Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli Read Free Book Online

can.”
    I hardly breathe. Antonio is my most placid brother. I’ve never heard him take control like this. And with Father, of all people.
    But Father shows no surprise; he doesn’t hesitate. “Precisely my assessment, Antonio. The family will thrive in your hands someday.”
    Antonio blinks. He’s confused, as we all are. All of us but Mother.
    Mother reaches across the table and puts her hand on Antonio’s. “You’re the one to marry.”
    “Me?” Antonio looks from Mother to Francesco. “But what about Francesco?”
    Exactly my question. Father was the oldest of the brothers in his generation, and he was the one to marry. And his father was the oldest of the brothers of his generation. The custom in our family is clear.
    Francesco lifts both hands, palms facing Antonio. “In my opinion, there are too many lovely gardens in Venice to enjoy only one.”
    Paolina perks up. “The
palazzo
of the Nani family is said to have the most wonderful garden in Venice.”
    We laugh, Paolina joining, though our silly little sister doesn’t know the joke’s on her.
    “I’ll keep that in mind,” says Francesco.
    “And you, Piero,” says Antonio. “What about you?”
    “I’ve never hoped to marry,” says Piero. “I took it for granted that Francesco would be the head of the family.” He speaks slowly, as though working his way through his thoughts. “With all my serious studies ahead, and then the hardships and dangers of life abroad, a wife would have no place in my future. And, Antonio, the very fact that your first reaction is to check the response of your older brothers is proof that you value the peace of the family above all else. Father and Mother have not erred.”
    Antonio smiles. “I would enjoy a family, it’s true. My own children.” His eyes are warm with joy. “My own children to climb all over me.”
    “Just as you’ve let your younger siblings do.” Father smiles. “An education serves a father, as it does a senator,” he says. “The more you’ve studied, the better decisions you make.”
    Antonio nods. “I see that, Father. I see that in you.”
    “So, then, it’s settled. You will join your older brothers in Padua next term. They will commence the study of law at the university of jurists. You will commence the study of philosophy at the university of the liberal arts. For how long is up to you.”
    Antonio gets up and walks to Father’s side. He kneels and kisses Father’s cheeks. “Thank you, Father. You will be my model.”
    “Not in physique, I hope.” Father puts his hand on his large belly and laughs.
    Antonio goes back to his seat.
    Father picks up his napkin and wipes his mouth, a gesture of finality.
    “But what about me?” asks Vincenzo.
    “You’re the quick one,” says Father. “No one doubts that. But you still have much to learn about yourself. It’s not time yet to discuss your future. The next order of business is the family’s marriages. Antonio’s and Andriana’s. Andriana’s first, since Antonio’s must wait until he finishes his education.”
    Andriana jerks to attention.
    “But not this moment. I have several matters to deal with now. These are enough decisions for one day.” Father gets up and leaves.
    Once he’s out of the room, Vincenzo scowls. “All the good choices are taken.” He counts off on his fingers. “Francesco will make the money, Piero will spend it, Antonio will make laws and babies. What will I do?”
    But everyone is getting up and going about their business.
    Everyone but Laura and me. We look at each other in perfect understanding. Father has said the next order of business is the family’s marriages. Antonio’s and Andriana’s.
    He said nothing about Laura and me.

C HAPTER F IVE
    LOVE
    Y ou look so glum.” Paolina squeezes my hand. “Come with me. Please. Giulia’s mother is going to a garden party at the Fiorazzo family’s
palazzo
in San Trovaso. She’s taking Giulia. And she invited me. I know she’ll let you