Freda's Place

   3 January 1785 Rocca Sorrentina     I find myself deliriously happy in the presence of the maestro of my heart, el divo Gabriel, my husband!  Always a generous and gentle man, since learning of my blessed state, Gabriel dotes.  Today he brought my tea and biscuits in bed, insisting that my feet not touch the ground until he had seen to the most basic needs of mother and child.  We spent the day in grand isolation, reading to one another from Holcroft and Chaucer, venturing out late in the afternoon when most villagers were still at their afternoon naps.  Near the harbor, we visited the island's one music store.  The instruments there were impressive and we are considering the purchase of a clavichord.  Gabriel serenaded me as we shopped.  We walked to the end of a pier and arrived in time to observe the sunset, myself folded into my husband's arms.  If I had known twenty years ago that love could be as it is with Ga...

30 December 1784 Rocca Sorrentina   My love returned Christmas Eve, tired and in great need of rest, a bath, and sustenance, not in that order.  We attended mass together and it was all I could do to stop from blurting out my great news during the walk home.  Realizing Gabriel needed rest before being asked to deal with this unexpected excitement, I held my tongue.  It was Christmas afternoon before I shared with him the happy announcement.  I was very pleased to find that the news was indeed received as happy.  Neither Gabriel nor I anticipated becoming parents at this stage in life.  For several years, I have believed myself to be beyond any age where pregnancy was likely.  Of course, married to his nibs, there was not much opportunity for testing the theory.  Gabriel is a very different spouse indeed and here we are, not even one year married, and expecting to be parents by the time we celebrate ou...

Please deliver to my most beloved husband and friend, Gabriel Piozzi New Royal-Ducal Theatre alla Scala 29 November, 1784 Dearest Gabriel, I have come as far as Genoa and find myself too tired to continue the journey to Milan.  It is impossible for me to arrive in time for your Egisto.  I do apologize most grievously, Husband.  If I were more well, I would certainly be at your side and in the audience in Milan this week.  As things stand, I will take a few days here in Genoa and hope that my vigor is revived in time to join you for the trip from Milan to Rome.  I will not say more now as I wish to post this note in time for you to see it before your premier.  Just know that all is well and I shall be at your side as soon as that is possible.  In the mean time, I think of you and yearn for your embrace.  Yours, As Always and Ever, Hester Click here to read more from Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi.