The Countess of Assis — Romance, Revenge and Ambition during the Second Reign: The Countess of Assis — Book II

By JOÃO PAULO FOSCHI

Angel or demon?

Pretty and revengeful, the Countess of Assis is back in the conclusion of one of the most celebrated historical novels of recent years. Obsessed by her desire of revenge and taking advantage of her husband’s absence, Lorena Duarte Valão continues her plan to destroy the life of the seductive millionaire, Rafael Abrantes. However, as the scenes of intrigue come one after another, precipitated by the intrigues provoked by her mother-in-law, and in order to preserve her secret, the Countess of Assis now counts with the support of the rascal Donato Augusto Saraiva Conde, who, unexpectedly, is the only witness of the murder of the Santiago family’s matriarch. In order to fulfill her intentions, Lorena will do anything to destroy whoever tries to cross her path—her false friend Carolina and even the resigned Alma will be some of the victims of her pitfalls, culminating in an unexpected conclusion which will certainly surprise the readers.

Besides what it is expected from an exceptional novel of intrigue, you will embark in a travel through time, through important events of the history of Brazil, from the signing of the abolition of slavery to the end of the Monarchy, after the Republican coup of November 15th, 1889. The Countess of Assis has a plot involving hypocrisy, clash of interests and forbidden passions. It is the story of a crashed heart, when the duality of good and evil produces bitterness and suffering; a novel in which lives are radically transformed by power and love… It describes the nineteenth century like you never read before!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BadPress
• Release date: Dec 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386058410

Book preview

The drama contained in the following pages has nothing to commend it to the attention or the good will of the public. It has not, to attract the interest of political disputants [...], nor even, to win for it at the outset the literary sympathy of men of taste, the honour of having been formally rejected by an infallible reading committee.

Victor Hugo, in Preface to Cromwell

(The Grotesque and the Sublime, 1827)

Contents

BOOK II – From the Culmination to the Downfall  

Chapter I 

Chapter II  

Chapter III  

Chapter IV  

Chapter V 

Chapter VI  

Chapter VII  

Chapter VIII  

Chapter IX  

Chapter X  

Chapter XI  

Chapter XII  

Chapter XIII  

Chapter XIV  

Chapter XV  

Chapter XVI  

Chapter XVII  

Chapter XVIII  

Chapter XIX  

Chapter XX  

Chapter XXI  

Chapter XXII  

Chapter XXIII  

Chapter XXIV  

Chapter XXV  

Chapter XXVI  

Chapter XXVII  

Chapter XXVIII  

Chapter XXIX 

Chapter XXX  

Chapter XXXI   

BOOK II

FROM THE CULMINATION TO THE DOWNFALL

CHAPTER I

Mrs. Veridiana’s funeral was not overlooked by those who knew the renowned Santiago family. Many went to accompany the distinguished coffin, which would be buried in the cemetery located in the surroundings of the Andaraí. From her close friends to those who had never seen her... many came to say goodbye to the one who had enriched the Carioca society with her life, since the 1850s. Her passing was even announced in the Jornal do Commercio! Princess Isabel, who unfortunately could not come to the funeral, sent in a flower arrangement accompanied with a sorrowful sympathy message.

The Baron of Cotegipe was also present, among many other politicians and ladies of the society who came to Mrs. Emília’s state, Countess of Assis’ youngest sister’s house, where the deceased was being mourned. Evidently, a group of weeping women were also present, recommending the good lady’s soul to God, Mrs. Veridiana da Veiga Santiago — an exemplary woman, devout wife and an excellent mother!

Cotegipe had just finished greeting one of his allies when he crossed path with the deceased’s daughter-in-law. She seemed sad, with a heavy face and was wearing a dark color gown, which was not enough to make her appearance less dazzling and radiant. Nothing, not even the shadow of death that could be seen in that place, could overshadow the unique beauty of that young lady.

Mrs. Lorena, my most sincere sympathies!

