The Boboli Gardens: a novel of Florence

The end of the 17th century would see an upheaval by the poor and downtrodden that would turn Europe on its head. In 1789, the French revolution would begin and be-fore it was over would change the face of Europe, dethrone its crown-heads, and bring confusion to the world. Two years after the revolution began; France would declare war on her archrival, Austria which would usher in an age of war for the next twenty years. During this time the revolution would be placed on hold while hundreds of thousands died and suffered on the battle fields.
As war now raged throughout most of middle Europe, many countries, cities, and principalities sat anxiously by waiting for Austria to conquer the French and put an end to their revolution. The Italian peninsula was made up of several small principalities and large city-states like Florence. The land had been shaped and reshaped over the last few centuries by other wars but for now peace rang true, for Austria now ruled most of Italy’s northern borders creating a formidable buffer between France and Florence.
Florence had thrived over the last six hundred years as one of Europe’s strongest financial institutions, but the great days of power had faded and Ferdinando III, an Aus-trian, was ruling the once proud and strong republic. Still a city of beauty it had become a favorite vacationing place for many European travelers, especially for the English who liked the Mediterranean softness, its rich history and exquisite foods. Many hotels sprung up to accommodate these travelers and the economy continued to prosper because of this new stream of wealth flowing into their city.
All was well and grand with the Florentines until one early March morning in 1796, the new general of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, began to march against the forces of Austria in the northern hills of Italy. As the army moved across the border in the north, a lone major in Napoleon’s army, Rene DuMent, entered Florence on a mission of peace, and to determine its strengths and weaknesses if Napoleon decided that she must fall. He was given this mission because he always finished what he was given and always did it well. There were few others trusted by Napoleon more than this man and he entered this new assignment as he always did; with determination and confidence. What the major didn’t consider is that his soul, which had been destroyed through the years by war and death, would soon be reborn through a woman.