73
At the rear of the villa, Olivia held out a carrot to a colt standing next to its mother in a fenced pasture next to the stable. He cautiously neared to sniff it, his short, golden mane shimmering in the sunlight, and then nipped at the carrot in interest before accepting it.
The child in Olivia’s belly gave a sudden sharp kick. Instinctively, she rested her hand over her budding stomach. Throughout her time in Siena, Olivia had built a world of security around herself, where idle dreams of a perfect future filtered in like morning sunlight through tree branches. She glanced at her surroundings, the cypress trees, the grass, the flowers in the garden, and found such delight in them that she held her breath for a moment.
The sound of horses’ hooves plodding against the soft earth on the path made her turn around and look. She could not believe what she saw. Nanino stood before her at a short distance. Nanino! He had just come round the corner leading three horses. He was the last person she expected to see. What could he be doing here? Was he acquainted with Luca through the tight camaraderie of the racing circuit or horse breeding?
She saw him tilt his head slightly before he spotted her. He blinked twice, and then his eyes steadied on hers. His mouth dropped open as he yanked on the reins to halt the horses. He stood unmoving, as if unsure what to do.
Olivia took a step back. She glanced to the right and left, her instincts screaming at her to flee. He had discovered her whereabouts, and she feared he might tell the nuns. That must never happen; she must one day tell them herself. Her heart pounded and she broke out in a sweat. She forced herself to stand perfectly still and control her breathing. She could not greet him as she always had at the abbey, by running to him for an embrace. Behind her back, the foal pressed its nose through the fence and nudged her, seeking another carrot. She gathered her composure, and walked forward to greet Nanino. As she drew closer, his eyes widened at her belly’s unmistakable bulge.
His frown was deep. “Olivia! You are...uh...”
“With child.”
He shook his head. “But I don’t understand.” Nanino’s face turned red with anger. “The sisters and I have been frantic with worry. Why did you run off without telling me? You have no idea how angry I am at you right now. I have a good mind to throw you on this horse and take you back there this very instant!”
She held out a shaking hand to greet him. “I did my best to assure them I was well. Now that you know where I am, you must promise me not to tell the nuns. I must be the one to tell them.”
“Olivia...” His mouth opened and shut again. He tried again, his gaze once more falling upon her belly. “How could something like this have happened?”
“I am in love, Nanino.”
“In love? You are married, then?”
Heat rose in her cheeks. “No, not married, but he has promised to care for me.”
Nanino scowled. “Care for you! Why not marriage? Who is this scoundrel? Tell me his name and I’ll pay him a visit.”
“He is no scoundrel. He is kind-hearted and generous, and he loves me.”
He clenched his fists. “You have thrown your life away for a man who does not care enough about you to wed! Have you lost your wits?”
“That is not how it is.”
“No? If he is so great, then tell me who he is.”
“You must promise me that you will not say anything to him or anyone else.”
Nanino frowned, grinding his teeth.
“Promise me, Nanino, or I will not tell you anything more.”
“Oh, very well. You have my word.”
Olivia smiled. How typical of Nanino, who never could deny her. “He is Luca Ventura, a horseman of great skill.”
Nanino shook his head as if he had not heard clearly. Confusion creased his features and his eyes widened. “Luca Ventura is the father of your child?”
She nodded.
“You cannot be serious. Luca Ventura of Costalpino? Luca Ventura the fantino? Luca Ventura the owner of this villa?” This time the frown was deep and concerned.
“The very same.”
“But he is to be married soon!”
“You know of him?”
Nanino nodded. “Very well. He is the son of the man I have worked for since the day I left the abbey.”
“Oh,” Olivia said. “You once told me their names, but I had forgotten. Besides, it doesn’t matter. Luca is a good man who has never been anything but kind to me.”
Slowly his eyes narrowed. “Kind? You have lost your wits, haven’t you? Did you not hear me when I said he is to be married soon? He has been betrothed since he was a child. In the eyes of the Church he is as good as married already.” He paused. “You are to be his whore then? You agreed to this?”
With effort, she kept her face composed, her voice even. “If you believe that, then there is nothing more to say. Luca and I love each other. He told me about his pending nuptials, but hopes to break the betrothal so he can marry me instead. He has sworn to care for me and the child, and I trust him wholeheartedly.”
Doubt clouded Nanino’s eyes.
She no longer wished to speak of it with him. “Why are you here?” Olivia fumbled awkwardly with her dress.
“As I said before, I work for the Ventura family. I accompanied Luca’s father. He is here to talk to his son about confirming the date for the nuptials.” Enrico’s horse nudged Nanino with impatience. Nanino gave a quick tug on the reins to make him behave. “What are you going to do if the betrothal can’t be broken? The Church rarely grants permission. Besides, their fathers swore a blood oath before God.”
