THE NAPOLI LETTERS
LETTER #1
THE NAPOLI LETTERS – November 2, 1901
FROM: Thomas Stephens
TO: Charles R. Baker
DATE: November 2, 1901
Mr. Baker,
I Thomas Stephens, your Solicitor am reporting successful completion of business in Napoli. The Cameo factory’s accounts were audited, and nothing found lacking. They are about 5% above last years earnings. I will give you a full accounting on my return to Mildenhall.
However, a strange occurrence I encountered here in Napoli. I thought it prudent to inform you, if there was the least possibility you received some gossip or such. But, I assure you there was no tarnish to your firm or your good name.
As you are aware, I’ve been reviewing the Napoli’s business accounts, since you procured the; Mother of Pearl Cameo Factory, four years hence. I have always lodged at Rosa’s By the Sea, and she always had room 213 prepared for me.
Each morning before my journey up the hill to the factory, I would have a pot of espresso and cantuccini bisquits out on the balcony. From this inspiring viewpoint, it was like a portal to heaven. Across the cobblestone road was an angel, challenging any statues of Venus I’ve seen in Athens or Roma. I certainly wasn’t being negligent of your business while spying at a young lady. I remained just long enough to enjoy that wonderful placid smile, while having my breakfast. I had absolutely no exchange with her, yet I did wave on occasion, yet she remained in stillness and silence.
My present Napoli journey, to my utter despair, there was no angel to share my cantuccini with each morning. Her balcony door was boarded up, and it appeared to have been as such a long time. I ask the porter about this puzzling phenomenon, and he looked at me fearfully, like I was an enchanter or some wraith. I challenged him saying, “sir your accusatory and cold eyes disturb me. Explain yourself immediately.”
He reported a queer story of a beautiful maiden whom occupied that very room over ten years ago. And in my room, 213, a solicitor also stayed, he believed also came from the British Empire. Many Europeans gather at Rosa’s. Then he said excitedly: “Yes, as I recall it was every spring. The Solicitor and La Befana, her given name, would drink wine at the café and could be seen dancing nightly through her balcony door. Yes, they were so much in love, each spring.”
One spring she chattered to any that would listen that he was bringing her a ring this year, and they would certainly be wed. He continued; “However it was manic and nervous her talk and actions. More than I thought La Befana was touched or vexatious. Indeed the Strega hide in the shadows of Napoli”, he nervously said.
He continued; “I awoke to a numbing scream a few days later. Madam Rosa was walking toward the market and spotted La Befana through her balcony door hanging from a rafter. Upon our investigation we found a letter from the Solicitor stating he had married his employers daughter, and would remain in the British Isles conducting his business.” He said, “It breaks my heart this news, but marriage is not so simple in England. My career and reputation would be destroyed if I refrained. I do love you, and will think of you often.”, and his signature, but no address”, the porter was speaking quickly now and continued;
“We boarded up that room, including the balcony door that day, November 2, 1889. Thus it was impossible for you to have seen her across the way the past four years. Impossible.”
Rather than argue with him I said “I see, I must have drunk too much of the Ouzo after dinner last night.” He shook his head and walked out.”
Mr. Baker, I Rosa owner of this establishment, found this letter from, Mr. Thomas Stephens, his luggage, boarding pass the morning he was to depart. The Carabinieri, nor a local investigator I procured could find no evidence of Mr. Stephens. There was one queer thing, lying on his stationary was a beautiful mother of pearl cameo, in the same image as La Bafana, it gives me shivers because there is no way he could have known her and no pictures exist. We will return this and all of Mr. Stephens belongings as soon as the Carabineri complete their investigation.
Heartfelt Condolences,
Rosa Benevento
November 2, 1901
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