Venice, 1831~ 2.
A week later, I was invited to dinner by Caterina, Sebastiano's wife. They lived in San Marco.
"What did you think, Giovanni? These were all recipes back from home!"
"It was delicious, Caterina. I think I'd thrive in Naples," I told her sincerely.
"The braciole wasn't too heavy?"
"Not at all. It was all a treat. Thank you for inviting me!"
"I suppose this is the only way Caterina can seduce you..." Sebastiano teased.
"You'd better believe that if Giovanni were susceptible to my charms, I would have stolen him away ages ago!" she retorted playfully.
Sebastiano's grin broadened.
"I don't doubt it for a moment; you Neapolitans are ruthless." He stood. "Would anyone like to smoke a cigar with me?"
"If you are going to smoke one of those horrid things, I urge you to do so on the balcony..." Caterina began, irritated.
Sebastiano was in an impish mood that evening.
"Why...People might get confused if they see all that smoke...and think we have a new Pope!"
"Good, because you'd better pray if any of that odor clings to the draperies!"
Caterina Altomare was the only daughter of a wealthy merchant family. While she had received the best of everything, including a well-rounded education, her status as a merchant's daughter prevented her from entering high society...Until she met Sebastiano, the aristocrat who stood to inherit a title, but not a fortune.
Their marriage had been a strategic alliance.
She and Sebastiano recognized they had the means to help the other at...many levels. And I suspected he'd sensed a kindred spirit in her: something defiant and alive as he. They certainly seemed forged of the same elements. Their marriage elevated Caterina to the aristocracy and revitalized Sebastiano's coffers. She provided him with a certainly respectability that shut down rumors of his...amorous predilections. And he provided her with freedom and the protections of social status.
"I have some rosolio— would you care for a glass?"
"What kind do you have?"
"Only the mint, this time."
"I think I will pass, but thank you."
They bragged that they had "the happiest marriage" in all of Venice. And there was something to it: they were protective of each other and engaged in a spirited rivalry and joking that people incorrectly assumed was flirtation.
She knew I was one of Sebastiano's lovers, but it had never bothered her. On the contrary, she understood our long friendship and respected that, instead of focusing on any presumed competition. And I genuinely enjoyed her company. Caterina did not put on airs. Perhaps, it was because, like me, she was something of an outsider in Venice. Despite her wealth and her status, she knew she would never be fully accepted among the aristocracy. She could never: she had too much of the South in her—sunshine and sweetness.
Sebastiano pinched the cigar between his fingers pensively.
"Oh, Zanni— I almost forgot. I think I may have gotten you an appointment to interview for a new position."
My stomach sank. That hadn't been our agreement.
"Why does this sound ominous?" I frowned.
"What did you do this time? Please don't tell me you have offered our Giovanni to one of those dreadful Austrian bureaucrats!" Caterina accused.
"You are both so dramatic," he scolded us, annoyed. "This is different. It is an archivist librarian's post. Private work. Respectable." His brown eyes considered me. "Naturally, I thought of you."
"And the employer?"
"Ah...It's...It's N.H. Morosini."
Caterina and I both froze.
"Morosini?" she repeated.
"Yes."
"THE Morosini?" she insisted.
"The very same."
"Of Dorsoduro," she spoke slowly.
"Is there another?" he asked impatiently.
With a cautious glance in my direction, she wrung her hands.
"I have only heard strange things said about Morosini. No one ever sees him in the daytime. They say there are secret rooms beneath the palazzo and that strange noises can be heard from them in the dead of night..."
Sebastiano grimaced.
"Let's be pragmatic for a moment because superstition will not pay the bills. Giovanni needs to find better employment. Soon. I don't know for how much longer the Ministry can justify his position in light of all the cuts the Austrians are demanding we make."
I knew there was a possibility my position would be changed or even made nonexistent, but hearing it from Sebastiano, a Legal Advisor and Cultural Liaison, made it more imminent.
After a brief pause, Caterina continued.
"So, how did this happen? As far as I know, we have never been on speaking terms with Morosini."
Sebastiano shrugged before taking a puff from his cigar.
"We are nodding acquaintances; we cross paths enough at various salons to warrant a hat tip. But this encounter happened quite by chance."
"I was attending Conte Grimani's salon: "Preserving Venetian Heritage under Austrian Administration."
"I would have liked to go!" she exclaimed.
"It was not open to the general public, bella. It was an event attended mainly by scholars. The authorities were worried it would stir up too much anti-Austrian sentiment."
"I was there strictly in my official capacity, you see. It was work, at the end of the day."
"With canapes and fine wine, perhaps, but flanked by the same types I see at the Palazzo Ducale or San Fantin."
The salon was uncomfortably warm, and just as I was about to step outside for some fresh air, I accidentally overheard an interesting conversation between Maestre Bartolini, the head of the Biblioteca Marciana, and none other than the elusive Raffaele Morosini himself. I didn't intend on eavesdropping—"
Both Caterina and I shot him disapproving glares.
" But you did..." we both accused.
"Of course I did." He grinned shamelessly.
Caterina shook her head.
"Oh, Bastià..."
"They spoke softly, in urgent whispers.
