Light on Lucrezia: A Novel of the Borgia - By Jean Plaidy Page 0,30
of Rome.”
“Do you mean he is to go unpunished?”
“Punishment has already been meted out. Goffredo was the offender; his was the punishment.”
“This is your own son!”
The Pope lifted his shoulders and allowed a doubtful expression to creep across his face, which infuriated Sanchia. That he should deny the paternity of her husband, here before others, was intolerable. She lost control of her feelings.
“He is your bastard!” she cried.
“It is a matter of which there has always been some doubt.”
“Doubt! How can there be doubt? He looks like you. He behaves like you. How like a Borgia to roam the streets in search of women to rape!”
“My dear Sanchia,” said the Pope, “we know you are only part royal, and that only as a bastard; but I pray you do not expose your base blood in unseemly brawling.”
“I will speak the truth,” cried Sanchia. “You may be Pope, but you are the father of countless children. It ill becomes you to deny the rights of any of them; but one as close to you as Goffredo …”
The Pope silenced her. “I ask you to go, Sanchia.”
“I’ll not go!” she cried, although she was aware of the amazement and acute interest, perhaps delight, of all those within earshot. “You did not despise my birth when you married me to Goffredo.”
“You are a fitting bride for Goffredo,” said the Pope. “I am uncertain who his father was. It may be that your mother was not certain who yours was.”
“I am the daughter of a King of Naples.”
“So says your mother. A little divergence from the truth has been known to take place on certain occasions, and from your conduct it might seem that this was one of them.”
Sanchia’s blue eyes blazed. This was an insult to her birth and her beauty. Never before had the Pope been known to show such anger toward a beautiful woman.
He said coldly now: “Will you leave me of your own accord?”
It was a threat and, looking round at the two stalwart men who were coming forward, and having no desire to further her humiliation by being hustled from the Pope’s presence, she bowed coldly and retired.
Feeling calmer in her own apartments she told herself that this was an indication of the acute danger in which her country stood. The Pope must intend to stand firmly with the French. She had been insulted; what fate was there in store for her brother? Even Lucrezia would not be able to save him. Had she saved Pedro Caldes?
Very shortly after her interview with the Pope, Ascanio Sforza came to see her.
News of her encounter with the Pope had reached him and he, like Sanchia, was filled with misgivings.
“It is certain,” he said, “that invasion is imminent.”
Sanchia agreed. “What should I do?” she asked.
“For yourself, stay where you are, discover all you can. Remain the friend of Lucrezia, for through her it may be possible to learn what is happening here in Rome. I shall leave as soon as possible for Milan. My brother Ludovico must begin his preparations immediately, and I will be there to help him. As for your brother …”
“Yes,” said Sanchia eagerly. “What of my brother?”
“It is difficult to guess what fate they have in store for him.”
“The Pope is full of affection toward him at this moment.”
“And ready to insult his sister before members of his suite.”
“It may be that I goaded him. I was very angry.”
“No, he would not have treated you as he did if he cared for the goodwill of Naples. Do not trust his friendship for your brother. When the French come Cesare will be with them, and when Cesare is in Rome they will seek to dispose of your brother. Cesare always hated Lucrezia’s husbands, and the fact that Lucrezia is really devoted to this one will not make Cesare hate him less.”
“You think my brother is in immediate danger?”
Ascanio nodded slowly. “He will be when it is known that I have left for Milan. The Pope knows of our meetings; it would be impossible to keep them secret from him. He has his spies everywhere, so he will know that we are on the alert. From the moment I leave Rome, Alfonso’s danger will be increased.”
“Then the wisest thing would be for him to leave at once for Naples?”
“Try to persuade him to leave without delay.”
“It will not be easy. He’ll find it difficult to tear himself from Lucrezia.”
“As you love him,” warned Ascanio, “bid him fly for his life.”