Sabina

by C. De Melo

  Stefania always listened to these tidbits of advice with only one ear, half believing everything her grandmother said.

  As though reading her granddaughter’s mind, Sabina said, “I know you must think me a silly old woman, spewing old proverbs and telling you what to do, but it’s only because I care about your well-being. You may not take my advice seriously, but it doesn’t make it any less valuable. When the time comes, you’ll remember my words. Hopefully, they’ll benefit you.”

  “I appreciate everything you do for me, Grandmother. I will always remember your words.”

  “Good. Now go send a message to Cosimo inviting him to come dine with us tomorrow.”

  Cosimo declined the invitation due to a series of meetings demanding his attendance, and invited them to dine at his residence on Saturday. Stefania immediately began worrying about what to wear. By the time Saturday arrived, her maid had pulled every gown out of the wardrobe and even Teresa was called upon to help. When Stefania finally wept in frustration, Sabina ushered the maids away.

  “I cannot believe you’re actually crying because you don’t know what to wear. This is not the Stefania that I know and raised,” Sabina said in a slightly hard tone.

  “I haven’t seen Cosimo in so long and I want to be perfect.”

  “You are perfect.”

  “You don’t understand…”

  “You have several charming gowns and any one of them will surely please him.”

  “It’s not about the gown, Grandmother. I heard our servants talking yesterday and…” Stefania trailed off and began sobbing again.

  “Get a hold of yourself, child. Why are you so upset?”

  “There are rumors that Cosimo has been wife hunting, and that he’s already found a potential bride.”

  Sabina quirked a brow. “Yes, I know. You’ve already been warned of this, Stefania.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I thought it better if you heard it from Cosimo himself.”

  “What about the child? I was planning to tell him tonight.”

  “You can still tell him. You knew his marriage would not be one of choice but rather one of politics.”

  “I know, but my heart can’t accept that.”

  When Cosimo saw Stefania later that night, his eyes lit up with joy. She had chosen to wear an emerald satin gown that complimented her figure and green eyes. Rather than kiss Stefania’s hand as he had Sabina’s, he took her into his arms and embraced her before kissing her tenderly on the cheek.

  The conversation during dinner was pleasant. While Sabina and Maria chatted away, Cosimo and Stefania spoke in hushed tones with each other, like they had when they lived in the Mugello. When Cosimo suggested they take a walk alone in the garden after dinner, Stefania shot her grandmother a look. Sabina smiled knowingly and turned to continue her conversation with Maria.

  “It’s chilly outside,” Cosimo said as he led her toward the doorway. “Let me get your cloak.”

  “Thank you.”

  They walked out into the garden. The moon was full and Stefania could see the first buds on the trees.

  “Spring will be upon us soon,” she stated in an attempt to hide her anxiousness.

  “The weather has been mild,” he agreed. “I expect the flowers to bloom early this year.”

  “Yes.” Why were they talking about the weather?

  They walked to the far end where the fruit trees and shrubs offered privacy. Without saying a word, Cosimo took her into his arms and they shared a passionate kiss.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” he said softly against her lips.

  “And I you,” she replied before being kissed again.

  His hands began to explore the familiar territory of her body, taking in the supple curves beneath the fabric of her gown. When he slid his hands around her waist, he hesitated. “You’ve put on weight,” he teased.

  “I have, and with good reason.” She paused and he pulled away, staring intently. “I’m carrying your child, my love.”

  His face was a mixture of joy and pain. Joy at the thought of another child, only this time with someone he truly cared for, and pain because he could not give this woman what she wanted of him.

  Worry creased her brow. “Are you displeased?”

  Cosimo embraced her tightly and when he spoke, his lips caressed the skin of her neck. “Of course I’m not displeased. On the contrary, I’m very happy because I know this child was conceived with great affection. I will love the baby dearly.”

  “I’m much relieved,” she sighed.

  His eyes narrowed. “Did you doubt for one moment that I would reject you or the child?”

