The Hermeporta Beyond the Gates of Hermes by Hogarth Brown

Author:Hogarth Brown [Brown, Hogarth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-06-25T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Bedlam and The Blue Madonna

Florence, near the river Arno

A ntonio and Hermes checked the safe-house but no one answered their call. The Pair then walked from tavern to tavern on the north side of the Arno and asked the landlords if they knew where Riccolo had rested. It had become clear by the time they had reached the fourth tavern, from the various descriptions of the landlords, and those people that had overheard and chimed in saucy details, that Riccolo had spent the night at the brothel. The pair of men walked at a pace in the direction shown to them by those that knew and tried to ignore their innuendo, giggles, and laughter. However, the pair soon paused their advance, and Hermes clapped his hands to his forehead when they rounded a corner and saw the Blue Madonna.

The establishment looked much like a tavern or wine house save for the wooden sign that swung in the wind, embellished with an ironic copy of the Mona Lisa, wearing a blue shawl - and her knowing smile.

‘I don’t want to go in there’ said Hermes, as men of various classes stumbled out of the establishment, and blinked in the daylight, before making off for a church confession or the taverns to eat. Hermes face contorted as he watched the men shamble out, ‘I’m surprised the Inquisition doesn’t close the place down: it’s obvious what this place is for’ Hermes added.

‘Everyone goes to the whore house’ said Antonio with a shrug, ‘and the clergy are no exception, except those that prefer other entertainment’ he said tilting his head. Hermes pondered what Antonio could have meant, ‘and besides’ he continued, ‘it’s one of the best ways to get information. If you want to know anything interesting: ask a whore.’ Hermes looked surprised, ‘they won’t close these places down. There’s little a man won’t confess when in the arms of his lover’ added Antonio, with a suggestive whisper, before he gave Hermes' shoulder a squeeze. Hermes felt the blood rush to his face, but could not stop himself smirking, ‘the Inquisition like the whores, really’ Antonio continued in a breezy manner, ‘they make the best spies and some of their finest mistresses. They couldn’t do half their work without them - so we’ll have to be very careful of what we say when we get in there.’ Hermes seemed unconvinced by the statement but felt himself in no position to argue.

The two young men walked up to the dark wooden doors of Il L’azzuro Madonna and then took two steps back as a male client almost tumbled out the doors after tripping on the step. A young girl, no more than seventeen, gave out a shrill giggle at the sight before she tugged a strap of her dress back onto her shoulder. The middle-aged man turned, after his stumble, to take off his hat and give a sweeping bow to the girl as if to say goodbye to a Gentlewoman. The gesture delighted

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