Mademozelle Danglers never went home. She just kept on traveling…
I boarded the carriage headed for Florence. All of us travelers piled our things in on the back, and then were helped up inside. We all took our seats, and I ended up next to a man holding a violin in his lap. He is looking at me. It is at times like these when I wish that I still had my governess with me. I did not enjoy her company, more I was just glad of another presence. But the dear girl off killed herself. She could not bear the shame we had when 'Andrea' (for that was not his true name) exposed us. So she is gone now and I am alone, afraid, and desperate. People never like the looks of a woman traveling alone. I do not like traveling alone.
I find myself staring back at that man. He has kind eyes, clear and blue. His hair is a pale brown color, and his skin is creamy white. There is nothing very distinctive about him but his hands, scarred and holding an old fiddle, almost tenderly.
"Hello." he says in Italian. "My name is Absolom. What is yours?" I look at him suspiciously, but then decide that he means me no harm.
"I am Eugene." I say. "That is an interesting fiddle you have." My poor Italian vocabulary is limiting, so it comes out more like, 'interesting fiddle have.'
Sigh. When will I ever learn this language? I wish I had payed more attention to Louise…
"You seem uncomfortable speaking this language." says Absolom. "Vous etes francaise? Mais non?" He switches to French.
"Oui Messiur. Merci." I say, lowering my eyes.
"I am going to Florence. Where are you going?"
"The same. I am going to learn about music."
"Music?" he says, "Do you enjoy music?"
"Oh yes." I say. "I have been traveling for a while in hopes to pick up some more knowledge about it, and maybe to sing and play."
"What do you sing? And which instruments do you play?" he inquires. Normally, this many questions would have thrown me off. But it feels like I want to tell this man about me, like he wants to know me.
"I play the piano." I answer. "And yes I can sing, if not very well."
"Ohh. I am sure your voice is beautiful, just to match your eyes." His voice has a low, musical mesmerizing note to it. And I feel like I am flying. The carriage jerking forwards brings me out of my stupor.
"Well. Yes." I say, signaling the end of this conversation. But either Absolom does not understand my signal, or he simply ignores it.
"I should very much like to hear you sing." his eyes twinkle. There is a spark in him…
"Well I don't know…" I say looking down.
"Excuse us… are you musicians? Sorry if I am intruding, but I for one would like to hear a song." says a woman sitting across from me. Other travelers nod their heads or speak their agreement. Absolom just laughs.
"Come! What songs do you know?" He smiles, and I feel dizzy.
"Alright I'll sing." I say. People are calling song titles, and soon enough there is music. Most of the time I don't notice what I am singing. I feel like a bird. I have never felt so alive. The violin's piercing notes and Absolom's sparkling eyes weave a net that I am quickly falling into. The others in the carriage are laughing and some are singing along with us. Earlier today the world seemed like a very dark place. But now, even though night has fallen, I feel like every ray of the sun is shining on me.