  She chose her words carefully, “I knew you would not reject us, but I also know that you are procuring a political alliance.”

  “You mean a wife.” Stefania nodded, unable to meet his eyes. He took hold of her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I’ve asked for the hand of Marguerite of Austria, widow of Alessandro de Medici.”

  “Is she beautiful?”

  Cosimo laughed aloud. “Not in the least!”

  “You would marry an ugly woman, then?”

  He placed his hands on her shoulders and smiled. “Darling, I’ve already explained that my choice of wife must be for political gain. I need to make a strong alliance in order to secure my position.”

  Encouraged by his words, she slid her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his in a very suggestive manner. “Since your marriage will be only for a political alliance, does that mean that your heart can belong to someone else?”

  “My heart and my body…”

  From that night onward, Stefania became his official mistress in Florence. The weeks passed and, as Cosimo had predicted, the flowers bloomed early. Stefania’s belly grew, yet she did not get fat the way many women did. Her skin glowed and her hair was lustrous; she looked as radiant as a gilded Madonna.

  Sabina knew the blissful period Stefania was enjoying with Cosimo would end soon enough. She refrained from stating the obvious, however. Why spoil a good thing when all good things sooner or later came to an end? Better to live and love fully and pay the price afterward. Stefania would learn to survive any storm, as she herself had learned to survive them.

  Although Sabina knew that her granddaughter’s joy would be cut short, she did not expect it to happen only one month after their arrival in Florence. Sabina awoke to the sound of screams and running feet. Teresa burst into her mistress’s bedchamber with a troubled expression.

  “The physician is on his way,” she cried, wringing her hands.

  “Physician?” Sabina asked, sitting up in bed.

  “Stefania—”

  Teresa did not finish her sentence. Sabina got out of bed, pushed her maid out of the way and ran to her granddaughter’s room. She found the door open and two female servants hovering over the bed. Stefania was curled into a fetal position, clutching her abdomen. The bed sheets were soaked with blood.

  Sabina knelt by the bed so she could see her granddaughter’s face and stroked her cheek. “Oh, my sweet girl…I’m so sorry.”

  Stefania’s eyes were half closed. She turned them slowly toward her grandmother. “He was so happy.”

  “I know, but right now, we have to worry about you.”

  “I wanted this child very badly,” she whispered as the tears streamed down her face. “We both did.”

  “You’ll have other children—strong, healthy ones.”

  “Please summon Cosimo. I want to see him.”

  Cosimo arrived shortly after the physician had examined Stefania. He found her resting peacefully. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. Taking her hand in his, he said, “My heart aches.”

  “Oh, Cosimo...”

  His eyes grew teary and he said nothing more as he laid his head on her bosom and allowed her to stroke his hair. Sabina, who had been standing by the door, stepped back and out of the room.

  Chapter 28

  Cosimo�
�s power continued to grow, and so did his popularity with the Florentines. A little over a year had passed, and Sabina was convinced she had made the right decision by coming to Florence. In addition to watching Stefania flourish, she was content to spend her last days surrounded by the beautiful memories she had shared with the love of her life, Massimo.

  Lately, he haunted her dreams. Sometimes she would wake up smiling and expecting to see him beside her, smiling back. When the cobwebs of sleep dissolved, she was faced with the harsh reality of his absence. The terrible sadness that gripped her soul on those mornings was more than she could bear. Why had God been so cruel? Why could they not have ended their days together?

  Why ask why? She was old. Too old. She knew it was time for her to die. In fact, she was ready for it, but she refused to do so until she was certain that Stefania was in good hands.

  Cosimo finally found himself a suitable bride: Eleonora di Toledo. She was the second-born daughter of Don Pedro, viceroy of Naples and lieutenant governor to Charles V. Eleonora’s father was also head of one of the richest and noblest families of Spain. Cosimo had chosen very well. His future wife’s aristocratic ties and immense wealth would do much to advance his political career.

