The Return

Abstract

Back in Venice, Girolamo secures housing in Ca’ Morosini, a Gothic palace on the Grand Canal not far from Ca’ Bembo at Santa Maria Nova. Gian Matteo successfully defends himself from charges of improperly spending state funds in Candia and is allowed to stand for election again. His wife Marcella dies in August 1555, a few days after Giulia gives birth to a daughter named after her grandmother. It is a time of droughts and famine in the countryside, celebrations in Venice, and periodic outbreaks of plague throughout the territory. In early 1556, Bona Sforza, Queen of Poland, is feted throughout the territory. The following year the city celebrates the first coronation of a Dogaressa in a century, with more festivities. Two sons, Giovanni and Alvise III, are born to Giulia in 1556 and 1557. Bishop Michele becomes majordomo of the household of Pope Pius IV in Rome and reluctantly engages in papal politics.