Subject: Remember Me My Love
Chapter 3
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 16:09:40 EDT
From: Julianka
Katherine came down early before dinner, delighting in the magnificence of the Chiavellis palazzo. This afternoon after debarking from the ship, she and her father had been greeted and welcomed to Venice most warmly by Count Chiavelli and his son, Bernardino. And conducted to their lovely home via gondola. On the way floating down the Grand Canal they had seen several Cathedrals with their golden spires and domes. Even catching a glimpse of the great bell tower of Saint Mark's! Gasping aloud at the towers and turrets that seemed to float above the city's buildings. Truely Venice lived up to the title, Queen of the Adriatic!
Katherine was anxious to see more
of the magic of Venice. She longed to take coffee in one of the sidewalk cafes,
seated at the brightly painted tables under the gaily striped canaponys. To
browse through the arcaded shops. Laughing her father warned her to stop jumping
from one side to the other of the gondola, or she might fall out into the water
in her attempt to see all this her first day. Bernardino called her attention
forward, pointing ahead to the fabled Bridge of Sighs that they would
soon cross under.
Dinner would not be served for another hour. Her hosts and father were somewhere in the vast palazzo discussing business concerns, thinking that she was resting in her room. But rest was out of the question, Katherine was too excited. For tommorrow evening she and her father would be attending a Grand Masquerade Ball as Count Chiavelli's guests!
Looking at the magnificene salon with it's massive, intricately carved furniture, dazzling chandelier, high ceilings bright with glit moldings, gold brocade drape covered windows, she spun around pretending to be dancing gracefully in the arms of a dashing escort. Curtsying toward the family portraits hung in their large gilded frames. Laughing at herself she collapsed on to her backside in mid curtsy onto the plush persian carpeted floor.
Startled she heard laughter from behind her and turned to see the handsomest man she had ever seen watching her! Elegantly attired this darked haired man's eyes sparkled wickedly at catching her play acting! Cheeks flushing, Katherine sat, eyes downcasted in embarrassment.
"Come, come my dear. Do not be ashamed. Come let me help you up." spoke the stranger offering his hand to her.
Accepting his hand, Katherine stood. "You have me at a disadvantage sir."
"We shall have to rectify that most speedily then!" Making a deep bow and kissing her finger tips, he introduced himself. "I am Nicholas Alexander Chiavelli, at your service my lady. And may I say I am delighted to meet you!"
Looking out of her long lashes at this charming show Katherine smiled and replied, "My name is Katherine Ann Grayson. My father and I are house guests of your family."
"Wonderful!" he said, eyes flashing. Turning he took a small jeweled music box from a side table. Opening it's lid he set it down and a sweet tinkling tune began to play.
"Now that the formalities have been dispensed with, may I have this dance my lovely lady?" Without waiting to hear her answer, he swept her into to his arms. Waltzing around the salon in his arms, Katherine's heart soared. She felt as though they danced on air to the sweet melody of little music box.
Nicholas' strong arms tighten around her waist as his eyes held hers. He did not seem a stranger to her any longer. His embrace felt familiar, as if she had know him all her life. Their steps slowed and finally coming to a stop.
Nicholas continued to hold her firm in his arms, leaning forward to taste her honeyed lips.
"NICHOLAS!" A harsh angry voice broke through the tender moment and destroyed the spell of their dance.
To be continued............