by C. De Melo
To Stefania’s chagrin, she blushed. “You’re very much like me when I was your age. Clever, outspoken, full of life…” What happened to that lively girl? Life and all its harsh reality gradually crushed her spirit.
“Mother?”
Stefania snapped out of her reverie and met her daughter’s inquisitive eyes. Her grandmother had always been open and honest. Allegra, who was now a young woman, deserved the same courtesy. “I’ll tell you the truth, but it must remain between us, agreed?”
“Agreed.”
“Cosimo was more than my friend. He was my lover.”
Shocked, Allegra asked, “When?”
“Before he met Eleonora and before your father and I were wed.”
“You weren’t a virgin when you married father?”
Stefania averted her gaze. “No.”
“Does he know about you and Cosimo?”
“Yes.”
“Did Eleonora know, too?”
“Not to my knowledge.”
Mother and daughter regarded each other quietly. Finally, Allegra said, “I’m glad you told me this.”
Stefania’s brow creased. “Why?”
“I’ve always thought of you as perfect.”
Stefania chuckled without mirth as she sat down beside her daughter. “No one is perfect, of that you may be sure.”
They resumed reading and, every once in a while, Allegra would discreetly glance at her mother, who suddenly seemed different.
Plagued by loneliness, Cosimo eventually took on a mistress by the name of Eleonora degli Albizzi. The woman brought him some measure of comfort, but she lived under the indelible shadow of the late duchess.
Chapter 9
In January 1563 Vittorio received a hefty commission. Domenico and Allegra worked arduously for weeks to create a stunning diamond necklace for one of his best clients in Venice. When the time came to deliver the merchandise, Vittorio suggested that Allegra accompany him.
Stefania, who was present when he extended the invitation to their daughter, said, “You must keep a close eye on her, Vittorio.”
“You can keep an eye on her yourself,” he countered. “It would please me greatly if you accompanied us as well.”
Stefania shook her head. “I can’t leave my babies for very long.”
Allegra glanced uneasily at her father. “Please come with us, Mother.”
Vittorio hid his impatience. “The children aren’t going anywhere, Stefania. There will probably be more infants when you return.”
“You’ve never been outside of Florence,” Stefania said to Allegra, smoothing her daughter’s hair while simultaneously ignoring her husband’s comment. “How exciting this journey will be for you.”
“Papa, will you show your clients my jewelry designs?” When Vittorio appeared doubtful, Allegra added, “I would appreciate an objective opinion of my work. We can say that Domenico or one of his apprentices drew them.”
“She makes a good point,” Stefania said.
He frowned. “I dislike the idea of lying.”
“What harm can come of it, Vittorio?”
“Very well,” he conceded. “I’ll decide who sees them, however.”
“Thank you, Papa,” Allegra said, offering him a hug.
Stefania’s devotion to the orphans prevented her from seeing Vittorio and Allegra off the following morning. One of the babies was sick and she had gone to spend the night by the child’s bedside. Gianna stood in the dimness of early dawn holding a candle and waving goodbye.
The journey was long, but they enjoyed decent weather. Vittorio booked two adjoining rooms at a respectable inn frequented by wealthy merchants. Since it was too early to retire, he hired a gondolier to take them for a ride. The late afternoon sun caused the Grand Canal to gleam like liquid copper.
“This is the most beautiful city in the world,” Allegra said, admiring the gorgeous palaces along the water.
Vittorio chuckled. “I agree, but never say that aloud in Florence. I knew you’d love Venice—the colors, the exotic palazzos, the light. Hopefully, this trip will serve as inspiration for your future creations.”
They glided past the enormous Piazza San Marco, which boasted the city’s magnificent cathedral and the Palazzo Ducale, the doge’s residence. The bells of the Campanile di San Marco rang as the tangerine sun initiated its slow descent in the sky. The gondolier continued rowing and eventually changed direction at a confluence where three canals convened.
