Shades of Brilliance: An Italian Renaissance Romance (The Master's Protégé Trilogy Book 1) by Eleanor Chance

Author:Eleanor Chance [Chance, Eleanor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781951870065
Publisher: Darlington Publishing
Published: 2020-09-25T04:00:00+00:00

"That was hardly the impression I'd hoped to make," Celeste told Portia as they rode back to the villa after dinner. "I could have strangled Jacopo. What would I have done if Luciano hadn't stepped in to rescue me?"

"I would have strangled the boy myself, but you're fretting too much. Trust me when I say this isn't the worst Luciano's sisters have witnessed at a family dinner. They know Jacopo is young and had too much wine. It's forgotten by now, and we're all focused on our own concerns. You should do the same," Portia said and squeezed Celeste's arm.

"Perhaps you're right, but I saw too much of Papa in Jacopo tonight. I'll put my worries aside for now and ask what you think of Luciano's family."

The carriage went over a bump, and Portia adjusted herself on the seat. "I miss traveling by gondola. It's much easier on my old bones. To answer your question, I found Diana and Angelica delightful, but Luciano had better keep an eye on Diana. Did you see her with the cousin? There's trouble brewing."

Celeste giggled. "I noticed. I tried to engage him in conversation, but he couldn't tear his eyes from Diana. Surely Luciano noticed. What did you think of Elisabetta?"

Portia huffed. "Too haughty, but that's not surprising. She fancies herself mistress of the palazzo, although I suppose she was until her marriage. There may be trouble for you with her, but Luciano keeps Elisabetta in her place. Her husband is another story. Give him a wide berth. There's little affection between the two of them, and his eyes wander, mostly to you.”

Celeste nodded, “I notice that, too.”

“I've seen men like him. Fortunately, Luciano was aware of his attention. I don't believe even Giulio would dare cross him. Otherwise, I see no reason for you to fret. They're a typical patrician family, and the family will accept you in no time. Everyone who knows you loves you as I do. It won't be the same in Lucca without you."

"And I'll be lost without you." Celeste leaned against the cushions and closed her eyes. "I want to be a Gabriele and make you proud, Aunt. At times, I feel I can conquer the world. At others, I'm afraid of failing and disappointing you or Luciano, and I wonder what I'm doing here. When I woke this morning, I wanted nothing more than to run home to Venice, though there's nothing there for me now. How are you so strong all the time? I lack your strength and courage."

Portia laughed softly. "You'll understand when you're my age. I wasn't born strong. I was an anxious, shy girl. My brothers had no patience for me, and my mamma was a cold and distant woman who I rarely saw. I used to wish for someone to hold and care for me like my nanny had when I was young, but there was no one. I was left to protect myself.”

“Sounds like your childhood was unhappier than mine.”

“It was just lonely.

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