The Last True Templar by Boyd Morrison

Author:Boyd Morrison
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781801108713
Published: 2023-12-27T00:00:00+00:00

35

Willa was amazed by the sheer number of private tower houses in Florence. She’d seen nothing like them in her travels. During their walk, she’d already counted twenty-three. Luciana told her that there were over one hundred and fifty scattered throughout the city.

Luciana pointed to the tallest one in view, stretching eight stories in height. “That is Count Ettore Russo’s. His family is one of the oldest in Florence.”

“That must explain the size of his tower,” Gerard said.

“A hundred years ago, it reached twice as high, but the city government decreed that all towers must be lowered to a maximum of nine stories to reduce rivalries within the city.”

“But it didn’t stop the hostility between Count Russo and Signore Corosi,” Willa pointed out.

“I think Riccardo wants to own all of Florence,” Luciana said. “His ambitions have kept pace with his growing power. The more he gets, the more he wants. And if that means driving every noble into bankruptcy, he’ll do so without hesitation. I’m ashamed to say that I was helping him succeed.”

“It doesn’t sound like you had a choice,” Gerard said.

“We always have a choice.”

“And do you think Count Russo will choose to help us?”

Willa was as dubious as he was. “Having him send a letter on for you is one thing. But we’ll be asking him for a much bigger favor.”

“That’s why I come bearing a gift.”

Gerard knocked on the door. It swung open, and a steward regarded the unexpected callers with interest. Their expensive clothes led him to treat them as esteemed guests.

“May I help you?”

Luciana spoke for them. “I am Signora Corosi. Please ask Count Russo if we may have an audience.”

The steward stiffened at the mention of the Corosi name. He considered them for a moment, and then stood aside to let them in. They stepped into an arched corridor of fine stonework opening into an interior courtyard.

“Wait here,” the steward said. “My master is in his private apartments upstairs, so it will take a moment for me to convey your inquiry to him.”

While they waited for the steward to return, an attractive young woman entered the courtyard. She startled when she saw the three strangers in the house.

“Pardon me,” she said. “I didn’t know my father had company.”

“Signorina Veronica,” Luciana said. “Don’t you remember me? I am Luciana Corosi.”

The girl’s eyes widened in recognition. “Signora Corosi, I’m so sorry. Your hair is so different from the last time I saw you.”

“It’s thanks to… my new lady’s maid.”

“I think you look beautiful. Are you here to see my father?”

“Yes, we are.”

“Then please follow me,” Veronica said. “I was just on my way to see him.”

She led them up a winding series of stairs, chatting with Luciana about the latest happenings in Florentine society. She even mentioned that her father might have found an appropriate suitor for her.

The steward met them as he was coming back down.

“Count Russo has no interest in seeing you, Signora Corosi. You may convey your message through me.”

“Nonsense, Mario,” Veronica said.

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