Communion Blood (67 page)

Saints forgive me! how I have carried on! You must think me a flibberty-jibbet. Perhaps I am, but I am a wiser one than when you and I were in Roma together. And I have remembered the warning you gave me, that when I died I would be in danger. So I have arranged to have my head struck from my body before I am buried. Ilirio thinks I am being overly dramatic, but he has agreed that it will be done. I would not let you tell me why, but I have not forgotten what you said.

I must end this. The coaches are being loaded and Ettore Colonna will call to bid us farewell in a short while. May this find you wherever you are, and may you read it with clemency in your heart. If God wills it, you and I will meet again, and so I will sign this as friends do,

Arrivederlo,

Giorgianna

By my own hand, at Roma, August 1st, 1698