# VI: The Inheritance explained — Bellarion the Fortunate

> Chapter companion for Bellarion the Fortunate by Rafael Sabatini.

## What happens

Following Facino Cane's death, his will is read, bequeathing vast territories and fortune to his widow Beatrice and the fief of Valsassina to Bellarion. Bellarion maneuvers politically, proposing to Filippo Maria Visconti that he marry Beatrice to secure her wealth and army for his claim to Milan, while Beatrice tests Bellarion's loyalty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Power

Bellarion manipulates Filippo Maria's greed and Beatrice's desire for the ducal crown to secure his own influence, demonstrating the ruthless pursuit of power.

### Deception and Identity

Bellarion dissembles about his authority and motives, presenting himself as a loyal servant while orchestrating a marriage for political gain.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

The captains' ceremonial surrender of swords contrasts with Bellarion's subtle manipulation, questioning the true nature of loyalty to Beatrice.

## Character check-ins

### Bellarion

Adoptive son of Facino Cane, now Count of Gavi; orchestrates a marriage proposal between Filippo Maria and Beatrice to consolidate power.

### Filippo Maria Visconti

The young Prince of Pavia, tempted by Bellarion's proposal to marry Beatrice for her wealth and army to secure the Duchy of Milan.

### Beatrice

Facino Cane's widow, now heir to his dominions and fortune; tests Bellarion's loyalty after the will reading.

### Francesco Busone da Carmagnola

Captain under Facino; ceremoniously surrenders his sword to Beatrice at the assembly.

### Giorgio Valperga

Captain who follows Carmagnola's example in offering homage to Beatrice.

### Werner von Stoffel

Captain present at Facino's funeral as a mourner.

## Key lines

> Serve me well in this, Bellarion, and you shall know gratitude.

If you help me effectively, I will reward you.

_Filippo Maria promises reward to Bellarion for his assistance._

> Never, do I believe, did a Prince find a bride more richly dowered.

No prince has ever found a bride with such a large dowry.

_Bellarion suggests Beatrice's wealth makes her an ideal match for Filippo Maria._

> You are proposing that I should take to wife Facino's widow, who is twice my age?

Are you suggesting I marry Facino's widow, who is twice as old as me?

_Filippo Maria reacts with surprise to Bellarion's marriage proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/vi-the-inheritance
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters