Venetian Mask by Rosalind Laker

Author:Rosalind Laker [Laker, Rosalind]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Historical
ISBN: 9780307410184
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Published: 2008-03-25T04:00:00+00:00

FINALLY, AS SUMMER turned to another autumn and Elena still had not conceived, it was the suggestion of the Marquise de Guérard, who had become acquainted with Elena’s problem through the friendship of their husbands, that she seek medical treatment in Paris. She knew of a doctor there who was gaining wide renown for helping many previously childless women to start a family.

Elena had little faith in doctors. All the foul-tasting concoctions and pills the Venetian physicians had given her had had no effect beyond interrupting her monthly cycle and raising false hopes. Most of all she hated their embarrassing cross-questioning. But Filippo had seized on the idea of her receiving this new treatment. He went to see the Marquise for further information and came away convinced that his wife should go to Paris. There was no question of his being there with her, for the doctor ruled that husbands must stay away from their wives during the treatment, which lasted several months. To Filippo’s annoyance, his mother stubbornly refused to spare Lavinia to be Elena’s traveling companion, which meant he had to find someone else of impeccable character who could be trusted to watch over her during her absence.

Finally he informed Elena that everything had been arranged satisfactorily. “I have had a meeting with the governors of the Pietà. Sister Sylvia cannot be spared, but Sister Giaccomina may accompany you. She is equally conscientious and can be trusted implicitly never to leave your side. The Marquise de Guérard is letting you have her lady’s maid instead of your own, because the woman wishes to return to Paris for family reasons and will also help you to practice and improve your knowledge of the French language on the way. She will have to leave you in Paris, but the convent where you will lodge can find you another maid who is honest and skilled.”

“Nothing appears to have been overlooked,” Elena said without expression. She had learned never to voice an opinion that differed from his out of fear of reprisal, but he had not crushed her inwardly and in her thoughts she railed against his domination.

“You should know that I’m thorough in all details,” he replied complaisantly. “When you reach the mainland the Celano coach will be waiting with an armed escort. The coach cannot take you all the way and you will have to travel by various means of transport, but the escort will be with you until you are safely at the convent. I wish I could have been there to travel part of the way with you but as you know, I must leave for the colony on the Doge’s business eight weeks before your own departure could be arranged.” He took hold of Elena’s arms then, jerking her forward against him as he looked down into her upturned face. “I shall be awaiting your return with high hopes. Don’t disappoint me.” He raised her on tiptoe and his mouth crushed down on hers in threat as well as in passion.

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