by C. De Melo
“It’s more than a matter of money, Sabina. It’s our family’s good name and reputation that’s at stake. My mother would be devastated, and my sister is still young and unmarried.”
“Hmmm,” she mused, rubbing her chin as her mind raced. “So your death really would solve everything quite neatly.”
“It would but…what’s going through that lovely head of yours?”
She looked up at him and smiled mischievously. “I’m going to kill you, my love—or at least pretend to.”
“How?” he asked, refilling her goblet with wine, then his own.
“I know a thing or two about herbs and roots that can mimic death.”
“You’re joking.”
“I can mix a potion that will cause you to sleep so heavily that everyone will believe you’re dead.”
“What about the funeral?”
“You’ll sleep for at least a day—maybe two.”
“And the burial?”
“There’s nothing money cannot fix. I’ll pay the gravediggers and the priest a hefty sum if they bury someone else’s body in your place.”
He shook his head. “It’s too dangerous. Think of the ramifications if we get caught.”
“Do you want to miss out on the next decade of our lives?”
“No.”
“Then trust me.”
“I do.”
“Good. How much do you trust your servant, Leo?”
“I trust him implicitly. He’s my only companion here and he knows of everything that goes on in my life.” He paused in thought. “What about my family? They’ll be devastated.”
“We’ll contact them secretly a few weeks after the funeral and invite them to Florence. Nothing is impossible.”
He looked at her in awe. “How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Stay so strong and determined and resourceful.”
“I have no choice.”
Later that day, Sabina summoned Leo and told him of her plan.
Leo listened quietly, then said, “There’s only one thing that worries me, Signora. How will you keep Signore Massimo’s wife and father from ever discovering the truth?”
“Massimo must never step foot in Rome again. So, you know exactly what to do?” He nodded and she continued, “Good. I’ll mix the potion tonight and leave it with you. Tomorrow morning, after I’ve departed, you’ll send a message to Michela informing her of Massimo’s death. You must also tell her that Massimo’s mother and sister will handle all the funeral arrangements.”
“Yes, but my master’s mother and sister will want to view the body.”
“I’ve taken that into account. Have Massimo bathe in cold water and take the potion a few minutes prior to being displayed in the casket. He will fall into a deep sleep. You will give this letter to the priest along with this,” she said, holding up a small purse filled with gold florins. Leo took the letter and coins. “Tell the priest that if he does not follow the specific directions of the letter, he will have to answer to the Medici.” She wasn’t really sure if Piero would help her cause or not, but she used the threat nonetheless. “Are we clear on everything?”
He nodded and turned to go.
“Oh, and Leo?” He stopped and turned. “You’ll receive a handsome reward for your service and a good position within my home.”
“Thank you, Signora.”
Sabina went in search of Massimo and found him in the study, writing. “I sent Leo off with clear instructions.’
He placed the stylus he was using back into the inkwell. “Good. I want to leave this villa and never step foot in it again. I want to make new memories with you in Florence.” He paused and smiled. “I also want to know everything you did and every place you saw during the time we’ve been apart. I feel like I missed out on so much.”
“I’ll tell you everything,” she assured. Except for being raped by Marco Alfani…that nightmare will accompany me to the grave. “We should take advantage of the mild weather and go for a walk.”
“I would prefer to ride.”
Massimo owned only one stallion now. Sabina climbed up into the saddle behind him, snaking her arms tightly around his body. The cold wind felt exhilarating as they rode through farmland and past cottages. When he led his horse to a stream to drink, she dismounted.
“We shouldn’t stay too long, the sun is about to duck behind the clouds,” Massimo said, gazing up at the sky.
Sitting on a fallen tree, she said, “Stop fretting and sit beside me.”
He took a seat and reached for her hand. “I still can’t believe you’re here. It’s like a dream.” After a moment, he blurted out, “You must have hated me after reading that letter.”
“I never hated you. I cursed you a thousand times, however.”
He chuckled without mirth. “I deserved it.”
“Even when I was with James, I thought of you.” It was the first time she had mentioned her former husband’s name.
“Your English husband?”
She nodded. “He’s now the Earl of Rochester.”
“Do you speak English?”
“Yes.”
“Say something in English.”
She gazed deeply into his eyes, and said, “The English winters were cold but not as cold as my heart without your love.”
He clapped his hands together. “Splendid! Now translate.”
“I said, ‘Your horse will burst if it continues to drink so greedily.’ ”
“That’s not what you said,” he accused playfully.
Massimo sprang forward to grab her, but Sabina eluded him and ran off giggling. He proceeded to chase her around the clearing. She had not felt so young and free since she was a girl living in her father’s house in Lucca.
When he finally caught her, he kissed her deeply and held her close. “God, I love you so much it frightens me.”
They were breathing hard, their cheeks and lips red from the cold. “Make love to me, Massimo.”
“Let’s go back to the house where it’s warm.”
“No, I want to make love to you right here, in this place, right now.”
Massimo accommodated his lady’s request without further delay. The sun played hide and seek with the clouds while they touched and teased each other with their hands and lips.
