"I have heard it said among the other servants that you bragged a wealthy n.o.bleman awaits your mistress's return, and her father has promised him the girl if the duke's son does not choose her."

Oriel flushed at this reminder of her indiscretion. "But the Comte du Lyonnais is not a duke with his own kingdom," she said.

"How unfortunate for your mistress," Terza said sarcastically.

Her confident att.i.tude made Oriel afraid. "What do you know?" she demanded of Terza. "You must tell me what you know!"

"No more than you," Terza replied, a little smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I know nothing. We shall all learn the young lord's decision together. Perhaps he finds none of the candidates worthy or compatible to his hand." Terza then walked away, leaving the older woman in a quandary.

Francesca was just exiting her bath when Terza reached her apartments. She had been helped by two little maidservants and the two young nuns. There was much laughter coming from the bedchamber when she entered it. "You have time to take a brief nap before you must dress," she said to her mistress, who was being thoroughly toweled dry by the maidservants.

"Is it true he will make his decision tonight?" Sister Annunziata asked Terza.

"That is the rumor going about," Terza answered her. "It's time. They have had two and a half months to become acquainted. Autumn is almost upon us, and if we are to return home to Florence, we will have to depart soon."

"We are returning home to Florence," Francesca broke in.

"But what if the duke's son chooses you?" the trusting Sister Benigna wondered.

"He won't," Francesca said. "Louisa is in love with Valiant, and Rafaello knows it. He will pick the French girl. Her pedigree matches his, and she is beautiful. She'll quickly do her duty, give him several heirs, grow a bit thicker in the waist, and in five years settle down to spend his money quite happily. He'll find a mistress to keep him happy and satisfied. A perfect ending, eh?"

All the women laughed at her a.n.a.lysis of the situation. There was nothing outrageous about it. It was how many marriages were begun and eventually settled.

"But what will happen to you?" Sister Benigna asked.

"Well," Francesca said, "I shall not join you at Santa Maria della Fiore."

There was more laughter when Sister Annunziata said, "To be honest, I believe the good Reverend Mother Baptista will find that a mighty relief."

"But what will you do?" Sister Benigna persisted.

"I shall become the daughter who remains at home to care for her parents in their old age. Perhaps I shall learn something of the silk trade. I shall do as I please and as long as I cause no scandal I shall be allowed to do it," Francesca said.

"But what of love?" one of the little maids, a girl who looked no older than twelve, asked softly. "Don't you want to be loved, signorina?"

"I don't know if what is called love actually exists. And what exactly is love?" Francesca inquired of her companions. "I surely do not know."

"Too much serious thought," Terza said. "Your chances with the duke's son are as good as the other two. I think I will wait until he announces his choice tonight before I begin packing for our return journey."

"We are going home," Francesca said stubbornly. "My father promised me if this man did not suit I could come home."

"Get into bed. Tonight, whatever happens, will be an exciting night," Terza replied. "I will choose a gown for you, and when you awaken all will be in readiness." She slipped a clean silk chemise over Francesca, and firmly led her to the bed, helped her into it, and drew the goose-down coverlet over her. "Now rest," she said. Ushering the other women out of the room, she thanked the little maids for their aid and sent them off. Then she sat down by the dayroom fireplace with the two nuns. For a few moments they sat in silence. The sunset filled the blue sky of the September evening.

It was Sister Annunziata who finally spoke up. "You think he will choose her. Don't you, Terza?"

Terza nodded. "Signore Valiant is openly in love with the little Louisa, and she with him. Rafaello knows it, and would not steal the maiden his best friend loves away from him. He is wise enough to know she would not be a good choice for him. She is gentle and soft-spoken. He's already bored with her."

"But what of the French girl?" Sister Benigna asked. "Her bloodline is an excellent one, there is no denying."

"But her avid quest to be his d.u.c.h.essa first and her sharp tongue put him off. There is no sweetness in her at all. She has virtually ignored the duke these past weeks. If she were wise, she would know it is he who will actually make the decision, but she is not a wise woman. She is greedy and selfish. She does not hide it, and I doubt she would be surprised to be told she is," Terza concluded.

"So it must of necessity be Francesca," Annunziata replied.

"Or none of the trio," Terza answered, "but from what I have observed I believe that he will choose my mistress."

"What of her father's promise?" Benigna asked softly.

"I was hidden behind a tapestry during that conversation that day," Terza said. "I wanted to know exactly where Signore Pietro d'Angelo stood in this matter. Although my mistress does not realize it, she is much like her mother in temperament. She only hears what she wants to hear. What the signore said that day was if the young man didn't suit, she might come home. He did not say if the young man didn't suit Francesca, she could come home. If Rafaello Cesare picks Francesca to be his bride, she will be. He is attractive, good-natured, respectful, and respectable. Father Silvio informed our master of that weeks back, after he had gotten to know the young man. The master wrote back that if Francesca pleased the duke and his son, he would give his blessing to the union."