Vittorio pointed to an imposing palazzo flaunting numerous lancet windows and three façades facing water, which was unusual. “That’s the residence of Bartolomeo Cappello, head of one of the noblest families in Venice. We’re going there tomorrow morning to deliver the diamond necklace to his wife, Signora Lucrezia Grimani. She likes diamonds and her young stepdaughter, Bianca, favors pearls.”
“Pearls are the most prized jewels of Europe,” Allegra commented. “Bianca must possess good taste. How old is she?”
“I suspect her to be about your age.”
“I look forward to meeting her.”
After breaking their fasts the next morning, they crossed the canal via gondola, then walked the short distance to the Palazzo Cappello.
A liveried page led them to a large salon boasting a marble balcony overlooking the Grand Canal. Expensive tapestries graced the walls of the spacious room, and an incredible chandelier fashioned from blue and white glass hung from the center of a frescoed ceiling.
Two black gondolas glided upon the aquamarine water outside the open windows, capturing Allegra’s attention. Across the canal, fancy balconies and Moorish windows graced the façades of colorful palazzos.
Their hostess, an attractive woman with lively eyes, entered the room and smiled at them. Although the style of her gown was somewhat conservative, it was cut from costly gold brocade.
“Signore Vittorio, it’s always a pleasure to see you,” Lucrezia said. “And who is this lovely young lady? Wait, I see a resemblance.”
“This is my daughter, Allegra.”
Allegra curtsied. “How do you do, Signora?”
Lucrezia inclined her head before addressing a nearby servant. “Tell Bianca that we have guests.” To Vittorio, she added, “A pity my husband isn’t home. He’s meeting with the doge as we speak.”
“A pity, indeed,” Vittorio agreed.
An attractive girl with reddish blonde hair and creamy complexion entered the salon. Her hazel eyes were alert, taking in every detail of Allegra’s face and clothing.
“There you are, Bianca,” Lucrezia said. “You remember Signore Vittorio, and this is his daughter, Allegra.”
“Hello. Do you often travel with your father, Signorina?”
“This is my first time,” Allegra confessed.
Bianca smiled, the whiteness and evenness of her teeth matching the uniformity of the pearls circling her throat. “Welcome to Venice.”
Vittorio placed an arm around his daughter’s shoulders. “As you know, I have no sons. Allegra is of great help to me. She offers valuable advice to my clients.”
Intrigued, Bianca inquired, “What kind of advice?”
“Allegra has an exceptional eye for color and form,” he replied smoothly. “She knows what gem and shape will complement each individual.”
Bianca’s hand flew to her throat and her fingertips caressed the pearls.
Seeing this, Allegra said, “Pearls are an excellent choice for you.”
Bianca’s eyes slid toward Vittorio. “Father only buys from the best.”
Lucrezia rubbed her hands in anticipation. “I’m eager to see my new necklace. Has Domenico outdone himself again?”
“Most definitely,” Vittorio replied.
Reaching into his satchel, he made quite a production of extracting a flat leather box. Nestled within a bed of black velvet was the diamond necklace, which he offered to the noblewoman with great flourish.
Lucrezia gasped as she held the necklace up to the sunlight. “
Oh…”
“Look how the stones capture the light,” Bianca said.
“The necklace is perfect,” Lucrezia declared. “I can’t wait to wear it tonight. The ambassador of Milan is throwing a masquerade ball in honor of Carnevale. It will be a lavish affair and everyone will be there.”
“You’ll be the envy of all the ladies tonight,” Vittorio complimented dutifully. “I also have some new gemstones to show you.”
Vittorio set a box of gemstones on the table, and Lucrezia’s eyes dilated with pleasure as she fingered the biggest, shiniest diamond. Catching sight of the vellum scroll protruding from the inside pocket of his cloak, she inquired, “Are those orders for other clients?”
“No, these are sketches,” he replied before unrolling the scroll.
“Jewelry designs,” Bianca said, leaning forward to get a better look.
Lucrezia appeared puzzled. “This doesn’t look like Domenico’s work.”
Vittorio and Allegra exchanged anxious looks.
