That Winter in Venice by Ciji Ware

Author:Ciji Ware [Ware, Ciji]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-9889408-4-0
Publisher: Lion's Paw Publishing
Published: 2015-09-18T16:00:00+00:00

“I hate to spend the money, but I think we’d best take a water taxi to the palazzo,” Serena proposed.

They were standing in the lobby of the Hotel Monaco that wasn’t far from where they’d tried on their costumes. Serena knew the concierge could get them a boat even in weather as dreadful as what they could see through the front windows facing the Grand Canal.

“My treat,” Corlis declared, and in a few minutes, the two women had boarded the sleek vessel that looked like it might be a Chris-Craft plying the waters of Lake Tahoe.

“Prepare to pay a ransom of euros,” Serena warned.

“I’m on vacation,” Corlis answered breezily.

From the boat’s cozy, heated interior, Serena strained for a first glimpse through heavily falling snow of the palazzo that fronted the Grand Canal. Just beyond the San Tomà vaporetto stop, Serena spotted the fifteenth century structure, with its mullioned windows and a wide loggia embraced by pointed, half-circle arches that created a lacy effect on two exterior floors.

As the building drew ever closer, Serena said to Corlis, “I’ve always thought that it has the look of a miniature Doge’s Palace, which you’ll see when we show you Piazza San Marco.”

Corlis heaved a happy sigh and murmured, “Everywhere I look, it’s all so beautiful!”

“Even in sleet and snow,” Serena agreed with a laugh.

Fortunately, the heavy weather had abated somewhat as the boat drew near the dock. The palazzo’s Venetian Gothic style was reinforced by their view of an open front door, allowing them a glimpse of the baroque interior staircase. It rose in double ramps on either side of the ground floor to the magnificent rooms above.

“During the ball, you’ll be able to get a good look at ceiling frescos and decorations by Tiepolo, Guarana, and Zanchi,” Serena disclosed. “Back in the day, this place welcomed Tsar Paul of Russia, and Josephine Bonaparte, along with Joseph the Second of Austria. You and King will be in good company,” she teased.

“Wowie, zowie,” Corlis exclaimed in awe. “I wonder if I have any Italian blood in me? It would be terrific if I could claim to be related to the incredible people who created such a stunning city.”

“Well, since King and I are cousins on the Kingsbury side, I’ll give you bragging rights to the Venetian Antonellis-by-marriage, how’s that?”

“That’ll work!” Corlis replied with a grin, just as they prepared to step from the boat onto the bobbing dock that led to the impressive front door.

“I’m glad to see the waters that were flooding this room yesterday appear to have receded quite a bit,” Serena said over her shoulder as the pair approached the wide entrance.

“Maybe they’ve done it!” Corlis exclaimed. “Do you think that by now, they’ve pumped enough water out of the lower floors to begin applying the sealant?”

“Looks like it. See? There are no supplies on the dock, so they must have been able to take them downstairs. I’ll bet they’re using them right now. Bravo, the boys from NOLA!”

Serena halted at the arched entrance where workers were erecting a cutout sunburst to frame the huge door.

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