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was already drawing me closer, yet I recognised the imbalance of a woman’s place in the world, and that I was powerless to argue or protest. Therefore if my Father wanted me to marry, then I would have to. Maybe my brother could help to persuade him. I was infinitely grateful that Caesare had at least tried to help and it never occurred to me that there might be a price to pay.
     
     
    Chapter 5 – Lucrezia’s Story
     
Incest
     
     
    I met him in the courtyard. He stood patiently holding the reins of both of our horses. I noted the absence of the groom, couldn’t fathom it. It was not how Caesare usually prepared for his morning ride. Often there were several menservants in tow.
    ‘We aren’t hunting today then, brother?’ I asked.
    ‘No.’
    He held out his hand to steady me as I stepped up onto a low stool and mounted my horse. My side-saddle was made of the softest leather and had been a present from Father some months previous. Straightening my riding habit to cover my legs, I became aware that Caesare was watching me. I covered my bare ankle quickly and reached for the reins but he held them fast for a moment forcing me to stare into his eyes.
    ‘Luci...’
    The intensity of his expression worried me and I began to feel that riding with him was a very bad idea.
    ‘Caesare, I do not feel inclined to go riding now after all.’
    His hand on my waist stayed any attempt to dismount.
    ‘Of course you do,’ he answered simply. ‘I have a beautiful picnic organised for us in a lovely spot just outside the city. You surely won’t allow the provisions to go to waste, will you? With all the poverty we see in the streets, it is hardly a Christian thing to do, is it? And I need to speak with you about Father’s plans.’
    His eyes became veiled as he released my reins. He turned and gracefully mounted his horse. I felt I could do nothing more than follow him as he spurred his horse on out of the courtyard and into the busy street outside.
    Caesare rode for the south gate, barely glancing back to see if I followed. Little did I know that this was the first of many adventures I would allow him to take me on. We galloped at break-neck speed and, as we approached the gate, the watch recognised us and waved us through without hesitation. I found myself racing over the countryside in pursuit of my wild older brother. The race sped up my heart and the recklessness of his behaviour did, as always, inspire me to urge my horse on behind him.
    It was a hot day. The sun shone unrelenting. It felt good to be outside, feeling the wind whip through my hair and over my face, warm but cooling. Even the heavy clothing I wore felt light as my horse, Paradiso, galloped. I felt the tensions of the past few weeks flow away with the breeze. All would be fine. Caesare would help me convince Father not to force this marriage on me, and Father would see that it wasn’t the right thing to do.
    On the main stretch we passed a peasant leading an old horse pulling a cart laden with bales of hay. The man stopped when he saw us and bowed, his eyes cast down. Caesare glared at him as though contemplating punishment but then spurred his horse onwards and I followed as we galloped faster still. I glanced back briefly at the man. He had fallen to his knees and was trembling as though he had narrowly missed losing his soul to the Devil.
    Caesare slowed after we had been riding hard for over half an hour. I felt fatigued but invigorated and reining in, I noticed that both our horses were foaming slightly at the mouth. They needed to drink and rest after such a hard ride.
    ‘This way,’ he said, indicating the fine forest beside us. ‘I discovered a beautiful clearing here a few days ago. There’s a stream running through it.’
    We wove in through the trees, side by side at first, and then I dropped behind him as the woodland thickened. I felt tense, my heart and breath still quickened from the ride. I patted Paradiso’s neck; she was sweating