Chapter 15: Upside Down (II)

The only question lingered right in his mind, leading him to meet his cousin. So, he went to find her in her parlour. They had remained within the city, rarely leaving. Francesco appreciating the life here, delegating his land mostly to stewards.

As he entered inside, Antonia sat on her armchair in a gown of blue, complimenting her blue eyes. She looked up. “What brought you here?”

“I wondered just when and why you arranged this meeting.” He showed her the invitation, folding his arms. “I don’t need any help.”

Antonia looked. “Your parents agreed I could do so. They were worried about how little you seemed interested in. You’re a premier noble. So many would clamour for marriage. Unless they never knew that heir of Stressa was there.”

He arched his eyebrow. “What about it?”

“Your father told you to find a wife as soon as possible. I’m healing to rush into it. You need a reminder about what is right.” She looked at him. “You were so studious, and yet, you’re the first person to disregard duty so thoroughly. I thought you would understand. What are you thinking?”

Antonia couldn’t grasp his intentions.

“Do you want to know?” He looked her in the eyes. He wanted to tell her.

“How you’re putting the family at risk?”

“Why is duty so important?” Lorenzo asked.

“Because it’s expected of us.” She looked at him.

“Why is it expected of us?”

“That is how we have lived our lives for centuries. And the moral thing to do that will guarantee us a place in heaven.”

“I want to find my path.” He stopped at telling her he didn’t believe in heaven. That was a step too far.

“You were playing along?” Antonia asked, gravely.

“Yes, I was playing along.” He looked at her.

“What of your family?” She asked. “Of a future. Is it why you took up with the Baroness?”

“No, she was a friendship. I enjoyed our conversation for talking about anything and philosophy in particular.”

“You believed in the philosophy?” She asked.

“That was why I was in Sarponne. Not because it had the grandest king; no, in fact the country was pretty furious at them. I was therefor the ideas that were exchanged in the salons and the cafes.”

Even if he wasn’t invited to the best it offered.

“Signora, prepare for the reception.” The lady’s maid told herm, opening the door.

Antonia stood up, leaving them in a huff to dress. It was going regardless of what he wanted. Perhaps he should try Francesco. It was he who had gotten him into this mess that he ended up in for Lavinia.

“Can you find me the valet?” Lorenzo went out to find Gennaro standing in the doorway.

He pointed to the middle, and Lorenzo stared at the valet. Often carrying a flamboyant piece of clothing for his master. He was happy to see him.

“We were chatting a little. What can I do for you, signore?” The valet asked.

“Can you take me to see Signor Cavanna?” He requested.

“Yes, I can abide. He isn’t expecting any visitors till later. He’s still in dressing, but you’re more than welcome to join.”

Lorenzo followed the valet to his mother’s rooms, until the man opened the door, letting him inside.

It was a standard, normal dressing room. Though it was Francesco’s accessories laid out. With his wig already put on and ready. He hated the powdering the most. It was exhausting.

“Cielo, how do you find this?” Francesco looked in his waistcoat. He was looking for a contrasting colour as opposed to one.

The valet Cielo raised his eyebrow before passing him the coat. “This is the coat that you requested. I think the latter is of better taste.”

Francesco noticed Lorenzo standing in his hallway. Before he came..

“You look quite handsome. Is it the work of Gennaro here?” Francesco asked.

“Yes, a little.” He acknowledged it when it was there. Lined mostly in an orange color. “Are you getting ready for later?”

“Yes, I do have to play the host?” He laughed.

“Signora told you it was for herself in her parlour. The focus was to help Signor de Moreni find a suitable wife.” Cielo stopped, realising that he said it.

“She already told me.” He looked.

“Yes, she got it in her head. And then she received word from your parents with an endorsement.” He looked at her.

Lorenzo knew his parents had done so. They were so eager to marry him off. His father, to do as duty dictated and their family causing it. His mother, he kept forgetting why she was doing so. He’ll have to ask her when he got home.

“This coat would do well indeed.” Francesco gave a wink and nod to his valet. Before the man put it on for him.

“So, I heard Cecelia had a suitor?”

“You can ask her what she thinks.” He told her. “I have little opinions because it’s not me who is going to live with them.”

He kept his mouth.

“I always thought that she would find Signor Certusi a lot more enticing.” Francesco looked at him.

