for.”
Silvana cleared her throat. “Am I right, then, in thinking that the happiness of your daughters is above any other consideration?”
“As far above as the heavens are to the earth.”
“Yet it seems to me that Adelina is unhappy.”
“It’s true. Ada wants for a life I can’t give her, and so I continue to raise her like a stubborn crop, one that wants to bend rather than rise straight.”
“Forgive my persistence, but if her happiness is paramount, then why can’t you simply give her what she wants? Why require her to become married at twenty-five? Why not let her visit town more often?”
“I can tell you admire her rebellious nature. So do I. Many times I’ve wished she’d been born my son. But she’s a woman of our custom, and she must learn to act like one. Once she does, once she recognizes the futility of disobedience, then I believe she’ll be happy.”
The barmaid returned with a platter. She placed three goblets before them and laid a bowl in the center of the table. A pile of roasted potatoes smothered in salt and butter steamed within. “They’re hot, so use a fork,” said Sebastian. “I do believe this is the only tavern in ten days march where one can enjoy potatoes.”
“The decadence never ends.” Rafael tasted his wine. “I’ve never tasted wine so good. And I mean that sincerely.”
Sebastian drummed his fingers on the table. “As your host, I’d like to treat you both to some entertainment. Rafael, I can hardly treat you to my courtesans, as you’re seeking to wed my daughter. Instead, you can join me at the dice tables to see if you can expand your wealth. If you lose it instead, we’ll drink to your sorrows.”
“Very well. I’m partial to a bit of dice.”
“As for you, dear Silvana—may I be so bold as to provide you with an evening’s consort? There’s a beauty among my women who, I hear, takes great delight in female company.”
Silvana tensed. They’d entirely underestimated this man, and he was reveling in demonstrating it to them. “What makes you think I’m so inclined?”
“My lady, I’m no fool. Take up my offer, enjoy your release and stop tormenting my poor Ada. Her mother is oblivious to the effect you’re having on her, and I intend to keep it that way.” Sebastian stroked his beard. “For my part, I don’t blame Adelina. She’s only a girl. But you will cease provoking her heart, do you understand?”
Silvana glanced at Rafael, who nodded. Damn it. “Yes, I’ll take you up on your offer.”
“Excellent. You’ll have a wonderful night. The Vine is a different world. I want you both to cherish it.” Sebastian broke a potato with the edge of his fork. “Look at that color! An incredible vegetable. Buttered with garlic, it becomes beyond words. Yet I can’t persuade Bruna to cook them. She thinks they’re poisonous.” He chuckled. “Servants and their superstitions.”
Rafael drained the last of his wine and wiped his lips. “You have your own superstition, do you not?”
“Ah, you’ve caught me. Yes, it is perhaps a touch eccentric of me.” Sebastian winked. “To be candid, there’s another reason I’ve clung to my daughters as long as I have—I’d miss them terribly. The way they run about the manor bickering with one another. Lise’s charming drawings. Ira’s prim chatter. Entering the study to find Ada curled up with a book, her dour little face fixed for a moment by a wondering smile. The innumerable jewels that adorn a proud father’s life.”
“You weren’t disappointed to not have a son?”
“Oh, naturally. A lad to help with my business, to watch him as he grew into a man…but my daughters may give me grandsons yet. And if you and Ira did become so blessed, I would hope that one might find his way into my household someday.”
A handsome woman in middle-age sauntered to the tableside and rested a hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. She spoke into his ear, and he nodded. “Dear guests, this is
Silvana cleared her throat. “Am I right, then, in thinking that the happiness of your daughters is above any other consideration?”
“As far above as the heavens are to the earth.”
“Yet it seems to me that Adelina is unhappy.”
“It’s true. Ada wants for a life I can’t give her, and so I continue to raise her like a stubborn crop, one that wants to bend rather than rise straight.”
“Forgive my persistence, but if her happiness is paramount, then why can’t you simply give her what she wants? Why require her to become married at twenty-five? Why not let her visit town more often?”
“I can tell you admire her rebellious nature. So do I. Many times I’ve wished she’d been born my son. But she’s a woman of our custom, and she must learn to act like one. Once she does, once she recognizes the futility of disobedience, then I believe she’ll be happy.”
The barmaid returned with a platter. She placed three goblets before them and laid a bowl in the center of the table. A pile of roasted potatoes smothered in salt and butter steamed within. “They’re hot, so use a fork,” said Sebastian. “I do believe this is the only tavern in ten days march where one can enjoy potatoes.”
“The decadence never ends.” Rafael tasted his wine. “I’ve never tasted wine so good. And I mean that sincerely.”
Sebastian drummed his fingers on the table. “As your host, I’d like to treat you both to some entertainment. Rafael, I can hardly treat you to my courtesans, as you’re seeking to wed my daughter. Instead, you can join me at the dice tables to see if you can expand your wealth. If you lose it instead, we’ll drink to your sorrows.”
“Very well. I’m partial to a bit of dice.”
“As for you, dear Silvana—may I be so bold as to provide you with an evening’s consort? There’s a beauty among my women who, I hear, takes great delight in female company.”
Silvana tensed. They’d entirely underestimated this man, and he was reveling in demonstrating it to them. “What makes you think I’m so inclined?”
“My lady, I’m no fool. Take up my offer, enjoy your release and stop tormenting my poor Ada. Her mother is oblivious to the effect you’re having on her, and I intend to keep it that way.” Sebastian stroked his beard. “For my part, I don’t blame Adelina. She’s only a girl. But you will cease provoking her heart, do you understand?”
Silvana glanced at Rafael, who nodded. Damn it. “Yes, I’ll take you up on your offer.”
“Excellent. You’ll have a wonderful night. The Vine is a different world. I want you both to cherish it.” Sebastian broke a potato with the edge of his fork. “Look at that color! An incredible vegetable. Buttered with garlic, it becomes beyond words. Yet I can’t persuade Bruna to cook them. She thinks they’re poisonous.” He chuckled. “Servants and their superstitions.”
Rafael drained the last of his wine and wiped his lips. “You have your own superstition, do you not?”
“Ah, you’ve caught me. Yes, it is perhaps a touch eccentric of me.” Sebastian winked. “To be candid, there’s another reason I’ve clung to my daughters as long as I have—I’d miss them terribly. The way they run about the manor bickering with one another. Lise’s charming drawings. Ira’s prim chatter. Entering the study to find Ada curled up with a book, her dour little face fixed for a moment by a wondering smile. The innumerable jewels that adorn a proud father’s life.”
“You weren’t disappointed to not have a son?”
“Oh, naturally. A lad to help with my business, to watch him as he grew into a man…but my daughters may give me grandsons yet. And if you and Ira did become so blessed, I would hope that one might find his way into my household someday.”
A handsome woman in middle-age sauntered to the tableside and rested a hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. She spoke into his ear, and he nodded. “Dear guests, this is
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