“I suppose that is to be man’s folly, unhappy with the path that has been carved out for him by destiny. From what I have heard of the man though, I hardly expect his temperament to be that of a cleric. He enjoys the sword and the skirts of noblewomen far too much,” her voice kept the same kind of quiet nonchalance as she spoke. Desideria did not worry about appearing a gossip because the words that she spoke had already circulated. And she merely spoke of others to gauge reactions from those around her. Allies could be found easiest this way. “And you, your grace, will have no trouble securing a wife if that is part of your mission while here in Rome. I hope for your sake that you select one with some sense. I fear that I have not come across much while in the Eternal City.”
“Many clerics do not have the temperament they perhaps should, or so I’ve been told.” Matteo commented, folding his arms. He was forever hearing stories about members of the clergy participating in behavior that was vastly different to anything prescribed in the Bible, but it was usually fairly difficult to tell what was the truth and what was slander. That being said, he rarely bothered to question these claims. The improper conduct that people could get away with no longer stunned him as it once had. “It’s impossible to tell who has any sense and who does not. Sometimes appearing senseless is the best way to get ahead. People want powerful allies, but not ones that are more intelligent than they are.” In any case, finding a wife was something that he intended to leave as late as possible. While he understood the importance of it, Matteo dared not risk attaching himself to a family that would have little to offer, should present circumstances change.
