OK got it. Will write some more!
Rodolfo and Paolo reluctantly walked back to the cell, going slowly, giving the young couples some time.
"We need to get this matter sorted quickly," Rodolfo said to Paolo. "Can you summon Gaetano?"
Paolo nodded, but raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you usually the best at that sort of business? I thought you were Regent."
Rodolfo cleared his throat. "I have to contact Sylvia."
"Ah," Paolo said with a sly grin. "Of course. Purely business of course. Simply telling her of the political changes in power?"
"Of course," Rodolfo said sharply. "Now. It is time we hurried. They have had time enough!"]
Paolo followed Rodolfo into to the cell where both couples were whispering together, talking earnestly. Rodolfo cleared his throat. Luciano leapt up.
"Rodolfo!" he said, coming over. "What's happening? What are we going to do with Fabrizio? You surely cannot let him stay as Duke?"
"Oh, he's staying as Duke," Rodolfo informed him.
Before Luciano could say anything, Arianna was across the room exclaiming: "What!"
Rodolfo raised his eyebrows. She stopped and cleared her throat.
"I apologise, but I find this information a little hard to accept." She muttered aside to Luciano:
"You'd think I'd have got being Duchessa perfect by now!"
"As Rodolfo was saying," Paolo put in. "Fabrizio will remain Duke. But only officially. He will merely be a figurehead. Gaetano will be making all new decisions."
"Isn't that very unfair on Gaetano?" Arianna asked. "I hope you're not planning on exploiting him! I won't allow it!" Luciano scowled. Arianna was speaking a little too passionately for his liking. But the scowl vanished as she continued. "He's a lovely young man. He understood I could never love him and accepted it when I declined his offer."
Rodolfo placed a hand on her arm. "Hush, my dear," he told her. "Do you really think Gaetano wants all that attention? He would probably only agree to it on the terms I mentioned. And we're giving him a choice, of course. And it's perfectly safe. Fabrizio makes no decisions. He is kept happy by being famous. It's a perfectly good deal all round."
"I agree. And we do need to keep Fabrizio happy. Our aim is not revenge, but to make sure everyone is safe. No one is safe while Fabrizio is sulking." Rosalina had come up behind and voiced her opinion. Rodolfo smiled at her.
"Well said. I think you'd make a good politition."
Rosalina looked alarmed. "I thank you, but no." she replied quickly. Arianna looked offended.
"Now come on," Rodolfo told them. "We have work to do."
They all followed him out of the cell.
*****
Sylvia was hearing the complaints and problems of the people again. It had been so long since she had last done that. She wondered if they'd recognise her air, the same graces. The same violet eyes. But no one did, for no one was looking. But one of her messengers came in during one hearing in which an old man was complaining that his next door neighbour stole at least half of his fish, so she put up an authorative hand and stopped the man mid-sentence.
"A message for you, my lady." The messenger put the paper into her hand. It had Rodolfo's handwriting. Sylvia's eyebrows raised higher and higher as she read through the note.
"Well!" was all she said when she finished it. "It's to be expected, isn't it?"
The messenger nodded and bowed. "Indeed it is, mi'lady," he told her, not comprehending at all, before bowing out of the room.
****
Gaetano jumped to his feet. "Be Duke? For Fabrizio?"
"Yes," Arianna said frankly. "That's what Rodolfo wants to happen. You'll have to come down with me to discuss it properly and get all the details sorted."
They had decided Arianna should be the one to break it to Gaetano in the end. She knew him very well, knew what he suffered as a member of a very highly regarded political family.
"Without any credit for it?" he was watching her carefully.
"Oh Gaetano," Arianna said, reaching out and grasping one of his hands. "We're only asking. We thought you'd like the job. Well, maybe not like it, but suit it. And wouldn't you hate all that publicity? Besides, you can put Talia right. Think of all the power you'll have as head DiChimici!"
Gaetano smiled wanly. "Yes, it does sound a good deal. And if it's for the good of Talia..." he sighed, and ran a hand through his hair. "All right. I will come and down and discuss it in full with Rodolfo."
Arianna looked a little stricken. "Oh, I'm sorry, Gaetano, really I am. Don't feel obliged to come and take the position. I thought you'd like it. Power to put things right without publicity and stupid formal occasions in the way." She looked a little wistful. "No one hounding you. Think of it - I'd be able just to go to the islands with Luciano without any stupid little political ceremonies getting in the way..." Arianna's expression was dreamy. It was Gaetano's turn to feel guilty. And Arianna was right - it was a position to kill for. Looking at Arianna, he could tell she'd dearly love a job like it.
"Arianna," he said, leaning forward. "I would be... I would be delighted to accept this job. Honestly." Arianna's face split into a wide smile.
"Oh, thank you Gaetano!"
They went downstairs quickly.
*****
I might write a bit more a bit later. Feeling a bit tired and i've got homework.
Ah well. I'll get over it... K, read and see what you think. Bit boring like I probably said before, just wrapping up all the loose ends.