  Nobody expected that the marriage would be a love-match. Not only did Cosimo fall in love with Eleonora, he forsook all other women in her favor. He was very careful in his choice of words and timing—and demonstrated extreme kindness and tenderness—when breaking it off with Stefania. Naturally, she was devastated. He spoke to Sabina privately afterward, promising to find a suitable husband for her granddaughter. Sabina thanked Cosimo for his concern and kindness and wished him and Eleonora much happiness in their union.

  Stefania suffered for many days. She slept little, ate little, and cried much. Sabina knew the pain would eventually pass. After all, she had gone through the same pain herself once…

  Was it really so long ago?

  When Stefania finally emerged from her self-imposed confinement, she was thin with dark circles under her eyes. Sabina was outside in the courtyard, reading under the shade of a Juniper tree when she noticed her granddaughter’s presence.

  Stefania looked down at Sabina and said, “Basta. I’m ready to live again. I cannot grieve anymore.”

  Sabina smiled from ear to ear. “I’m glad to hear it, my dear. We’re so much alike, you and I.”

  “I hope so.”

  “It just so happens we were invited to a private birthday celebration this evening at Signora Nadia’s home.”

  “Good. I like her daughter. I’m going to bathe and change now.”

  “I think that’s a good idea,” Sabina said, closing the book.

  “Also, I’m going to eat. I’m starving.”

  “I’ll have one of the servants bring a tray to your room.”

  “Thank you.” Stefania took a few steps toward the house, stopped, and turned around again. “Grandmother?”

  “Yes?”

  “Does the pain of lost love ever go away?”

  Sabina thought for a moment. “It never goes away fully, but it does become less painful with time. The greater the love, the longer it takes the wound to heal. You’re young and you’ll be fine. Trust me.”

  ***

  Cosimo and Eleonora were married by proxy on the twenty-ninth of March 1539, but it was not until the twenty-ninth of June that she made her official entrance into Florence. She was welcomed warmly to the Palazzo Medici by her new husband and his mother.

  The lavish wedding celebration that took place spanned several days. There was much feasting, dancing, music, acrobats, and performances to be enjoyed by guests and citizens alike.

  Sabina and Stefania enjoyed the festivities and, when they were properly introduced to Eleonora, their congratulatory wishes were heartfelt. Eleonora was well-bred and lovely; no wonder Cosimo fell in love with her. He caught Stefania’s eye and smiled gratefully. She returned the smile with sincerity. She loved him still, but the fiery passion and her desperate heart had cooled considerably. He was no longer the last thought in her head before she fell asleep or the first one when she awoke. She had finally managed to put Cosimo behind her and move on with her own life.

  The summer of 1539 drew to a close with Cosimo and Eleonora as the new rulers of Florence. The people were happy and enjoyed peace and prosperity, just as they had when Lorenzo was alive. Like his predecessor, Cosimo was a generous patron of the arts and possessed an open mind. It was not long before he made the daring move of making the Palazzo della Signoria his home. By doing this, he let everyone know that he was power incarnate. The artist, Bronzino, was commissioned by Cosimo to paint Eleonora’s name on the walls of her private chambers. It was further evidence of the tender feelings he had for his wife.

  ***

  It was the first day of September when a letter from the Mugello arrived at the palazzina. It announced Vittorio’s upcoming visit to Florence and his desire to visit both Stefania and her grandmother.

  After reading the letter, Stefania announced the news to Sabina. “Grandmother, Vittorio is coming.”

  “Our Vito?”

  Stefania grinned and nodded. “Yes, our Vito.”

  “When?”

  “According to the date this letter was written, he should be here any day now.”

  “Well, tell the servants to prepare a room for him.”

  Stefania nodded and walked away.

  Teresa, who sat beside Sabina mending a hem, commented, “I think she looked rather pleased.”

  “Hmm, I got that impression as well.”

  “Ah!” Teresa said as the thread escaped from the needle. “It will take me forever to thread this needle again. I can barely see with these useless eyes.”

  Sabina chuckled. “We are too old, my friend.”

