Chapter Two

Chapter Two:

As the evening progressed I grew ever more exasperated by the company and excused myself before the sun had set to take a turn about the garden. Believing that I was in need of company and that I was in fact looking for it, Ludovico Pio, rose and requested that he be allowed to accompany me and begged the duchess for her permission. She gave it readily, a sparkle in her eyes. 

He took my hand and led me out onto the terrace; we stood upon it for a time before he suggested we took a walk about the formal gardens if I was feeling well enough. I confirmed that I was and allowed him to take me about them. He talked on and on in flowing, flowery, verbose language, this irritated me in my exhausted state and I grew ever more impatient. I was ready to retire to my own chambers and sleep but I could not leave him standing in the gardens and I certainly could not speak my intention as he may have read a different meaning into my wishes that I certainly did not want to encourage. I turned away from him for a moment, feigning interest in a bed of flowers which were caught beautifully in the fading light. Looking upwards, I saw a light at a window, and not just any window. The light belonged to the private chambers of the Duke; a chill crept over me that had nothing to do with the setting sun. Duke Guidobaldo had an affliction that caused him to retire after an early supper and leave the evening entertainment to his wife and their courtiers; I knew no candles should have been showing from his rooms. It was high summer and the hour was late, he should have been asleep, but something told me he was abed but certainly not resting. I felt sick rising in my mouth and stood hurriedly turning back to Ludovioc, “My lady are you quite well?”

Forcing a simpering smile onto my face I replied, “Of course my lord, I am just feeling so,” I struggled for words, he smiled winningly at me, and I decided to give him what he wanted. “So overwhelmed.” Veiling my convincing blushes I walked forward slightly and shooting him a quick, stunning smile over my shoulder he followed without a moment’s thought.

We spent the evening romancing under the arbour in the garden, the moon rose and the Duchess came in searched of us. She was surprised I had allowed Ludovic’s advances let alone encouraged them, and the moment we were alone she began to question me on our exploits.

“Nothing happened I assure you Elisabetta, do you honestly think I would risk my honour? And on a man such as he?”

“Do not get angry with me my dearest, you must understand how it looked and those inside had been gossiping about you pair since you had left.” I almost breathed a sigh of relief, I would rather they gossiped about my non-existent love life than speculate about the Dukes faithfulness.

“Those gossips were wrong,” I answered still wishing to defend my virtue.

“I believe you Emilia, I do, but I will admit that I was surprised you never mentioned to me a fancy for Ludovic Pio.”

“I can assure you I have no fancy for him and if I did you would know about it.”

“Would I Emi?’ she asked sadly, seemingly believing that our sisterly connection was waning.

“Yes Elisabetta, I can assure you of that.” I lay a hand upon hers and she smiled at me. “And besides,” I added teasingly, “It was Guido and you who told me to be more relaxed in the company of men and allow them to pay me such compliments.”

The duchess smiled, “Yes you are right, I did tell you that, but do be careful. You are like a sister to me and if anything bad was to befall you I would hold myself personally responsible.” Rising from my chair I embraced her and assured her once more that she would know every movement of mine should she wish it.

She laughed and scolded herself for sounding like an old mother hen, “Go on and have fun Emi, you have a chance to be young, beautiful and wanted in a way that I never did, enjoy it my darling.” And with that she went to her rooms looking all of a sudden very weary with life.