Giulia felt her heart contract at the smiling satisfaction in his words. ‘Come, sit with me.’ She patted the spot beside her on the bed and felt her husband’s weight press into the mattress. Her heart beat fast as she tried to form the words to disappoint him. A stabbing pain cut into her belly and made her gasp.

‘My love!’ Vincenzio pressed the covers around her with concern. ‘There is such wonder in a woman’s strength at this time. Now you must rest.’

Giulia smiled; many a husband would not show such kindness. She chose her next words carefully. ‘It was a long and painful birth but I saved spirit enough to speak with you.’ She paused, a half-formed wisp of hope on her lips. ‘My heart weeps for the sweetness of new life.’ Her voice caught in her throat and her eyes prickled with tears. Vincenzio leant in and cupped her face in his hands. She saw the worry in his eyes but there was such peace in the stillness of his hold she did not want to speak and nudged her chin against his soft palm.

Another sudden pain tugged at her insides and brought her back to the present task. She must tell him the truth before tiredness overtook her completely. Raising herself to face him, she took her husband’s hands. ‘Forgive me, my master, for what I tell you. There is no baby.’

‘Come now, do not tease me with riddles, I hear him crying even as you speak.’ He laughed again.

‘I pray you, do not listen to that noise.’ Giulia let her tears flow then. ‘For I have failed in my duty as a wife.’

‘You are befuddled, my love. I hear it can happen when the birthing is long and arduous. Rest and I will call for Camilla.’

‘No!’ Giulia grasped his arm tightly as he rose to leave. ‘No, I must speak to you now.’

‘Hush, mistress, and let me at least call for some wine to soothe your agitation.’ He stroked her brow and the concern in his eyes made Giulia’s heart contract again.

‘Please hear me, Vincenzio, this cannot wait.’

‘Very well, I will stay and you may speak, but then I order you to rest, for I begin to worry.’ He sat back again.

‘I will rest willingly once I have said what must be said, God knows I could sleep for eternity, so heavy are my limbs.’ Giulia shifted in the bed, but it was impossible to find relief. ‘You are my only salvation, dearest husband, and I thank God every day for the blessings of your love. The baby is not dead but worse, for there is a part of her which is the Devil’s work, malformed and stunted so she will not walk nor ever bear the grace of God’s image.’