The Angel of Soriano: A Renaissance Romance Read online

  Then she handed the mixture to Bernardo. “Have your people create strong tea from this and give it to all who have fallen ill.”

  When he nodded, she handed him a different bag of herbs, “Use these to get them to vomit.”

  Bernardo must’ve been feeling more like himself, because he handed off the mixture to Fulvio with a grand smirk. “See that it is done. I shall know by your smell, how well you accomplished my task.”

  “Si. Si. Si. Good ’ol Fulvio to the rescue.” He continued to mutter as he left the chambers and headed down the stairs.

  Bernardo used the opportunity to pull her out of the room. He tucked a finger under her chin and asked. “How bad is it, really? I see something in your face. You’re worried.”

  She glanced up and down the long hall. One door was open where an old face peered out within the dark shadows. This was not the time or the place to express her concerns.

  She shook her head, “Not here.”

  “Tell me.” His hands went to her waist, and it felt as if one of her bones had turned into a sword, stabbing her insides.

  “Yi. Ow! Let go!”

  Bernardo’s face turned ashen. “I’m so sorry, signorina. I forgot.”

  Pino barged out of the door shouting, “What the devil goes on here? Aurelia, are you harmed?”

  “Pino, no. My rib. It may be broken.”

  He glared at Bernardo, who suddenly appeared quite guilty. “You. Have you no morality what-so-ever? After all she’s endured for you? My God. What were you thinking?”

  No doubt alarmed by the shouting, Fulvio shot up the stairs with hand upon his sword.

  Bernardo stood in front of his friend, with palms up. “Everyone. Calm down.”

  Aurelia had never seen Pino so angry. She tugged on his sleeve. “Please. No harm was done.”

  “Shush. Your innocent mind cannot encompass what goes on inside a man’s hose. Come. We’re leaving.” He turned to Bernardo with a sneer, “Never call on my services again.”

  Uncle Pino grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. She dared not argue with him.

  “Hold!” Bernardo’s tone was strong and commanding as he swung the older man about, grabbing onto one of his shoulders.

  She shivered, not because of fear, but of something entirely new. Something that made her want to be encompassed in a man’s strong arms forever. To know that someone in this world would stand up for her like no other.

  Pino eyed the man, eyes wary.

  “You will not insult me, Signore Aggi. I did no evil, nor was that my intent. I merely touched her, momentarily forgetting she was injured. Per favore. You’ll see to the health of the rest of my family. Now. If you’d be so kind.”

  Si. Si. They couldn’t leave. Not now. Not until she found out if her suspicions were true. “Please Pino. We shouldn’t let these good people suffer on my account. Bernardo and I were just talking. It was an accident. He merely brushed against my ribs and I yelled.”

  Pino frowned, no doubt thinking of a just payment and pointed to her soiled dress. “She can’t go around looking and smelling like that.”

  A gasp escaped as she realized she must reek. She’d all but forgotten the pail of vomit she’d upended onto herself in the bedroom.

  “Apologies, again, signore.” Bernardo bowed. “I’ll see to it that your ward is properly dressed and attended to. Besides, it’s still hours until daylight and you’ve not slept. It’d be way too dangerous for any of you to leave now.”

  Aurelia had never heard Pino growl before. “Find us a residence outside of the keep, well away from you.”

  “Agreed, although again, I’m most insulted.” Bernardo turned to Fulvio. “Find a woman to attend her.”

  “I’m afraid all are ill, all except for your fiancé and her grandmother.” Fulvio raised his eyebrows.

  Bernardo glared, looking as though he might murder his friend.

  Aurelia’s knees went weak. Fiancé? Heaven help her. The man she dreamed about day and night was engaged?

  Of course he is, her sensible side argued. He is young, wealthy, and entitled.

  But, he’s been so kind, so sweet.

  So eager to bed you.

  Ay yi yi. She managed to quiet her internal arguing long enough to listen to the real conversation taking place right in front of her.

  Bernardo grimaced. “Fine. Take Aurelia to see Lucella.”

  Pino frowned and his jaw clenched.

