CHAPTER 9 – ABSOLUTION
EXT. CHATEAU. FRANCE. DAY
Cesare's carriage rolls through the front gates. A small guard and Micheletto follow.
INT. CHATEAU GARDENS. DAY
Charlotte is waiting at the front of the Chateau. As the carriage pulls to a stop she runs towards it and opens it to see the feverish and pale Cesare inside.
CHARLOTTE
My Husband.
Cesare holds up a weak hand and Charlotte grasps it.
INT. CHURCH. FERRARA. DAY
Alfonoso stands at the alter with his men, on the other side are Lucrezia's ladies and her mother Vanozza. Lucrezia enters the church in a dazzling wedding gown and the crowd turn to stare at her. Alfonso is talking to one of his men as she approaches.
ALFONSO
Why is it that women are always late to their own weddings?
GIORGIO
It is tradition my lord
ALPHONSO
Ridiculous tradition. If you want to be married then show up on time. No husband wants to wait around looking like a fool.
Giorgio smiles at him.
ALFONSO (CONT.)
I don't think I will ever understand women.
GIORGIO
I don't think they are made to be understood.
ALFONSO
No. They are made to bear fruit. Which is exactly what we want from them.
GIORGIO
And nothing else?
Alfonso gives him a sly smile.
ALFONSO
And nothing else.
As Lucrezia approaches she gives him a warm smile and he smiles back at her. He then turns back to Giorgio.
ALFONSO (CONT.)
At least she is beautiful.
Alfonso takes Lucrezia's hand and they approach the alter and the ceremony begins. Alfonso smiles at Giorgio and Lucrezia smiles at Bembo who is among the crowd.
INT. CESARE'S BEDROOM. FRANCE. DAY
Cesare lies on the bed still pale and sweating. Micheletto is by his side. Charlotte enters carrying the toddler Louise. Micheletto bows to her and then leaves. Cesare looks up at Charlotte and the child.
CHARLOTTE
Louise – this is your father.
Louise looks down on Cesare. Cesare gives a weak smile and then holds up his arms to her. Charlotte carefully places Louise on the bed beside Cesare. Cesare strokes Louise's cheeks and hands. A pleasant smile is on his face and he sheds a tear.
CESARE
She is beautiful
CHARLOTTE
She is a strong and healthy girl.
She looks to Cesare.
CHARLOTTE
Maybe even stronger than her father.
She smiles at Cesare and he smiles back, then he looks sullen.
INT. BALLROOM. EVENING
Lucrezia dances around the room beaming and looking lovely. She dances with many men including Bembo. The Duke watches her entranced.
INT. BEDROOM. EVENING
Lucrezia is being prepared by her ladies for bed. In an adjoining room we see Alfonso being prepared by Giorgio.
ALFONSO
Consummation. Another thing I don't understand.
GIORGIO
The marriage is not valid until it has been Consummated.
ALFONSO
I don't see why it has to be done so soon, can it not just happen naturally.
GIORGIO
It is best done when there are both sides of the family here present. To say you went in to the bedroom together and emerged together the next morning.
ALFONSO
Well, at least she is vibrant and beautiful and quite lovely really. I think I will be fond of her.
He smiles at Giorgio. Giorgio holds him by the back of his head and kisses him passionately.
GIOGRIO
Not fonder than you are of me I hope.
Alfonso smiles and nods and then approaches the waiting Lucrezia in the other room. She smiles at him.
EXT. GARDENS. DAY
Lucrezia and Vanozza are sitting outside enjoying the sun. Bembo is sitting on a garden wall in the background writing.
VANOZZA
So tell me, how was your wedding night
LUCREZIA
It was. Satisfactory.
VANOZZA
Only satisfactory?
LUCREZIA
Satisfactory is all it needs to be. He is my husband. Not my lover.
Lucrezia smiles and then turns to Bembo who looks up and smiles
VANOZZA
Now he is very handsome
Lucrezia is still looking at Bembo
LUCREZIA
Isn't he just.
VANOZZA
He may even be more handsome than Alfonso's lovers.
They both chuckle.
LUCREZIA
I think I could be happy here mother.