Thank you, Mr. Baron! You have no idea how hard it has been for us to go through this irreparable loss! and Lorena forced a tear to come down, which was quickly dabbed on with the handkerchief she was holding in her hand. Mrs. Veridiana wasn’t simply my mother-in-law, but she was like my second mother!

The baron, with such a touching confession, could not hide his awkwardness. Cotegipe could discuss any other topic of relevance: politics, economy, international relations... they could discuss any thing else with him! Everything! But these morbid topics...

I believe you, my lady! God will receive her with open arms in his glory!

Amen, Mr. Baron! Amen! She did the sign of the cross, acting in deep sadness as nobody else could. Alma and I are both devastated.

And how is your sister-in-law? Cotegipe inquired, pretending to care.

Alma? You don’t even want to see her! She is so saddened...Ever since she heard about the sad news, she is inconsolable!

How about Atílio? Has he been informed? The baron asked, curious.

We already sent him a telegraph. My poor husband, he could not even be here to say goodbye to his mother! She lamented, pretending to clean her nose with her handkerchief.

Indeed... and Mrs. Lorena, tell me, how did something like this happened so suddenly?

It is life, Mr. Baron! One needs to simply be alive... and it can also happen to any one of us.... It was a terrible accident!

But we have to say that tripping on the stairway carpet was indeed a misfortune...

Indeed! I had been telling her for a while to change it, but she would never listen to me! She thought I was exaggerating and being too cautious, imagine that! And here we are... suffering from this terrible loss!

Cotegipe, a little lost, pretended to start coughing so that he could walk away from that conversation. Definitely, he didn't like talking about this topic at all! For him, it was better to take care of the Brazilian citizens who were alive! Because they could help the nation prosper...

Among others present were Lorena’s parents; Mercedes and the Romero family; the Abrantes — including Rafael and Carolina; and not forgetting also Frederico and cousin Adelaide, who wouldn’t stop trying to support the inconsolable Alma.

Don’t cry anymore, cousin! Remember that aunt Veridiana is in a better place now...

Alma could not control herself, crying compulsively.

Adelaide! How could such a fatality like this happen to our family? And my poor brother who cannot even pay our mother his respects! Poor Atílio!

Lorena approached, trying to help ameliorate the terrible state of her sister-in-law’s spirit.

It is not worth staying like that, dear! We already paid Mrs. Veridiana our respects... It is the cycle of life... Some are born and some die... The service was touching, don't you think?

Alma stared at Lorena not believing what she was hearing. If she weren’t so sad, she would have reprimanded her sister-in-law for such a spurious behavior.

Across the room, people were already talking about the accident; the Commander Sófocles Galvão and Mrs. Miguelita had also come, and were talking exactly about it.

Did you see what happens, right, Sófocles? Now, we must be very careful ourselves! Tomorrow I will ask all the carpets of our residence to be double checked!

What an exaggeration, woman! We have received so many people in our house and not one person has complained about it at all! When the time to die comes, there is nothing one can do!

Then I’m the one who will delay the death clock in our house! No, my dear! Definitely, I want them to change all our carpets!

Mrs. Miguelita, however, not wanting the others in the room to hear her, whispered something in her husband’s ear.

Sófocles, and have you noticed how Lorena is acting?

What does she have? The commander asked, observing her from afar.

Just look at her, Sófocles! She doesn't look sad... I don't know... That face, actually, is of someone who is not in peace!

And she has a reason not to be! Did you forget she is pregnant and that her husband is out of the country? In her shoes, anyone would get desperate!

They say that the two hated each other... And now, just a little while ago, I heard her saying that she considered Mrs. Veridiana as a second mother!

Miguelita, but what kind of nonsense is this?! The husband inquired, outraged.

Well, Sófocles! You just have to add it all up and you will see that this makes sense! I bet that if she could, Lorena would throw a big party! I’ve always thought Mrs. Veridiana to be too conceited... I remember that she loved to talk about her husband’s possessions... In fact, I don’t even know what we are doing here! I like cheerfulness, merriment; and not funerals! Look how those women over there are praying using the rosary... How morbid!

