The Family Auditore – Chapter 8 - Recovery and Discovery
Isabelle awoke.
A hand pressed to her brow as she tried to move. "Easy, piccola." A soft voice said. It was Giovanni. She blinked and hissed feeling her ribs as she breathed in too deeply.
"I know, that will not heal for some days. Are you hungry? I have bread and a jam." He said. "And some tea."
She smiled. "Yes, please."
He nodded and bent to kiss her cheek above the bruise. "Bene." He set the tray on her knees and watched her eat her simple meal.
"How long have I slept?" She asked, noticing that the sun was well up.
"Passed noon."
"What?!" She gasped.
He gently shook his head. "Relax. No one expected you to do anything other than rest, my dear."
"Where is Federico and Ezio?"
"With any luck Federico is getting some food and sleeping in the guest room. I removed him, almost by force and hour ago. Ezio has been in and out the whole time. Your health is a top priority to us." He said gently.
"When he wakens can you send Federico in?"
"He is already here, Cara." Federico said.
Giovanni looked back at him. "I told you to get some sleep. You are no use to her ill or half dead, my son."
"I heard her voice. I wanted to make sure she was well." He said. He yawned.
"Go to bed, my love. Father will watch over me."
"Your wife is wise." Giovanni said.
Federico nodded and went to her. He kissed her brow and left to go back to bed, secure in knowing his wife was well.
ZzZ
The next two weeks the girl recovered.
She did not leave the Palazzo grounds and enjoyed being in the courtyard. Her rib was still tender, but it did not stop her from allowing Federico to tenderly make love to her a couple days after. He was gentle and when did everything to avoid her pain.
This morning, however, she was not feeling well. She was pale and did not wish to each anything for her breakfast including peaches in cream which she loved. Federico let her sleep knowing the best cure for an illness was rest. She did not have a fever, but she did not wish to move either.
That evening she was better and ate two helpings of lamb. Federico welcomed sending for more and the delicate mint sauce and potatoes with it. She then settled back to sleep again. He watched over her. She was not one to sleep so much so there had to be something wrong. He just had no idea what.
The second day, Federico made sure she had some broth and some thick fresh baked bread when she complained about her stomach feeling bad. After she slept until supper and again ate ravenously. Federico watched her curiously.
Giovanni had come and had watched her for a time as she slept. He seemed calmer than his eldest son. For good reason. He had seen this before, but he was not going to say anything to anyone other than Maria until it was confirmed.
The third day, Federico was still in bed when she rose and vomited what little was in her stomach into the chamber pot. Federico woke to his wife coughing so hard her body was shuttering, but her body seemed determined to rid itself of everything it contained and by the acrid smell what was coming from her lips was not actually stomach contents.
After she had settled, he held a small glass of wine to clear the taste from her lips which she took gratefully. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment. He kissed her cheek affectionately before easing her back down to rest.
Ezio met him in the hallway as he shut the door. For all his womanizing ways, Ezio genuinely cared for his sister-in-law and looked up at his taller brother. "How is she?" He asked.
"She is ill. I am going to fetch a doctor."
"An odd illness that only strikes in the morning and afternoon."
"Indeed." Federico said before continuing.
He made it to the doctor's stall. "Ah, Federico Auditore. How can I be of service?"
"My wife is ill, sir."
"Her rib still hurting her? She will be moving a bit slower for a couple weeks due to that."
"No. She has been sleeping during the day and not able to each much in the day. The evening comes and she eats more than my brother and I combined. She was so sick this morning. I worry for her."
"As every young husband should." The doctor said lifting his bag after securing his cart. "Come then. Let us see to her."
They walked into the family home and up the stairs.
The doctor walked into the room and then turned to Federico who nearly ran into him. "Stay here, young man while I examine her."
Federico nodded and folded his arms as the door shut. Ezio appeared at his elbow and they both waited for what seemed like an eternity. It was less than thirty minutes before the doctor came out. He held a small bottle. "She is well enough. She needs to eat more when she can." He smiled a little and gave Federico a small bottle. "A small pinch of this powder in her wine should ease her stomach."
"What is wrong with her doctor?" Federico asked as he saw his mother joining them.
"The Lady Auditore has nothing wrong, my dear boy. What she is feeling is natural. He illness is commonly called morning illness." He smiled and put his hand on Federico's shoulder. "Congratulations are in order."
Maria clapped her hands and was smiling, but the two teenage men were looking at each other. The doctor smiled at the mistress of the house. "An unfamiliar term I see. Let me put it to you in another way. Your wife will be giving you a gift in a few months, you should prepare."