  She patted his old hands. “Don’t worry, mio zio, my uncle. I’ll be fine. Bernardo is engaged and of high birth. He obviously has no interest in me and besides, he’s given his word.”

  As she said it, for the first time she believed it to be true. No doubt because she’d not slept for some time, her eyes teared. The man had a fiancé, he only wanted her for a mistress.

  Fulvio regarded her and mercifully walked her away from the duplicitous Spaniard. Torches in sconces lit the way. Once down the hall, he handed her a handkerchief.

  “Come. We meet the witch and her granddaughter.”

  She wiped her eyes and blew her nose. “Are you jesting with me?”

  “Find out for yourself.” With a grin, he led her out of one set of rooms, down some stairs, across a balconied piazza, and then up again.

  Inside the room, an elderly Spanish woman peaked out between the bed curtains “What do you want, slave?”

  The old woman’s frown was so deep, it would’ve fallen off her face if not held by the crevices leading to her oversized nose.

  Fulvio seemed to be unaffected. “The Carvajal has ordered that his guest be fitted with a new dress. You seem to be the only one miraculously well.”

  “What’re you implying, you little snot? I’ll have you know we were sent away from the tables without any supper.”

  Fulvio eyed her with contempt. “How convenient for you.”

  “Indeed it is.” Her gaze narrowed. “Are you here to accuse me?”

  “Not yet.” He pushed Aurelia in front of the enormous bed. “Find her suitable clothes.”

  “I, unlike you, am no vassal. Nor am I a seamstress.” The old woman glared down her enormous bulbous nose.

  At that point, Aurelia considered taking Pino’s side and going home. There was much going on here she didn’t understand.

  The heavy red curtains parted with the tip of Fulvio’s sword. “By God, do it or I’ll report back that you refused, but not before I give you a sound thrashing with the flat side of my blade.”

  Old lips frowned even deeper, a truly miraculous feat. Holding her nose, she climbed out of bed, and led Aurelia across the room where a chubby girl of about thirteen poked out through another set of bed draperies.

  “Go away. I’m sleeping.” The girl with the screechy voice ducked behind the yards of maroon fabric.

  The old woman reached in and pulled her out of bed by her hair. “Get me one of your old dresses.”

  “None of mine will fit her. Look at her. She’s too tall. And thin. Except for those breasts.” She pointed, stomped a foot, and pouted.

  Face heated, Aurelia headed for the door, but was stopped mid-step by a now very serious Fulvio. He crossed his arms and shook his head, no.

  The old woman said to the one who had to be the fiancé, “Well run off and get one of the Lady Carvajal’s day gowns. Tell her what her son has promised, to this, this, thing.”

  The girl glared at Fulvio, stuck her tongue out, and ran off.

  Aurelia had to agree. Bernardo’s intended was most disagreeable and her grandmother could indeed pass for a witch. She’d best watch her step.

  “Go. Or will you watch me undress her?” Old evil eyes narrowed at Fulvio.

  He winked at Aurelia. “I’ll not leave her alone with you, Signora Santamaria, but I shall turn my back.”

  The witch circled about Aurelia and motioned with an imperial hand. “Take off those horrid things so they can be burned. We can’t have you smelling up my chambers.”

  Aurelia slid out of eve
rything down to her chemise and shivered.

  Soon Lucella returned, almost buried in wool. “Grandmother, you must make her go. Look at her. A man like Bernardo will want her huge breasts with lust in his loins.”

  “Hush. You should be thankful. Harlots like this keep a man healthy and virile for his wife.”

  Harlot? Aurelia considered taking her knife to the old bitch. Then she thought better. Bernardo was engaged to this horrid woman’s granddaughter. Perhaps they all deserved each other. She dressed in the heavy wool dress while Lucella snickered.

  Truly hot enough to faint and with long hem dragging along the floor for miles, she remembered to thank them before departing. Then she grabbed Fulvio’s arm as he laughed heartily.

  “This is not funny.” She hissed and tugged on the heavy wool scratching her neck. “’Tis so heavy I can barely walk.”

