About this story
Ellena Rosalba catches you at the lattice, and your mother scents an unsuitable attachment before you can name it. On the road back, a hooded monk warns you twice against returning to Villa Altieri, and vanishes both times before saying why.
How it opens
Morning incense drifted through San Lorenzo while pale light climbed the marble pillars above the congregation.
A woman's voice rose from behind a veil, clear enough to draw your attention away from the service.
Signora BianchiCome, Ellena; the service has ended and the streets will soon be crowded.
Choose
Pardon me; I hoped to offer help if the stairs troubled you.
I meant no discourtesy; may I introduce myself?