"Oh, my," Sister Annunziata said softly. "But will she cooperate?"

"What other choice does she have?" Terza responded. "She is not aware that as soon as the decision is made Lorenzo di Medici's men-at-arms will either escort us back to Florence in the company of our own men-at-arms, or the di Medici men will depart immediately, except for the captain and six of his men, who will remain to be witnesses to the union so they may report it to the great Lorenzo himself upon their return."

"When are we to return to Florence?" Annunziata asked.

"You two and the good priest must remain until after the wedding," Terza replied.

"When will it be celebrated?" Benigna inquired. "I have never seen a royal wedding before."

"Probably not until next spring," Terza answered. "Signora Pietro d'Angelo will want to have the wedding gown made for her daughter, and she will want to come to see her daughter made a d.u.c.h.essa."

"This is so exciting!" Benigna said.

"It is not a reality yet," Terza warned. "We shall know soon enough, however."

And while Terza and the two nuns chatted on quietly before the cozy hearth in the dayroom, Rafaello Cesare was ensconced with his father in the duke's library.

"I have made a decision," he told the older man. "I want the Florentine girl to wife."

"Why?" Duke t.i.tus asked his son quietly. "What is it about the fair Francesca that stands out for you? That makes her more desirable than Aceline or Louisa?" And he was indeed curious to learn why.

Rafaello laughed. "I know. A common merchant's daughter who has taken every opportunity to avoid me and prefers to sit by my ancient father's side."

"Not so ancient that I cannot attract a pretty girl," the duke teased back. "Now, tell me why Francesca."

"I like her independence and her outspoken way. Yet she knows when to be mannerly and charming. Her beauty is extraordinary, of course. She has an inborn elegance that suits a d.u.c.h.essa."

"That comes from her mother, who was born a Venetian princess and brought her ways to Florence when she wed the silk merchant," the duke noted. "But I hope perhaps that you feel a small attraction to her. It is better to have love for one's mate than just duty, my son."

"I am attracted by her, yes. I believe that she is sincere in her prayers when we are in church. I like that she traveled with her priest and the two young nuns, although I realize it was probably her mother who made these arrangements. I have seen her with her priest and two nuns, and I see the respect and friendship she has for them. I believe she will make an excellent mother."

"Have you kissed her yet?" the duke wanted to know.

"Nay. She is not a girl a gentleman should disrespect, Padre," Rafaello answered.

The duke chuckled, then grew serious again. Rafaello might not realize it but he was falling in love with Francesca. It was just as well he choose her tonight and they return the other two girls to their families, so he might begin to discover it. Hopefully she would too. "Tell me why you decline the other two."

"Aceline du Barry is not to my taste. I find her venal and greedy. In church she appears inattentive and bored. Her eagerness for me stems from her desire to be a d.u.c.h.essa more than it does to be my wife or the mother of my children."

Duke t.i.tus nodded. "I cannot argue with your reasoning," he said. "But what of the sweet and fair Louisa, my son?"

"Aye, she is charming, Padre, but, alas, the moment she laid eyes on Valiant and he upon her they were wildly in love. There is no loss there for me. Louisa is too fragile to be my wife. But if you would intervene with the Duke of Genoa on Valiant's behalf I know that they would both be very happy. She and Francesca have become great friends."

The duke smiled warmly at his only child. "Your heart is good and you are wise. I have no fears turning over my ducal crown to you once you are wed, Rafaello. Louisa must, however, return home. Valiant will escort her and she will carry my personal recommendation in Valiant's favor. In my opinion he would be an excellent match for her. He is Signore di Sponda di Fiume. He possesses both land and wealth. It is an excellent match for a duke's b.a.s.t.a.r.d daughter. But it will be up to Louisa and Valiant to convince Genoa, and he's a very wily man. Still, he has the right to meet the man his child would wed, which is why they must both go to Genoa."

"I believe Valiant would go into h.e.l.l if he could bring her back as his bride," Rafaello said sincerely.

"So you will choose Francesca and announce your choice this evening?" Duke t.i.tus asked. "Good! Good! The others will then have time to return to their own homes before the winter months set in, and you will have time to know Francesca better before the wedding. A December wedding would be excellent. You can spend the snowy month getting her with child. I will see my grandchildren before I die."

"You will not die that soon, you old fraud," his son replied laughing. Then he stood up from the tapestried chair where he had been seated. "I must go bathe and dress for this evening."

"I am certain the young ladies are busy doing the same thing," Duke t.i.tus remarked with a small smile. Rafaello had made him happy. As for his choice of a bride, his son would be quite surprised to learn how very pleased his father was with it. He would have chosen Francesca had he himself been seeking a bride. The girl was stronger in more ways than Rafaello knew. She would not be her husband's cipher.