  “By morning, I’ll make sure you have something more suitable.” He contemplated her lips and for a moment she thought he might kiss her.

  “Why? Why do this for me?” She tilted her head and tried to read the expression on his face. Did he care for her, as well?

  “Don’t you know?” His dark gaze met her eyes as they wandered back the way they’d come.

  She shook her head, no.

  “My friend cares very deeply for you and I take care of all his needs.” Suddenly he looked away from her, frowning.

  “That’s all I am? A need?” She reached out and touched the rough stubble of his beard.

  He nodded. “What else could you be? He’s engaged, Aurelia. You needed to know even though I risk my friendship to Bernardo as well as my livelihood by saying so. Lucella’s from a very wealthy family with connections in the Spanish court. I don’t tell you this to hurt you but you need to know what position you will be in, if you continue with this infatuation.”

  Perhaps Fulvio was right. She sighed. “I know. My only choice is Bernardo’s mistress.”

  “When he comes to your bedroom tonight…” He put a finger over her lips when she started to disagree. “Don’t argue, for I’m sure he will. You must decide what you want. He’ll not force you but he will be compelling.”

  Compelling? What an odd word for lust. Her heart raced as she recalled the Spaniard’s kisses in Rome and his hard want against her behind as they rode into Soriano.

  Fulvio said that his master would come in the dark for her. Should she warn Pino? Stefano? Or should she enjoy what little joy life had to offer? At the ripe old age of twenty, she’d never marry. Certainly not after what happened in Vignanello.

  Should she die and never know what it felt to have a man inside her?

  She was still pondering what to do in the torchlight as Fulvio walked her, Pino, and his sons down the dark street. He pointed out the stables to the left, and the long building that was the garrisons. “That’s where I’ll be if you need me.”

  Another few feet down, he led them under an arch and up two flights of stairs. Inside, four chambers were dug like caves into the rock. Each room was big enough for one bed, a table, and a small hearth.

  Uncle Pino put her in the back-most room with his two sons guarding the room at the front.

  Well, that was that. So much for a visit from Bernardo. She hastened out of the heavy gown, bent over, and climbed on hands and knees into the soffit. Suddenly, she understood why these were considered guest rooms. The cave walls were warm and wonderful. The bed, deep and soft. She yawned as the small fireplace crackled. Other than in Bernardo’s arms on the way to Soriano, she hadn’t slept for almost two days.

  When she left this world, she dreamed of his mouth on hers, kissing in a most delightful way.

  Suddenly, she woke, and he was there in person. His hand shot gently over her mouth, stifling her shout. “Mmph.”

  “Shush.” He smirked and put a miniature lamp down on the stone floor, next to her mattress.

  “How did you get in here?” Giant black shadows flickered on the tufa walls. Embers glowed from the fireplace and sparkled in his merry eyes. He glanced over his shoulder to where the cave narrowed by her feet. What had been a wooden wall was now a gaping black hole. Cool musty air blew out from it.

  Her head almost touched the ceiling when she scooted up on her elbows. “Fulvio said you would come.”

  “Fulvio should learn to keep his mouth shut.” His breath was warm on her neck and smelled of red wine.

  He lay her back down, tucked her close and she turned so as to see his face. “You shouldn’t be here. You have a fiancé.”

  His eyes crinkled and his lips turned up in the corners. “If I didn’t have her, would you allow me to stay?”

  “No. Of course not!”

  “Then, by your reasoning, she does not matter.” His brows lifted.

  “Wait…” She tried to follow his logic but it was impossible. He not only took up the space in her bed, he invaded her mind as well.

  He grinned wickedly and yet gently tucked her blanket around her, staying on the outside. “I vow on my honor, I’ll not touch you unless you ask. I just want to know what you couldn’t say outside my father’s chambers.”

  A heavy sigh exhaled from deep within her. “You must give me more time to investigate.”

  The smile left his face.

  Shivering under the blankets, she continued, “I have my suspicions about the meal. I believe the meat was bad but there may be more.”

  “What more?” His face turned positively grim and his body tensed.

  “I need my books before I say. I’ve never encountered this, only read about it.”

