by C. De Melo
“Yet that’s exactly what you’ve done.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
He calmed down in the face of her contriteness. “I’m relieved to hear it.”
“I missed Florence and…I missed seeing you.” When he said nothing, she asked, “Would you like to sup with me this evening?”
Studying her intently, he inquired, “Would that be wise?”
His husky tone and smoldering gaze caused her heartbeat to race. “Are you suggesting it’s unwise to break bread with a friend?”
Bruno took firm hold of Allegra’s chin and stared wistfully at her mouth. When her breathing grew shallow and her eyes fluttered shut in anticipation of his kiss, he chuckled softly. “Friend, you say?”
Turning on his heel, he headed back to the bottega.
Shaken, Allegra stared after him with longing. Sighing heavily, she went in search of her servants to prepare a bath. While soaking in the fragrant water, she tried to think of a solution to her problem. She wanted Bruno and La Castagna. Squeezing her eyes shut, she filled her lungs with air and immersed her head underwater. After a lifetime of resenting and avoiding men, she lacked feminine wiles. She was also ignorant on many issues pertaining to love and courtship.
Breaking through the water’s surface, Allegra inhaled deeply and slicked her hair back from her face. She needed advice on love, courtship, and everything these rites entailed. There was only one person she could talk to about such things; only one person she could trust.
A couple of hours later, Allegra was seated in the privacy of Bianca’s sitting room. After exchanging pleasantries and describing her father’s wedding in Asti, she said, “I came here today because I need your advice.”
“Something is troubling you,” Bianca commented.
“Yes.”
Bianca walked to the sideboard and poured wine into two chalices. “Wine usually helps. What ails you, my friend?”
Allegra took a deep sip of wine for encouragement. “As you know, I’ve never courted any man. I’m ignorant on males and matters of the heart and, since I have no siblings or mother to turn to, I’ve come to you for advice.”
“You did the right thing.”
Relieved, Allegra smiled hesitantly. “I need to ask you a question of a personal nature, and I’m counting on your discretion.”
“Of course, my dear. Ask me anything.”
“How do you prevent pregnancy?”
Bianca’s head tilted back as she let out a hearty laugh. “Who is he?”
“I don’t think you know him.”
“I know everyone.” Bianca studied Allegra’s face then gasped. “You love this man! Cupid’s arrow has struck you at last!” Her face grew serious. “I only hope he’s worthy of you, my best and dearest friend.”
“He is, I assure you.”
“Does this mean that you and he…?”
“No, never.”
Bianca smiled slyly. “But you want to.”
Allegra’s face burned under her friend’s scrutiny. “Yes,” she confessed. “You will help me?”
“Of course! First of all, there’s no need to fret. What happens between a man and a woman is the most natural thing in the world.” She grinned. “You still haven’t told me the gentleman’s name.”
“Bruno Spinelli.”
Bianca’s face lit up. “Maestro Domenico’s son? He’s quite handsome. I can see why you want him.”
“No one knows my secret, Bianca.”
“Don’t worry. No one will find out.”
“Thank you.”
“The carnal act of love is the most natural thing in the world. I’m certain that Bruno Spinelli has considerable experience in that area.” Lowering her voice, Bianca added, “You must protect yourself from any unwanted consequences, of course. My servants will prepare the emmenagogue for you as a precaution.”
“Forgive my ignorance, but I don’t know what that is.”
“It’s a potent concoction of various roots and herbs including cloves, periwinkle, mugwort, parsley, and a bit of strong wine. After you make love with Bruno, which I hope happens soon, you simply drink it and it will cause you to bleed.” Bianca paused to allow the implication of her words to sink in. When Allegra continued to stare at her askance, she explained, “It forces your menstrual blood to flow.”
“To prevent pregnancy.”
“Precisely. Or you can have Bruno pull out his manhood before he spills his seed into you, but, I warn you, this method is a bit tricky. Otherwise, you can simply become pregnant and force him to marry you, which is ultimately what you want is it not?”
“Bruno already wants to marry me, but I refused his offer.”
“Oho! The plot thickens,” Bianca said, simultaneously amused and shocked. “Here you are, a virgo intacta well over marrying age, wanting to prevent pregnancy with a man whom you wish to seduce, but have no intention to wed.”
“You make me sound so wicked.”
“Allegra, you’re surprising me at every turn! What prevents you from marrying this handsome, rich man?”
Embarrassed, Allegra buried her face in her hands. “I can’t tell you.”
“Why ever not?”
“I…I simply cannot. Please, don’t question me further. It’s taken all of my courage to confess this much to you already.”
“I respect your privacy,” Bianca said gently. “I’m always here if and when you wish to unburden yourself.”
“You are a true friend.”
Allegra gratefully accepted the tiny bottle containing the emmenagogue and went home. She busied herself in the workshop until sundown, then changed for dinner. There was no sign of Bruno. Feeling like a fool, she sat at the dining table alone. She was in the middle of sipping broth when one of the servants appeared at the door with him in tow.
“You came,” Allegra said with a smile.
He walked toward the table. “How could I stay away?”
