Finding a house

[Michelotto Corella]

It was good weather in Rome, and Cesare and I were making the best of it. We went hunting, riding and explored the old city. Cesare would tell me of his Spanish side of the family, and I would share my experiences of my childhood. He had kindly invited me to share his chamber and his bed, even though the Borgias were rich enough to have offered me one of my own, but I rather think Cesare liked having me close to him. But recently, I was feeling reluctant to impose on their goodwill any longer, and my father had also sent me some money for expenses. Why not get an establishment of my own? I can be more of a credit to my hosts instead of leeching on them, since it seems as if Cesare wishes to stay in Rome for a while yet. I brooded on this matter and cut an orange, sitting in the garden enjoying the nice sun and breeze.

[Vanozza de Cattanei]

I was happy to have all my children back in Rome. The house seemed brighter and full of laughter now. Lucrezia's face constantly shone with joy at her favourite brother's return and Jofré, to my great relief, had remembered Cesare, although he hadn't seen him for years. Yet despite all family happiness, my business needed my attention as well. I had just received news that some of my tenants wanted to move out. So I sat down in the gardens with my book of household accounts, to check how much they had paid me and what kind of repairs might have to be done.

I busied myself with bookkeeping for a while and had almost finished my calculations when I suddenly realized I wasn't quite as alone as I had thought. With his back to me, a few yards away, I spotted Cesare's friend from university, Michelotto Corella. I hadn't been able to exchange a few words with him since Cesare's return and decided to probe this man a little. I went over to him and gave him a friendly smile. "Make certain you don't stay in the sun too long, Signor Corella. My son wouldn't like his guest to fall ill of sunstroke."

[Michelotto Corella]

I gave a small bow and smiled shyly at my hostess. "No, madam, I am used to the sun." It was true too. I liked the rough life, and even though I enjoyed the creature comforts of my station, life had made me tough. Sun was not a problem at all. "Besides, it is good weather today. The breeze takes away the sting of the sun." I responded politely, making small talk. Then I noticed the books scattered around nearby. "Am I disturbing you?"

[Vanozza de Cattanei]

"Not at all", I replied with a dismissive gesture of my hand. "I needed a break anyway. Do you mind if I join you for a moment? Or do you prefer to be left alone in your thoughts?" Secretly I hoped he didn't want to be on his own. I wanted to know more about the man my son had gotten so close to during his studies.

[Michelotto Corella]

"Oh no! I was only thinking about getting a place of my own. I would like to spend some more time in Rome with Cesare but my father thinks it proper for me to have my own establishment, if I choose to continue living here." I responded easily, as I cut her a piece of orange and placed it on a plate.

[Vanozza de Cattanei]

I sat down beside him, graciously accepting the piece of orange. "Any friend of my son is a most welcome guest to us. But I understand your father's concern. What do you have in mind, then? Something closer to the city center? Something around here, so you can visit Cesare easily?" Apart from curiosity, it was now also the business woman speaking. I owned many houses and establishments in Rome - courtesy of Rodrigo - and was always willing to accept new tenants.

[Michelotto Corella]

"Something nearby here. I would like to visit Cesare quite often, if I may. You see, our original plan was to spend a few days here and enjoy some hunting and sports, but I think that he has recently made up his mind to stay here for a while." I explained, my eyes wandering around the beautiful garden. "I am just not sure how to go about setting up an establishment, with the required servants, besides finding a suitable house." I confessed, rather naively to the nice lady who was Cesare's mother.

[Vanozza de Cattanei]

Almost without realizing it, I had opened my book again, my finger tracing down the page where I had listed all my free objects and those who would be free for letting within the next months. "What about the financial side?" I asked matter-of-factly, looking at my usual prices for establishments close to our own one. "Did your father give you a limit of how much money you are allowed to spend on your own place? A complete house or just an apartment? How big do you want it to be?"

[Michelotto Corella]

I suddenly realized she was about to help me out. "I am not sure. But my father promised to provide enough to settle me in a proper household. Let me see what I would require." I started listing the list of things and servants. "First, I would require a reasonably sized house. I already have two servants with me that you have kindly put up, and my groom but I need a few more servants to take care of my needs, a cook, 2 grooms, stables to keep my horse, stable boys ..." I paused for breath.

[Vanozza de Cattanei]

"... grooms, stables, boys", I muttered, ticking off a few unsuitable candidates. I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. His requests were reasonable, yet ruled out the rooms in my guesthouses. They were more fit for simple travellers than for an entire household. Looking down my list, I realized the best option for Michelotto. "I think I have something suitable for you. But it won't be free for another fortnight. I'm afraid until then you will have to endure the full Borgia hospitality still. What a pity." I flashed him a smile, to contradict my last words.

[Michelotto Corella]

"Why, that sounds great." I replied enthusiastically, feeling really grateful to Lady de Cattanei. "You are very kind, madam. All my worries are melted away now." I flashed a smile at her. "I enjoy your hospitality very much, so a fortnight spent here with you all will be a delightful time." I assured her. "I am indebted for your kindness. If I can ever be of any service to you, please let me know."

[Vanozza de Cattanei]

"I certainly shall," I replied with a gracious nod. I was always happy to get new tenants. Besides, the time might come when Rodrigo and the Borgias needed the help of a man who was deeply devoted to the family. With Rodrigo's ambitious plans concerning the Sforzas, Orsinis and Medicis, the day when the Borgias were in need of Michelotto Corella might come rather sooner than later.

~ The End ~