Dark Shimmer by Donna Jo Napoli Page A

she’d be leaving her two youngest with us today.
    The girls run ahead into Bianca’s room.
    “I’ll return in the late afternoon,” says Signora Contarini. Her eyes inspect me.
    I tighten my fingers in my skirts.
    “You better hurry after them, to make sure they don’t get in trouble,” she says to me, jerking her chin toward Bianca’s door.
    Agnola grabs me at the waist from behind, where the signora cannot see. “That’s my task, of course.” She bows her head formally to the signora. “Excuse me, please, Signora Laura. I look forward to spending more time with you soon.” She bows her head to me now, something she hasn’t done since our first meeting. “Excuse me, my lady. I wish you an enjoyable conversation.” And she leaves.
    What a fine performance. I take a breath and turn to the signora. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
    She lifts that pointed chin again. “I know you only as Dolce. What is your family name?”
    “Speaking of the dead saddens me.”
    “Come now, surely you have some living family.”
    I lift my eyebrows and shake my head.
    Her hand goes to her mouth.
    “You must be in a hurry,” I say. “Shall I walk you downstairs?”
    “I can afford a moment to talk. A conversation, like Agnola said.”
    I hate it that she calls her Agnola, instead of Signorina Agnola, while Agnola must address her as Signora Laura. A married woman has status, while a spinster does not. I try to look apologetic. “But I cannot afford even a moment, I’m afraid.”
    She blanches.
    I didn’t mean to be rude. “I beg your pardon. It’s just that I mustn’t disappoint the signore. He’s counting on me.”
    “For what?”
    For what indeed? Marin is in his library this morning. But I have no idea what he does in there. He says it’s dirty and dusty. “To work with the books. His library, you know.”
    She pulls back her shoulders as if affronted. “Do you read?”
    I laugh in spite of myself. What an enigma I must be to her. “I have to go help him.”
    “I’ll go with you. I’m happy to give him a little greeting.” She does a poor job of hiding her suspicion. Or maybe she’s not trying. Maybe she’s calling my bluff.
    We walk to the library. What now? I give a quick, firm rap, then open the door. Marin stands at a table, a cloth in one hand, a large book open in front of him. A lock of hair dangles over his brow. My cheeks heat. He looks at me in surprise, then catches sight of Signora Contarini, flashes me a look I can’t interpret, and comes around the table, smiling widely. “Good morning, Signora. You’re looking lovely and well.” He bows, the cloth clasped in both hands now.
    “Good morning, Signore.” Her smile seems genuine. But it falls as she gazes past him. “Look how many books you’ve gathered in the past couple of years.”
    “I’ve been working hard,” says Marin with pride.
    “You’re dismantling the map room.”
    “Hardly. I’m just making accommodations so my new home can serve me best.”
    “Why don’t you convert the sewing room into a library instead?”
    “My sister loves sewing. That’s her realm.”
    Signora Contarini shakes her head. “I know this home well. Your shelves for these massive books are covering paintings of constellations and planets. Why, you don’t even have a wooden celestial globe!”
    “It’s true.” Marin stands taller. “Fortunately, I can visit your home if I need to consult a map of the skies.”
    The signora seems to realize she may have overstepped, for she gives a small smile. “I was hoping to steal your mysterious visitor for a few moments to get to know her a bit. A visitor shouldn’t be all work and no play.”
    Marin looks at me. I look meaningfully at the book on the table, then beg him with my eyes. He looks back at Signora Contarini. “If she dislikes her task so much, I will excuse her from her promise to aid me.” There’s a touch of annoyance in his voice.
    “I don’t dislike it at all,” I