My KnoWorPerWriM
Today there was a chill in the air. I spend the morning watching the gondoliers and their passengers floating about. I had a summon to visit my old friend Doge Donatto. My dear Giustiniano, my renter and acting escort kindly joined me on my trip. Our gondolier Vito, was very friendly. When we finally arrived, the piazzo was almost deserted. Once inside the Doge's Palazzo, he introduced me to one of Venice's Ambassadors. Cosimo 1 has requested Olivio to travel to his court for further instructions. He is to be sent on a mission for Venice. I have met Olivio's wife, a kind but quiet, unimpressive woman. I have been told that she is not to accompany him. As a Cortigana Onesta, I was not surprised to find that I am to join him on his travels. I often been employed for this purpose. I enjoy the travelling as it allows me the freedom to see such wonderous things as would have been kept from me otherwise.
We are to leave tomorrow. The ships have been readied. When I asked as to why we travel by ship rather than horse, Doge Donato replied that it was because that is what Cosimo has instructed. I thanked the Doge for his kindness and his blessings. I shall return for a private Mass before we depart.
We departed the Doge and Giustiniano and I returned home to plan for tomorrows journey. I thank the Lord that I have my mother's faithful service. It is she who handles the affairs of my home with my supervision. While my servant packs my gowns and finery I contemplate our current situation. Olivio is a serious man with a kind heart. I fear Cosimo's plans for this man. I still believe that it was his orders that led to my father's death. It has been many a year since I have been within the Florentine court. I am a little apprehensive as to how much it has changed. My mother has expressed how much she would like to return to her former Lady Eleanor. She has given me a gift to present her former Mistress. I can see the love my mother still has for her and I wish she could return with me.