Francesca by Bertrice Small Read Free Book Online Page A

his friend, Valiant, even more handsome, and he is so kind,” Louisa said.
    “And poor. He is a third son, for goodness’s sake.” Aceline was shocked that any sensible girl would want a poor man, no matter his appearance.
    “Keep your rivalry for
Signorina
Francesca, Aceline,” Louisa told the French girl.
    The servers began arriving with a variety of dishes that were passed among the guests. There was local trout, sliced and served on a bed of bright green watercress, stewed eels in wine sauce, and creamed salted cod. There was a roasted wild boar and venison, along with roasted capons and ducks. There was pasta with butter and freshly grated cheese, and green salad. Several loaves of newly baked breads were scattered on each table, along with butter. And when the main meal had been cleared away, bowls of fresh fruit were offered, including individual little bowls of mixed berries that were for the high board alone. As the duke had promised it was a very simple meal.
    The entertainment was quiet, just a few musicians playing softly in a small gallery above the hall itself. Francesca had been introduced to Rafaello upon being seated. She greeted him politely and even gave him a small smile. But following Terza’s advice it was the duke she engaged in conversation for much of the meal. Rafaello did not know whether to be amused or offended, but how could he take offense because she spoke with his father?
    The diners descended from the dais, and now it was the duke who drew Francesca forward to introduce her to the two other girls. “This, my child, is Aceline Marie du Barry,” Duke Titus said. He reached for the French girl’s hand and brought her so that she stood before Francesca. “She is the daughter of the Comte du Barry, who makes his home in the Franche-Comté.”
    Francesca curtsied politely to the French girl, noting that she was very pretty with her shiny deep brown hair and rosy complexion. “I am pleased to meet you, mademoiselle,” the silk merchant’s daughter said in perfect French.
    “You may speak to me in your own language,” Aceline replied, surprised that Francesca spoke French and had been polite enough to use it. She curtsied back. What a bitch, she thought irritably as she stepped back so Duke Titus might bring the other girl forth for introductions.
    “And this, my dear Francesca, is Louisa Maria di Genoa, of the Duke of Genoa’s family,” the old man said.
    “I’m so glad to meet you at last,” Louisa said, curtsying. “I want to hear all about Florence. I’ve never been outside of Genoa until now.”
    “I spent a bit over a year in Venice at my grandfather, Prince Venier’s, palazzo,” Francesca replied, curtsying back. “Florence is a bit dull for me, but Venice is all color!”
    She had decided she already liked Louisa, with her lovely amber eyes and her black hair.
    There was genuine warmth about the girl. Francesca was quite certain that they would be friends by the time they parted. Aceline du Barry was another matter altogether.
    Duke Titus smiled. “I am pleased to see that you are all so amenable to one another,” he told them. “We will have a fine summer together and hopefully a very happy ending for one of you. But the two my son declines will not go unrewarded for their efforts, I promise you.”

Chapter 3

    F rancesca slept well her first night in Terreno Boscoso. The bed was more than comfortable. Terza had left the leaded, paned windows open just a crack before finding her rest in her own small chamber. She was extremely pleased to have it. The dawn came and Terza finally rose, washed, and dressed herself. Then she went to rouse her mistress, but seeing Francesca still sleeping soundly, she simply opened the windows wide to allow in the fresh summer air and left her. It had been a long journey from Florence, and while her mistress had held up well, a little extra sleep wouldn’t harm her.
    Francesca agreed when she finally awoke in midmorning. She broke