Chiara – Revenge and Triumph (54 page)

"And what is she like? Is she proud too? Proud of the Baglione?"

"She is proud, but she is also fair and kind, at least to us grandchildren."

"Did you see her before you went in search of me?"

He blushed and lowered his gaze. "Yes, and I think she was not pleased that I went. She said Casa Sanguanero should settle their own scores." He raised his head and his voice became bitter. "But my father had ordered me to go. I had no choice." And then a smile lit up his face. "But if I had not gone, then I would not have got to know you, and Jacomo and Veronica."

"They are beautiful people, both in body and mind. I’m glad you liked them. It made your voluntary captivity easier."

"Oh, I did not feel that I was a prisoner. I do not want to leave. I would rather have stayed longer."

"Good," she replied, underlining it with a smile.

"Do you always ride out armed with a bow and arrows?"

"It’s funny that you of all people should ask me that, Luigi."

"I guess it was a stupid question. I could have answered it myself."

They continued riding along in silence.

* * * 

At Palazzo Benincasa they were told that Lady Maria had not arrived yet but was expected later that afternoon. So Chiara decided to leave the extra horses in the care of the stable master and ride out to meet the countess, taking Luigi along. They had hardly made a league toward Pienza when Lady Maria’s party with an escort of more than a dozen armed riders came into view in the distance.

"I’ll race you," shouted Chiara, leaned forward, and shot off. It took Luigi a second, before he caught on and raced after her.

"And who is chasing you this time, Lady Chiara," cried Lady Maria, as she brought up her horse to a sudden stop, pebbles flying.

"My prisoner," she replied laughing. "My most humble greetings to you, Lady Maria." She turned to Luigi who had just reined his horse, looking all excited, a big smile on his face. "And this is Master Luigi, the youngest son of Lord Baglione of Perugia, my Lady."

The countess’ trilling laughter filled the air. "A funny kind of prisoner who chases his captor. Greetings, Master Luigi. I see that you are in good health and good spirits."

He bowed in the saddle. "Lady Maria, thank you for receiving me."

Chiara was surprised by the sudden assurance he displayed, such a contrast to his initial behavior toward her and the players.
He is back in his own element, I guess.

"Let’s hurry to get to Monte Pulciano. I must have a serious talk to this young lady."

Chiara nodded to Heloïse, who rode beside Lady Maria, and then fell in with Mercurio, while Luigi rode alongside the countess.

"And how’s my protector, Messer Mercurio," Chiara greeted him.

"Lady Chiara, ah, I suddenly feel a lot safer, now that you’re next to me," he replied laughing.

Lady Maria looked over her shoulder. "What is going on behind my back? Chiara, are you again seducing my trusted Mercurio?"

"Oh, my Lady, I wish I were so blessed, honestly," he replied, grinning. He leaned over to Chiara and murmured: "I was so proud of you, you know, back in Siena."

"Thank you, but I would have preferred if it hadn’t happened."

She could almost physically feel all eyes of the entourage burn into her back, even Heloïse turned her head several times to look at her

21

Monte Pulciano, early January 1350

When I was granted a private audience with Lady Maria upon her arrival at Palazzo Benincasa in Monte Pulciano, she first chided me severely for my actions, that I was recklessly putting my life at risk and the life of people who trusted and depended on me. I humbly accepted her reproaches. I could not but agree. The encounter with the Baglione retainers proved her right. I was though surprised that, against all my expectations, at no point did she refer to the ten thousand florins or request that I return this money.

We were to meet Lord Baglione in Cortona, rather than Perugia — a welcome surprise, since, as the countess pointed out, we should be able to make it there from Monte Pulciano in one day — admittedly a long day for her, but hardly for me, she remarked, smiling. Would I succeed, with her help, to convince Lord Baglione to let peace be between us? It was on my mind during the entire day as we crossed the wide expanse of Val di Chiana.

