A Young Venetian Girl Finds Her Voice - Blog Tour and Book Excerpt for "Poinsettia Girl"

Book Excerpt

Elena was struck by the cold, salty air against the water and the Lido perfectly displayed in the distance. She let the shoreline sky cleanse her, wading her conducting arms through the damp air. They sang a simple chant as they walked and made a half-circle with their backs to the water, close to the Prioress. A group of listeners stopped their errands as the rarely seen foundling girls alerted them with their song. It was uncommon for the public to interact with the young girls, their donations a luxury for those to later afford tickets when the gifted ones would perform in the Coro. Heads bent to whisper and fingers pointed in their direction. Elena hated that they were such a spectacle.

The young choir completed two songs as the Prioress led them west on the Riva Degli Schiavoni, nodding in thanks at those who put money in the small vessel she held. After singing several rounds of their first song, they came to the great columns of St. Mark’s Square. The crowds in the already busy square began to thicken. Elena kept her arms moving but was aware of the strangers encircling them.

Groups of men huddled and stopped their chatting at the sight of the virginal foundlings from the Pietà. Elena noticed the girls averting their eyes from the attention. She stood firm in front of them, motioning the girls to gather close, and directed them through another two songs in a simple two- part harmony.

Quite hastily, a gaunt man with long black hair pushed back by a white carnival mask on top of his head moved up to the front of the crowd. He had a strange familiarity about him, but something seemed off. Had she met this man before? Her eyes locked with Discrete Margarita, who offhandedly stepped in front of him. The other women, Discrete Orsa, Marcella Sovarizo, and Madonna, formed a square around the girls, all while exchanging glances. It was time to move.