VANOZZA
I am glad of this. I do so want you to be happy.
They smile at each other.
VANOZZA (CONT.)
Do you think of your children?
Lucrezia's smile fades away.
LUCREZIA
Every minute, of every hour of every day.
VANOZZA
You could send for them? There is a new pope about to be elected. Our enemies will disperse. Surely they will be safe with you again.
LUCREZIA
No mother. It is not our enemies that I worry about. It is myself. I don't know if I can trust myself to make the right choices. To make the best choices for my children.
VANOZZA
Maybe in time
LUCREZIA
Yes, maybe in time.
Lucrezia pulls out a paper.
LUCREZIA
They send me letters every week. Look Giovanni is learning how to write.
Lucrezia shows Vanozza the scribble on the page.
VANOZZA
How darling.
They both gush over the paper
VANOZZA (CONT.)
And what of the other letters?
Lucrezia's expression changes
LUCREZIA
I am still not ready to read Cesare's letters mother.
Vanozza nods
VANOZZA
I will keep them for you. For when you are ready.
Lucrezia nods and they turn back to the garden.
INT. SANCIA'S VILLA. DAY
Sancia is playing on the floor with Giovanni who is around 5 and Rodrigo who is almost 2, Rodrigo sits on her lap.
RODRIGO
Mama
Sancia has a look of joy on her face. She embraces Rodrigo
SANCIA
Oh Rodrigo you said mama! We are so proud.
Giovanni comes over to them.
GIOVANNI
No Rodrigo that's not mama.
RODRIGO
Mama
Giovanni is angry
GIOVANNI
No Rodrigo that's Sancia. Our mother is gone!
Sancia puts her arm around Giovanni and pulls him down to sit by her.
SANCIA
He doesn't know any better my love. They are just words to him.
GIOVANNI
But you're not his mother.
SANCIA
No I'm not, but I love you both very much.
She gives them a squeeze
GIOVANNI
Will we see mama again?
SANCIA
I'm sure you will, but mama needs to have a rest, and you will stay with me until she is feeling better.
Giovanni nods
GIOVANNI
And where is our papa?
Sancia is taken by surprise.
SANCIA
Why do you speak of your papa?
GIOVANNI
The other boys. They have papas. Where is mine?
SANCIA
I'm sorry Giovanni, your papa died when you were just a baby.
Giovanni thinks it over
GIOVANNI
And what about Rodrigo's papa. Where is he?
Sancia smiles at him and gives him a squeeze.
SANCIA
Rodrigo's papa died before he was even born. He was my brother you know? That's why I am your aunt.
GIOVANNI
Do all papas die?
SANCIA
Eventually yes. All papas must die, and mamas and even aunts.
Giovanni looks upset.
SANCIA
Do not worry my love; I won't die for a long, long time.
Giovanni hugs her and goes back to playing.
EXT. CHATEAU GARDENS. DAY
Micheletto pushes the weak Cesare around in a wheeled chair.
CESARE
Do you have word from Rome?
MICHELETTO
The smoke is still black.
CESARE
I must return. I must secure my future.
MICHELETTO
My lord, you cannot return to Rome in your current state. You are too weak; your enemies would seize such an opportunity.
CESARE
I get stronger every day. I can only hope that the smoke continues to stay black until I am strong enough to return.
MICHELETTO
When you are strong enough, I will be by your side, my lord.
CESARE
I will need your help Micheletto. I will need you to train with me. Build my strength again.
MICHELETTO
Of course my lord, I am at your service.
Cesare smiles warmly at him and then begins to think.
CESARE
When we first met, you said that you would be glad to work in the service of god.
MICHELETTO
That I did
CESARE
My father is no longer pope.
MICHELETTO
No he is not.
CESARE
And I am no longer the pope's son.
MICHELETTO
No you are not.
CESARE
Yet, here you are.
MICHELETTO
I have not been in Gods service for quite some time now.
CESARE
I am glad to have you in my service.
MICHELETTO
I am glad to be in your service, my lord.
CESARE
Cesare.
MICHELETTO
Cesare.
They smile at each other.
CESARE
And tell me. Has there been word from Ferrara?
