The match was broken off, but within a year of Pietro’s renunciation another aspirant for Pellegrina’s hand and dowry appeared in the person of a distinguished young foreigner—­Conte Ulisse Bentivoglio de’ Magioli da Bologna.  He was reputed to be the natural son of Signore Alessandro d’Ercole Bentivoglio, and had been adopted by his maternal uncle, Conte Giorgio de’ Magioli.  His mother’s name was Isotta—­a beautiful girl at the Court of the Lords of Bologna, who had romantic relations with both Signore Alessandro and Conte Giorgio.  Which of the two was Conte Ulisse’s father mattered far less, from a matrimonial point of view, than the fact that the prospective bridegroom was unusually wealthy and well-placed.

Conte Ulisse, twenty years of age, went to Florence along with the Bologna deputation to greet Grand Duke Francesco upon his marriage with Bianca Buonaventuri.  Then it was that he first saw Pellegrina, and was accepted as her betrothed husband.  He remained in Florence a considerable time, and took a leading part in the splendid festivities and the notable giostre, wherein he was hailed as a champion in the “Lists.”

The marriage was celebrated three months after the Grand Ducal wedding, and, amid the tears of her mother, Pellegrina departed with her husband for Bologna.  Everything went well for a time with the youthful Count and Countess.  Grand Duchess Bianca paid them several visits, and Countess Pellegrina spent much time in Florence.  For example, she took part in the marriage ceremonies of Virginia de’ Medici, unhappy Signora Cammilla’s child, in 1586, with Don Cesare d’Este.  The year after her coronation the Grand Duchess went in state to Bologna, to assist at the accouchement of her daughter.  A little son made his appearance, and as though to fix the real parentage of the Count, he was baptised Giorgio.

Two more sons came to seal the happiness of the young couple—­Alessandro and Francesco—­and two daughters—­Bianca and Vittoria—­and then the happy relations between the Count and Countess underwent a change, and her husband’s love ceased to peep into Pellegrina’s heart.  The Count was much occupied with military matters, like most young nobles of his age; he also undertook diplomatic duties, and was sent, in 1585, as the special ambassador of Bologna, to congratulate Pope Sixtus V. upon his elevation to the Pontifical throne.

At the Roman Court he met Don Piero de’ Medici—­the Florentine envoy—­and, through him, got into evil company.  He returned to Bologna unsettled in his feelings, and looking for excitement and illicit intercourse.  His passion for Pellegrina was passing away, and he sought not her couch but the company of a lovely girl of Bologna who had fascinated him.

By degrees his love for his sweet wife grew cold, and at length he had the effrontery to establish his innamorata in his own mansion.  Pellegrina protested in vain, but the more she admonished her husband the more flagrant became the liaison.  Cast off and even spurned in her own house, the poor young Countess longed for her dear, dead mother’s presence.  She had now no one to counsel and comfort her.  Left pretty much to herself, she yearned for companionship and love.  She was only twenty-four, and still as attractive as could be.