xix. dictated, action

[heloise]

Lana
How about an early morning ride?

Micheletto
You will help me with my crates. [ Because packing is tough. ]

Stephanie
Tell me if you mean to visit, even if not to see me. He would not find unexpected guests so pleasant.

What does it mean when the castle gave some no glimpse of old age?

[ Lucrezia is on her knees in the church in town, hands counting through her white rosary and reciting her prayers under her breath. She keeps her hood over her head.

It might seem foolish to believe that saying something over and over again gives it greater weight, or that time and voice can buy penance, but she feels she must at least-- try. She isn't praying for her own soul, she wonders if she would ever. But she loses count of how many times she has said the Ave Maria, and stands to go. ]

Comments

[assassino]

[He sighs.]

I would love you if it were permitted, Lucrezia. I am just not so sure of Joshua's gentleness, knowing the company he has kept.

[heloise]

I would not ask that of you now. [ That part is done, she has learned her lesson. ]

He would never hurt me if he loves me, you told me that once.

[assassino]

I would like things to turn out for the best for you, piccina. You know that. But if he hurts you...

[heloise]

Yes? What would you do?

[assassino]

I just do not want you to be hurt.

[heloise]

You pose no threat to him.

[assassino]

I did not suspect that I would.

[heloise]

Is that what troubles you?

[assassino]

Not at all.

[heloise]

If he hurts me, would you still come for me?

[assassino]

Of course.

We may have our differences these days, Lucrezia, but I looked out for your safety before your brother arrived... and I will look out for your safety after his departure, as well.

[heloise]

Then you may take your rest now. Joshua will look out for my safety.

[assassino]

I will wait to rest until I can ascertain that Joshua is the right man for that.

[heloise]

What would make the right man?

[assassino]

Only time will tell.

[heloise]

He is honest, with soft hands and kind eyes. I never asked for much.

[assassino]

Is that all you would ask for?

[heloise]

I wished for a husband who loves me before, even that seems an impossibility.

[assassino]

[He's going to kill her father, he thinks, and then her brothers. Then she can choose her own husband, perhaps –– out from under their thumbs, maybe she'll stand a chance, but then again, would she bother venturing out alone? Lucrezia seems to have no interest in politics, no standing power amongst men...]

THe possibility still remains, you know.

[heloise]

No. I will not become property to another man.

[ She will always be her father's, but he would always love her. ]

[assassino]

Good.