"What?" Federico asked. "Stop being so damn cryptic."
"Oh, for the love of God, Federico, she is pregnant, you idiot." Claudia said behind him.
Federico's mouth dropped. First his sister had never spoken to him so, but also his wife was carrying his child in her womb. He looked at the doctor. "How? When?"
The doctor chuckled. "Who knows, my dear boy, but one of the times you enjoyed your il fare l'amore."
Ezio clapped his shoulder and laughed.
Maria hugged her still startled son. Federico paid the doctor for the medicine and his visit and then went into the room. He was so surprised and happy he could not speak. In fact he was grinning like an idiot as he made his way to his wife who was lightly sleeping.
She woke as he sat down on the bed. He kissed her fingers and looked at her, his eyes full of affection and his face giddy like he had had far too much to drink.
"Are you drunk?" She asked looking at him.
"No." he said. He bent and kissed her lips. "I am very happy."
"Because of the child."
"That and you are not unwell." He smiled and caressed her face with the backs of his fingers.
She smiled up at him and pulled him down for a kiss once more. Her hands moved to his back, but he pulled back.
"No, Dulce." He said.
"But…"
"You need your rest. I am going to ask the cook to make your favorite." He rose to his feet.
She looked after him as he kissed her fingers again before letting her hand go to his chest.
ZzZ
The Palazzo of the Auditore family was buzzing.
Maria had told her husband the moment he got home from the bank that he would soon be a grandfather. He had kissed his wife and laughed before moving to go fetch his daughter-in-law presents. She needed to know the family loved and supported her.
He also had the local baker make her a torte with beautiful berries and cream for her for dessert. He wanted to spoil her. A new generation was in her womb and he was excited. It made him forget about the intrigue outside the family home he was involved with.
At dinner Federico walked with his wife down the stairs. She had been unsteady of late and he wanted to make sure she did not fall down the stairs once more. At the table she clapped her hands excitedly when she saw that the meal was squab with a delicate cream sauce. She had never been able to eat such foods with the Borgia – only scraps if her siblings left her any. Now she had a whole bird for herself.
After dinner and Isabelle had cleaned her plate of sauce with the thick bread the maid made every morning. Giovanni called for the torte to come out. Isabelle was surprised by this and looked at her husband. He leaned toward her, his hand on her still taut belly, and kissed her. They all ate a piece of the Torte and Federico laughed as he put a bit of cream on his wife's nose playfully.
She laughed and he learned over and licked it off.
Giovanni wasn't done. He had two boxes. He gave her one and smiled calling for hot water and tea cups. She opened the first and found some small tea leaves tied together. She blinked at her father-in-law. He smiled at her.
"I know how much you like tea. I got this from the Chinaman at the market. He said you would love it."
He leaned over and placed a small piece into her cup. He then lifted the hot water. He poured some in and she looked at him cocking her head.
"Watch, Cara." He said smiling.
She looked at the cup and before her eyes the small pod began to open and reveal a beautiful bloom within. She gasped and looked at her father-in-law. "It is so beautiful." She whispered.
He smiled and watched as she rose to her feet and went to him. She hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Papa!" She said. She then swallowed, a lump in her throat as she lifted a hand to brush away the tears.
He looked up at her. "What is it?" He asked.
"No one has given me a present before." She said in a small voice.
"Oh, Dulce!" He said rising and holding her as she began to sob. Ezio looked at his brother in confusion as Federico rose to his feet. He tenderly rubbed her back as Giovanni held her close to comfort her like any father would.
After she quieted and offered him a small smile, he nodded to her.
She sipped her tea, letting it warm her hands as she looked at the flower in the cup as the others chattered about her.
Federico then brought her to bed about two hours later and just held her. He was happy she was happy now and safe.
ZzZ
A month had past.
Isabelle was showing if one looked at her hard enough to see the hint of a swell just above the juncture of her thighs. Federico had noticed a week ago and had gently kissed it knowing his baby was there growing. He had lain with his head in her lap with his ear to her belly as though he was trying to hear the heartbeat. She smiled and caressed his thick dark hair as he lay there.
Isabelle and Maria were sitting in the parlor of the home. They were mending an embroidering shirt for the men of the house. Federico seemed to be harder on shirts than even his younger brother and Isabelle had spent much of the day working on the pile she had. She had discovered three were beyond repair and so she had ripped them to make rags.
She was working on the Auditore sigil on the front of one of the shirts she held. She had already done three and it was becoming easier. Maria commented her stitches were beautifully placed. Isabelle commented back she had had lots of practice. She merely nodded.
