02. Venice

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chapter 2

Venice, Italy 1855

Eleanor did it. She actually, truly, impossibly have done it. Traveling alone and without the faintest idea of what would come her way. The giddy feeling she had felt after the moment of her chopping of her hair did not leave, instead it demanded another action. And so she did. The ship had just stopped moving after three days of sailing smoothly Eleanor believed she would go insane expecting any time soon to feel the frightful and stomach dropping fear of regret and find herself in a panic state of no return.

but it never came.

Instead she had found herself in those days staring outside the little round windows that showed the waves ripping splashes after splashes, from cold to hitting sunlight as they crossed several oceans and countries. Excitement and admiration swept over her as she day dreamed and took in the beauty of the world passing between her eyes.

She was in Rome... the place that Karina had suggested, and told her endless stories that only awoke an desire so strong that she acted upon it. After last month of her impulsive decision it only grew stronger and the life up in north of England was not bad, but the cold air and weather was making her gloomy and sad. What she needed was sun and a place where she could make all her mistakes and needs without being known and feel like a burden.

"the italians do have a quick temper and they are not afraid to show their opinion, but they are not starchy and pricky for society etiquettes and manners like here In england... They are warm and friendly... especially the women. In other words my dear, Italy  truly is something else and god if i had the chance to relieve those magnificent years of my life.." Karina sighed melodramatically

And just like that Eleanor had been drawn to Italy, wanting to have a taste of freedom and exploration. It was not that she hated England, it was the society and all the tiring endless days of having to fulfill perfection in any aspect of her life... then it was the need to flee, go anywhere to forget the torment she had lived this past few months.

And Italy felt like an boomerang, coming back, always in her mind and impossible to brush off. She wanted to visit and see all the glory it has.

Karina was merely surprised when Eleanor had awoken the next morning ready to depart, but she had only asked if that was what she really wanted to do. And when Eleanor assured her, Karina's eyes glinted in pride as she even assisted her as an chaperone through the guards before the ship took off, just thinking about it made Eleanor's lips twitch into a smile. she had done her countless of favours that no one could ever or had the courage to do. She owed her a lot but Karina only merely waved a hand as if it was a rubbish notion, "Young lady I haven't done anything, what you owe me is endless letters of all your experiences and I want to know every detail... this old woman will go no'where" the northern accent rolled off her tongue making Eleanor smile as she embraced her tightly, "I sure will... and Karina.. Please do send this letter to my sister... I am afraid she will go ballistic if I write her from Italy.." a sly grin on her lips before she departed.

And that was three days ago.

Eleanor wondered how her sisters reaction would be once she read her letter stating that she travelled to Italy... Perhaps Lillian would faint. After all It was never  in Eleanor's nature to behave this impulsive and hastily. That sort of actions were more alike Lillian.

With more hours of feeling the boat follow the waves in a bumpy motion Eleanor decided to use her time with reading,

Deeply engrossed in her book she wasn't fully aware of the sounds until people started rising, 

"All the passengers abroad we are in shore and reached your destination, welcome to Venice Italy!" the sailor announced suddenly making Eleanor frown while the rest of the men and few women threw words of relief and happiness.

Venice?

No it was supposed to be Rome. Rome. Where she would see the beautiful arts and stunning exhibition, and the most important which Karina implied was the rome cuisine. She promised the food was made out of heaven.

"Venice? did the sailor just announce—" she could not ask further as people started gathering to the opening doors that was opened by two italian footmen, or if they had such words for it.

Suddenly people pushed forward and continued as if they weren't in a civilized place no longer, Eleanor brushed away the fact that the Sailor announced Venice instead of Rome she followed the swarm of people, "Vieni mia Seniora," An italian man spoke making her frown before she understood his meaning when he gestured to his hand , Eleanor grasped gratefully as she got off the ship

She almost sighed in pleasure as the weather hit her face,,unlike England there was no snow or coldness around the air. Instead it seemed to be spring, the breeze warm and perfect temperature in the air stroking her skin and not making her shiver.

Oh my.

She was starting to wonder why she hadn't come here long before.

Realizing her attire right then and there she watched as the italians wore less clothes then the english popularity would ever do even in summer season. Looking down at her clothes one could think she was prepared for an snow storm,

As she took in the scene before her  people walked left and right past her while she stood frozen and wondered where in heavens she shall go... Rome must be near,, because she recalled the conversation she had with Karina before they drifted apart

"When you arrive at Rome, Eva has already received my letter by then and are waiting for you at this address...... she shall show you around and take care of you like her own bairn.."

"Who is she?"

"My sister"

The panic rose inside Eleanor, she was neither in Rome to meet Eva and Eva wouldn't know she was here.. In Venice.

Dear heavens, the knowledge that she couldn't stark up a conversation and ask people around had struck her as she only heard the foregin language around.

Italian...bloody hell! she had only been fortunate to learn French and German and that could hardly be passable. If only— If only she could communicate and make them understand...

"Hello?"

"Hi" her words must be like infants trying to speak as she approached a couple of italians who stared at her in confusion, and at first her tongue felt tied by their gazes but then an warm smile broke through one of the ladies, "Si?"

Knowing that one word Eleanor found her voice and a feeling of relief, "Yes... I am from England.. quite far away from here if you ask me... But I wonder Where— I mean do you know how i can reach Rome?.... The sailor spoke something about Venice? Is Rome near here..." She knew she was babbling and sounding perhaps like an insane woman but it was a habit of hers to over rush when she was feeling worried and panicked.

As they looked at each other and returned their attention back to her she could see the blank expression on their faces, none of them even said anything, just blinking and staring at her after her long rant.

Brilliant!

"Well... I suppose you guys would tell me if you understood..." she muttered to herself as they gave her an pity look and brisquelly walked past her.

"I do not doubt they would" Suddenly a voice spoke so close to her ear causing her heart to hammer violently as she turned around in a speed she swore her neck would snap.

A man... Overtowering her with his height. Blinking she looked up at him through the strong sun shining seeing him already staring at her with a crooked grin that spoke of michevious and sin. Her heart picked a race as she felt her mouth go dry and her tongue tied. Even when moments passed she couldn't find herself to move, Oh dear, she had never reacted this way to a man in all her years of living---- it was utterly mad. He could not be called handsome for that word was too tame.. .

His bronze skin looking like sun kissed reminded her of a hot summer day, hair dark and looking silky and a strange urge to sink her fingers through it came into her--- God heavens... what was wrong with her?.

She hadn't even realised he spoke English, he had a way of pronunciation but it sure was English

"I---I beg your pardon?" She found her voice suddenly, a flush of shame came into her as she realised she had openly gawked at the man. He must have heard all her crazy rantings and babblering to the people walking past her. How she wanted to cover her face,

"Rome....I believe you asked where Rome is , I must disappoint you to tell you that you are far.. far away, Sengiora" his voice was dark and smooth almost like a caress, but it was the meaning of his words that gained her attention back,

"What!"

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VOTE AND COMMENT

A/N : I just want to point out I am not FLUENT in Italian and barely know a full sentence.. And also I have no knowledge of Venice and have never been there so I am not trying to stay correct in the areas and what so on. With that I hope you enjoyed this chapter <3.


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