  Teresa put down the needle and laughed, too. “Much too old.”

  “All I want before I die is to see her settled and happy.”

  “I wish for the same.”

  Sabina looked intently at the woman who had stood beside her for a lifetime and asked, “Why did you not leave me and get married? Have a family of your own?”

  “Surely, you jest! After I saw how much you suffered with Massimo and James, I wanted nothing to do with men.”

  Sabina sighed tiredly. “Perhaps you were the wiser for it.”

  “I have no regrets. I’ve seen and done so much, thanks to you. It has been a great privilege and pleasure to serve you.”

  Sabina reached out and squeezed Teresa’s hand. “You’ve been a true friend to me.” Changing the subject, she asked, “Will you help me make a match?”

  Teresa giggled. “You were reading my mind. I think Stefania and Vittorio would make a fine pair.”

  “Splendid!” Sabina cried. “This will be my last and most important project before I die.”

  “Please don’t talk like that.”

  “I’ll be eighty-two this coming October. I’ve outlasted most of my family and friends…I’m tired, Teresa.”

  ***

  Vittorio arrived a few days later, fashionably dressed and as handsome as ever. Sabina noticed that his shoulders were wider, his voice deeper. He had a fine physique and displayed his male prowess with confidence. Whatever experiences he had gone through in the last few years had transformed the boy she remembered into a formidable man.

  Stefania came out to greet him and paused in her steps. Sabina and Teresa exchanged knowing looks and hid their smiles. Vittorio took Stefania’s hands in his and bent to kiss her cheeks.

  “You are prettier than I remember, Stefania,” he said in a smooth, deep voice. “It’s good to see you.”

  Stefania blushed. “Thank you. You look very well, Vito.”

  The corner of his mouth shot upward in a crooked smile and he quirked his eyebrow. “No one has called me that for a long time.”

  “Forgive me.”

  “No, I like it.”

  The young couple stared at one another as if for the first time
. If Sabina had not cleared her throat, they would have continued to do so. “Come give me a hug, my dear boy!”

  Vittorio embraced Sabina and Teresa in turn.

  Sabina pulled back and eyed him from head to foot. “Your mother and father are well? The last letter your mother sent described a hard winter, and fever taking the lives of several villagers.”

  He nodded, his expression grim. “My parents were ill for most of the season. They managed to recuperate but their health hasn’t been the same ever since.”

  “I’m sorry to hear it,” Sabina said. “We can talk during supper. Right now, you need to rest. Stefania will show you to your room.”

  Stefania led him upstairs. Once they were alone, she confessed, “You may not believe it, but I’ve thought of you many times.”

  “Why wouldn’t I believe it?” he asked softly.

  “We were not on the best of terms when I left the Mugello.”

  “That was long ago. We’re both different people now.”

  She smiled up at him. “Yes, we are.”

  In the weeks that followed, Sabina and Teresa did little to match-make the young couple because they were doing fine on their own. It was good to hear music and laughter in the house again. Sabina soon saw the telltale signs of love blossoming.

  It was no surprise when Vittorio came to speak to her privately in order to ask for Stefania’s hand in marriage. Sabina was overjoyed. During dinner, she gave both of them her blessing and wished them many years of marital bliss. She had never seen Stefania so happy and felt a huge weight lifted from her shoulders. Her granddaughter would be well cared for by Vittorio.

  Sabina sat at her dressing table that night, staring at her crisp reflection in the fine Venetian mirror Leo had procured on her behalf. At her advanced age, she preferred the slight distortion of an old-fashioned looking glass. These new ones from Venice were too honest. Sabina sighed as she recalled the beauty of her youth. Now her looks were as faded as her memories. Glancing down at her papery, veined hands with their brittle nails, she tried to envision what they had once looked like. She tried to remember the feel of Massimo under those worn fingertips…

  Massimo visited Sabina in her dreams that night. They were both young again, standing outside in the sunshine, laughing. Sabina opened her eyes and was overwhelmed with joy; she was no longer alone.