A Wild Ride: The Darcys in Venice, Chapter 30, by Diana Birchall

Engraving by George Hunt, 1823

It was a grey day for the horseback ride on the sandy dunes of the Lido, but the Venetian churches and palazzi were etched against the pearly sky and the wind blew hard through the horses’ manes and tails, also ruffling the hair of the two men in a wild and free way.

“Did I say too much in favor of this, Darcy? How are you faring?”

“No indeed, it is as delicious a ride as I have ever known. Though I must admit Shelley’s poem adds much to it.”

“Ah! You think so, do ...