Micheletto shakes his head
MICHELETTO
I am sorry my - Cesare. Lucrezia has not sent reply to your letters.
Cesare looks sullen
INT. LUCREZIAS BEDROOM. NIGHT
Lucrezia and Bembo are making love. They finish and Bembo places kisses all over Lucrezia's face and body. She giggles. Bembo rolls of the bed and starts to get dressed. Lucrezia watches.
LUCREZIA
I wish you could hold me though-out the night?
BEMBO
I wish it too my love, but I cannot be seen emerging from your rooms in the morning. It would cause talk.
LUCREZIA
I do not think my husband cares who emerges from my rooms.
BEMBO
No, I think not. But I do not want the people to think badly of you.
LUCREZIA
I am used to people thinking badly of me.
Bembo moves to the bed and embraces her.
BEMBO
Then I shall have to think of some wonderful things to write about you, and change their thoughts.
They kiss and Bembo finishes dressing and then goes to leave. Lucrezia pulls up the covers ready to sleep.
INT. CORRIDOR. NIGHT
Bembo leaves Lucrezia's room grinning and walks down the corridor, he comes face to face with Alfonso. Alfonso looks towards Lucrezia's door.
ALFONSO
You make my wife happy.
BEMBO
I try my lord
ALFONSO
Good. Keep making her happy. Just be sure there are no children made. I would like my own child to be my heir.
Bembo is stunned but nods. Alfonso turns and leaves.
INT. EMPTY STABLE. EVENING
Micheletto and Cesare are sparring. Cesare is making swings at Micheletto and Micheletto is merely defending himself.
CESARE
Word from Rome?
MICHELETTO
I'm sorry. The smoke is clean. A pope has been elected.
CESARE
Della Rovere?
MICHELETTO
Yes. Julius II
Cesare angrily starts slashing and Micheletto defends with ease.
CESARE
Come on Micheletto, you have to give me some challenge
MICHELETTO
I don't want you to overexert yourself.
CESARE
I must overexert myself if I want to get strong.
Micheletto lunges at Cesare and starts swinging wildly, Cesare tries to block but he ends up down in the dirt. Micheletto holds out a hand to help him up. Cesare takes it and gets back up.
MICHELETTO
We must take this one day at a time. It will be some time before you are strong enough to fight again.
CESARE
I cannot wait that long. Della Rovere sits on St. Peters throne. The people will rebel against me. I will lose my lands. Everything I fought so hard for.
MICHELETTO
Do not fear Cesare. You will win them back, and I will be right by your side.
They spar a little more.
CESARE
My sister? Any word from her?
Micheletto shakes his head.
Cesare again slashes angrily at Micheletto and they continue to spar.
INT. ALFONSOS QUARTERS. DAY
Alfonso is working alongside some of his advisors. Lucrezia approaches and Alfonso waves his advisors away.
ALFONSO
My wife, how can I be of service?
LUCREZIA
I have some wonderful news for you.
ALFONSO
Well, let me hear it.
LUCREZIA
I am with child.
Alfonso puts down his quill and gets up from his desk, he walks over to Lucrezia and embraces her.
ALFONSO
This is wonderful news. Finally a child of my own.
Lucrezia smiles back at him. And Alfonso draws away a little, but still holds her hands affectionately.
ALFONSO
And we are sure that it is my own child?
Lucrezia blushes.
LUCREZIA
Yes husband, Pietro and I, we were very careful. We were clean. The child is from our union.
She nods to Alfonso.
ALFONSO
Marvellous. We should organise a celebration.
He embraces her again and Lucrezia is smiling happily.
INT. DINING ROOM. EVENING
Lucrezia and Alfonso sit before a great feast. There are dancers and entertainers. Bembo approaches Lucrezia and asks her to dance, Alfonso nods his approval. They begin to dance.
BEMBO
Your are blooming my love.
LUCREZIA
You are looking rather delightful yourself.
Bembo smiles and pulls her in close
BEMBO
You are sure the child is not my own?
LUCREZIA
Yes my love. This is the child of my husband.
BEMBO
It's a pity, I wouldn't have minded a child of my own.
LUCREZIA
I do not think I am the one to give you one Pietro. You may have to find another for that.
