The Medici Girl: Reluctance

The Proposal

Contessina Giulia de'Medici had a list of possible suitors. Many of them were sons of fellow bankers all across Toscana, some were sons of merchants, and a few were royalty. Lorenzo de'Medici was the only person to make the choice even if it was against his young cousin's will. Only, the moment Ginevra Alessandri de'Medici strode into his office with clear intent that Contessina be married off sooner than later, he had no choice but to offer up the best candidate that both parties could agree on. The stability of Firenze was in chaos because of the struggle between the Pazzi and the Medici families. 

Ginevra took her concerns to the family of the chosen suitor in as much vigorous haste her worn body could handle. The moment she met the gates of the Palazzo she was demanding to see the head of the family as Ginevra was not one to be refused. The manner in which the family's servant cowared under the old woman's glare was enough to cause further movement from the others in the small courtyard. 

"Madonna Ginevra? What an unexpected surprise!" The welcoming voice of Giovanni Auditore rang through his courtyard. 

"I wish it weren't a surprise, Messer Auditore. I have troubling matters I must discuss with you." She said as he gestured for her to lead the way to the open door across the courtyard. 

"Of course, Madonna. Right this way." Giovanni could not help to think the reason Ginevra had come was for her daughter's benefit. 

"Grazie." Ginevra said sitting down in the chair before Giovanni's desk. "I am sure you know why I am here, Giovanni." 

"I can hazzard a guess, Madonna. It is no surprise to me that you have considered your daughter's suitors all through Toscana." He smiled. "To come to my family is an honor." 

"To be honest, this was not of my choosing. Lorenzo believes this union would be more beneficial to both families and with the Pazzi trying to undermine the Medici's every move, he feels the advantage of having my daughter married to one of your sons gives him more backing in Florence." She set a stern look about her face. "My husband would've had her married to a better match, but I do not have a choice. Lorenzo is adamant on this and he has agreed to pay the bride price should you accept." She handed Giovanni a wax sealed letter. 

"Madonna, I hope you are aware that the Pazzi cause a good deal of trouble to my family." Giovanni said taking the letter and opening it before reading its contents. "That is a sufficient price." He said setting the letter down on the desk. "If I may ask Madonna Ginevra, why are you hesitant on my son as Lorenzo's choice?" 

"Your eldest son is already married to a merchants daughter of his own choice. Your youngest son is too young and sickly to marry. The only son you have left is the most suitable, even though he is openly trying to court Cristina Vespucci." Ginevra did not hide her honesty from Giovanni. "As you are well aware my daughter is good friends with Christina and I believe she has good relations with your son as well." 

"I have heard him speak her name often, though not as often as Christina." He said. 

"If  your family can offer protection from the enemies of the Medici, I will allow this marriage to take place, even if I had no say in the matter. My daughter is my only living child. Before she was born I could not concieve for years until the birth of Cosimo. The joy of having my son gave me confidence that my husband and I would go on to have more children, but we were blindsided. Cosimo died shortly before Contessina was born and I was devastated. You see, my health had always been fragile, Messere. I am afraid that I will not live much longer and my Contessina Giulia will be left with no one." The woman looked down at her hands. "If it were to my choice in who my daughter marries, I would have her married to a family outside of Florence. The Pazzi mean to make the Medici disappear and I am sure that they will harm my daughter in the process." 

"If it is protection you want for your daughter, then she shall have it Madonna. Since she and Ezio know each other already, I do not think they will object to the agreement made. There is the matter of Christina Vespucci, which I am sure Messer Vespucci would be relieved to hear that my son will be married. Ezio is not his ideal match for his daughter." Giovanni gave her a serious look.

"No, not since he too has the Pazzi breathing down his neck for his vote in the Signoria." She began to stand. "I am sure you support the Medici even if you did not have this marriage proposal brought before you." 

"The Medici always had my support, Madonna." He stood in respect. "I will be happy to welcome your daughter into my family, no matter who I support." 

"Then the matter is done. Thank you, Messer Auditore, for your time and for your acceptance." Ginevra said as she walked to the door. 

"It is no problem, Madonna. Call on me anytime if you need to." Giovanni said sitting back down in the chair as the lady left his study. He rubbed his chin knowing this was going to complicate a few issues having to do with his son and one Christina Vespucci, not to mention the friendship the two young women shared with Ezio. 

From what Giovanni knew about Contessina Giulia de'Medici, she was bull headed and also one of the more attractive young women in Florence; if not the most. He was surprised that Ezio had not set his sights on Contessina from the beginning, however Contessina was also chased after by Vieri de'Pazzi. Giovanni was not sure if this marriage would be beneficial to his family, but he was not one to refuse a request from Lorenzo de'Medici. Ezio was no doubt going to be furious over this arrangement. 

"Giovanni? What is wrong?" Maria Auditore walked into the study after a few passing words to Ginevra. 

"A curious arrangement put forward to us from Lorenzo. He has chosen Ezio as Contessina's suitor." Giovanni looked up at his wife with a concerned smile. 

"Contessina de'Medici?" The woman said with a little surprise. "Well, I would have never seen that coming." 

"Neither would I, mi Cara, but it seems we are to welcome a new daughter into our family." The Auditore patriarch said as he stood from his desk. 

"We can only hope Ezio will cooperate on this matter. He is still a wild and free spirit not wanting to take on the trials of adulthood just yet." Maria gave her husband a teasing look. "It only took Federico a year to accept his own marriage to Cammilla. Give Ezio time and I am sure he will be fine." She put her hand on his chest before giving him a kiss. "I must go to Leonardo's to see the progress he is making. We will talk to Ezio together when I return." She walked away with a smile as they made it into the courtyard. 

"Ezio is not going to like this and neither will Contessina." He said running a hand through his hair. 

Note: It is known fact that most men in the Italian Renaissance did not marry until they were in their mid twenties or older to girls ten to fifteen years their junior. For the sake of this story, I am going with legal ages because of reasons that are quite obvious. Also, during this time, the Pazzi were trying to underhand the Medici as much as possible over the Papal accounts. Which ever bank held the accounts held the power of Florence. 

I do want to mention that I know that neither of the Auditore brother's had wives in Assassin's Creed 2. I am taking creative liberties with this to show how marriage was back in the 1400's in Italy. Lorenzo de'Medici used marriage as a political tool to gain support with some of the wealthier families in and around Florence.