Sabina was apprehensive the next morning as she said farewell to Massimo. “Remember to drink the entire vial. Leo will handle the rest.”
“I’ll see you in Florence after I’m reborn,” he teased.
“You may feel dizzy at first, but sleep will quickly overtake you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “How many people have you done this to?” She shrugged. “Sabina…”
“I made this potion only one other time for a woman who lived in Lucca. She paid me very dearly for it, too.”
“So, you were the town witch?”
She shook her head. “Just a girl with an interest in botany.”
“Why did this woman want such a potion in the first place?”
“I didn’t ask her,” she lied. The woman’s husband beat her mercilessly. Since the she lacked the strength for self-defense and couldn’t bring herself to commit murder, the potion offered the woman a way out. Sabina never learned if the man had been buried alive or not, nor did she care to know.
“I trust you,” he said.
“You will awaken and feel fine. I promise.”
“I have no doubt of that. Now go back to Florence and let me carry out this farce.”
She kissed him before joining her guards within the carriage.
***
The moment Sabina arrived in Florence, she informed Teresa of everything that had transpired in Rome.
As Teresa listened, her opinion of Massimo changed for the better. “He must love you very much if he’s willing to swallow a potion to feign his own death.”
“He does love me. I’m sure of it,” Looking around, Sabina asked, “Where’s my daughter?”
“With Umberto. Would you
like me to fetch her for you?”
“No, I’ll wait until her lessons are over.”
Later, she found her daughter reading quietly by the hearth. “Hello Anne, I’m back. How I’ve missed you!”
“I’ve missed you, too,” Anne said, accepting her mother’s embrace.
“I’m glad to hear it. What are you reading, sweetheart?”
Anne held up the Bible. “God’s word.”
Sabina smiled slightly and tried to hide her disappointment. “I need to talk to you about a man named Signore Massimo.”
“Who is that?”
Sabina replied to the question with a tactful version of the truth. Her daughter was old enough to know certain things but not everything.
Anne’s brow creased. “So, you loved Signore Massimo before you met my father.” Sabina nodded. “Do you still love him?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you marry him when you had the chance?”
“It’s a long and complicated story…”
“Did you love him while you were married to my father?”
There was no correct way to answer the question. “I still loved Signore Massimo, but I was a loyal and devoted wife to your father.”
Anne was silent for a moment. “Will you marry Signore Massimo now that you’re free?”
“Only if you approve of him. Signore Massimo will need a place to stay when he comes to Florence, and I’ve offered our spacious home. I want you and him to get to know each other.” When Anne said nothing, she added, “Surely you’re old enough to understand.”
“Yes, Mother.” She smiled and picked up the Bible. “I was reading the Song of Solomon. Have you ever read anything so beautiful?”
Sabina, who had read the verses years ago during catechism, recalled their poetic value. “No, I have not,” she agreed, before leaving her daughter alone to read in peace.
Chapter 21
Sabina’s scheme to feign Massimo’s death was carried out smoothly. Nestled within his coffin, he slept deeply during the funeral mass. According to Leo, Massimo’s wife and father-in-law were expressionless throughout the entire affair. Massimo’s mother and sister, on the other hand, cried copiously. Once his coffin was closed, everyone filed out of the church to accompany the deceased to the cemetery. It was then that Massimo’s coffin was hastily switched with another containing the body of a poor beggar.
It was after midnight when Massimo finally awoke in the church’s sacristy. Leo was already waiting for him. “Signore, can you hear me?”
Massimo forced himself up onto his elbows and immediately placed a hand to his pounding head, a nasty side-effect Sabina had forgotten to mention.
Leo grinned. “We did it, Signore! You are now officially dead.”
“Wonderful…the words any man long to hear,” Massimo retorted sarcastically. “No one suspected?”
Leo helped his master get out of the coffin. “No one.”
Massimo glanced at the wooden box and shuddered. “Did many people attend my funeral mass?”
“Not many.”
“Evidence of my popularity.”
“Your mother and sister were heartbroken.”
“God bless them.”
“We should leave Rome as soon as possible. No one must see you. There’s only a sliver of a moon tonight, so it will be very dark.”
“Let us go now.”
“Wait, Signore! You’ll need a new name for your new identity.”
Massimo thought for a moment, then said, “Let it be Ferrara, which was my great-grandmother’s name and birthplace. From today forth, I’m a Reni no longer.”
***
Sabina and Anne were enjoying their supper when Teresa announced Massimo’s arrival. Anne noticed how her mother’s face glowed upon hearing the news.
“You love this man very much, Mother.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I’ve never seen you look so joyful around my father.”
Sabina blushed and felt a pang of guilt. Stifling the desire to run into Massimo’s arms as soon as he entered the room, she stood up and placed a hand on Anne’s shoulder. “How good to see you, Massimo. How was your journey?”
Understanding the situation at once, he resisted the temptation to kiss Sabina’s lips and respectfully kissed her hand instead. “Good, thank you. It’s a joy to see you again.” He smiled at Anne. “And who is this?”
She smiled in gratitude. “This is my daughter, Anne.”
