The Glassblower of Murano - Marina Fiorato [78]
`You should. It is really quite beautiful. It is considered a marvellous example of stained glasswork.' For a moment the King's face seemed to shine with pride at his city's finest jewel. `But of course, it is in fact, no more beautiful to me than Minou's little tribute there: To underline his startling volte face, he indicated the dog's waste, still sitting on the rug. `Little nuggets of glass, multicoloured fancies, tiny bon-bons, minute panes all muddled together. Good enough for a child. Good enough for God.' He rose from his chair. `But I am King. I want glorious, clean glass, huge pieces, mirrors of white and gold to reflect my Majesty. Can you do that for me, Signore?'
Corradino was afraid, but he knew his capabilities. `Yes,' he said in ringing tones. `I can.'
The King smiled pleasantly. `Good' He came close - Duparcmieur lowered his head but Corradino met the royal eyes. `If you please me, we will reward you greatly. Fail me, and you will find me no more merciful than your own Venetian overlords, with their embarrassingly thorough methods of justice' The King turned and walked back to his throne, deliberately stepping in the dog turd on the way. As the great doors closed on Duparcmieur and himself, Corradino could see the underside of the King's satin slipper, smeared with shit.
Duparcmieur was surprisingly cheerful in the carriage. `Good. You've met the King, and he seems pleased with you. I thought that went terribly well.'
Corradino was amazed and silent.
`Do you not think he is indeed the most glorious of monarchs?'
`My experience of monarchs is limited to that one audience, Duparcmieur, but I'll admit he had an ... interesting ... manner.
In truth your King is a disgusting child, but to speak my thought would show little diplomacy, and may even be dangerous.
`You find him charming? I do. He seemed in a very good mood today.'
I hope that I am never witness to his bad mood.
Duparcmieur leaned forward in a businesslike fashion. `Now, we'll take you to your lodgings in Trianon - quite well appointed, I think you'll find. We have provided work clothes for you there. When you are properly attired for work I'll take you to the site of the palace at Versailles. I think you will be impressed by the building work - it looks marvellous already. Although, you have seen many marvels today, to be sure.'
Corradino grimly agreed. He had seen a King who was not a King. Thinking of the monarch's double nature he voiced a concern which had grown in his chestspoon over the last hours. `Duparcrieur. How can I know that I can trust you and your - the King? How do I know that you will bring Leonora to me as you promised, and that you will not kill me when I have told my secrets?'
Duparcmieur met his troubled eyes with a candid gaze. Either the eyes of a man telling the truth or the eyes of a practised liar.
`My dear fellow, you have my word. I don't know how you run things in Venice, but in France a man's word is his bond.'
`Oh in Venice too. Even The Ten keep their word once given, for good or ill.'
`Then you understand me. I propose that you teach our foreman your ways with the mirror for one month, to show good faith. Then we bring Leonora to you. Then you remain for the next eleven months to oversee the work in the palace. At the end of the year you are free, to live with your daughter, and you can work with the glass or not, just as you choose.'
It sounds too wonderful to be true.
`Your foreman of the glassworks, what kind of man is he?'
`His name is Guillaume Seve. He is very experienced, a man of mature years, a good craftsman.'
Corradino shook his head. `No good. I need a young man, someone with natural aptitude, a willingness to learn, but who has not already learned all the wrong methods. Someone who will learn from me, a servente, not someone older than me.
`Very well.' Duparcmieur thought for a moment. `Then that would probably be Jacques Chauvire, just an apprentice, but talented. He is but one and twenty.'
Corradino nodded. `Perfect. It will take time, and dedication. Such things