Today you are really unmanageable, Mrs. Miguelita!

A few days later, after the family paid off a generous amount for divine forgiveness, the requiem mass was performed. After arriving from church, Lorena decided to stay in the library to continue reading one of her books; it was then that someone broke the silence, asking permission to look for a book. It was Donato.

Forgive me for interrupting you, but it’s just that I’m looking for a book that, if I’m not mistaken, used to be part of this library...

Which one would you be interested in, Mr. Donato?

"Máximas[1] by Marques de Maricá[2]", he answered, emphasizing the name of the book.

Ah, that’s the one I’m reading! I haven’t finished reading it, but I can give it to you later on.

I appreciate your offer!

Lorena went back to her reading; however, Donato continued to stand there, observing her.

Is there anything else you need, Mr. Donato?

Nope, nothing! He answered, pretending he didn’t understand what she meant, with his hands on his pockets.

So? She inquired.

Mrs. Lorena, I don’t even know how to approach this topic, but there is something that intrigued me these last days, and I would like to know your opinion.

Well, if I can be of any help...

You can certainly help me!

Lorena set her eyes on him, and couldn’t avoid making her observations. Donato, just like Atílio, was an elegant man, a true nobleman; but the big difference between the two was the stormy genius of the first — impulsive, gallant and obscure; while the second was dominated by austere qualities and patience. Two versions completely opposite and, at the same time, so intriguing...

Tell me, Mr. Donato! She insisted.

He lowered his head and smiled. Donato was the sneaky type, but also assertive. He had never humiliated himself in front of his deceased mother-in-law. Now he would have to deal with his sister-in-law and, based on what he had witnessed, he would have to be extremely cautious.

Actually, I’m afraid I will touch on a topic that will make you uncomfortable...

If you are referring to your wife, I can assure you that she is feeling better... Alma is calmer and will soon recover completely.

It is not that...

What is it, then? She asked, her curiosity spiking.

Donato approached Lorena slowly, looking her in the eyes.

I want to take advantage of this opportunity to thank you...

For what?

For sparing the two of us of that despicable old lady! He said, quietly and very close to Lorena’s ears.

She got up from her chair, startled.

But what is it that you are implying?

The truth! Or, by chance, do you think that nobody heard you two fighting in your room?

You are imagining things! Lorena answered, disoriented. What happened that night was an accident, and nothing more than that!

Lorena, please, I saw and heard everything... Donato said, seating on the chair, and putting his feet on the table. In fact, I even know what the infamous note was all about... About you and Rafael... I still can't believe it is Rafael!

She had no visible reaction, but her eyes were as wide as they could be. So, that idiot had heard everything, huh?

But don't be worried! As I said, my intention if to celebrate it with you... You did exactly what I always wanted to do, you know? Deep inside, you are exactly like me! Strong! Determined!

You have lost your senses!

Donato got irritated, reacting quickly to Lorena’s dissimulation. Now, the endangered gazelle was trying to scape the lion, but the prey would not get away so easily from the beast’s grip...

Liar! Do you think I am stupid? Alma’s husband held her tightly by the arm, while she was trying to get away. I’m not like Mrs. Veridiana! I know this type of low-class people... You’re an adulterous! You killed the old lady thinking the secret would die with her, but now you just realized that your plan failed, you’re an amateur!

Donato threw her on a chair, blocking her with his arms. Lorena continued trying to push him away with her hands on his chest, while the man was calmly and ruthlessly getting ready to strike.

You are going to do exactly what I say!

And what do you want, huh? She questioned, challenging him. Or do you think that I cannot find a way to get rid of you, as well?

Very well, Lorena! Donato commended her, ecstatic. I see you are a very strong woman! How different you are from others that I have known! You have passion, vivacity! You are indeed striking!