“It’s an honor to finally meet you, my lady,” he said, bending over her small hand like a courtier. “I’m Signore Massimo Ferrara.”
Sabina caught his eye when he uttered his new surname.
“Mother has told me about you, Signore. Welcome to our home.”
“Such charming manners from one so young. Thank you, Anne.”
Flattered by the attention of the handsome, blue-eyed man, Anne blushed.
Leo hovered quietly in the doorway and he beckoned the young man forward. “Allow me to introduce you to my faithful servant, Leo.”
Leo bowed and made a coin disappear before Anne’s eyes.
Anne’s face lit up. “Mother, did you see that?”
Leo showed Anne his empty hands, then reached for her ear and pulled out the coin.
Anne snatched it and laughed with glee. “Please show me how the trick is done.”
“A magician must never reveal his secrets,” Leo teased.
Anne turned to Sabina and whined, “Mother?”
Sabina shrugged. “I think Leo is right.”
“Leo is full of tricks,” Massimo said. “He can keep you entertained for hours.”
“Mother, may I be excused?” Anne inquired.
“Yes, you may.”
Anne took Leo by the hand. “Come and meet my tutor, Umberto. He is usually reading in the library at this hour. He knows a few tricks, too.”
“Anne, Leo must be tired and hungry,” Sabina pointed out. “He’s been traveling a long time.”
“I’m fine, Signora,” Leo assured. “It will be a pleasure to meet your daughter’s tutor.”
Anne pulled Leo along and he followed her upstairs.
Sabina turned to Teresa. “Be sure Leo gets a hot meal and show him to his quarters. Oh, and have one of the servants set a plate at the table for Signore Massimo.”
Teresa nodded and left the room.
Massimo pulled Sabina into his arms and kissed her mouth hungrily, then said, “I can’t believe I’m back in this house with you.”
“It’s your house now.”
He kissed her forehead. “Thank you, my love. Anne is like you in so many ways, so bold and charming.”
“She is a blessing to me.”
Sabina took her seat at the dining table and motioned for Massimo to sit down, too. A moment later, two servants entered the room. One carried a plate, a silver chalice, and cutlery, while the other carried a bowl of fragrant water so Massimo could wash his hands. They patiently waited for the servants to leave before resuming their conversation.
“At least something good came from your marriage to the Englishman,” Massimo said, helping himself to the roasted meat heaped upon a silver platter.
Lorenzo had said the same thing. “Very true,” Sabina said, filling his chalice with red wine.
He stifled a yawn. “Forgive me, my love. Pretending to be dead is not an easy task.”
“You slept through most of it,” she reminded him playfully. She watched as he placed a tender morsel in his mouth. “I hope the veal isn’t too cold.”
“It’s delicious,” he assured. “What have you told Anne about us?”
“That you and I were once in love, and you needed a place to stay.”
“I assume we’ll be sleeping in separate bedchambers?”
“You assumed correctly,” she said, refilling her own chalice. “Anne believes our intention is to marry and that I have brought you here to meet her.”
“I see.”
“Do
you?” she asked, reaching across the table to touch his arm.
He covered her hand with his own. “Certainly. As a good mother, you must think of your daughter. You’ve done the right thing.”
“Thank you.” She smiled and added mischievously, “I expect you in my bedchamber once everyone has retired for the night.”
***
Massimo kept a low profile for the first few weeks. He went out only when necessary and decided to grow a goatee, which Sabina thought looked quite attractive on him.
When they received confirmation of Michela’s marriage to the Sicilian, Leo was sent to inform Massimo’s mother and sister of his fictitious death. Massimo’s mother, Signora Giovanna, was so shocked that she took to her bed for a day. She arrived in Florence a week later accompanied by his sister, Caterina, who had the same stunning blue eyes and black hair as her brother.
Caterina embraced Sabina the moment they met. “Thank you so much, Signora Sabina,” she said with great emotion. “My poor brother is finally free from that viper.”
“Che bella,” Signora Giovanna said as she stroked Sabina’s cheek. “Una santa! Una vera santa!”
“I can assure you, Signora Giovanna, I’m no saint,” Sabina said. “I love your son with all of my heart.”
“They would have killed him, you know,” the old woman said in a conspiratorial tone.
Caterina cut her off. “Mamma, please—”
“Without Clarice or Lorenzo in their way it was only a matter of time before an assassin slit my son’s throat,” Signora Giovanna insisted. “Now he is finally safe.”
“And free,” Massimo chimed in as he stepped forward and greeted his mother and sister with warm embraces.
Signora Giovanna’s face crumbled and she began to cry. “Mio figlio! Seeing you dead…”
“I couldn’t risk telling you beforehand, Mamma. It had to appear real in order for the plan to work,” he said gently. “Forgive me for putting you through that pain.”
“We understand, Massimo,” Caterina said. “Mamma, stop crying.”
Sabina waited until the old woman dried her eyes and calmed down before ushering them into the house. “You must be tired and hungry from your journey.”
“We’re starving,” Caterina confessed. “It was a long ride and Mamma did not wish to stop.”
“Any mother would have done the same in my shoes,” Signora Giovanna retorted.
