"Why Comacchio? Anything to do with those Gothic architects, the Comaccine builders? Oh yes, I thought we would go see a revival of a nineteenth century opera by Gounod that was near forgotten - Cinq-Mars. The latter gentleman was a French courtier..." Olivia held up a hand, signaling Domenico to stop. "How did you know?" she gasped. "Did Posh ring here?" "Know what?" Duke chuckled. "I know nothing! I merely mention some obscure work by Gounod and you near faint away and then accuse me of conspiring treason with the Queen of the Bodice Rippers! Really, dearest, you are being most mysteri-O-so!" "Twould be hard to conspire treason with myself, against myself, for I am she." "Who, pray tell?" "Posh Peyton. There, now you know - I write romance novels and mother poses as the famous author - bad enough I grew up in New Hampshire in the house that was the real Peyton Place - oh gods, Duke, how do I explain?" "Perhaps at the beginning, my dear. This is so strange....how could you not tell me before now?" "I didn't think to, honestly, until you mentioned Cinq-Mars. My true love is historical fiction, darling, and after I made enough on the bodice rippers to buy the place in France..." "Chāteau Gāteau belongs to you?"    Text Copyright © 1999 - 2005 cybersybils.com All rights reserved.