Canal

She walked along one of the small bridges overlooking the water, still murky this time of year but would clear out by wintertime. She felt a breeze come off the water and smiled, feeling totally at peace with herself and the world.

Venice was always a sort of a sanctuary for Leonardo. He enjoyed the food, the people, everything from his culture. As he walked along the river end he noticed a woman leaning over the bridge, he couldn't help but go and talk to her. "Good day my lady, you look lost, in your thoughts in mean. I hope i'm not disturbing you." He said in a effort to make her smile.

Charlotte looked up when she heard a voice and smiled at the gentleman. "It is hard not to be mesmerized by the beauty of this city, is it not? You do not disturb me at all, my lord. I'm Charlotte," she said in her soft voice.

"Of course not, this city can take your breath away." He said and leaned over the edge next to her. "It's a pleasure to meet you Charlotte, I'm Leonardo." He said simply.

"You sound as in love with this city as I am," she said, smiling at him. "The pleasure is also mine, Leonardo." She watched a gondola drifting past, disappearing behind them. "Do you often come here?" She wondered if they'd ever passed like ships in the night.

"Indeed, this city has cast a spell on me. Somehow I can't seem to get enough" He said as he too watched the gondola float by. "I come here on my free time, just to get enraptured in this beautiful city. What about you?"

"I lived here for a few years when I was growing up. I've returned with a dear friend of mine." She gazed at his handsome features and felt herself blushing. "And you, where do you come from?"

As she spoke he suddenly had a desire to kiss her full lips, he then looked back up to her eyes. "I was born and raised in Naples. I've just recently earned my title when my father passed away." He looked away, titles and statuses never meant much to him, however it was his obligation to take the title of Baron.

She dared to place her hand lightly upon his in a gesture of comfort. "I am sorry for your loss, my lord. I hope that you may find some peace of mind while you are in this fair city." She smiled sweetly. "There is so much joy in life, if you open yourself to it."

He looked down at her hand on his and smiled. "Indeed, that's why I come here, to forget and just enjoy what this wonderful city has to offer." He turned to her "I was fortunate to meet such a beautiful lady here, perhaps you will join me for supper this evening?"

"I always think that time away helps heal one's heart," she said, thinking of her own situation. "I would love to join you for supper. You, Leonardo, are someone I wish to know better." She tilted her head as she smiled at him, her eyes sparkling.

He smiled when she agreed "And you Charlotte, are someone i'd like to know. Would you prefer to eat indoors or outdoors?" He asked planning something special for her.

She spoke dreamily: "How could I ever resist dinner beneath the stars?" Thus answering his question, she stepped closer, feeling the wind through her hair. "I am staying at the home of a dear friend of mine...the countess of Venice. If you've heard of her, then you know where to reach me."

He smiled "then outdoors it is" He could hardly resist the way she moved her hair away from her face, and her voice, how simple she spoke. "Yes, I know of the Countess, I shall send for you in two hours time." He said taking her hand kissing it delicately.

"I shall be ready," she replied, smiling before she slowly took her leave of him.