by Edale Lane
Florentina turned the team of horses away from the soldiers, smoke, and chaos and popped the reins calling for a gallop. She didn’t travel long in the opposite direction, but far sufficient to have time to collect the money box, free one horse from the carriage tongue, and trot off with the spoils into the woods. She only kept the horse long enough to circle around and pass parallel to the road to the spot she had left her bag and other clothes. In the distance she could hear men’s shouts, the discharge of gunpowder, and Stefano’s furious roar of curses. Sliding from the lathered draft gelding, she pointed him back toward his troop and slapped his rear. Then she lay down in the thicket, her lungs burning and blood pumping until she could catch her breath and be certain they wouldn’t find her.
Two hours later the deflated Viscardi party passed her on the road into Milan. Florentina kept her face ahead, totally disinterested in the wagons and guards with glum expressions and slumped shoulders. She pretended the leather bag hanging from a wide strap across her shoulder was not overburdened with heavy coins as she stood erect ambling along at a leisurely pace. She was simply a traveler with her overnight bag walking from some villa in the countryside to the city, mayhap to celebrate mass in the Duomo on the morrow. They paid her no more attention than they would an insect. Once through the western gate she sought out the charity house, withdrew sack after sack of coins, placed them on the doorstep shaded by the arched entry portico, and knocked. No sooner than she heard the sister start to undo the latch, she turned and scurried away to the sound of a surprised gasp and a shout of “Praise Jesus!” She smiled to herself as once around the corner she slowed her gait. It felt good to give Viscardi’s hoard to a worthy cause. She knew there were unfortunates whose lives had not been as secure and comfortable as hers had been, those plagued with poor health or injuries from war, children with no parents and elders with no sons to care for them. They need this gold far more than Benetto, she thought as she strolled on a cushion of air toward House Torelli’s district of town.
Florentina strode into the textile production house and set her significantly lighter bag near the loom needing repair. As it was already late afternoon, only a few members of the cleaning crew were present in the large, open facility where weavers would sit at their looms crafting fabric from the raw silk which arrived on Torelli ships from the Orient. With the swift and effortless ease of a hungry friar saying Grace, the equipment was repaired and in proper working order. Just to be effectual, she checked over each of the other looms, seeking any worn parts or loose wheels that may need attention. I am part of House Torelli now, she figured, so it’s like these are my machines too. I will take excellent care of them for Don Alessandro. Upon determining all was well for the evening, Florentina positioned her bag filled with secret treasures over her shoulder and glided out humming a merry tune to herself. It had been a good day!
The sun had sunk below the rooftops and its fading glow mingled with rising moonlight in the dusk sky when Florentina passed through the servant’s entrance to House Torelli. Madelena had been pacing the floor, nervously wondering what had been keeping her. “There you are!” she declared and had to purpose her feet not to run to Fiore. “Where ever have you been? What took you so long?”
Florentina met her with a puzzled expression. “I was busy at the production house repairing equipment for Alessandro,” she replied in an innocent tone.
Maddie let out a frustrated sigh. “All day?” she questioned and cocked her head to one side trying to determine if she was telling the truth. What are you suspicious of? she asked herself. What else would she be doing?
“I am sorry,” Florentina answered. “Was there something I was needed for here? I don’t recall-”
Madelena shook her head. “No, but it’s so late. Have you even eaten today?”
Realization lit in Florentina’s eyes and she let out a little laugh. “No, I suppose I haven’t. I was really busy and forgot.”
A smile of relief crept across Madelena’s lips and her expression softened. “Let’s see what is in the kitchen, shall we? Dinner is over but I am certain Bianca will have something.”
“Maddie,” Florentina said in a hush as she placed a hand on her arm. “Do you often go into the kitchen to eat with the help?”
Madelena flushed and her mouth dropped open. “I didn’t even think,” she began. “I just want to be sure you are taken care of, and I have been waiting to talk to you all day.” She kept her voice low as well, scanning the hall for anyone who may walk by.
Fiore smiled at her, a warm, knowing grin with eyes as bright as stars. “Where shall I meet you later?”
Joy washed over Maddie from her head to her toes and sloshed around within her as though she was a vessel created specifically to house the emotion. She met Fiore’s smile with one of her own. “I would like that very much. I can secure the door to the ladies’ parlor from inside and no one will be using that room tonight.”
Florentina slid her hand down Maddie’s arm, gave her hand a quick squeeze, and nodded with a wink. “I’ll be there shortly.”
Just then two rambunctious youngsters burst down the hall. “I’m going to catch you and eat you up! Grrrrr!” sounded a little boy’s voice followed by a giddy squeal in a higher pitch.
“Florentina!” exclaimed Betta as she skidded to a halt. “Matteo is a bear, and he wants to eat me!”
Seeing his mother and tutor standing in the hall, Matteo slowed his pace, lowered his arms and stood up straight. “We were just playing,” he explained.
“We didn’t break anything,” Betta added batting impossibly blue eyes up at the adults.
“Very well,” Maddie said, “but it is time to prepare for bed now. Have you had your baths? Where is Livia?”
