Martin Luther, Machiavelli and Murder: A Mystery of Renaissance Rome: Its Popes, Artists and Future Nemesis (A Nicola Machiavelli Mystery Book 3) by Maryann Philip

Author:Maryann Philip [Philip, Maryann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Real History Mystery Press
Published: 2017-08-10T22:00:00+00:00

Ch. 24 - Leonardo is Worried

Leda and the Swan,

Drawing by Leonardo da Vinci

Pavia, Italy

The same day

Leonardo da Vinci unfolded and re–read Caterina’s letter, as he had done several times already that day. Where was she? Had she arrived in Pavia, and forgotten her promise to invite his famiglia to Christmas dinner? She was supposed to be on the next galley from Venice, but something must have happened.

Huddled by the fire, he looked around the drafty, sparsely–furnished attic that served as his studio, wondering how a female presence might transform it. His adopted sons Salai and Cecco had deserted him for the moment. It was too quiet. It was lonely.

Finally, Salai’s hurried footfall sounded from the stairwell, and he burst into the room. “Her things showed up, but she didn’t. The housekeeper is still expecting her, though.”

Leonardo thrust Caterina’s letter under the blanket on his lap. “Where could she be? Do you suppose she needs help?”

Salai hung his hooded cloak on a hook by the door and smoothed his blond curls in front of the mirror. “Her? Not likely. She probably decided to stay in Venice for Christmas. We’ll hear from her soon. Count Beccaria has invited us for Christmas dinner, too. We should go there anyway, don’t you think?”

Leonardo grimaced. “He invited every prominent person in town. Our absence will not be missed. You said Caterina’s baggage arrived? Why would she ship it ahead?”

Salai poured himself a glass of watered wine from the pitcher on the sideboard, and seated himself at the fireplace opposite da Vinci, carefully smoothing his red wool tunic. “Who knows why women do anything? You need to forget about her. Her and La Cremona both. Like you told me to forget about Nicola. Why are you preoccupied with women, all of a sudden? You never used to bother with them.”

Da Vinci glared at his adopted son. It was galling to have his own advice thrown back in his face. “Caterina is a business associate, who has paid me well over the years. It would be unwise for me to forget her. And La Cremona is a thing of the past. I wish you would quit talking about her. Did I needle you this way, when you fell for Nicola? Or any of the others?”

Salai laughed. “You just warned me about the wiles of women. Then fell for a courtesan yourself.”

“I am a careful man, but still a man, Salai.” A fleeting memory of Cremona, modeling naked for Leda and the Swan, seized him. He dismissed it. “Enough about her.” Cremona had refused to come to Pavia with them. Leonardo ached for her, when he thought about her. Best not to think about her.

Salai gave Leonardo the smile that had long ago inspired his nickname, “Imp.” “I’m sorry. About Christmas dinner—the Count will not be here. Apparently his brother died—Cardinal Beccaria. The Count is on his way to Rome to deal with his brother’s estate, and may not be back by Christmas. Maybe they will cancel the dinner.

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