Bianca del Monte

A cup tipped over at the worktable. I have burned triple the orange blossom, so by evening no one will know.

• ConcettaTriple the burn does not cover it, it marks it. I have told you for twenty-six years.
  Bianca del MonteThat is why I left the door half open.
  ConcettaOpen the door and the scent leaves, but the talk comes in.
• Don Massimo del MonteA workshop with cups to spare for spilling. Your household is always so well provided, sister.
  Bianca del MonteIt is not the cups that are plentiful. It is the visitors.

Everyone tells me to smile. Yet it is always the smiling one whose price gets cut.

• Serafina OrsiniKeep that very look on your face and simply sit in my drawing room. I will name the price myself.
  Bianca del MonteWhatever price you name always ends up sitting on your own scale.
• Pippo the Serving BoyIt is frightening, but it is wonderful, my lady!!
  ConcettaPippo, carry the plates first. Save the admiring for later.

Only the left glove keeps wearing through. Everyone is watching what the right hand does.

• ConcettaI ask to see that hand and get twenty-six years of the same excuse about gloves.
  Bianca del MonteIf I show you, the scolding only runs longer.
• Serafina OrsiniI will pay for the gloves myself. In return, lend me that hand for just one day.
  Bianca del MonteA hand once borrowed is never returned, in my experience.