The Italian: Week 3 Vol. 1 Chapters 10 and 11, Vol. 2 Chapters 1 and 2

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

Chapter 10 begins with the Marchesa and Schedoni still hatching plots. Schedoni gives her a distorted version of the events with Vivaldi ( which I'm going to call V. from now on).
V. and Paolo his servant are on Ellena's trail, checking many convents without success, when they encounter a group of pilgrims on the trail who are going in the same direction.

Chapter 11 takes place in the Carmelite Convent where Ellena has been taken. Coincidentally, the group of pilgrims was going to the Shrine of Our Lady of Carmel.

How does V. disguise himself?
Who and what does he discover in the church?
What will happen to Ellena now that she has displeased the Abbess?
Olivia comforts her and gives her good advice, which is?
What do we learn about Olivia?

Volume 2, Chapter 1

This is a dramatic chapter with lots of events: the planned escape, the trap, treachery, unexpected help and the actual escape.
Please comment on anything that strikes you as relevant or interesting, or just general comments.

Who is that mysterious monk who helps them?
Are the pilgrims they encounter on or near the bridge dangerous?

Chapter 2 of the second volume describes their journey back to Naples by a circuitous route, including a rest stay at a shepherd's cottage.
What happens at the cottage? Are they being followed?

Ellena finally consents to marry V. as soon as they can find someone to perform the ceremony.
They separate for the night in a small town-Ellena with the Ursulines and V. and Paolo with the Benedictines.

[Nancy]

The tension continues to build in this absorbing tale. It appears that Olivia is indeed a friend to Ellena, and as others have commented, she may have some hidden knowledge of Ellena’s origins. I’m not sure if the pilgrims are friends or foes, but their appearance certainly heightens the tension.

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

Anyone can disguise themselves as a pilgrim. The first group of Pilgrims, going towards the shrine appear to be entirely harmless. But those they encounter during their escape may be another matter altogether.

[Lori, Moderator]

I wondered if the old monk that helped them escape was the old monk who heard the scandalous confession in Paolo's story. And are Ellena and V really married? We only have Schedoni's word on that so far. I guess we'll see in the next chapter. Still unsure on how the different characters fit in, but it's interesting so far. I'll probably have to finish this before going back to The Old Wives' Tale, or I'll forget all these threads!

[Gem , Moderator]

I just finished Volume I, so I have a couple of more chapters to read to finish this section. That said, I think Vivaldi and Ellena are bound to be star-crossed lovers. I can imagine how this is going to work out for the two of them in the long run, especially after stepping on the toes of some folks in power.

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

I agree. The two of them have a lot of obstacles to overcome, especially Vivaldi's mother.

[Ana]

This section really reminds me of a Dumas book - several of his books actually.
Every time you think the characters have escaped and are now safe, there is a plot twist and a new betrayal.
I don’t understand why Schedoni wants Ellena dead. Does he secretly hate her and her whole family? He is too motivated to turn the Marchesa against her. I’m starting to think that he is the true villain of the book. The Marchesa is rather shallow and easily influenced by him, but she is not as evil. In fact - I think she just wanted her son to marry into a wealthier family because her spending habits are too extravagant for her husband to keep up with. I think her pride was injured when her son didn’t obey her wishes but she would not have initiated a murder plot if it wasn’t for Schedoni manipulating her.
Ellena should have married Vivaldi right away. It was silly to delay it, but of course it was more dramatic this way.

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

You are right, Ana-it is more dramatic this way!
I don't know who is worse-the Marchesa or Schedoni. But I do think that Schedoni is more successful at being manipulative.

[Frances, Moderator]

I am quite a ways behind, but enjoy reading your comments as I catch up. I was also struck in this section by the comic relief of Paolo-he really is a bit of a clown, who cannot keep quiet even when his life may literally depend upon it!

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

Not only is Paolo funny, he is also very loyal.