BEMBO
I don't think I could find another like you.
LUCREZIA
You may have to. You will not be able to bed me again until after the baby is born.
BEMBO
That would be torture for me. I don't think I could bear it.
LUCREZIA
Don't fear my love, you will still have my kisses.
She kisses him sweetly on the cheek and he beams.
He spins her around and draws her back in, and she lets out a yelp which makes everyone around her turn. She falls in Bembos arms and he struggles to hold her up. She is gasping and moaning in pain and as she falls to the ground we see blood on her underskirts. Alfonso and Vanozza both run to her aid.
INT. LUCREZIAS BEDROOM. DAY
Lucrezia lays in the bed pale and sweating. Vanozza is by her side wiping her brow. A nurse stands to the side. A medic is examining her. He finishes and goes to the basin to wash his hands. Vanozza looks at him.
MEDIC
I'm sorry. The baby is gone.
Lucrezia begins to sob weakly and her mother comforts her.
The medic moves to the door and motions for Vanozza to follow. Vanozza kisses Lucrezia and then calls the nurse over to sit by her.
INT. CORRIDOR. DAY
Alfonso is waiting outside he runs to the Medic as he appears with Vanozza. The medic closes the door.
MEDIC
I am truly sorry my lord, the baby is gone.
Alfonso puts his hands to his head in grief.
ALFONSO
And my wife?
The medic shakes his head and looks at them gravely.
MEDIC
it does not look good. Her womb is torn, she continues to lose blood.
Vanozza gasps and starts to weep.
ALFONSO
Will she recover?
MEDIC
In my experience they rarely do.
Vanozza begins to sob and Alfonso holds her.
INT. STABLES. EVENING
Micheletto and Cesare are sparring. Cesare is much stronger now. He parries lunges and ripostes with ease. Micheletto is attacking more ferociously now. Cesare sends out a flurry of strikes taking Micheletto off guard. He falls to the ground with Cesare's sword at his throat.
CESARE
I think I am recovered.
MICHELETTO
I think you are.
Cesare draws Micheletto up.
MICHELETTO
I have a reward for you
Micheletto pulls out a letter from his coat.
Cesare and Micheletto playfully wrestle for the letter. Cesare snatches the letter and breaks the seal.
CESARE
From my sister?
He reads the letter, as he reads the smile on his face turns to a look of horror. He storms off.
EXT. CHATEAU. DAY
Charlotte and Louise, who is now about three, are saying goodbye to Cesare. Cesare mounts his horse and leaves the chateau with Micheletto following.
INT. LUCREZIAS BEDROOM. DAY
Lucrezia lays on the bed, pale and sweating, a nurse attends her. Lucrezia holds a rosary to her chest. Cesare enters and walks over to her. He takes a look at her and then kisses her gently on the lips. He slowly seats himself by her side and holds her hand. Lucrezia turns to the nurse, and weakly speaks.
LUCREZIA
Leave us
The nurse bows to Lucrezia and to Cesare and leaves.
CESARE
Lucrezia I am here for you.
Lucrezia stares at the ceiling.
CESARE
I didn't know if I should come. You never replied to my letters
Lucrezia continues to stare.
CESARE
Are you going to talk to me?
Lucrezia continues to stare.
Cesare puts his head on the bed and breaks down in tears.
CESARE
Please talk to me.
LUCREZIA
You shouldn't have come.
Cesare sits up and looks at her.
LUCREZIA
But I'm glad you did
She manages a weak smile, and Cesare touches her face affectionately.
INT. LUCREZIAS BEDROOM. EVENING
Lucrezia lying on her back. The rosary clutched to her chest. She looks deathly. Cesare is by her side.
LUCREZIA
I would have you hear my Confession Cesare.
CESARE
You forget sis. I am no longer Cardinal. But I can get –
LUCREZIA
No Cesare. I want you to hear it.
Cesare grasps her hands and moves in closer.
LUCREZIA(CONT.)
I have sinned greatly. I am a liar and an adulteress.
She gasps.
LUCREZIA (CONT.)
I seduced my own brother, and carried his child within me.
A tear runs down Cesare's cheek.
LUCREZIA (CONT.)