Bianca pointed to a delicate filigree pendant set with a large center stone. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“Who drew these?” Lucrezia demanded.
Thinking quickly, Allegra replied, “One of the Maestro’s protégés.”
Relieved, Vittorio added, “A talented young man.”
“I want this pendant,” Lucrezia stated, pointing to the sketch.
Allegra could barely contain her joy. One of the most prominent ladies in Venice desired her pendant! “Signora Lucrezia, may I suggest an emerald for the central gemstone? It would bring out the green in your eyes and compliment the rosiness of your skin.”
Lucrezia was astonished. “I’ve never worn emeralds.”
“What a shame,” Allegra said, holding one of her father’s best emeralds near the woman’s face.
Bianca squinted. “I believe Allegra is correct.”
Lucrezia turned to Vittorio. “I will follow your daughter’s counsel.”
Bianca turned to Allegra and inquired, “What about me?”
“Actually, there’s a design here that would suit your elegant throat,” Allegra replied, showing her a teardrop pendant suspended by two large pearls. “Not every lady can wear this piece.”
“Yes, I want this one.”
Two commissions!
Bianca seized Allegra’s hand. “Would you like to see the ruby ring Father purchased for my fifteenth birthday?”
“You have not yet turned fifteen,” Lucrezia reminded her.
Bianca tilted her head to the side. “I will in a few weeks.”
“She insisted on getting her birthday present early and my husband indulged her,” Lucrezia explained. “Can you imagine? Patience is not one of my stepdaughter’s virtues.” She turned to Allegra and inquired, “How old are you, Signorina?”
“I will turn fifteen in April.”
“We’re the same age!” Bianca exclaimed.
“Two beautiful girls with exceptional taste,” Lucrezia said indulgently. Turning to Vittorio, she added, “Shall we discuss prices over some wine?”
Bianca led Allegra to the stairwell. “Come on.”
Vittorio caught his daughter’s eye and said, “We do not intend to stay too long, Signora Lucrezia. There are other clients we must visit.”
Allegra followed her young hostess upstairs, then down a long corridor lined with fine oil paintings. Bianca entered a bedchamber decorated in shades of pink, white, and gold. After sitting down at a mirrored vanity table, she opened a jewelry chest covered in floral motif.
“Father spoils me,” she admitted while extracting a ruby ring.
Allegra took the ring and held it up to the light pouring in from an open window. “It’s well-made and the stone is of excellent quality.”
Bianca slipped the ring on her finger. “I’m glad to hear it. What do you think about these other pieces?”
Allegra studied the jewelry with the eyes of an experienced goldsmith, examining the craftsmanship as well as the imperfections. “You have many fine things, Signorina Bianca.”
Changing the subject, Bianca inquired, “How long will it take to complete our commissions?”
“A couple of months, perhaps. My father will deliver the pieces as soon as they are finished.”
“I can hardly wait!” Bianca curled a tendril of hair around her plump white finger. “It would please me if you came with him so that we may see each other again.”
“I would be delighted.”
“Since this is your first time visiting La Serenissima—the Most Serene Republic of Venice—I would like to know what you think of our fair city.”
“I find it enchanting.”
“Have you taken a gondola ride on the canal?”
“Yes. The palazzos are grandiose and colorful.” Allegra gazed out the window. “It’s strange, yet wonderful, to see streets made of water.”
Bianca stood and walked over to Allegra. “I agree.”
A barge glided slowly into view. Two young men on deck pulled up fishing nets. Naked from the waist up, their toned bodies were browned from the sun. Allegra instinctively hid behind the window casement in order to remain unseen. Bianca, on the other hand, didn’t move, but waved coquettishly, drawing whistles and shouts from the men.
“Che bella!”
A moment later there was a knock at the door and Bianca rolled her eyes. “That will be my maid, Cattina.”
A woman with a sour expression poked her head into the room. “Signorina Bianca, must I remind you not to linger at the windows? Your stepmother forbids it,” Cattina chastised. “It’s not fitting for a girl of your station to consort with commoners, let alone fishermen!”
