Finding Margaret Fuller: A Novel

In the spring of 1847, Margaret arrives in Italy with her chaperones, the Spring family. She immediately finds the landscape and inhabitants enchanting. In particular, Rome captures her heart. She’s eager to see Bernini’s famous statue of St. Teresa of Avila, which conveys both a sense of spiritual and sexual ecstasy. Margaret is so overwhelmed by her reaction to the statue that she accidentally collides with a handsome young man before scurrying out of the church. Afterward, she thinks, “Rome is stirring feelings and longings within me that are entirely new and even, at times, overwhelming. Perhaps even a bit dangerous” (271).

On Holy Thursday, Margaret goes to St. Peter’s Basilica to see the full pomp of the Catholic Church on display. The new pope, Pio Nono, is beloved by the people for his liberal political views. The Vatican rules the Papal States as a theocracy, but the pope seems open to the idea of an elected government in Rome. After the service, Margaret becomes separated from the Spring family and accidentally bumps into the same young man she encountered while viewing St. Teresa’s statue. He introduces himself as Marchese Giovanni Angelo Ossoli, a count who is a member of the Civic Guard.