Do not underestimate me, my dear! Lorena answered, with firmness in her voice. If you are so sure of what I am capable of doing, just be careful with me, as well!

The woman’s posture was so superior that it impressed even the cunning Donato. Which gentleman wouldn’t admire such an empowered woman?

If it gives you so much pleasure to eavesdrop other people’s conversations, I will promise you that if you even insinuate to pass on any of this information to my husband, I will make up a certain story involving your name, and the harassment that I might be suffering because of you and the indifference with which you treat your wife, so that Atílio will want to kill you to save the family name. Just try to provoke me and you will see!

Oh, please, we don't have to go that far! Donato said, backing up.

Just try it and you will see what I am capable of!

You misunderstood me! I want you to consider me as an ally and not as an enemy.

Lorena laughed.

And how can I be sure I can trust you?

If I wanted to destroy you, I could have announced to everyone what I saw and heard in that room and the scene I witnessed...

Or certainly you would like to take advantage of this situation, threatening me! She retorted, snickering.

Don't take to heart all that I may say, but I want to prove that I am not like your former governess... for example...

Fanny! That traitor! Oh, how Lorena wished she could put her hands on that traitor!

Would you help me find her?

This is not a difficult task, Donato said, leaning on the threshold of the door.

She turned her back to him.

That miserable woman! She is an important witness in all of this, Donato! I must find her! I’m afraid she may decide to open her mouth and end up turning me in.

I don’t believe it! Certainly your governess must be far away, fearing that you may be persecuting her. Donato loved conjectures. He had a sadistic pleasure in trying to figure out other people’s fears and in reminding these incautious people of their frustrations, their misery... If you want, I can figure out where she is hiding.

All right! Lorena extended her hand to him, in a resolved attitude. Let’s make a deal, then! Now, you must tell me what you want from me.

Donato caressed his chin, saying:

All in its own time, my little angel! Patience!

A few days passed by, and the life in the Santiago residence seemed to be back to normal.

In another part of town, more specifically in the surroundings of the Santa Teresa Mount, in a simple little house with a colonial style, similar to the ones built in large scale, there was a child of approximately ten years of age who had started to live with her mother again. She was looking out the window when she saw a beautiful victory carriage approaching her house. That type of elegant victory would rarely be seen in such a simple neighborhood.

Mother, there is a man and a woman outside and they are coming here! She is so pretty, and the gentleman is so distinct! Why don't you come to the window to see them?

The girl’s mother was standing by the stove, cooking beans, and thought it was simply another one of the little girl’s make-believe stories.

Evangelina, come and help me!

But, mother, they are already here!

The woman heard a knock on the door. Her daughter wasn’t lying to her, after all! Who would that be? She walked quickly to open the door to the strangers.

Stop playing and go wash your hands for supper! Quickly!

The girl run towards the interior of the house while the mother opened the door to see who it was. When she saw the couple, the color drained from her face.

What happened? Did you lose your tongue, by chance? My God, one would think you are seeing a ghost!

The owner of the house had thought she would never see her again.

Milady! She said, startled.

How do you do, Fanny? I decided to dedicate the day to see old friends. Fortunately, given my state, someone decided to accompany me...

Donato, who was accompanying her, smiled openly and mockingly and played with the hat he had in his hands, while Lorena was carrying with her a delicate sunshade to protect herself from the scorching sun.

It is very hot today! The Countess of Assis commented, fanning herself with her handkerchief. So, aren't you going to invite us in?

CHAPTER II

Fanny invited Lorena to sit down, which she quickly refused to do. And Evangelina, disobeying her mother’s orders, returned to the living room, shy and curious at the same time, wanting to know who the elegant lady was. By the clothes she was wearing, she couldn't possibly live in their neighborhood. The visitor noticed her and smiled, asking the girl to come closer.

What’s your name, my little one?

Evangelina.

Is she your daughter? Lorena asked the house owner, who nodded her head.

Oh, what a beautiful name! If I knew your mother well, I would say that she chose your name carefully...

