Whispers In Florence

Chapter 9: The Castellini Party

The mansion buzzed with excitement as guests arrived for the Castellini party. It was 8:30 p.m., and everything felt grand. Isabella stood in the middle of all the activity, her heart racing with nerves. She had never seen so many people dressed so elegantly, and their laughter and manners were very different from what she was used to.

Isabella tried to focus on her job—arranging silverware and making sure the glasses were clean—but she couldn't stop thinking about the guests who would soon fill the grand hall. She worried they might judge her for being black and of low status. The thought made her even more nervous.

"Pietra," Isabella whispered as the older woman passed by, "what if they judge me?"

Pietra stopped and gave her a kind look. "Isabella, listen. You're here because you're good at what you do. Don't let their opinions define your worth. Hold your head high and remember why you're here."

Isabella nodded, feeling a little better after Pietra's encouraging words. She took a deep breath, pushing aside her doubts. Tonight was about proving she could do the job well, both to the Castellini family and to herself.

Just as Isabella started to feel nervous again, a joyful voice echoed through the hall.

"Antonio! Francesco! I've missed you so much!"

Isabella turned to see Signora Teresa Castellini in the entrance hall, tears of happiness in her eyes. She stood with two men dressed in clergy robes—her sons, Cardinal Antonio and Cardinal Francesco Castellini, who had just returned from Europe. They hugged their mother, laughing together.

Pietra appeared next to Isabella with a knowing smile. "There they are—the guests of honor. Tonight will be a big night."

Isabella nodded, watching the family. She admired how close they were, which made her think of her own family back in Monteverde.

As more guests filled the hall, Isabella got ready for her new role. She was going to serve food and drinks during the party, moving quietly and efficiently among the guests. The night stretched out in front of her, full of laughter and conversation.

Carrying a tray of drinks, Isabella moved through the crowd, trying to stay calm. She overheard bits of conversation about politics, art, and gossip from Rome.

"Isabella, over here," Pietra called softly, pointing to a group of guests. Isabella quickly went over and offered them drinks. One man smiled at her.

"Thank you, young lady," he said warmly.

"You're welcome, sir," Isabella replied, feeling a bit more confident.

As the evening went on, Isabella's confidence grew. She moved smoothly through the grand hall, her earlier fears fading. However, she sensed there was more to the Castellini family's reunion than met the eye. Behind the happy faces, there seemed to be some tension. Isabella wondered what secrets or ambitions might lie beneath the surface of this powerful family.

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At 9 p.m., the party was in full swing. Music and laughter filled the air, and Isabella stood in the kitchen, trying to calm her nerves. Pietra's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Isabella!" Pietra called, her tone firm but gentle. "It's time to serve the guests."

Isabella turned to her, her hands shaking. "Pietra, I... I don't think I can do this."

Pietra stepped closer and smiled softly. "Isabella, you can do this. Remember, you're here because you're capable. Take a deep breath and do your best."

Her words gave Isabella a bit of confidence. She took a deep breath, picked up the tray of food, and made herself move forward. The dishes looked delicious—roast meats, colourful vegetables, and beautiful pastries.

As Isabella stepped into the great hall, she was momentarily overwhelmed by its beauty. The room was huge, lit by chandeliers that filled the space with warm light. The guests, dressed in rich fabrics and sparkling jewels, filled the room with laughter and conversation.

Swallowing hard, Isabella focused on her task. Nobody seemed to notice her as she moved through the crowd, serving food and drinks. Other maids were doing the same, gliding gracefully through the room.

As Isabella reached the main table, she couldn't help but notice the Castellini brothers. Cardinal Antonio had blonde hair and looked serious, but his brother, Cardinal Francesco, caught Isabella's eye. He was very handsome, with sharp features, blue eyes, and a warm smile.

Isabella found herself staring at Francesco, but to her surprise, he noticed and smiled back at her. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away and finished serving the food. She rushed back to the kitchen, her face hot with shame. She had done her job, but the brief exchange with Francesco left her feeling flustered.

Back in the kitchen, Isabella leaned against the wall, trying to calm herself. The night wasn't over, and there was still more work to do. Just then, the kitchen door opened, and Elena, one of the senior maids, walked in.

"Isabella, you're needed in the dining hall," Elena said. "Signora Teresa has asked for more wine, and she wants you to bring it."

Isabella's heart skipped a beat. "Me? But—"

"Yes, you," Elena said gently. "She specifically asked for you. Now hurry."

Taking a deep breath, Isabella grabbed the wine decanter and made her way back to the hall, wondering why Signora Teresa had asked for her.

As she entered the hall, she felt many eyes on her. She walked carefully to the main table where the Castellini family sat. Signora Teresa looked up as Isabella approached.

"Thank you, Isabella," Signora Teresa said kindly. "Please pour the wine for our guests."

Isabella did as she was told, her hands steady even though she was nervous. As she poured wine into Francesco's glass, she felt his eyes on her again. She glanced up, and he smiled at her. This time, she managed to smile back, though it was small.

When she finished, Signora Teresa looked at her thoughtfully. "You've done well tonight, Isabella. Keep it up."

"Thank you, Signora," Isabella replied, her voice steady even though her heart was racing.

As she returned to the kitchen, she felt a strange mix of fear and excitement. Tonight had been more than just a test of her skills—it felt like the start of something bigger, something that might change her life in ways she couldn't yet understand.