The fact that he would have to disappoint only the Comte du Barry was a relief. Genoa might be disappointed too, but with Terreno Boscoso sending Louisa back with a possible and eligible bridegroom, along with the lavish gifts she would bring from them for her trouble, it should certainly satisfy her father quite well. Tomorrow he would choose the gifts to be sent with each girl as she departed. The French girl must go first.

Aceline du Barry would not be happy, for he suspected she thought it impossible that anyone but her be chosen. She was too proud by far, and had no idea how many of her cutting and unkind remarks to the other girls he had heard spewing forth from those thin lips of hers. Pouring himself another splash of wine, he settled back in his chair. He would have to go shortly and dress for this evening's entertainment.

Rafaello could not resist slipping into the corridor where the three girls had their apartments. The maidservants were running back and forth from one chamber to another. Footmen carried buckets of steaming water into the apartments. He heard the m.u.f.fled chatter of the women as they prepared their mistresses for the evening, and he smiled. In just a few hours it would be settled. He would have Francesca, and Valiant would have Louisa. He gave no thought to Aceline du Barry before he walked away.

"The young lord was lingering in the hallway," the little maidservant said to Terza as she came into the apartment, bearing a tray of light refreshments, which she placed upon a table in the dayroom.

Terza nodded her thanks for both the food and the information. Then she went into the bedchamber and woke Francesca. "It's time for you to arise," she said, gently shaking the girl's shoulder. "I have a small meal for you, for I expect the evening will be long, and who knows when the young lord will make his announcement. Best your belly not growl loudly, which will only cause the French girl to make some remark drawing attention to it." Terza helped Francesca from her bed.

Francesca did not protest. She walked into the dayroom, where she found a small repast consisting of a few slices of warm capon breast, bread, b.u.t.ter, honey, and a dish of stewed pears, along with a small goblet of sweet golden wine. She ate it slowly, then washed her face and hands in a basin of scented warm water that was brought to her.

"I am bathed, rested, and fed," Francesca announced. "Have you chosen what I will wear this evening, Terza? If I do not like it, I will change it to suit myself."

Terza chuckled. "I have not a doubt that you will," she answered. Come and see what will dazzle the hall and fill Aceline du Barry with pure envy."

Stepping back into her bedchamber Francesca gasped at the beautiful emerald green silk brocade gown that was laid out upon the bed. The underskirt was cloth of gold. She could see immediately that the square neckline was lower than she was used to wearing, and it was embroidered in gold braid that also edged the hem of the gown. The bodice was tightly fitted. The sleeves were flared and the cuffs turned back to show a cloth of gold lining. "My b.r.e.a.s.t.s will fall out of that neckline," the girl said.

"No, they won't," Terza promised, and then she chuckled. "But they will certainly show to their best advantage, mistress."

The little maid helping Terza giggled and nodded.

"It's indecent. My mother would never allow me to wear a gown like this," Francesca protested nervously. "I don't remember being fitted for this garment."

"Your madre chose the design herself," Terza said. "And the materials. You were not fitted for the garment. The seamstress had your measurements. This gown arrived several weeks ago from Florence. I unpacked it and hung it away."

A wicked little smile bloomed upon Francesca's lips. "Aceline will die," she said slowly. "She is certain to have nothing to rival this gown, Terza. Are there shoes to match? What jewelry do I have that will be suitable?"

"Your slippers are covered in the same brocade as the gown. Your silk stockings have a green vine embroidered up their length. And you have a red-gold crucifix decorated with a small diamond lily and hanging from a chain of red-gold, which is also set with emeralds," Terza replied.

"I am ready to be dressed, then," Francesca said, and stood quietly as the two servants completed the task. "How will you dress my hair?" she asked when they were done. "I think a golden caul."

"Nay, you do not want to contain your beautiful hair," Terza said, and the little maid shook her head vigorously in agreement. "I shall brush it out so that it is visible in all its glory, and decorate it with narrow green ribbons studded with tiny emeralds."

When it was finished and she studied herself in the mirror, Francesca was astounded by how absolutely beautiful and sophisticated she appeared. "I am far fairer than my sister Bianca," she said to Terza.

"You are," Terza agreed. "Her beauty is in her face, which you cannot rival, but you wear your clothing better, and combined with a beautiful face you are spectacular."

She handed her mistress a beautiful peac.o.c.k feather fan.

Suddenly a look of concern touched Francesca's face. "What if he chooses me? Perhaps I should not look quite so wonderful."

Terza laughed. "When he chooses you, you will accept with charm and make a marriage that will please your family greatly. You don't particularly care for Florence, my child. Terreno Boscoso is a lovely place to live. The old duke has already shown his fondness for you and will welcome you warmly into his family. There is no mother-in-law alive to plague you. You have been happy here these past months. Louisa will wed Valiant, and you will have her as a friend."

