The Duchess of Trajetto

'The Duchess of Trajetto' is a novel written by Anne Manning. The story unfolds as a duchess sits in her bedchamber at night, failing to sleep due to the hot weather. Her room is richly decorated with paintings, statues, and jewelry, but her face shows that she is not happy. She hears a strange noise and wonders what it could be, and reflects on the unhappy letter she received from Isabella. She thinks about her late husband, the Duke, and how happy they were despite the age difference between them. The noise stops and she wishes she could sleep.