Fanny, afraid of what was to come, asked the girl to leave the house for a few minutes, alleging that the topic of their conversation would not be suitable for little girls.

My sweetheart, I need to talk with this lady in private. Why don’t you go to Mrs. Celeste’s house and play there for a little while?

Ok, mommy! Evangelina said, leaving the room.

The two women stared at each other. One, in her calm serenity; the other, nervous and afflicted by the reencounter.

You never told me you had a daughter! Lorena commented, looking around the room. I confess that I’m surprised. I thought that with the rigid religious education you received you would have no room in your heart for these types of obligations, those of being a mother and wife...

I was never married and Evangelina doesn’t even know her father.

And why not? The other inquired, with shock in her face.

He left me as soon as I got pregnant. I was taken in by the nuns at the convent and, thanks to the God Almighty, they never condemned me. They took care of me and of my daughter.

So, does that mean you also keep a secret? How interesting! Lorena commented sarcastically.

Certain topics are better never mentioned. Fanny answered with a serious expression.

Or, at least, sharing it only with someone you trust. But the matter is whether such a person exists...

I understand what you mean...

Ah!

Milady, I thought that...

Oh, please, you don’t have to call me ‘milady’! You don't work for me anymore.

Fanny didn’t try to hide her surprised look.

Do you think I am joking? As I just said, I simply came to visit an old acquaintance, to catch up... The Countess of Assis seemed to enjoy seeing the shocked expression on her former governess’ face.

I know that this is certainly not the reason you came to my house, Mrs. Lorena. The other answered bluntly. You came here with Mr. Donato to seek revenge for what I did!

No need to overact!

What do you want?

Why do you think I would come all the way here? Didn't you declare that you were going to be loyal to me, that you would be my ally? And see what I received instead of your ‘loyalty’? Premeditated betrayal!

Fanny sat down, lowered her head and started crying.

Milady, I was forced to!

And why didn't you say something? Why did you remain silent when I had the power to free you from Mrs. Veridiana’s snare?

So, does that mean that... Mrs. Veridiana told you everything?

The same day you left the house, she came to my room and told me that you had not been working for me; that you had been a spy in my house and that you used me and my faithfulness in you to obtain information that could compromise me before my husband.

The accused woman covered her face, such was her shame.

Why did you do it? Why did you betray me in such a hideous way?

I will tell you everything, Mrs. Lorena, but the story is long. So, I ask that you get comfortable... Then she started to describe when she met Mrs. Veridiana, and in which conditions she was in that occasion. Everything started soon after Mr. Atílio and you had left the Laranjeiras Palace and had gone to the state in Campo dos Goytacazes...

•••

It was a Sunday afternoon. Alma and Donato had been away, so Mrs. Veridiana was alone in her house. She had sent the footman to look for a woman who lived in Santa Tereza.  She only knew that my name was Efigênia and that I had worked as a mistress for the youngest son of the baroness Maria Narcisa Ambrósio d’Ávila, a relative of an old friend of the Santiago family.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Veridiana! Did you call for me?

Yes, you are the one I have been looking for!

And how can I be of service?

I heard you are not working at the baroness Maria Narcisa’s home anymore; and because I was informed that you are someone who can be trusted, I believe you are the right person for the job.

Do you need someone to keep you company? She asked with curiosity.

No, I want you to work as a governess at my son Atílio’s house.

Efigênia’s face lighted up.

At the young Count of Assis’ home? I heard that he married again with a young lady from Botafogo. They say she is the queen of the Carioca ballrooms!

That does not matter! Mrs. Veridiana commented dryly. However, what you really need to know is that I did not approve of this marriage. And it is exactly in this aspect that you will serve me well!

I don’t understand it, milady.

I want you to be my eyes and my ears in my son’s new house. I want you to spy that woman constantly... You will inform me about everything she does, says and, if possible, what she thinks, as well!

Efigênia, hearing that, lowered her head. She had always been an honest woman,