October 1716
VeniceAntonio has remained in our city for the past year, continuing his classes and being followed about the streets by his adoring clique of fawning young girls. He is reported – on a too frequent basis by the wagging tongues of Venice – as being seen in the arms of one of those girls in public places. At times, of more than one.
I remained in my place of business and remained unmarried, but this time I had made certain decisions about my life. I could no longer pretend to not have a deep interest in Rachel d'Invito and she, at sixteen years old, could perceive some of my intent. So could her mother. Rachel's attendance at the Conservatorio was lessened somewhat by her entry into womanhood; it was now important for her parents to find the appropriate spouse for her, and th