“Do you want to call this off?”

“No.” Francesco told him the answer.

Lorenzo kept his silence and reaffirmed his stance. Francesco grumbled, but got dressed. “What about the Baroness?”

“I have a friendship with her.”

“You’ve paid her at least two visits since you came here. It was why she was worried. I was about to get her to call it off, and then you went to her salon. That convinced her it had to go through.”

Lorenzo blinked, stunned. “I see. Thanks for trying.”

So, he tried.

“You’re sure you don’t like her?” He asked. “I knew when I liked Antonia.”

“Then why do you keep betraying her with your affairs?” Lorenzo asked.

He stopped before turning. “I am?”

“She’s always pretty hurt by it. Cecelia spends just as much time complaining about Antonia, warning her about the men. She is dancing with a man from Terragia and another from Rancie because of her tales about all the men.”

Francesco looked. “I like women too much adn I always thought that she knew and that she could accept it. I kept the affairs discreet.”

“Has she?” He asked. “I think she believes you did not love her in the beginning.”

“I’ll talk to her about that. I didn’t know that.” He looked. “Although I wouldn’t say that you’re highly unpopular. Lavinia found you enchanting, and Alicia is clearly interested in you. They’re so different. One of them is refined, while the other is as refreshing as a spring breeze. There’s not much binding them together, other than their spiritedness, which is what you’re attracted to free from all influence, and free from obligations.”

He raised his eyebrows. “I would rather not. They’re all different.”

And the last person he wished to be taking marriage advice from, the one man that seemed to break them. Though, was it because he never knew?

“I think you need to go. They’re almost ready.” Cielo interrupted their conversation.

Lorenzo headed out first before finding their main drawing room. Cecelia was slowly directing them on her own. She enjoyed arranging and deciding the interior. Her gown was a pale orange, a beautiful color.

“Lorenzo.” She smiled.

“How do you find Signor Sozzini?” He asked. “Though I thought that Signor Certusi was going to be someone more amenable to you.”

“Papa hated him.” She told him the truth. “He was great at first. But he was so hollow. And Signor Sozzini was the opposite. At first he looked dull, but he was interesting.”

“You liked a man to be sensitive to your feelings?” He asked. “To truly intrigue you.”

“We also shared a lot of pastimes. And his family given us the permission to discuss marriage, and write letters. I appreciate them.”

“I have to go now, to welcome them. It’s because she had to use my name to get this level of attendance.”

His parties were perhaps the most famous.

Antonia stepped in at the moment, dressed in her best gown of a deep rich blue finished with a hat. She stepped out, leading a bunch of girls and young men. Mostly to socialize and eagerly to have the parties of their lives.

Well, at least he was in charge.
“
Although Lorenzo didn’t like them, sighing. But he would see what it offered.

“I should introduce this man to your sister. But you should get acquainted first. He’s Leopoldo Quartigiani.”

He shook his hand, giving the man two kisses on his lips.

“What do you like to do?” He asked. “As you can see, my sister is occupied. What do you like to do?”

“Not much. I read some. Scriptures mostly, theology is what I enjoy,” Leopoldo said. “So, what do you like?”

Lorenzo said. “Reading mostly. Philosophy, I’m interested in philosophy.”

“Oh, I don’t know much about that. Could you tell me more?” Leopoldo looked, curious.

“Do you want to know more?” He asked. “We often talk them about in the salons, about everything under the sun. But above all, for me, it answers something that I always wanted to know deep down. It’s your own pursuit of happiness.”

He wanted to talk to Alicia, since she seemed a little out there. Cecelia had come over.

Francesco had stepped over to see him. “I’ll take you to see Alicia. She says she has a message for you.”

He was annoyed at how they had to have chaperones all over the place. But he followed. He was not one to keep lovers apart.

Francesco had brought him to see Alicia, who was hiding behind the door. Lorenzo followed him, wondering what she wanted to tell him.

“How do you find the party?”

“She picked out the guests. I’ll be back later.” He said.

“I suggested more guests since with her criteria, the only people who’ll be attending this party are looking for a career in the church or a nunnery; and neither of those marry.” Francesco led him to the side, almost to the end. “And she was my idea, since you already knew her.”

It was a vow, though it could be released and had been done so for rulers. But there was a huge amount of power required overturning it.

