James returned later that afternoon with Anne, who was now baptized and no longer in spiritual danger. She accepted the child and smiled to her father-in-law, but the moment the earl left the room she gave her husband a good tongue-lashing.

  ***

  Spring crept slowly over England. The warm weather melted what little remained of the snow and soon the fat buds became visible on the trees. Sabina went outside often, inhaling the sweet, fresh scent in the air and basking in the warmth of the sun. How she dreaded the following winter!

  Anne was growing up healthy and strong. The baby’s wet nurse was a burly woman with ruddy cheeks and fair hair, and she often had wet streaks down the front of her bodice due to leaking nipples. Sabina did not mind the girl’s slovenly appearance, as long as her baby thrived.

  She had written a letter to Cecilia and Camelia shortly after Christmas, and their responses had recently arrived. Both were doing well and assured Sabina that her company was much missed. Camelia’s letter contained the latest gossip, while Cecilia’s letter included stories about her charity work. Sabina read and reread them, then tucked them away in a small chest. She wrote to Lorenzo as well, but he had not yet replied.

  ***

  Sabina’s English improved and her social life expanded. She partook in noble festivities and often attended court with James. Edward, who took a fancy to Sabina, would ask her many questions about Florence and the famed Palazzo Medici. She entertained the king with stories of various Florentine artists and philosophers. When he inquired about the great Il Magnifico, she offered him an honest assessment of Lorenzo’s character and many talents, including his political shrewdness.