Federico and Ezio came in with a chess board.
Ezio quietly set up the pieces as Federico went to his wife and gave her a small kiss on the mouth. He looked at her work and smiled. He then walked back to his brother and poured water for them as he dropped into the seat.
Federico was white and Ezio was red. It started off at a quick pace. Maria and Isabelle smiled as they watched the boys play. Ezio was still learning, but he countered his brother's moves well enough.
Isabelle looked up as she heard a noise. Giovanni had returned home. She smiled at him.
Maria looked up and offered her face to him. "Amore." She whispered.
He pressed a kiss to her lips before looking to Isabelle. He smiled at her and she blushed a little.
Federico and Ezio were nearing the end of their game.
"Ezio is learning fast." Maria said. "He reminds me of you." Her husband sighed watching as he kept his face near hers.
Giovanni chuckled and then looked over at his daughter-in-law. "What beautiful work, La mia colomba."
"Thank you, Papa." She said smiling up at him. She was glowing in the soft light of the room. Giovanni had never believed such tales from women until he had seen it with his own eyes as Maria carried Federico. He smiled. Isabelle was beautiful and she was an asset to the family.
Federico moved a piece and smiled at his younger brother. He took a drink from the glass he had watching Ezio intently.
Ezio had a puzzled look on his face and then realized he was mated. He dropped his king and sighed. He looked at his brother's smirking face.
"Ezio." Giovanni said. "The boys looked up as he approached them. "Remember you need to think ahead. Don't wait for your opponent to move. Anticipate. And Surprise him." Giovanni said smiling as his sons smiled back at him.
Both rose from the table.
"How are you father?"
"Good, Ezio." Giovanni said embracing his middle son.
"Father."
"Federico." Giovanni said embracing him as well.
Isabelle set down her embroidery and rose to her feet. Giovanni smiled and hugged her as well, being careful not to hurt her in any way. She looked up at him and smiled. "I like this."
"What, my dear one?" Giovanni asked holding her waist as he looked down at her face.
"Being loved. A family with love makes me feel so much more a part of the family."
"You are part of the family." Ezio said lifting his hand to her shoulder. He smiled and kissed her cheek affectionately.
"Thank you." She said patting his hand.
ZzZ
The family made ready to have dinner.
Giovanni noticed there was an extra seat and the table had been given the extra leaf. He looked at his wife questioningly and she shrugged.
Isabelle came into the room in a dress made of velvet that did nothing to hide her delicate condition. On her arm, walking, and rosy cheeked was Petruccio, the youngest son, who was today thirteen. She smiled at the startled family.
Maria had her hands to her mouth in surprise as she had tears in her eyes. The doctors had told her he would never walk again after his blood fever. Though clearly not as strong as other boys his age, it was progress and Giovanni smiled as he looked at his daughter-in-law in new appreciation.
"What a gift this is, Isabelle." He breathed.
Petruccio sat down beside his father and Giovanni, who saw his son improving every day, but had not seen him walking was smiling at him. "Welcome to your birthday dinner, my son."
"Belle told me it would be worth it."
"Your family missed you." Isabelle spoke and sat down across from him with a smile.
Federico looked at his mother who was weeping for joy. He turned to his wife. "How did you manage…"
"Petruccio wanted to be with family on his birthday. We have been walking in the hallway every day." She smiled at Petruccio who was eating a berry he had found before him. "With luck he will be able to be here every day."
Giovanni lifted a hand to her cheek. "You are such a blessing."
"Thank you, Papa."
He shook his head. "I mean it. Without you, he would have stayed bedridden, my eldest son would not be here to run errands when I need it, and I would not soon be looking forward to being a grandfather." He lifted his glass. "To the birthday boy and our beloved little dove who has become such a joy in our lives."
The glasses chinked and Isabelle blushed. Giovanni kissed her cheek and then they set about eating the meal that young Petruccio had been given on a bedside tray. He would eat his fill and his family would watch him open presents. Today he would be able to open them in the parlor.
Giovanni knew this would be taxing and he would likely have to be carried back upstairs, but the point was, the boy had come to be with them. He had wanted to be with his family, in their lives. He was no longer a danger that he would suddenly not be there when they woke.
Though pale he was smiling and laughing with his family. Something he had not done in so long, Giovanni hardly remembered. It was such a joyous sound. As joyous as the sound he had made then he had been born to them. And it was all thanks to Isabelle who was sitting and speaking to Federico about her day between smiling at Petruccio and telling him what foods to try.
He was going to live.