A servant quickly set a place at the table and retreated into the kitchen. A moment later, a steaming bowl of broth was set in front of Bruno.
He ate a spoonful, then said, “You mentioned that your father plans on staying in Asti until September.”
“They plan on living six months in Florence, six months in Asti.”
“That’s not unreasonable. In fact, it seems like a good compromise.”
“I suppose it is,” she agreed. “Asti is lovely.”
“So lovely that you fled from it in the middle of the night.”
“The thought of remaining in the north for so long made me sad.”
“Why?”
She was relieved when a servant arrived with a platter of braised rabbit. As the girl served them, she said, “Please taste the rabbit and let me know if it’s to your liking.”
Bruno took a bite. “It’s delicious.” Leaning back in his chair, he eyed her steadily. “You haven’t answered my question.”
“I didn’t want to be away from Florence for so long.”
“Why am I here, Allegra?”
The direct question caught her off guard. “I enjoy your company.”
“I can’t help but wonder what your father would say if he walked into this room right now.”
“He would disapprove.”
“Any father would. You’ve invited a man to sup with you alone, without a chaperone. Servants talk, you know.”
“I know.”
“Yet you risk your father’s displeasure on my behalf.” He paused for effect. “So again I ask you, why am I here?”
Allegra met his gaze and her eyes revealed desire. Seeing this, Bruno stood and walked to where she sat. She stood and boldly kissed him.
“Your kisses are sweet as honey,” he whispered when she pulled away. “Tell me in words what I see in your eyes.”
“Bruno, please…”
Gripping her shoulders, he repeated, “Tell me. I want to hear it.”
“I want you.”
“You reje
ct my offer to court you, yet claim to want me?” he asked, panting with desire. “You are an enigma.”
Ignoring his comment, she kissed him again, this time pressing against him as her arms slid around his neck.
“If we continue like this…”
Paying no heed to the warning, she repeated, “I want you, Bruno.”
So be it. “Take me to your bed.”
The moment they were alone, he pushed her against the wall and kissed her slowly, sensuously. His hands caressed her throat and breasts as his tongue devoured her mouth.
Pulling away, he said, “Say you’ll be mine.”
“I am yours.”
“Oh God,” he whispered. With nimble fingers, he undid the laces of her gown, marveling at the smoothness of her naked shoulders. When Allegra’s face expressed apprehension, he froze. “What is it, sweetheart?”
She pushed him away gently. “It’s nothing, it’s only that I…”
When she said nothing more, he frowned in confusion “One moment you want me, the next you reject me.”
“I’m sorry.”
Something about her expression made him wary. When she began to cry, realization lit up his features. “You’re a virgin.”
“Yes, of course.”
Yes, of course? “Mother Mary in Heaven.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Cover yourself.”
“What have I done?” Confused and humiliated, she lifted the gown to cover her breasts. “I don’t understand. Why are you angry? I thought you wanted me…”
“I want you more than anything in this world, my love, but I was under the impression that you…I thought you had more experience.” He shook his head and mumbled incoherently as he headed for the door. “I should go.”
Allegra didn’t know whether to feel insulted or flattered. “You don’t want me because I lack experience? Because I’m a virgin?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“Why?”
He stared at her in disbelief. “Dear God, woman, I have no intention of deflowering you like some villain in a tawdry novel—in your father’s house, no less! I do possess some moral character.”
“Bruno, I want you to make love to me.”
“If that is indeed true, then marry me.”
She turned her face away. “I can’t marry you.”
“Your father has wed and will be spending half the year in Asti. You can no longer use him as an excuse.”
“Believe me when I say that it’s best if we do not wed.”
Frustrated, Bruno threw up his hands. “I’m at a loss, Allegra! You’re begging me to bed you, yet you refuse to be my wife. I find that offensive.”
“You shouldn’t feel offended.”
“No? How should I feel, then?”
“Wanted and loved,” she replied sincerely.
Bruno’s eyes narrowed as he searched her face. This woman loved him, quite possibly as much as he loved her. “Say it again.”
“I love you, Bruno.”
“Then stop this stupid game and be my wife, bear my children.” When she shook her head, he pounded the wall in frustration. “Tell me why!”
“I wish I could.”
“Who’s preventing you from doing so?” When she refused to answer, he said gently, “What are you afraid of?”
Shaking her head, she looked away. A long, tense silence followed.
Defeated, he opened the door. “I’m done with your games, Allegra,” he said icily. “I’ve already suffered enough in life because of a woman.”
“Bruno, please.”
“I won’t risk my heart only to have you break it.”
He stormed out of the room and out of her life.
Chapter 23
Allegra woke up the next morning with swollen eyes from shedding so many tears. Bruno’s last words still hung in the air. Had she lost him forever? She washed and dressed, then broke her fast without appetite.
A servant came into the room. “Signora Paolina Gori is downstairs.”
This early in the day? Allegra made her way to the main hall where the impeccably dressed widow stood waiting by the window. “Signora Paolina. You wish to speak with me?”
“My apologies if I have disturbed you, Signorina Allegra,” Paolina said in a tone that implied otherwise. “I’d like to speak with you in private.”