Her hands rose over her belly. Her child responded with another hearty kick. She had permitted herself to hope for marriage, yet had always sensed it might not be possible. She had foolishly forced the awful fact of Luca’s betrothal to the back of her mind, indulging instead in the amicable companionship and love they shared for one another in the present. Now, Nanino had burst her hopes and her heart ached. The man she loved would soon move beyond her reach. She couldn’t bear to envision Luca embracing another woman. Her throat constricted with emotion. “Nanino, if I can’t marry Luca, then for the sake of our child, I will remain here under his protection. I made my choice and I am happy here. Do not tell a soul that you know where I am. Forget you saw me here, forget that you know me. Do this for me, for everyone’s sake.”
Nanino hesitated, his posture slumped. “Why are you wearing black?
Olivia pointed to the small building beyond the pasture. “The cottage over there is being readied for me, but until that is ready, I’ve been given a room on the uppermost storey of the villa. Luca has told everyone I am the widow of a close friend whom he has offered to care for. By living here, our child will know his father.”
“And what about the nuns?” Nanino’s eyebrows rose.
Olivia shook her head. “I could not bear to tell them, to see the disappointment in their eyes, to burden them with my child. I thought I’d wait until the child is born and when all is settled here with Luca, I’ll bring the child with me when I tell them, so they can see things are well.”
“They love you, Olivia. They have opened their hearts to many women in your circumstances. The sisters would not judge you so harshly.”
“One day, I will return for a visit, but not yet. I am not ready.”
“I think I understand, but I’m not happy about what’s happened to you.”
“You understand?”
“Love between a man and a woman is a rare gift from God, if one is so blessed. It is worth hanging on to.”
“You will keep my secret, then?”
Nanino’s eyes softened. “I don’t like it, but I’ll keep your secret. There is nothing I would not do for you, but you must promise me one thing.”
“What is it?”
“If you should need anything, send word. I will always be at your service. You know that, don’t you?”
Olivia smiled. “Yes. I thank you with all my heart. I will se
nd word if I need you.”
“Good.”
“Nanino, it’s also best that we are not seen together. I don’t want Luca’s father to learn about me until Luca is able to talk to him first.”
Nanino nodded again. He tugged on the reins and led the horses into the stable.
Olivia stood silently as she watched him walk away. They were both orphans with an unbreakable bond between them. For her entire life he had been her friend, making her feel loved and protected. Just before Nanino passed through the open doors of the stable, he let out a loud belch.
Olivia smiled. Some things never changed. She turned and went inside the villa, taking the back stairs to her room to avoid anyone seeing her.
74
In the kitchen, Luca sat opposite his father. Rosina had set out a carafe of wine, olives with cheese, and a basket of fresh-picked figs and then left them.
“Well, what do you think?” Luca popped an olive into his mouth, savoring its mild taste, and leaned forward.
“You have done very well, son. Your achievement is impressive considering you earned this all as a fantino.”
Luca grinned. “I can’t explain it, but when I hang up my buckler to display my coat of arms or step onto the field before a race and hear the cheers of the crowd, it is as if a powerful elixir runs through my blood, feeding energy into my limbs, and nothing else matters.”
Enrico rubbed his chin. “There will come a day when you will no longer be fit enough to compete against those younger than you. What will you do with your life then?” Enrico downed his second goblet of wine.
“I intend to spend my days training and breeding horses. Whatever I do, I am not one to enjoy the quiet life. I love Siena, the horse races, and all the attractions of a large town.”
“And what of your home in Costalpino? With your marriage to Giustina, you will inherit Carlo’s orchards and vineyards. He’ll expect your help. One day you and your brother and your families will live and work side by side, just as Carlo and I have all these years.” Enrico reached for the pitcher and filled his goblet again, swirling the burgundy contents before taking a sip.
Luca knew where this conversation was leading, and he was glad for it. He wanted nothing more than to resolve this problem of his marriage. It was time. “Lorenzo is the one who should marry Giustina, not I.”
Enrico’s face reddened. “But it is you who is betrothed to Giustina, not your brother. We’ve spoken of this before. Why do you persist in bringing it up again?”
“Because Lorenzo and Giustina are better matched. They are in love, meant to be together.”
“Bah, love has nothing to do with it. Love is for fulfilling the fancies of youth. Marriage is for carving a livelihood and for building a family, nothing more than cordial companionship is needed between a husband and a wife.”
“Like you and Mother?”
His father’s face clouded with darkness as he gulped more wine.
“I want more than that for my life,” Luca said.
“What more is there?”
“The love of a good woman. A life here in Siena to share with her.” Luca softened his voice. “This is where my heart belongs, where my destiny lies. I cannot visualize a life toiling on the land in Costalpino. It’s simply not for me.”
Enrico leaned forward and rolled up his sleeve. He thrust the inside of his forearm towards Luca, baring his narrow scar, somewhat faded through the years. Through clenched teeth, he gave Luca his answer. “This is a blood oath. No man of honor backs away from his word.”
“That is your oath, not mine. I am not bound to it. Lorenzo and I are twins, born on the same day. What does it matter which of us marries Giustina?”
Enrico slammed his goblet on the trestle. “It matters to me. It matters to Carlo. You are considered married in the eyes of the Church. Our oath was for our firstborn children to marry each other. You are my firstborn, not Lorenzo.”
“By nature’s folly, I am!”
“No, it was by God’s hand. I will not bring shame upon us by seeking a severance of the betrothal from the Church and dishonoring a blood oath.”