"No! No! I don't want to wed. I don't want to be constrained by a man's wishes and thoughts, Terza. I would be free!"

"Well, you won't be in Florence," Terza said. "You return a second time to your padre's house, and your madre will have you married off to the first well-to-do man she can find. You will end up being the second or third wife of some old man. Is that what you want? Rafaello Cesare is juicy and young. He is filled with pa.s.sion and he is kind."

Francesca now looked as if she wanted to run. She couldn't, of course. "I would speak with the priest," she said.

Padre Silvio was sent for and came immediately, for he knew how important this evening was. Like Terza, he knew the true lay of the land and that it was most likely that Rafaello Cesare would choose Francesca. He found the dayroom empty but for Francesca. "What is it, my child?" he inquired of her, seeing her face.

"I don't want to be part of this anymore," she said. "I want to go home tonight!"

"My daughter," the priest replied, taking the panicked girl's two hands in his. They were as cold as ice. "I see that you are afraid, but there is nothing to fear." Then the priest lied smoothly as he continued, "You are distressing yourself needlessly. We will return home as soon as the French girl is chosen to be the bride. Now, remember who you are, and draw yourself together so you may enter the hall with the others and enjoy your evening with the rest of us. I understand there are to be dancing dogs." He rose and drew Francesca up with him. "Are you all right now?" he asked her.

Francesca drew a deep breath. She had no choice, and the priest was probably right. Rafaello wasn't going to choose her. She had certainly made her disdain for this whole situation quite plain to him. Certainly he had come to understand that she didn't appreciate being the possible prize in a contest. He did seem a reasonable man. "It was just a fit of nerves, good Padre. I am sorry to have troubled you with my foolishness."

He smiled even as he felt the guilt a.s.sociated with lying to her. Almost everyone in the castello suspected Francesca Pietro d'Angelo, the silk merchant's daughter from Florence, had gained Rafaello Cesare's favor even if she hadn't. "Our dear Lord Jesu and his blessed Mother Maria be by your side, my daughter," the priest said, giving her his blessing as he led her from her apartments, followed by Terza, through the hallways, downstairs, and to the door of the Great Hall. There he left her.

Francesca stood a moment in the opening to the hall. Then she stepped past the entry and walked slowly to the high board. She saw Valiant and Louisa by one of the large hearths, speaking quietly. Louisa was gowned in lavender silk, a color that flattered her very well. Her eyes widened at the sight of her friend. She imperceptibly nodded her head to her right. Francesca's eyes followed, only to see Aceline du Barry dressed in deep rose silk trimmed with exquisite cream-colored lace. A fair choice, she thought. The French girl was clinging to Rafaello as if she would never let him go. Well, shortly she wouldn't have to, Francesca thought.

It was at that moment that Rafaello sensed her presence. He turned, and she was everything that she should be. He saw his father join her before he could rid himself of Aceline. His father's eyes met his, and they were filled with humor at the situation.

"You look ravishing, my dear," Duke t.i.tus said to Francesca. "Your poise and your elegance are to be commended, along with your exquisite taste." He bowed low to her and kissed her elegant little hand, noting she wore no rings at all when the fashion was for several rings on each finger, even the thumbs.

"My gown, I fear, is a bit bold, but Terza says my mother sent it to me recently. If she sent it, I imagine I am expected to wear it, signore," Francesca told him with a laugh.

A clever woman who best knows how to display the merchandise she has to offer, he thought. "I shall look forward to meeting your madre one day," the duke said.

"Ah yes, you must come and visit Florence once you have entered into your retirement," Francesca said.

How charming. She believes the French girl will be chosen, Duke t.i.tus considered to himself. She is proud yet has a sense of honesty, but she is not overbearing at all. She will make Rafaello an excellent wife and Terreno Boscoso a good d.u.c.h.essa.

His son now joined them, Aceline still clinging to Rafaello's arm. "How beautiful you look, Francesca," he told her.

"I hope you have said the same to the others," she answered him.

"Oh yes! He was quite extravagant in his praise of my gown," Aceline said.

"The color is most suitable and your lace exquisite," Francesca said pleasantly.

"Well, I should hope so," Aceline responded. "My father consulted with a cloistered convent in Burgundy. The nuns made my lace. I see you have gained a bit of weight since your arrival in Terreno Boscoso. Your bodice is extremely tight. My mama would not approve at all, I fear, but I suppose a merchant's wife has different standards than a n.o.bleman's n.o.ble wife."

"We do indeed have different standards, Aceline. We believe in good manners at all times. For instance, right now it would give me great pleasure to smack that look of smug superiority off of your face. I shall not, however, for my mother taught me a lady does not display public anger, except on very rare occasions. You are not a rare occurrence, but an annoying one," Francesca told the French girl.