Scales of Gold - Dorothy Dunnett [269]
Failing both these things, Julius had offered to do the work for him, but Nicholas had refused. Nicholas complained enough about the Genoese and the Vatachino, and yet he wouldn’t seize the chance to attack when he had it.
‘He’s had enough travelling,’ Tobie said. ‘Give him time.’
The Feast of St Nicholas and the Feast of Christmas had both passed with due celebration, organised wholly by Julius, on a scale enjoyed by the staff and admired by its clients. Epiphany came and went. Julius reported to Nicholas all that was happening.
The market in Bruges was still depressed because of the quarrel with Scotland: Bonkle had gone to Scotland to find out what was happening. The ducal wedding had been postponed until June. When it came, it should profit both Gregorio and Diniz. Under Diniz, the Charetty company had rallied.
Nearer home, the Bank’s mercenary troops under Captain Astorre were still in Albania, helping to hold Scutari and Croia against the Turkish invader. Recently, Astorre had been joined by the rest of his army from Cyprus. Now, that is, that there was no place for his army in Cyprus.
There was no need to go into details over that. All the news about Cyprus had been rushed to Nicholas by the Venetians. By, to be precise, Caterino Zeno, Venetian merchant (of alum) and his exquisite lady the Trapezuntine princess Violante, who had called to see their dear and respected young friend, and congratulate him on his amazing venture. It was perhaps a mark of what Margot felt about Violante of Naxos that she admitted them both to the Ca’ Niccolò. When Nicholas smiled at her, receiving them, Margot had felt deservedly guilty.
Rumour, which was generally right, said that Nicholas had been the lover of two if not three of the remarkable princesses of Naxos, while remaining on cordial terms with their husbands. On this occasion, all the civilities over, Caterino had introduced the subject of Cyprus.
’What was happening when you left? The Vatachino had been given the dyeworks, and the unfortunate Zorzi expelled (you know his Bruges business failed?). And then – of course, your fees would be affected – King Zacco’s increased tribute to Cairo made it impossible for him to pay the army, or the dues for the sugar estates, yours and ours.
‘We all wished, my dear Niccolò,’ said Signor Caterino Zeno with a smile, ‘that during your stay on the island, you had been a little less hard on the Mamelukes. However. No one has attempted to slay you, I believe, on this visit? And I have to tell you that conditions in Cyprus are improving. And will improve more.’
Margot watched him watch Nicholas. The Venetian sugar estates were the largest in Cyprus, next to those run by the Banco di Niccolò. As Zeno had said, no dues had come from either since the King ran out of money. She knew Nicholas had received nothing from his private farms either.
Nicholas said, ‘I’m glad to hear it. Who will benefit?’
‘Oh, everyone,’ had said Zeno expansively. ‘The whole of Venice. Every Venetian with interests on the island. If you lose the royal estates, there will be others for you, I am sure. After King Zacco is married.’
‘You think so?’ Nicholas said. ‘I heard he hoped for a Queen from either Naples or Rome.’
‘Tattle,’ said Zeno. ‘When a man is young and unmarried and has need of legitimate heirs, such talk will go round. No. He has chosen a Venetian bride.’
‘Not someone I know? Not a kinswoman of your own?’ Nicholas asked. His voice was awe-struck.
‘Are we not honoured? And you have met her. You remember Catherine?’ Violante of Naxos enquired. ‘My sister’s daughter? I am to be the aunt of a Queen. I feel aged.’
‘In no respect, except perhaps when compared in age with a child,’ Nicholas said. ‘Can she be marriageable?’
‘She is thirteen,’ said the merchant. ‘We expect womanhood in a matter of months. And meantime the papers are signed. King Zacco