Page 17 of Murder on the SS Leviathan
Did God forgive such things?
Cecile swallowed and wiped her cheek, embarrassed to find it wet.
‘Ah,cara.’ Lucrezia spoke softly, a rare tenderness in her eyes. ‘You feel too much. If you let so much sorrow inside, your poor heart will stop.’
‘I want to only look forward, as you do, but—’
It had been weeks since Cecile had mentioned Scogliera, for hadn’t Lucrezia also suffered? Livia and Lorenzo had been her own blood. Yet, perhaps it was better to talk at last.
‘Do you still think of that night, Lucrezia? I keep seeing her face…your poor sister.’
Lucrezia said nothing for a moment. Standing, she went to the decanter and refilled both their glasses, touching her own small goblet to Cecile’s before bringing the warming liquid to her lips.
Gratefully, Cecile did the same.
When Lucrezia spoke again, her tone was firm. ’Too much of Livia’s mind had gone astray. In such cases, there is no rest, no peace nor comfort. The mind does not allow it. She is better off…’
Cecile set down her glass. ‘How can you say it? Even Lorenzo…I would never have wished that upon him.’
‘As I say, you are too kind-hearted. Believe me, the world lost nothing of value when my brother ceased to be. As for the destruction of the castle, we are not to blame. Fortunate for us that we escaped with our lives.’ There was a finality to Lucrezia’s words that deterred further argument.
Returning to the dressing table, she took her diamond earrings and attached each pendant drop.
‘You will help me,cara?’ She held up the matching necklace.
Obliging her, Cecile manipulated the fastening—grown stiff from years of disuse. The di Cavour diamonds had been in the family for centuries, but she was unsure who’d worn them last. By rights, the dowager contessa, Lorenzo’s mother, Isabella, should have taken possession of the pieces.
Presumably, she’d worn them in her younger years, before placing them in her son’s care. She must have hoped he’d find a bride to wear the sparkling gems.
Securing the hook, Cecile stepped back.
The necklace might have been about her own neck, but that thought gave her no pleasure. She’d never been destined to become a di Cavour.
Lucrezia seemed not to notice that Cecile had grown quiet again. ‘No doubt, you are right, and I am too frivolous. I like the dresses and the jewels, and I like to be admired. These things I am good at, and I can do as I please.’
When Lucrezia turned, she fixed Cecile with a direct look.
‘But, the best thing we do now is to live.’ She grasped Cecile upon both shoulders, her gaze intent. ‘Not slaves to the past. Not the slave of any man.’
Leaning close, she pressed her lips to Cecile’s forehead, then released her, leaving only her fingertips under Cecile chin, raising her head so that she was obliged to stand a little taller.
‘We waste no more time thinking of my brother, nor of my pitiful sister. We do not end up as they—nor as Senhora Fonseca. We are alive,cara, and all things are possible.’