'I require someone educated. Greek, Latin, fluent in formal Florentine, and well-versed in history and philosophy, if possible. And discreet. My library contains...volumes best left unnoticed, you understand.'
'Of course. But there are few in Venice who meet such criteria, Signor Morosini. Fewer still you can trust.'
I was discovered immediately, however...
'Enjoying the conversation, Signor Vendramin? One might think you make a habit of listening at doorways— does the Vendramins' coat of arms feature a giant ear, perchance?'
'I couldn't help overhearing the words 'Greek.' 'Latin,' and 'discretion' in the same breath, and curiosity has triumphed over etiquette because I know someone who fits that description you mentioned perfectly.'
'Is it a professional protégé? A relative or godchild? One who dreams of titles but cannot tell a folio from a ledger? I haven't advertised my search publicly precisely for fear that I will be swarmed with petitions to accommodate the incompetent.'
'You will have to be the judge of that. What I can say is that I know someone who reads not just with his eyes, but with his heart. Who believes a library isn't merely shelves and titles, but a conversation with great minds. Not many men think so anymore, don't you think?'
'...And you are making me this stellar recommendation for what reason?'
'Because the one I am recommending is a dear school friend who is brilliant...but has limited prospects. He was educated by the Somascan Brothers, but he is the son of a stone cutter. He's about to be sacked at the Ministry of Health due to bureaucratic shuffling. I should like to see his fortunes improve.'
'What is his name?'
'Giovanni Vianello.'
'Is he trustworthy?'
'I would stake my reputation on—'
'Come now, it is easy to squander that which you do not possess...'
'I should take offense, but...you, better than anyone, knows how one;s character may be unfairly assassinated. But understand this: Giovanni is one of the most decent men I know. And that he is still a good friend to me after all these years, tells you much about his character.'
'A man who reads with his heart...I am intrigued. I will speak to him. Tell him to come to Ca'Morosini after Vespers any day next week. I will remember his name.'"
Caterina was worried.
"Are you sure this is wise? What do you really know of this Morosini, other than he is influential and wealthy? Why are you pushing Giovanni toward him when most people strive to keep away from him?"
Sebastiano scoffed.
"Please. Morosini is above social and professional reproach. He's a wealthy mean of social standing, a Venetian Patron—"
"Those with power tend to be the worst, caro. They believe themselves above the law. It is so in Napoli and it is so everywhere."
Sebastiano hesitated. He brushed his hair back tiredly.
"Giovanni, forgive me if you find this inappropriate. I truly feel this may be a good opportunity for you. However, you are under no obligation to follow up. I doubt Morosini will inquire further unless you chose to meet with him."
It was rare for Sebastiano to admit any missteps on his part. I felt a twinge of sympathy for him.
"Please, don't blame yourself. I am curious, and a simple meeting would be harmless. Perhaps, this could end up being a worthwhile opportunity."
Sebastiano flashed me a warm grin.
"That's a good attitude! Yes, a simple meeting can do no harm, and you will be able to see for yourself whether or not you would like to work for that man. I am glad you are of the same mind!... By the way, I must take my leave in a bit. Would you walk with me part of the way?"
"Why do I get the impression you are off to chase down a certain Bavarian official who has been causing quite the stir lately?..." Caterina raised an amused eyebrow.
Sebastiano grinned slyly. "Because I AM! But worry not, cara; independent of my success, I will return home before the night is over."
She nodded, pleased.
"Thank you. I appreciate your consideration."
He directed his gaze at me and signaled toward the door.
"Shall we head out?"
Prologue/Character Sheet/Beginning/Previous/Next
Historical Notes
Braciole is a traditional Southern Italian recipe. It's basically rolled beef with pecorino, breadcrumbs, and tomato sauce.
Rosolio is a botanical liqueur, also typical from the South, often served as a digestif or aperitif. The most traditional flavor is rose, but cinnamon, bergamot, cloves, are all common flavors.
The Palazzo Ducale- or the Doge's Palace- was no longer the seat of power after the fall of the Republic. Instead, it came to house the Biblioteca Marciana from 1811 to 1904. San Fantin was a cultural area with theaters, and palazzos, and religious buildings.
Biblioteca Marciana- Is the public library of Venice, established in 1468. It has been through a lot and now the library is better known as a museum. Fact that gives me CHILLS: it is the only institution established by the Venetian Republic that continues to operate pretty much uninterruptedly.
Salons- These were events where intellectuals, scholars, aristocrats, etc. could gather and discuss all kinds of topics. These were vital to cultural and social life. In Venice, in the 1830s, they were one of the last places where people could discuss ideas somewhat freely without fear of censorship given that salons tended to be by invitation only and usually private. The topic for this one, preserving art, would have been an acceptable one in the eyes of the Austrians, because it allowed Venetians to express pride in their heritage without any serious threats to the current order.
N.H. means "nobile homo', basically "nobleman." It's a noble title, but remember that in Venice nobility was not tied to land because...water...and so, Venice had its own nobility titles.
The San Marco Square and the Venetian palazzi builds are NOT by me. I found them on the Gallery. The lot where Sebastiano and Caterina live is by SimDels. It is heavily edited, but I did not build it from the ground up. The incredible Piazza San Marco lot is by Siminiona.