Vanina Vanini; Pallianon herttuatar: Kaksi kertomusta

The story opens on a luminous spring evening in 1820s Rome, where a new palace on the Piazza di Venezia throws a glittering masquerade. English duchesses, Parisian ladies, and Roman beauties vie for the favor of the flamboyant Duke de B—, whose opulent feast dominates the city. In the swirl of gowns, a striking young woman with midnight hair and fire‑lit eyes, Vanina Vanini, is crowned queen of the night, her poise hinting at a restless spirit beneath the glitter.

Vanina’s father, Prince Don Hasdrubal, has already arranged prestigious matches for his daughter, but she defies every proposal. When a locked door on the palace’s third floor is accidentally left ajar, Vanina finds a secret balcony overlooking an orange‑tiled courtyard. Driven by curiosity she secures a key and slips into the hidden space, where whispers of a daring carbonari escape begin to stir. The opening sets the stage for love, intrigue, and a young woman’s fight for her own destiny.