Blog Archive

Thank you from the Ca’ Specchio


The Direttore stood on the podium with Sarina and Parthenope.

The Direttore . . .

Occasionally he would dab his white silk kerchief at the base of his nose and under his eyes and it was obvious to the two women that he took the wounding and subsequent disappearance of his dear friend Lucia very much to heart.  He had mentioned to his lady companions that his one hope was that by Niccolo removing Lucia to the Other world, she would have a chance to survive the deathly wound she had received in the mortal world.  ‘Leastways dearest ladies, we shall never know.  She will never come home to us.  Mortals are forbidden to return.  Ah, it is beyond cruel!’

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The Grand Finale . . .

Hugh had no notion what he would do when Percy tried to take the amulet from him; his only aim was to entice him away from the doors till someone with a better idea stepped forward. Hugh knew the amulet was unnecessary for the Book’s secret workings, as Percy obviously did not. A very tiny piece of knowledge, he thought, to hide behind. He wished he had picked up Niccolo’s sword.

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Supper is announced:

Please make your way to the Masked Ball tab and the supper sub-page.  Thank you!

Denouement – Part the First

Amid the horrified shrieks and terrified crying I saw Lucia fall, the tip of the unicorn’s horn stuck in her back, the unicorn’s head swaying bizarrely above her. Catching Niccolo’s eye, I rushed forward. Against all odds, I was prepared for this. Some prescience, some Other instinct had warned him that this night would bring disaster that could not be averted, so he had taken what precautions he could.

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THE DUEL!

‘De Fleury!’

Percy’s shout cut through the mood of the tango, creating a tension that vibrated like a viola string.  The music faded and people turned.  Percy stood at the far end of the ballroom, his evening dress immaculate, dark and elegant and complete with a white jabot that frothed and creamed at his throat.  His hands were behind his back and he was statue-like, one foot forward, the buckles on his shoes shining.  I could see Marguarite with Bacigalupo, virtually in the position they had been as the tango bent her back and Bacigalupo lay over her, vulpine, almost salivating.  She pushed at him, her eyes on Percy.

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