  He grabbed her hand. “Encountered what, Aurelia?”

  “What I need to study.” Is he purposefully being daft?

  He groaned. “Fine. I’ll make sure you have what you need. Then you will tell me all. Tomorrow morning. First thing. Where do I find these books?”

  She propped back up onto her elbows. “Everything I need was in my father’s house. I would guess that no one would know their worth. I’ll need the whole library brought here to me.”

  “If I do so, you’ll tell me your suspicions?” His jaw ticked and eyes narrowed.

  She couldn’t help but put a palm to the rough stubble. “Of course. Didn’t I just say so? But not until I’m certain.”

  He shook his head as if she were the one being difficult and kissed her hand. “Very well. Now you shall talk more to me. I insist as I have been so patient.”

  “About what?” She pushed her pillow over so to share.

  Him being here, lying beside her, was so very sinful, and yet it felt so right. How can that be?

  His head turned and his soft lips caressed hers. “First. What happened after I left you in Vignanello?”

  She thought hard on how much to tell him. He might start a war if he knew. Best to make light of it.

  Before she could get out a word, the impatient man tugged on a short lock. “You might start with what happened to your hair? Why did Pierpaolo cut it?”

  She gave him a sly smile. “I was responsible for that. How else would I look like a boy?”

  His brows creased “Why di—”

  “Thank you. I like it, too. I kept the braid. I can pin it back on when needed. And honestly it’s so much easier this way. I may never grow it long again. Some noble women even shave their heads completely although that seems a bit mu—”

  “Your husband might have something to say about that.” He rolled his eyes.

  Her plan seemed to be working. His body relaxed beside her and his neck muscles stopped pulsing from where his jaw clenched too tightly.

  “I don’t think I’m destined to have one of those. A husband, I mean.” She couldn’t help but place a small kiss on his lips at the astonished look.

  “You would become a nu-?”

  She smirked. “God’s heavenly saints, no. I think I may just pretend to be a young man and go to a university.”

  His handsome features scrunched up in disbelief. “Come now. That’s a bit farfetche
d even for you. You are far too pretty to—”

  “You think so? Perhaps if I were to break it more…” She touched her injured nose and wiggled it.

  “Aurelia, don’t jest about that.” He pulled her hand away and kissed her injury.

  She gave a giggle. “It’s the breasts, isn’t it? Too large to keep bound. I can hardly breathe like that. But it did fool the farmer.”

  “What farm—”

  Shit. When would she learn to stop while winning?

  “Ah…The one with the donkey cart that took me most of the way to Pino Aggi’s. You see. I couldn’t walk anymore because I almost broke my ankle by jumping down the castle wall. Actually, I didn’t jump. I used the wool hose, but I didn’t make knots. That was my mistake right there. If I had tied knots… yes. That would’ve done it. Next time, I’ll tie knots in my man’s hose when climbing down a castle wall.”

  He shook his head and touched her side. “Did you hurt your ribs on the fall, as well as your mind?”

  “Errr…Not quite. That’s quite another story. You see. I refused to admit I was a witch. I mean, in all sensibility, why would anyone admit that? Especially if one overheard that the inquisitor was on his way from Rome. So you can see why my stubbornness might infuriate Pierpaolo into kicking me. I think he would’ve done worse but for his mistress, who called out for him to have sex—”

  “My head is spinning.”

  “Are you ill? I can ask Pino’s sons to…”

  Bernardo paled. “God’s blood. Quiet. They’ll tear me to shreds.”

  She laughed and he kissed her. “You’re impossible.”

  “No. I’m very possible. Even probable.”

  He got serious. “Aurelia. Promise me never to go back to Vignanello.”

  “I won’t. Pino and Mia will let me stay in their home. I truly am well versed in herbs and plants and medicine. People will pay for what I know.”

  “But, what if you’re caught?”

  “Doing what?”

  “Healing.”

  “So?”

  “God’s Blood. They will think you a witch. Unlike Naples, this countryside is less tolerant. You should… I don’t know…do needlework and raise children.

  “Mmm. Children without sex. I would profess to be another virgin mother of God?”