Standing on the balcony of a well renowned Venice hotel, I sip on my cappuccino and admire the beautiful scenery before me. Looking around I can see why they call this city the Queen of the Adriatie, it is certainly a sight to behold. I can’t believe I finally made it to the carnivalle. My costume was made and delivered by one of the many seamstresses of the city and is laid out on my bed ready for the night festivities. I look once more at the impressive vista and sigh, as much as the tranquillity of the moment is alluring beyond words I know I must start to get ready. I walk past the huge TV and into the bathroom.
About an hour later I emerge and walk over to the costume laid out on the bed. It consists of a simple evening gown of Royal blue silk with shoelace straps, and a pair of matching stilettos. I pick up the dress and step into it; the silk caresses my skin as I pull the straps up to my shoulders. The dressmaker was an artist indeed, I thought to myself as I picked up the feathered masquerade mask. I put it on and look into the full-length mirror.
“Perfect”
A knock interrupts my thoughts and I walk to answer the door slipping on my shoes as I go. One of the young porters stands in the doorway with a yellow rose in his hand.
“ Good evening Signora, this has just arrived for you” he says as he passes me the flower.
“ Thankyou” I reply.
He walks off and I close the door. I reach down to untie the ribbon holding the card, curious as to whom sent it.
It reads - An angel has descended from heaven With unearthly grace she walks amongst us, The fresh bloom of a yellow rose Held in hands that could never crush. From Your Secret Admirer
I think of some of the men I have met on this trip and cringe, sending up a silent prayer that none of them are my secret admirer. Taking my purse in one hand and the rose in the other I walk out of the room and down the corridor to the lift. Once in the foyer I start to walk out, before I get far however the concierge stops me.
“ Good evening Signora, your gondola is ready and waiting for you.” He tells me as he beckons over one of the staff. He turns and starts talking to the footman in Italian.
“If you would like to follow Roberto he will show you the way.”
So saying this the concierge returns to his duties, leaving me baffled once more. I follow Roberto out to the waiting craft, he takes my hand and helps me in then turns and walks back into the hotel. I go to sit down and notice an envelope on the seat. Picking it up I notice that is has my name on it so I open it to find a card identical to the one on the rose.
It reads - Your gondolier has been payed to take you anywhere you wish. If you would like to meet me, have him take you to “St Mark’s Square“. Once there don’t worry I will find you. From your Secret Admirer.
“St Mark’s Square please.” I tell the gondolier.
“Sì signora ” he replies.