Allegra led her into the library. “What is this regarding?”
“I’m here to deliver a warning.”
“A warning?” Allegra repeated, surprised.
“My servant followed Signore Bruno last night. It seems he came here.”
“I don’t see how that’s any concern of yours.”
“I know your father isn’t in residence…”
Allegra’s patience ran thin. “Why have you come here, Signora?”
“I know who you are.”
“I beg your pardon?”
The widow smiled smugly. “La Castagna.”
The blow was hard, direct, and completely unexpected, but Allegra managed to maintain a cool demeanor.
Paolina continued, “Don’t bother denying it. The clever spies whom I employ have been watching you and Domenico Spinelli for months,” she replied. “I know you made the medallion that I commissioned for Bruno.”
Hearing this, Allegra’s face blanched. “Have you told anyone?”
“Not yet.”
“What do you want?”
“I’m in love with Bruno and you’re in my way.”
“He doesn’t love you.”
“He was in the process of doing so until you fell into his arms,” she retorted, rolling her eyes. “I warn you, if you continue to play the coquette with him, I shall expose you to the magistrates.”
“You have no proof.”
Paolina’s eyebrow shot up. “Oh no? There are laws in Florence that govern the guilds, and you’re in violation of every single one of them. If I were to expose you, an investigation would follow. The ensuing scandal would ruin your reputation, and your father’s as well.” She stared at her young rival in triumphant satisfaction. “I’ll leave you to your thoughts, Signorina Allegra. Good day to you.”
Paolina exited the library, leaving Allegra alone and defeated.
Vittorio arrived later that day, accompanied by Gianna. After a thorough tongue-lashing from her father, Allegra offered him a sincere apology.
Vittorio wouldn’t be placated so easily, however. “Do you realize the danger you put yourself in? Lavinia’s entire household searched for you.” Pinching the bridge of his nose, he added, “I was so embarrassed.”
“Papa, I’m truly sorry,” she said, “Bruno delivered a harsh lecture when he came to check on me.”
“Good,” he snapped. “Someone should point out your foolishness.” Taking a deep breath, he said gently, “I’ve been thinking, Allegra.”
“Please, don’t…”
“It’s time for you to stop being a goldsmith and live your life.”
“I am living my life.”
“La Castagna is sucking you dry. It’s time for you to leave him behind.”
“No!” she countered. “Please, it’s all I have, I beg you.”
“You’re coming back to Asti with me. Pack whatever books and items you wish to take.”
“I’ll be miserable there.”
Vittorio’s mouth formed a hard line as he walked to the window and stared outside. He thought of Stefania’s last day on earth, and, most importantly, her last words. Set her free. He had made a vow.
“Papa?”
He glanced at his daughter’s anxious face. Heaving a tired sigh, he turned away from the window. “I’ll concede to your wishes, albeit reluctantly. Gianna will remain here in Florence, and I will have Domenico and Bruno keep an eye on you.”
Allegra fought back tears at the mention of her beloved’s name. She wanted to tell her father about Paolina’s threat, but she’d already caused him enough trouble. “Thank you.”
“I’m going to t
he bottega. I’ll be back before supper.”
No sooner had Vittorio left the Palazzo Castagno, than Gianna appeared in the doorway. “We were all worried, you know, including the countess.”
“Forgive me, Gianna, I didn’t mean to cause any grief.”
“You should have told me.”
“So you could alert my father?”
“I could never go along with such a dangerous and foolish plan.”
“I’ll write a letter to Signora Lavinia and ask her forgiveness.”
“I know why you came back. The reason is as plain as the nose on your face. Wouldn’t it be better to follow your father’s wise counsel? Let La Castagna die quietly. Bruno Spinelli is a good man.”
***
Vittorio remained in Florence until the end of the week before returning to Asti. Several days later, a servant from the Bargello arrived at the Palazzo Castagno.
“What I have to say is for the ears of Signorina Allegra Castagno only,” he said to Gianna, who hovered over Allegra’s shoulder.
Miffed, she retreated into the next room.
The young man cleared his throat and said, “A man by the name of Mancini paid me to inform you that he’s been imprisoned for witchcraft. His execution is scheduled to take place this Friday.”
Allegra frowned in dismay. “Is there anything else?”
“No, my lady.”
The messenger left and Gianna rushed back into the room. “There’s nothing you can do, Signorina. It’s a lost cause.”
“Were you eavesdropping?”
“Of course,” Gianna replied shamelessly. “Your father urged me to keep close watch on you.”
“I can’t ignore Messer Mancini’s plea for help.”
“You can’t go to the Bargello, either.”
“Why not?”
Gianna’s face expressed incredulity. “It will seem suspicious. They can easily accuse you of being Mancini’s accomplice. Besides, your father is not here to accompany you.”
“I’ll go alone.”
“You’ll do no such thing.”
Allegra ascended the stairs to fetch her cloak. “I won’t stand idly by while an innocent man is sent to the gallows.”
Gianna chased after her mistress. “He’s a warlock.”
