With whispers both sly and strident, Barbara hears the warnings of poison and death at every turn - from every flower offered, every drink, and even from the jewels woven into her royal hair and clothes. But there was no turning back now. No, she was not going to return to her quiet life in the Austrian imperial court of her brother, Maximilan, or to the convent at Hall where three of her sisters were already preparing to be immured. No, this was her big escape from these fates and she was going to marry the Duke of Ferrara.

More intelligent and older than most royal brides, Barbara was thrilled with the opportunity to enjoy the life and court of Ferrara, despite the fact that she knew the Duke was only marrying her for the royal connections and prestige she brought. Well, so be it! She knew she wasn't a beauty like the Duke's first wife, Lucrezia de Medici, who died very young and mysteriously four years before; yet, she was willing to make this marriage work. As she made her way about court, the whispers only increased and some even hinted that it was the Duke himself that had caused the death of the first Duchess and she would be next.

Alfonso d'Este, the Duke of Ferrara, had his own reasons for wanting to make this marriage work and he was determined to do so by keeping the past buried. Taking the wrong advice from Barbara's brother on how to handle his new bride, Alfonso only made her determination stronger to find out the truth. If the truth is uncovered, would her seeking and questions only bring tragic consequences?

Using Robert Browning's poem, "My Last Duchess" as a spiritual muse, Elizabeth Loupas brings forth in stunning detail the fascinating development of the relationship between the autocratic Duke and his second Duchess as well as bringing their Renaissance court into full blossom with all its luscious food, festivities, vivid paintings and richest attire. The plotting is spellbinding with its undertones of danger from both political and romantic intrigue. The invocation of the first Duchess as an immobila also adds another dimension to the complexity of motivations, ambitions and fears at play in this small, but powerful feudal city-state. An awesome read to enjoy and relish! A royal treat not to be missed!