VinsmokeVictor

Chapter 102: The Carnival Masquerade: III

Chapter 102: The Carnival Masquerade: III


Franz complimented Albert, who admired himself in the mirror with an unmistakable smile of satisfaction. They were thus occupied when the Count entered.


"Gentlemen," he said, "while companionship is pleasant, complete freedom is sometimes even better. I’ve come to say that today, and for the rest of the carnival, I’m leaving the carriage entirely at your disposal. My host can tell you I have three or four more, so you won’t inconvenience me in any way. Please use it for your pleasure or business."


The young men tried to decline, but they couldn’t find a good reason to refuse such an agreeable offer. The Count stayed with them for fifteen minutes, conversing easily on all subjects. As they’d already noticed, he was perfectly knowledgeable about literature from all countries. A glance at his salon walls had shown Franz and Albert that he was a connoisseur of art. A few words revealed he was also familiar with the sciences, particularly chemistry.


The two friends didn’t dare invite the Count to breakfast in return, it would have been absurd to offer him their hotel’s inferior food in exchange for his excellent hospitality. They told him so frankly, and he accepted their excuses graciously.


Albert was charmed by the Count’s manners. The only thing preventing him from recognizing the Count as a perfect gentleman was his intimidatingly vast knowledge.


The permission to use the carriage as they wished pleased Albert most of all. The mysterious peasant women had appeared in an elegant carriage the previous evening, and Albert was glad to be on equal footing with them.


At half-past one, they went downstairs. The driver and footman had put their servant livery over their disguises, giving them an even more ridiculous appearance that earned applause from Franz and Albert. Albert had pinned the faded violets to his jacket. At the first bell, they hurried to the main boulevard.


At the second turn, a bunch of fresh violets thrown from a carriage filled with costumed revelers indicated to Albert that the peasant women had also changed costumes. Whether by chance or mutual feeling, while he’d adopted their costume, they’d adopted his original one.


Albert placed the fresh bouquet in his buttonhole but kept the faded one in his hand. When they encountered the carriage again, he raised it to his lips, an action that seemed to greatly amuse not only the woman who’d thrown it but her companions as well.


The day was as festive as the previous one, perhaps even more animated and noisy. The Count appeared briefly at his window, but when they passed again, he’d disappeared. The flirtation between Albert and the mysterious woman continued all day.


That evening upon returning, Franz found a letter from the embassy informing him he’d have the honor of an audience with the religious leader the next day. On each previous visit to the city, he’d requested and received this same privilege. Motivated by both religious devotion and gratitude, he didn’t want to leave without paying his respects to one of the most virtuous religious leaders in history.


He didn’t think about the carnival then, despite the leader’s kindness, one couldn’t help but feel awe before such a venerable and noble figure.


On his return from the meeting, Franz carefully avoided the main boulevard. He carried with him a treasure of spiritual thoughts that the carnival’s mad gaiety would have profaned.


Just after five o’clock, Albert burst in, overjoyed. The woman in the jester costume had switched back to her peasant outfit, and as she passed, she’d raised her mask. She was stunning.


Franz congratulated Albert, who received the congratulations like someone who knew they were deserved it. He’d recognized by certain unmistakable signs that his mysterious beauty belonged to the aristocracy. He planned to write to her the next day.


Franz noticed that while giving these details, Albert seemed to want to ask him something but was reluctant. He insisted, declaring he was willing to make any sacrifice his friend needed.


Albert let himself be pressed just long enough for friendship to require, then admitted to Franz that he’d do him a great favor by allowing him to use the carriage alone the next day. Albert attributed the woman’s kindness in raising her mask to Franz’s absence.


Franz wasn’t selfish enough to stop Albert in the middle of an adventure that promised to be so intriguing and flattering. He felt certain his friend’s lack of discretion would inform him of everything that happened. Besides, in three years of traveling throughout the country, similar good fortune had never befallen him. Franz was actually curious to learn how to handle such situations. He therefore promised Albert he’d content himself tomorrow with watching the carnival from palace windows.


The next morning, he saw Albert pass and repass, holding an enormous bouquet that doubtless contained his love letter. This belief became certainty when Franz saw the bouquet, distinguished by a circle of white flowers, in the hand of a charming costumed woman dressed in rose-colored silk.


The evening was no longer joyful but delirious. Albert had no doubt the mysterious woman would reply similarly. Franz anticipated his wishes by saying the noise exhausted him and he’d spend the next day writing and reviewing his journal.


Albert wasn’t fooled. The following evening, Franz saw him enter triumphantly, shaking a folded paper he held by one corner.


"Well," Albert said, "was I wrong?"


"She answered you!" Franz exclaimed.


"Read it!"


Franz took the letter and read:


"Tuesday evening at seven o’clock, get out of your carriage across from Via dei Pontefici and follow the woman in the peasant costume who snatches your torch from you. When you reach the first step of San Giacomo church, fasten a knot of rose-colored ribbons to your costume’s shoulder so you can be recognized. You won’t see me until then.



-Loyalty and Discretion."


"Well?" Albert asked when Franz finished. "What do you think?"


"I think the adventure is taking a very promising turn."


"I agree," Albert replied. "I’m very much afraid you’ll go alone to the Duke of Bracciano’s ball." Franz and Albert had received an invitation that morning from the famous banker.


"Be careful, Albert," Franz warned. "All the nobility will be there. If your mysterious woman belongs to high society, she’ll attend."


"Whether she goes or not, my opinion remains the same," Albert said. "You read the letter?"


"Yes."


"You know how poorly educated women from the lower classes usually are here?"


"Yes."


"Well, read the letter again. Look at the handwriting and see if you can find any error in the language or spelling."


The writing was indeed elegant, and the spelling was perfect.


"You’re born lucky," Franz said, returning the letter.


"Laugh all you want," Albert replied. "I’m in love."


"Now you’re worrying me," Franz said. "I see I’ll not only go alone to the Duke’s ball but also return home alone."


"If my mysterious woman is as charming as she is beautiful," Albert said, "I’ll stay here for at least six weeks. I love this city, and I’ve always had a passion for archaeology."


"Have a few more adventures like this, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see you join the academic society!"


Albert was probably about to seriously discuss his academic qualifications when they were informed dinner was ready. Albert’s infatuation hadn’t affected his appetite. He hurried with Franz to eat, free to continue the discussion afterward.