February 1736
VeniceHis flirtation with other cities was taking its toll on Antonio and, as the years piled on, he became more likely to remain in Venice, especially during the difficult travel months of winter. And this season had been particularly rainy and cold, conditions which I experienced as pain in my joints and a more listless-than-usual left leg.
The cafés were empty and people traversed the streets and little bridges of the city with shoulders hunched against the wind, wrapped in shawls and rough woolen coats to keep the chill air at bay, and under hats that were often sent flying by a sudden and unexpected gust of wind.
Rachel remained at home much of the time. Her mother had passed away at the dawn of this winter and her father had removed himself from active work, leaving