“She said Luca hurt himself and she had to make it better, but that she would get us to the bath when she was done,” Matteo explained, oblivious to any untoward implications.
Madelena and Florentina exchanged a knowing glance and Maddie shuffled them off. “Why don’t I help you with your baths tonight? I do believe the two of you are getting too big for a governess, anyway.” At that compliment the children beamed up at her filled with pride.
Maddie turned her head over her shoulder and mouthed to Florentina, “One hour.”
Florentina was relieved that she would have a chance to put away her Night Flyer disguise and gear before anyone questioned the contents of her bag. She considered that could be a problem should someone demand to search her. And what of coming home late in the evening in her costume if Maddie was awake waiting up for her? It would be quite the balancing act to achieve but she felt it was worth the risk to develop her new budding relationship.
Madelena opened the door to the ladies’ parlor to find Florentina seated on a carved walnut Savonarola style loveseat fitted with a spring green cushion. There was a twin love seat across from it and flanking each were three matching chairs arranged symmetrically of either side of a neat fireplace. Between each loveseat and its armchairs was positioned a small round table for setting tea cups or other items. Tonight they each displayed vases of flowers that had been set out for the occasion of the ladies’ brunch. A finely woven decorative rug spanned the center of the pinewood floor. The seating ensemble comprised all the furnishings in the room. Their style was light and delicate to appeal to feminine tastes, each piece a work of art bearing architectonic elements from the Classical World such as columns, pediments, and cornices. Coordinating drapes hung around windows that looked out to the central courtyard. Often the entertaining would take place out doors in the temperate peninsular clime, therefore more quality and less quantity was the rule for interior furnishings.
Aside from the seats and small tables, the parlor was fitted with an overhead chandelier, currently not lit, and several wall sconces, of which only one bore a flame casting the room in a muted amber and green hue. Classical paintings framed in gold leaf matching the light fixtures hung along the wall opposite the windows. The air was cool
as no fire glowed in the hearth, but Maddie was warmed by the fire that blazed in her own heart.
Madelena closed the door behind her, turned the latch, and stood for a moment gazing at Florentina bathed in pale incandescence, anticipation blossoming within her. Leisurely she sashayed across the room. Florentina, whose eyes were fixed on hers, spoke first. “Alone at last,” came the husky phrase. “I did not mean you any distress by my absence.”
“You are here now,” Maddie replied and settled down beside her. She caressed Fiore’s face and touched generous lips to hers. She could feel the ardent response from her partner and laid her other hand on Florentina’s thigh. “About last night.” Although she had practiced a dozen versions of what she wished to say, none seemed perfect in this moment.
“I enjoyed it,” Florentina replied with a note of apprehension in her voice.
“As did I,” Maddie assured her. “But there is one concern I have.” She steadied herself and gazed seriously into Florentina’s eyes. “You are the single most important asset to this household and the children love you; I simply cannot afford to lose you, Fiore, and if this were to not work out, if something went wrong or feelings changed…”
Florentina’s hand closed over hers. “I have dedicated myself to House Torelli, and no matter what comes of our relationship, I will not abandon Matteo and Betta, nor Alessandro. The only thing that would ever cause me to leave is if you ordered me to do so. Maddie, I do have feelings for you along with a hopeless attraction, but if our romance should fade or something come between us, I would do whatever is required to remain faithful to this House and your family, even if you were to toss me aside for another. I am not a young school girl who would run home to her mother. Truly, I have nowhere else to go.”
Madelena breathed a sigh of relief. “Good, thank you. I certainly have no intentions toward another, it’s just that who knows what unforeseen circumstances may lurk around the corner? You have brought breath back into my lungs, opened my eyes to worlds I wish to explore. Now that I have found you, I cannot imagine ever returning to how my life was before. You inspire me.”
Florentina blushed, a pleased smile broadening across her face. “You inspire me,” she echoed lustily, “in more ways than one.” Maddie knew the gleam she saw in those tawny eyes. They moved in tandem, lips parting as they pressed together. She wrapped her arms around Florentina and held on as one clinging to a small boat without a rudder being plunged down river rapids. Where ever this ride was going to take her, she would bask in the glory of the adventure!
Chapter 12
Several blocks away situated between Casa de Torelli and Casa de Viscardi lay another wealthy merchant’s domicile. Casa de Sacchi was equivalent in size and grandeur to the other Great Houses as only the absence of an inherited head-start placed him third in line. Their fine estate encompassed a Roman style central courtyard also, as was common in Milanese mansions and palaces. Julia sat in front of a mirror at her dressing table wearing her a chemise and petticoats carefully applying her various powders and enhancements before the family went to Mass.
Madelena has been different since her husband died; in truth, she considered, should it matter all that much? Her brother holds the riches and power, not that unfortunate Vergilio. She blotted white powder over her not quite alabaster enough face. But she was acting odder than usual yesterday. I must discover her secret.
