“Journeys of great import
“Journeys of great importare traveled on many paths.”
are traveled on many paths.”In another part of the city, two other women made a pilgrimage of their own.
Viviana insisted she accompany Fiammetta on this visit, though the contessa assured Viviana that her presence was not necessary.
“You do not know how they will react,” Viviana told her. “If there are arguments to be had, is it not better that I have them, not you? We do not want to remove the authority of your status in their eyes. We may need it later.”
“Well, I suppose that is true.” Fiammetta puffed up. Viviana bit her lip. Manipulation did not come easily to her, but she did it when forced to. Fiammetta made it easy—annoyingly easy.
It was a short carriage ride to the Serristori Palazzo, just over