“I wasn’t consorting with anyone. It was an accident,” Bianca lied. “My new friend and I merely wanted to breathe in some fresh air. I didn’t notice the barge until it was too late.”
Cattina frowned before retreating and closing the door. Bianca led Allegra away from the windows facing the Grand Canal to another window facing the street.
“My stepmother forbids everything,” Bianca lamented. “Lucrezia is so strict. I miss my real mother.”
“What happened to her?”
“She died three years ago.”
“I’m sorry,” Allegra offered.
“I miss her. Have you ever lost someone you loved?”
Allegra nodded. “My friend, Lucrezia de’ Medici.”
“She was your friend?”
“Her father is my godfather.”
Bianca’s eyes became round as saucers. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you? The Duke of Florence is your godfather. How intriguing.” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “Tell me, do you think the rumors surrounding Lucrezia’s death are true?”
Allegra hesitated. “Between you and me, yes, I do.”
“How terrible! Murdered at the hands of her own husband.”
“Don’t repeat those words. There’s no proof.”
“So why do you believe the rumors?”
“Lucrezia and I were friends. We corresponded frequently. Not once did she mention feeling sick or contracting illness in her letters. Don’t you find that strange?”
“I would tell my friend everything if I had one.”
Surprised, Allegra said, “I imagine a beautiful and pleasant girl like you has many friends.”
Bianca’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she shook her head. “Most of the girls my age are envious, snobbish creatures who gossip behind my back. I can tell you’re nothing like them. I’m an excellent judge of character, you know.”
Flattered, Allegra confessed, “If it’s any consolation to you, I don’t have many friends now that Lucrezia is dead. I used to spend time with Isabella, her sister, but she’s too busy fulfilling her late mother’s duties.”
Bianca reached out and took hold of Allegra’s hand. “Let’s be friends.”
“I’d like that very much. On a happier note, I’m sure you’ll have a splendid time at the ball
tonight.”
Bianca’s face lit up. “Come with me!”
“Thank you, but I didn’t pack any formal gowns.”
“You’re thinner than me, so I’m sure you can easily fit into one of my gowns.” Bianca threw open the doors of her armoire and extracted a silk gown the color of seafoam. Intricate gold embroidery and tiny copper beads adorned the bodice and sleeves. Holding it against Allegra’s body, she said, “This color suits you. Here, hold this. I have a mask, too.”
Bianca fetched a copper eye mask decorated with sable feathers.
Allegra held it up to her face and said, “I’ve never worn a mask before. It feels strange on my face.”
“You won’t feel it after a few minutes.”
“I must ask permission of my father.”
“I’m sure we can talk him into it,” Bianca said, setting the gown on the canopied bed. Going to the window, she inquired, “Have you seen what we’re really famous for in Venice?”
“The Piazza San Marco?” Allegra replied as she went to stand beside her new friend.
Bianca leaned over the ledge and giggled. “No, I mean our courtesans.”
Allegra’s brow creased in bewilderment. “I didn’t see any.”
“Sometimes they pass along this street,” Bianca explained, swiveling her head from left to right in search of them. “There’s a rich widower a few palazzos down from ours who employs their services on occasion.” She looked at Allegra and, seeing her puzzled expression, added, “Men from all over the world come to Venice to consort with our courtesans.”
“Why?”
“Why do you think?” Bianca shot back saucily.
Allegra blushed. “No, I meant what makes them so special?”
“Well, in addition to their talents, Venetian courtesans are considered to be the most highly educated women in Europe. They’re well versed in philosophy and politics, speak several languages, and the majority of them are accomplished musicians and poets. The most popular courtesans are quite wealthy and dress more elegantly than some noble ladies.”
“We have courtesans in Florence, but they’re nothing like what you describe.”
“Florence has prostitutes,” Bianca corrected. “Venetian courtesans are fit to entertain kings. If you take another gondola ride, look out for them. The most famous ones live in palazzos and you can sometimes see them lounging on their balconies, fanning themselves as if they don’t have a care in the world.”