“Cousin Antonia didn’t want to invite her?” Lorenzo asked.

Francesco nodded. “Yes.”

You are reading story Ignite at novel35.com

Lorenzo didn’t dwell on that, with Alicia standing in the back. She was always rather striking, with a square-faced shape. She bore a strong resemblance to her father, only that it was softer.

“I brought him to you, Signorina Candida.” He kissed her hand.

She released it soon, not at all amused by his choice. “Thank you, Count of energy.”

But she avoiding his eyes.

“I’ll retreat a little.” He walked away, still doing so, giving them space to talk.

Lorenzo didn’t quite know where to begin and waited for her instead.

“I overheard you talking about the pursuit of happiness. I wanted to know about it?” She asked, straightforwardly.

“If I remember, from his words. It was the private right to happiness, a happy marriage, material security, if not prosperity. But they’re all lofty ambitions.” He looked.

“Indeed, I never heard of that. I only heard about duty, and honour and that to do so, for a woman, was to marry well.” She looked away from him.

“Do you want me to propose marriage?” He asked. “To talk to your father what this would mean.”

They were in the nebulous state of courtship. But she didn’t know about it.

She didn’t seem ready.

“Tell me, whatever happens stays between me. I’ll make Francesco not say anything.”

“I’ll not say anything, that I agree with it.”

“I think you’re a wonderful man, and you’re so suitable. But that day after I rushed out to etiquette classes, I stayed, listening to the conversation; I came to one conclusion: you’re swept away by her and she shares the same sentiment with you. You love her.”

Francesco looked, surprise for the moment.

“More than me, it’s more about duty obligation.” She looked to the side, feeling inadequate.

This was not it.

“Regardless, if it was, I wouldn’t have to ask you. I’m the last person in the world who wants to follow that. It’s because there was something that intrigued me once you stopped telling me what I wanted to hear.”

“That was what Lavinia said.” She gave a wry smile. “But regardless, thank you for telling me I should be myself. My parents hated it, because my daring personality told them it would lead me to scandal, like the duchess.”

“That’s a little much to assume.” He raised his eyebrow.

“After all, I know. I think it’s better if we don’t marry or continue this.”

It was a step too far, even for her to overcome. She didn’t want to end up having him see her as her replacement.

He liked her, he truly did.

“I think you need to ask yourself, what are your feelings for her?” He asked.

He liked her enough, perhaps as a friend or even a sister. “If I’m honest, I think I’ve never been interested in you more than a companion. And I agree, even if I can never have her.”

“What if the baron died tomorrow?” She asked.

“Fair enough.” He looked. He would have despised it, so he wouldn’t.

“I want to tell you why. It’s my pride: I refuse to be a replacement for anyone, let alone my cousin. Love should not be like that. I’m not a wife or a bride. I’m Alicia Candida, and it was you who reminded me of that the most when I lost hope the most,” she said.

It was a true reprieve for them both.

“Yes, you’re right. I wish you the best. Do you want to stay friends?”

“Yes, you’re the person who I feel I can be honest with. But I expect the same for you.” She gave him a glare.

He nodded, together with a smile.

Just as Lorenzo was ready to depart.

Alicia interrupted the silence. “I had a question for you, you were so fascinated by me when you first met me? Why, even though you had no interest in marriage?”

That was a good point. He didn’t know, other than trying to find anything to subvert and to learn whether anyone shared similar views as him.

“I wanted to see who else shared my personal feelings on the matter,” Lorenzo said, looking her in the eyes. “Was it just me? Was I just a uniquely tormented soul who just can’t seem to accept this grand lot as my life?”

She laughed. “You couldn’t, because you saw it differently?”

“It’s a heavy burden, with a heavy cost. That was my view.” He looked. “Most of all, I did not want it. And yet, that is what duty is about. You get what you were born with, not what you asked for. That is why I don’t wish to do anything for duty.”

“And yet?”

“Then, I transform it into something that becomes what I want or in the path of my pursuit of happiness or to change it all.” He looked.

Alicia raised her eyebrow before smiling. “I should go. I found your answer satisfactory. And if you want to talk about it, I’m open.”

“And here I thought I wanted to bring you both together.” He sighed. “And you’re completely serious about that.”

“That is a reason I find it easy to shoulder the burden of my estate.”