I murdered my own husband, and allowed his death to be covered up and I -
She takes in a deep breath and gives a long sigh.
LUCREZIA (CONT.)
When their power got so great, and I feared for the life I would have, and for the life of my children.
She gasps again
LUCREZIA (CONT.)
I poisoned my own father and brother, whom I loved so much. I murdered my own father.
Lucrezia and Cesare are both crying.
LUCREZIA
I poisoned my brother and when he lay weak and sick and begged me for his help, I abandoned him.
Cesare stands up and kisses her on her forehead and on her cheeks, kissing away her tears.
CESARE
God hears your confession and he absolves you of your sins.
LUCREZIA
My confession was not for God.
Cesare nods
CESARE
I forgive you of your sins.
Lucrezia manages a weak smile. Cesare continues to weep and kiss her face and hands.
When he steps away Lucrezia's eyes are closed and she is silent. Cesare shakes her.
CESARE (CONT.)
Lucrezia
She does not respond. He shakes her again more violently
CESARE (CONT.)
Lucrezia!
When she doesn't respond he moves to the door opens it and calls outside.
CESARE (CONT.)
She does not wake!
The medic comes in and looks her over, he takes her pulse.
MEDIC
She is weakening. I do not think she will last the night. I will send for the Duke.
The medic hurries off and Cesare stands in the room looking lost.
INT. CHURCH. NIGHT
Cesare bursts through the church doors and strides down the aisle. An attendant begins to approach him but when he sees the look on his face he scurries away. Cesare falls to his knees before the crucifixion. He clasps his hands in front of him. Tears stream down his face.
CESARE
Heavenly father, I was not a good bishop, I was not a good cardinal, I was not even a good Christian. I have forsaken you on a number of occasions. But I kneel before you as your humble servant. I will mend my ways. I will live by your word. I will love my fellow man, I will care for my wife and my child. I will love my sister in the way the good lord intended. I commit myself to your service - please.
He sobs
CESARE (CONT.)
Please spare my sister.
He is sobbing and weeping uncontrollably.
CESARE
She is innocent. She was just a piece in my father's game. A piece in our game. We used her to get what we wanted, we had no regard for her happiness. She is our victim. Please spare her!
Cesare crumples into a ball and continues to sob.
INT. LUCREZIAS BEDROOM. DAY
Lucrezia is in the bed, Alfonso and Vanozza are by her side. Cesare lies with his head on her bed at her other side sleeping. We are looking at Cesare's face and we see a hand gently stroke his hair and face.
LUCREZIA
Cesare.
Cesare lifts his head and looks to his sister. She is smiling and there is colour in her cheeks. She looks as if she'll recover. Cesare kisses her on the forehead.
CESARE
God has heard my prayers.
They embrace each other and weep.
EXT. GARDEN. DAY
Lucrezia and Cesare sit in the garden. Lucrezia is covered with a blanket.
CESARE
You look as if you'll make a full recovery
LUCREZIA
Yes the medic says I will be fine. He thinks I will still be able to have more children.
Lucrezia beams
Cesare is thinking.
CESARE
Where are the children sis.
Lucrezia frowns and sighs.
LUCREZIA
I sent them away before – Before father died.
CESARE
Where did you send them?
LUCREZIA
They are with our sister in law, Sancia. In Naples.
CESARE
I would very much like to see them.
Lucrezia squeezes his hand.
LUCREZIA
When you are ready send word. I will let Sancia know.
Cesare smiles. They continue to talk inaudible.
INT. LUCREZIAS BEDROOM. DAY
Lucrezia and Bembo sit by the window. Lucrezia clutches a rosary.
LUCREZIA
After all that has happened. I must turn my life around. I must be a good Christian, a good wife, a good mother.
BEMBO
What does this mean?
LUCREZIA
I'm sorry my love you cannot come to my bed anymore
Bembo looks crushed. Lucrezia takes his hand. Bembo kisses her hand.
BEMBO
I will continue to write for you my love.
LUCREZIA
This would please me.
They smile at each other.
EXT. PALACE. FERRARA. DAY
Lucrezia, Alfonso and Vanozza are saying goodbye to Micheletto and Cesare. Lucrezia speaks to Micheletto. Vanozza is embracing Cesare and weeping.
