Freak of Time, History's Game ( I Medici Masters Of Florence)

Chapter 7

"Forgive her bad clothes, sir" Rita said "She didn't changed since she arrived here. So she still looks like a common peasant".
Vittoria felt quite offended. She loved her simple leather jacket and long pants. They were very practical.
"She is Vittoria de Benedetti, sir. Your father granted us the honor of inviting us here" the woman explained.
Riccardo stared at the girl the whole time "It's really a great honor. I still never met you before. And don't worry about your clother. You're still charming".
She lowered her head "You're too kind, sir" they walked towards the buildings "So you're the bridegroom? Congratulations. I'm impatient to meet your lovely lady".
He seemed uncomfortable with that topic "Yeah, thanks. But I'm afraid you have to delay the meet. For my bridegrooms is not coming here for the party. She is forced to stay in Milan".
"Oh. What a pity. I'm sure I'll meet her soon anyway".
He nodded "What about you? Are you bond to some promise?".
Vittoria bit her lip "Not yet. I'm so fond of my freedom, I'm really not looking forward a marriage. Even if I can't avoid my duties".
"I wish you all the best. The man who will win your hand will be the luckiest man in the world".
Vittoria couldn't help but laugh "Yeah indeed. He must be very brave and strong then. For I'm not a kind docile puppet in his house. He will have to deal with my..." She glanced at Rita, who was following them "..'rebel and wild' nature".
Riccardo grinned "He really must".
"Oh, and he must not snore" she added lively "God, I hate people who snore. Do you snore, sir? If I may ask".
She could feel her keeper's angry eyes on her.
"No. I swear, I don't" he replied sincerely amused.
"Great. I envy your lady. She is the lucky one" Vittoria sighed looking straight in front of her "I hope I'll find someone like you, then".
He looked at her, deeply troubled. He decided to change the topic "So, you love to annoy trees?".
She laughed "I do. I love nature. I love gardens, having long walks into the wild, hunting, finding nice views...".
"That's nice. I can say the same about me. If it can please you, I can show you the best places here. And you have just reminded me of a little glade with the best view of the surroundinds".
"It sounds wonderful" she was really relieved she found a noble man who still can appreciate the beauty of the nature, not just of money.
"I can guide you there someday".
"Where is it?".
He pointed towards the high hills "See that wood? On its borders. It's not easy to find it. But from there you'll have the best sight of Florence".
She smiled thinking of that city she was impatient to visit again "That's fantastic, sir. I'm glad you have time to find such interesting places and not just living for money and business".
"If I don't, I'd simply become crazy".
He was right.
In front of the villa's doors he bowed and went on his way.
Vittoria watched him walking away and felt weird, like a mix of happiness and sadness.

"What a shame! What a shame!" Rita complained when the two women reached their new rooms.
"Why?".
"He saw you like that! Like a servant!".
"I didn't have the time of changing, remember?".
"You should have come here, not going around! Your father has a good reputation while you appeared like a wild cat. Sir Riccardo has been the nicest and the kindest. But you...".
Vittoria allowed her to undress her "He's just another spoilt nobleman who hide behind the good manners. You should know that".
"Ungrateful! You seem the offspring of farmers, not of a noble family".
"Believe me, most of the time I wish I was" the girl said with a sad low voice.
The woman changed her mood and said more kindly "But he is a handsome young man, you noticed that, right dear?"
She did, but she would have never admitted that. She couldn't.
"What is handsome? His clothes? His good manners? Damn it, Rita, we don't know anything about the true himself".
Rita snorted "You're really an impossible girl".