The Second Duchess
The Second Duchess by Elizabeth Loupas is an illustrated historical novel published by New American Library in 2011, featuring 376 pages in English. This narrative unfolds in a city-state renowned for its grandeur, where love affairs and conspiracies intertwine against a backdrop of brilliant artists and musicians. The story centers on Alfonso d’Este, the duke of Ferrara, who marries Barbara of Austria, the second duchess, amid suspicions surrounding the mysterious death of his first wife, Lucrezia, a member of the Medici family.
Readers will find a rich exploration of royal intrigue as Barbara navigates the complexities of her new life at the Ferrarese court. Initially dismissing the rumors about her husband, she soon becomes entangled in the whispers surrounding Lucrezia’s past. As Barbara seeks the truth, she faces the perilous consequences of her inquiries, highlighting the dangers inherent in her position. This edition invites readers into a world of historical fiction that blends mystery with the intricacies of court life.
Official synopsis Publisher
A rich, compelling historical novel-and a mystery of royal intrigue.
In a city-state known for magnificence, where love affairs and conspiracies play out amidst brilliant painters, poets and musicians, the powerful and ambitious Alfonso d’Este, duke of Ferrara, takes a new bride. Half of Europe is certain he murdered his first wife, Lucrezia, the luminous child of the Medici. But no one dares accuse him, and no one has proof-least of all his second duchess, the far less beautiful but delightfully clever Barbara of Austria.
At first determined to ignore the rumors about her new husband, Barbara embraces the pleasures of the Ferrarese court. Yet wherever she turns she hears whispers of the first duchess’s wayward life and mysterious death. Barbara asks questions-a dangerous mistake for a duchess of Ferrara. Suddenly, to save her own life, Barbara has no choice but to risk the duke’s terrifying displeasure and discover the truth of Lucrezia’s death-or she will share her fate.
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