Julia was not the featherhead she presented to the world; in fact, she successfully ran her own private enterprise in the information business. She loved nothing more than to collect juicy tidbits of gossip-worthy news on those in society and proceed to charge a fee to keep them to herself. She was so crafty an extortionist that her friends–at least those who were not on her list–had no idea what she was about, and that clueless husband of hers? Please! It wasn’t that she needed the money; she enjoyed the power.
As she was applying the last bit of her eye make-up, Giovanni entered their master suite. “I will be unable to accompany you to the cathedral this morning,” he announced as he strode in. “I have an important consultation in Venice and am obliged embark straight away.”
“Oh,” she said pushing out her bottom lip into a pout. “You can’t leave later?”
“No, Dear. I just received word that our planned meeting has been moved up and it is vital that I don’t miss it, so must go now. You can manage a few days without me.” He stepped up behind her and placed a kiss to the top of her head.
Julia stood up and spun to him with a gleam lighting her face. “While you are there, will you buy something for me?”
He let out a slight laugh and replied, “Certainly.”
“I was looking in a magazine and there is a lovely little seaside villa for sale in Genoa that we simply must own! Summers are too hot and sticky in the city and the article says the seaside is cool and refreshing. Oh, it is darling; you will simply love to take our summers there!” She beamed into his lined face.
“Julia, I am traveling to Venice; that’s the opposite direction from Genoa. I won’t be shopping for any villas on this trip,” he answered humorously.
The pout returned to her lips, and she thrust her bulging breasts toward him. “Isn’t Venice by a seashore? Couldn’t you buy me a villa there?”
He laughed shaking his head and placed a light kiss on her lips–the only part of her face not caked with powder. “We’ll see. Now, behave while I’m away and try not to spend all our money. Pietro will accompany you to Mass in my absence.”
Pietro, Julia mused to herself dreamily. How I would love to get my hands on that body! He is the pinnacle! Strong, handsome, rugged. How a man that spectacular came from frumpy bespectacled Giovanni I have no idea. And I’ve seen him look at me, oh yes he has, but… I do not find it worth the risk. If Giovanni were to find out about us, I’m sure I would be the one to meet with an unfortunate accident like Vergilio did. I wonder if that’s what happened? Madelena caught him in adultery and had him killed? She shook off the notion. If every wife took such action there would be no husbands left.
Don Benetto hadn’t slept all night. He wasn’t going to Mass this morning, why should he? To see and be seen? That was over. God wasn’t protecting him so why should he waste his time. Daniella tried to get him to eat, but he waved her away. When he saw Stefano venture into the main hall, he called to him. “Stefano, in my office, now.”
“Should I call for Zuane?” his brother asked. “He was there too.”
“No,” Benetto growled. “I don’t trust anyone at this point.”
Once inside the study with the door locked, Benetto took a seat at his desk and motioned to a nearby chair. “So tell me again,” he began, biting back his temper. “How many were there?”
Stefano sighed. “I’m not sure; no one actually saw anyone except that character in black who drove off with the carriage. But there must have been more of them because of all the shots fired.”
Benetto rubbed his chin and furrowed his brows. “Did the bandit do any flying this time?”
“No,” Stefano answered firmly. “I can’t even be sure it was the same thief as before. Maybe the whole gang wears masks.”
“And you say he used a chemical, some sort of choking gas on you?”
“Yes, it was the most afraid I have ever been, Benetto.” Stefano leaned forward with an elbow on his knee. “I couldn’t fight it, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t see. Do you know how helpless I felt? Me?” he questioned motioning to his broad chest and muscled biceps. “I can pick people up and throw them, bash heads together, wrestle a bull, but against this potion,” he shook his head in shame. “I’m sorry if I let you down. I know it was a large sum that was taken, but honestly, that gas knocked me out.”
“Potions, flying bandits, invisible cannons, arabesques firing with no shooters,” Benetto mused thoughtfully. “We are not dealing with any ordinary criminals here.”
“Exactly!” Stefano returned to leaning back in his chair and rubbed a hand over his close-cropp
ed dark hair.
“I ran across some interesting reading material,” Benetto said placing his hand on a plain leather-bound volume. “A diary with notes about a secret society operating an underground enterprise. At first I thought it fantasy, but now I am not so certain. It’s all mysterious and full of symbols and suspicions, no hard evidence, no names or places or other real facts, only what sounds like the ravings of a madman. It speaks of a horse and a dark specter. Could this Night Flyer be that dark specter? I want us to study this matter quietly, Stefano, not a word to anyone–even Zuane. We don’t know who may be a spy. It might be nonsense, but if such an underground organization exists, it would be extremely powerful and dangerous. Who is the most powerful, dangerous man you know?”
Stefano considered, then answered, “You are.”
“Precisely,” Benetto quantified, “and yet I was not invited into their number.” He looked at his brother with the first hit of fear in his eyes. “That speaks volumes.”
Sunday night was a quiet in Milan. Businesses were closed, families returned to their homes from Mass, and most people enjoying a relaxing evening at home playing cards or music, reading books or telling stories. The streets were empty - a perfect time for the Night Flyer.
