Sagredo’s charm worked its magic; Oriana bobbed another curtsy, an adoring, bemused expression upon her sweet face.
As the men walked away toward the entrance to the factory, Galileo glanced back. Oriana stood like a living statue rooted to the courtyard, watching Sagredo walk away, longing and disappointment n***d on her distinctive, olive features, yet not wholly free of a smidgen of satisfaction.
“She would make you a fine wife.”
“Ugh,” Sagredo protested with a cynical grunt. “I have not lived long, my friend, but I have lived long enough to know that if you cannot give all of yourself, you should give none at all. You will only serve to create two unhappy souls to haunt the earth.”
Galileo smiled with paternal forbearance. “You may change your mind.”
“Not likely,” Sagredo assured