Face-to-face with Lord Baglione, I sensed instantly that I needed both my wits as an adroit opponent who could not be dismissed easily, as well as my acting skills and charms of a courtly lady. Only then would my plea for peace succeed. But if I had expected that gaining Lord Baglione to my side would keep me safe, I was again sadly mistaken. The curse of vendetta was still stalking the dark corridors of his palazzo in the guise of a misguided young man, and it almost cost me my life.

* * * 

And then the countess smiled and said: "You know, Chiara, in spite of all I just said, I am also very proud of you. You have proved to the world that women are not helpless creatures and have made them reckon with you. Casa Sanguanero is destroyed as a merchant house, not only by how you damaged them, but also by the subsequent actions of Casa Medici. You had your revenge, and I am glad that you now seek peace, at least with those who might be willing to share it with you."

"I cannot adequately express my gratitude to you, Lady Maria, for what you have done for me and for giving me moral support in this difficult quest of mine," replied Chiara.

"I think you have done the wise thing to plead for my Lord to intervene. Mind you, he only asked that you be heard, nothing more. You still will have to make your own case. But having spared Lord Baglione’s son, and I have talked to him — he is full of praise for your treatment of him — should count for you and be proof of your sincerity." An amused smile crossed her face. "Not to mention the high cost you inflict if somebody challenges you. At first, Lord d’Appiano doubted that Ser Piero, one of the most valiant and skilled retainers of Lord Baglione, was one of your victims. He only believed it after talking to dear Mercurio."

"Signor di Bicci told me that Mercurio had been singing my praises. And talking of this distinguished gentleman, I also would like to thank you for asking him to look after me."

The countess laughed. "I don’t know why I even bother to do that anymore. You look after yourself with great skill. I presume you have already given serious thought of how to put your case."

"I have, but I also hoped for your advice. Lord Baglione, I am told, is a very proud man, therefore I intend to appeal to his pride in Baglione honor as a —"

"— but honor is exactly what perpetuates revenge."

"False honor, my lady. I intend to appeal to his pride that the Baglione of Perugia are seen as honorable pillars of that town, who have nothing to do with road bandits, cutthroats, and child rapists, except unfortunately sharing the name."

The countess’ face lit up. "Very astute. That might work. You may want to add that distancing themselves from these people will only enhance the esteem they deservedly enjoy… Maybe I should say that. It will have more effect."

"I would be in your debt… I also would like to get an audience with Lady Baglione, Lord Baglione’s mother. He seems to value her advice."

"Chiara, you astound me — no, how silly of me — it should not astound me anymore. That is what you have always shown, perceptiveness in what moves people. I am aware that you even use this on me. Now Chiara, no use to deny that. I do it to. Trying to sway Lord Baglione through his mother may just tip the balance in your favor. But how do you know all this? Oh, I guess you milked Master Luigi for information."

"Yes, my Lady, he is the source."

"He is a nice young man, and I cannot express it strongly enough that I am glad he got out of this unfortunate affair unscathed. He is in awe of you, and I am convinced he will speak for you to both his mother and his grandmother."

Both women looked pensively at each other, then the countess said: "I forgot to ask you. That clever young man in your troupe — is his name Jacomo? — has he fully recovered from his wound? It would be a shame if he were crippled."

"Thank you, Lady Maria, for asking. His wound has healed well, and I am very relieved and grateful that he has regained full use of his arm. He has become like a brother to me."

"How did he join your troupe?"

"He and his sister lost all their family in the plague and when I saw them in Cagli they were starving. It reminded me of another desperate girl outside the walls of Pisa who was facing the same prospect —"

"— and you took them in. Mind you, it was your gain. He is very clever as a clown and the girl is exceptionally sweet."

"They are more than that. They are both highly intelligent. In the eighteen months they have been with us, both learned to read and write and are making big strides in Latin."

"Then you have done well with them."

* * * 

Chiara ignored the stares and whispers, as she ran the gauntlet of the large crowd that had assembled in the spacious court of Palazzo Casali, Luigi at her side. The young man’s strained smile did not hide his nervousness. Lord Baglione stepped forward to greet Lady Maria and then offered his hand to help her dismount. Chiara, by then standing behind her and holding the reins of her mare, studied him carefully. There was some resemblance with Luigi, but he cut a more impressive figure, a man sure of himself and used to command.