LUCREZIA
You will keep my brother safe Micheletto?
MICHELETTO
I will try my best my lady.
He bows and Lucrezia kisses him on the top of his head. Micheletto looks up and they smile at each other. Cesare moves out of Vanozza's embrace and goes to Lucrezia.
LUCREZIA
Must you return to war Cesare? Can't you move back to France and live a quiet life with Charlotte and Louise?
CESARE
I must reclaim what is mine.
Lucrezia steps in close to him and plays with the neckline of his doublet.
LUCREZIA
Am I still yours Cesare?
Cesare draws her in and holds her. He speaks into her ear.
CESARE
You are your own.
Lucrezia's face rests on Cesare's shoulder. She smiles.
Cesare is now mounted on his horse. He waves as he departs. Micheletto follows. Lucrezia, Vanozza and Alfonso wave them off. They turn to go back inside. Lucrezia is the last to leave.
EXT. SANCIAS VILLA. EVENING
A worn out looking Cesare walks up the stairs to the waiting Sancia. She does not look impressed.
CESARE
Sancia. My sister told you of my visit?
SANCIA
She did.
CESARE
I am sorry, for what happened. For what I did.
Sancia nods but does not look happy, she turns and walks inside and Cesare follows.
INT. VILLA. EVENING
Sancia walks into a great room with Cesare following. Two boys of about 6 and 9 are dressed in formal attire and are waiting. Cesare approaches them and speaks to Giovanni, the eldest.
CESARE
Hello Giovanni
GIOVANNI
I think I remember you, but you look old now.
Cesare chuckles.
CESARE
I have been at war. It ages a person.
GIOVANNI
Don Francesco teaches me the sword. I will be a soldier one day. Can I join your army?
CESARE
I would very much like that, but by the time you're old enough, hopefully I'll have no need of an army.
Giovanni nods. Cesare moves to Rodrigo and takes a knee. Emotion is in his face.
CESARE
Hello Rodrigo.
RODRIGO
I don't think I remember you.
CESARE
No, you were just a baby when –
He swallows.
CESARE (CONT.)
I am your – uncle Cesare.
He chokes on uncle.
RODRIGO
Hello uncle.
CESARE
And what of you, do you want to be a soldier too?
RODRIGO
No, I'm going to join the church. I want to be pope like my grandfather was.
Cesare smiles at him and draws him in for a hug. Tears fall down his cheeks.
CESARE
A fine pope you will be.
EXT. SANCIAS VILLA. DAY
Cesare leaves on horseback. The children are waving to him as he leaves Sancia stands behind them. When Cesare has gone they go back inside the Villa.
A MONTAGE -
Cesare at war, surrounded by men fighting, he hacks a man to the ground, and then yells and holds his hands up triumphantly, his men cheer around him.
Sancia is walking through the villa. She clutches her chest and then slowly collapses to the floor.
Now Sancia is in a bed looking pale and deathly. Rodrigo and Giovanni stand by her bed side crying. She reaches out a weak hand to them.
A carriage rolls towards the beautiful city of Ferrara. Two faces pop out of the window, the excited faces of Rodrigo and Giovanni. The carriage continues into the city.
Micheletto and Cesare are battling. A spear catches Cesare and he tumbles from his horse. Micheletto sees and he calls out.
MICHELETTO
Cesare!
Lucrezia is sitting in the Palace garden watching Giovanni and Rodrigo play, she laughs at them. A messenger appears and approaches. As he approaches a look of concern grows on her face.
Micheletto races towards Cesare. The arrows are launched into him as he runs. He falls to the ground. His face is in the ash. He can hear the squeals of horses and men and the clash of steel. It is very much like his dream of Pascal. He reaches his hand out to the dying Cesare. Cesare is lying on his back. Tears run down his face. He whispers.
CESARE
Lucrezia.
Lucrezia opens the letter and reads. She begins to weep and sob and the boys come over to see her. They both hug her. She continues to weep and holds the boys close to her and as she strokes Rodrigo's hair she whispers –
LUCREZIA
Cesare.
THE END.