Francesco sighed, before his eyes were looking at something else. Lorenzo looked, finding himself staring right at Antonia.

“How much did you hear?” Lorenzo asked her, stepping forward.

Her expression, her eyes, bore a glare.

“Everything. We’ll be having words once this is over.” She walked away, the sounds of her shoes lining there.

Lorenzo knew what was coming.

Francesco looked at him. “I’ll talk to you later. But don’t worry so much about it. I’ll talk to her. This was my fault for introducing you to her.”

“After that, I’m glad that you did. Otherwise, I would not have been introduced to a salon. That wasn’t a mistake. Nothing ever is. It’s something I need to learn from.” He looked.

Francesco turned around before leaving.

Now he made his way. There was no mood for any more gaiety in his mind. Instead, he was just thinking about later.

Cecelia was talking and entertaining a few guests, all of them going around here. Leopoldo was there, curious about books. Novels that caught her eyes.

He joined her. Perhaps this would be the balm he needed.

“What happened to you?” She held his coat, whispering to him.

“I had matters left to do.” He told them.

Signor Quartigiani looked at him, folding his arms. “You never completed my question about happiness.”

“Isn’t it obvious? That I need not look to heaven to decide what’s my happiness is. Instead, I can be happy here.”

“Isn’t life here all but a misery and the genuine happiness is in heaven? Then why seek happiness amidst all this misery?” He asked this as the questions.

But it made no sense to him at all. It felt like a false promise, like the one his father promised him as a child. His father had to change his plans after a horrible accident. It could just be words to comfort them.

However, no one would know. But it was not a stance he could say aloud.

“Think about it. Would you rather see it all happen in a day where you’re no longer aware anymore? All we have that what they exist is real, is faith and trust. Instead of something you can see, confirm with your own eyes, experience in this life.”

Leopoldo kept his silence in this moment.

But everyone did overhear it, bringing some thought to them.

Cecelia gave a laugh. “I thank you. If I didn’t talk about novels, then they would spend all the time debating theology. There’s only so much I can talk about novels for them.”

Soon, the rest of the night passed without incidence. There, Antonia came down to see him.

“I sent a letter about what I overheard.”

“Do you do that?” Francesco asked. “I’m sure he knows he can never marry her while her husband still draws breath. And it’s an intellectual capacity.”

“It makes me uncomfortable, and with Lorenzo, he’s not restrained enough at all,” Antonia glared at her husband. “You’re only encouraging him.”

“He resolved it peacefully. He kissed his hand.”

“The letter still goes out, so they know the exact nature of his relationship.”

Lorenzo gave him a nod. He had tried, and it was ironic that it was Francesco. Cecelia watched it unfold with some level of pity. As Francesco and Antonia both retired for the night. He was bringing her back.

“That was bad.” She looked.

“It was. I know my limits. I do. But she doesn’t trust me. And then, there’s Mama and Papa, who want me to get married despite my protests.”

“Why didn’t you do anything?”

“I didn’t want to break Mama’s heart by defying her like that.” He explained. “Just like how you so seriously consider this because of Papa, even if it brought you happiness.”

The letters that came always brought a smile to his face, even if right now it was just a few times. But he got the smiles and the moments where she was reading it.

“I see, I get it. You’re only more free to express it, as if you’re rebellious. It’s a lot more socially accepted.” She understood just how few rights they have.

“Everything is using me in their machinations, or rather, for my good.” He scoffed. “I think I dislike the latter the most.”

“You’re still going to see her?” Cecelia asked. “You are going to see her.”

“I want to, for her salon, for her company. And I want to tell her about how I feel.” And she wanted to tell him. But unlike before, he’ll have to be careful. He never cared about duty, but he wanted to tell her even if nothing would come of it. And then, she can decide the sort of associated they would have later.

“I’ll keep the secret, at least for you. You just seem so troubled by everything.” Cecelia told him.

“Thanks.”

“No, I’m your sister, after all. And this is what I can do. You need someone to listen that will never judge you or to tell you what to do.”

Cecelia had truly figured out what he needed.

“Just like I’m the person who’ll always tell you to do what you want, not what others expect of you.”

After telling her, his mind was clearer. And he will deal with whatever that came next.

You can find story with these keywords: Ignite, Read Ignite, Ignite novel, Ignite book, Ignite story, Ignite full, Ignite Latest Chapter