"My Lord," said the countess, "I have the great honor of bringing back your son, Master Luigi. As you can see, he is in good health and good spirits." She turned to Chiara. "And it is my pleasure to introduce Lady Chiara to you."

Chiara curtsied, just short of conveying subservience, saying: "Lord Baglione," and then met his gaze firmly. She knew, he was sizing her up and she wanted him to know that she was a proud woman that he would not be able to dismiss lightly. His look briefly strayed to the bow and arrows attached to her saddle.

A hush had fallen on the people assembled, as everybody watched their silent exchange. Then Lord Baglione smiled and said: "Welcome, Lady Chiara." It seemed as if the cloud weighing upon the assembly had been lifted.

Lord Baglione now faced Luigi. "Son, it is good to have you back. Your mother is waiting anxiously to embrace you."

"Father, I will go to her right away." He waved to Mercurio, who came forward with the three horses of the fallen retainers, their weapons strapped to the saddles. "Lady Chiara wishes to return the arms and mounts of Ser Piero, Ser Tomaso, and Ser Franco to you."

She had agreed with Luigi that he was going to do that, against Lady Maria’s advice that this could only inflame things. It was a calculated move to reinforce both her strength as a foe as well as her desire for peace, and she saw that she had been right in her assessment. Lord Baglione looked at the weapons in the empty saddles and then his gaze returned to her. The expression in his face revealed heightened appreciation.

"I thank you, Lady Chiara, for this token of respect."

She bowed slightly, remaining silent. Luigi, hesitating, watching apprehensively this strange duel between the two, finally tore himself away and ran over to his mother, who was standing on the steps leading up to the palazzo entrance, a hand on his little sister’s shoulder. He briefly embraced her and then picked up the six-year-old girl, kissing both her cheeks. She beamed and kissed him back. He waved to a white-haired woman in the window of the upstairs floor.

Lord Baglione’s mother?
wondered Chiara.

While the stable hands took away their horses, they were introduced to Lord Baglione’s wife, Lady Amelia, and her daughter. The little girl curtsied to Chiara and then said softly: "Lady Chiara, thank you for saving the life of my brother."

She bent down to the girl. "You love him very much, do you? He told me that he loves you to. You can be proud of your brother."

The girl beamed happily, nodding vigorously, and Chiara caressed her cheek. She was aware that this little exchange had been carefully observed by Luigi’s mother. When she rose the woman briefly smiled, but she felt that it was a forced smile.

Chiara was assigned a room next to Lady Maria, sharing it with Heloïse. As she prepared herself for dinner, she reflected on how things had gone so far, and felt reassured.

* * * 

At dinner, she was finally introduced to Lady Teresa, Lord Baglione’s mother. In fact, she was assigned the seat next to her, sharing, as was the custom, the dishes with her. As usual, the diners only occupied the outside of the big U-shaped seating arrangement. The inside was left free for the servant to serve them. She did not have to wait long for the matriarch to begin her probing.

"So, you are the famous or infamous Chiara da Narni. I had expected to see a giant of a woman, not a courtly lady."

"My Lady, I am really only a young woman who would like to live in peace and harmony with my betters, and hopefully soon start a family of my own."

"I must admit, I find it difficult to reconcile what they tell about you with what I now see in front of me. My grandson spoke very highly of you and begged me to support you. So convince me that you deserve that support."

"Lady Teresa, I am a proud woman, with a strong sense of justice. These may be my major failings as a woman. Four years ago, I was an innocent young girl, much like Lady Heloïse, dreaming of a valiant young knight to carry me off. Those dreams were shattered when my father told me that I was to marry Niccolo Sanguanero."

"But he is, or rather was, thanks to you, as good a party as any girl could wish."

"That is what it may have looked to an outsider, but he had never shown but contempt for my family. I only learned at my father’s deathbed that the reason he had agreed to the marriage was because Signor Sanguanero had threatened to renew a vendetta between our two families."