“Destiny cannot be denied, Father. You taught me yourself: Fate forces its own way into one’s life, it has its own way of setting right what is wrong.”
Enrico’s eyelids contracted to mere slits. He flicked his wrist in a gesture of dismissal. “I will speak of this no more. In fact, the reason I came is to set the date for your nuptials. Your mother and Giustina’s mother wish it to take place in sixty days. In fact, the banns are already being read.
Luca sucked in a breath. Sixty days! He took a long swallow of his wine to calm himself. “You’ll have to put a stop to them because I refuse.”
With a powerful sweep of his arm, Enrico sent the pitcher flying. He reached across the trestle and grabbed his son’s over-tunic in his fist. “You dare question my decision?”
Luca shoved his father’s arm away. “And you would condemn me to an unhappy life because of some imprudent vow made by two men before I was even born?”
“You live today because Giustina's father saved my life. You owe him a debt as much as I do!”
“I am your son, not a beast to be traded or bred at will.”
Enrico swung his arm back to punch Luca in the face, but Luca was too fast and ducked, grabbing his father’s forearm.
At that moment, Nanino entered the room. “Dio buono! Stop it! Stop right this instant!” he exclaimed as he dove between them. With both hands on Enrico’s belly, he shoved him back to stop him from striking Luca. “Have you both lost your senses?”
Enrico stumbled backwards a little, his chest heaving with anger and exertion.
Luca raised both his arms, a clear sign he had no wish to lay a hand on his father.
Enrico frowned at Luca whose look remained steady.
“The wedding takes place in sixty days and there is nothing that can be done to change it. You had better accept it.” Then he shoved past Luca and Nanino, leaving a waft of stale wine in his wake.
75
That night, sleep eluded Enrico. His room, on the main floor of the villa, was cool enough, the bed and pillow comfortably soft, but his surroundings was not causing his restlessness; rather, it was what Luca had said, quoting his own words to him and it kept resonating in his mind. Fate forces its own way into one’s life, it has its own way of setting right what is wrong.
He sat up in bed and ran his fingers through his hair. For the first time, doubt crept into his thoughts. If Lorenzo really loved Giustina, then by denying them he might be setting his sons against each other. Would Lorenzo one day cuckold his own brother? It could happen, but he doubted it. He had brought his sons up well, teaching them the difference between right and wrong, a good day’s work versus sloth, and in accordance with Church law. They were good boys, both worthy of his pride in them.
He stood and slipped on his robe. There were two doors in his bedchamber. One opened into the entrance hall and the other to the outside, the rear of the property. Perhaps the night air might clear his mind. He grabbed the half-empty bottle of wine on his nightstand, swung open the door, and stepped outside. The stone tiles were cool against his bare feet. He took a seat on a bench against the wall of the house and leaned back. The night was silent except for the occasional hoot from an owl in the distance. He gazed up into the balcony beams above him.
From somewhere over him, a woman’s sigh, followed by muffled whispers, caught his attention. Could it be the servants? He held himself still and tilted his head to listen better.
He recognized Luca’s voice, and then the unmistakable higher intonations of a woman. With whom could Luca be speaking? He listened intently.
76
Unable to sleep, Olivia stepped out onto the third floor balcony outside her room. The iron railing felt cool beneath her hands as she looked up at the star-scattered sky. Her earlier conversation with Nanino had stirred up a host of emotions. She still felt guilty for having left the abbey
so suddenly, but there had been little choice.
From behind, she heard a soft shuffling sound.
She turned to see Luca standing there with a contemplative look on his handsome face. “Luca, you should not be here.”
“I thought I heard you out here, and wanted to join you.” He came to stand beside her. “That is all I want. You have my word.”
Olivia nodded and turned back to stare out at the view. “To tell you the truth, I could use the company. I could not sleep, so I thought some night air might help. And you?”
He shrugged as he stared out into the distance. “The same.”
A long pause ensued.
Luca leaned his forearms against the railing and clasped his hands. “Have you ever wished for something so desperately that you would risk everything just to have it?”
Olivia swallowed back a surge of emotion. “Every moment since the day that I met you. That is why I came with you to Siena.”
“You gave up everything for me and I don’t deserve it.”
“Do not think that. I love you, and a child should know its father.”
“You left the safety and tranquility of the abbey. And have you no regrets?”
“The only thing I would regret is not having you in my life.”
He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “I love you more than life itself, more than everything I own, and everything the future promises.”
“I never doubted it.”
“The only thing I want is to be with you.” He paused. “Let’s leave, tomorrow. We can go north and cross the Alps, or we can board a ship in Venice and go to the Greek isles. We can start a new life.”
The urgency in his voice almost frightened her.
“You are to be married. What of your bride, your family, your honor?”
“You are what I need. Without you, I will never be whole. I want nothing more than to wake up next to you each morning and to lie beside you each night.”
His words were treasures to lock into her heart and draw out when needed. She would have flung herself into his arms and fled as they had fled before, but pondering the consequences, she hesitated.
Orphan of the Olive Tree - Historical Romance Saga Page 25
