The Glassblower of Murano - Marina Fiorato [44]
Corradino shook his head, dazed.
`These and other delights await you when you enter Paris, an even greater city of culture. Close the drapes behind us, and we may have our conference while we enjoy the song. It is, of course, vital that we are not seen. This is why we meet as these players rehearse!
Corradino did as he was bid, and as his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the box he could at last make out the figure of his conspirator.
'Do sit down, my dear fellow. There is a chair behind you.
As Corradino sat, he peered at Duparcmieur through the gloom. Gone were the doctor's weeds, and in their place the flamboyant garb of a theatrical impresario. The hair and whiskers were unstyled today, and silvered to give an aged artistic look.
`Well. And to our business. I think our best approach is for me to put our proposal to you, and then you may question me. Agreed?'
Corradino nodded faintly in the dark, but the movement was caught by the Frenchman.
`Good. Then I will begin, for our time here is short.You have heard, I suppose, of His most illustrious Majesty, King Louis XIV of France.'
Another nod.
`Indeed. Who has not. In reflection of his glorious reign and great wisdom, the finest architects are even now building what will be the most magnificent royal palace in the known world, in the lands of Versailles near Paris. Greater than those of the ancient Roman or Egyptian peoples, than those of the Nabobs and Maharjees of the Indies, than the antique and noble Greeks. Greater even than those strange and wonderful mansions of the Chinois in the Orient that your own countryman, Marco Polo, lately found. And yet, in order to do this, and set such a place apart, His Majesty has himself had a notion which will have men wondering for centuries.!
Corradino found his voice. `And what is his notion?'
'He wishes to construct a great chamber entirely out of mirrors.
Corradino was silent. The song from below drifted through his brain as he imagined such an audacious thing.
`How interesting.' The amusement that he remembered well returned to the Frenchman's voice.
`What interests you?' asked Corradino.
`That you did not say at once that it could not he done.
This convinces me even more that you are the man for the task.'
`Why must the King build such a thing? The expense will be very great, the work difficult and long.'
In the gloom Corradino could see the expansive wave of the Frenchman's hand.
`These things matter not to His Majesty. What matters is the show and pomp of royalty. Such a palace, with such a hall, will make other great men esteem him greatly. Politics hang upon magnificence, Corradino. We are esteemed by our person, and our possessions. Such a place could become a centre of policy for centuries to come. Great councils will be held there, and great deeds done!
'I see. And you want me to help you.'
Now was Duparcmieur's turn to nod.
`We wish you to come to Paris. We will quarter you in comfort and luxury in the lands around the Palace, and you will superintend the mirror and glasswork. After a time, when all is safe and the work progresses well, we will send for your daughter.'
Corradino started `She cannot travel with me?'
A shake of the perfumed head. `Not at once. The danger is great for one, much greater for two. It is much safer that she stays here for now You must tell her nothing of this, for her own sake, even when you take your leave.'
`But Monsieur, there is no possibility of my being able to leave the city alive. I am watched at every turn and under great suspicion for reasons of my family.!
Then Duparcmieur leaned close, so close that Corradino could smell the pomade of his hair, and feel the warmth of his breath. `Corradino, you will not leave the city alive.'
CHAPTER 13
The Cardinal's Nephew
The house at least, is mine. I am the tenant. I will make it a home.
Discomfited by the developments at the fornace, dreading the photoshoots and interviews