Luna hesitated at the door to her father’s studiolo. He was not there to give her permission to enter but nor could he stop her, she told herself as she went in. Even though so many of the books had already been sent to the monastery, the room still had the distinctive smell of parchment mixed with the herbs from his poultices. The state of the desk made Luna frown. She didn’t know what made Papa so quick to anger of late, but if this mess was any indication, he had much on his mind. Quills had been dropped and ink spilt, and her father’s business ledgers were piled atop one another in a ramshackle heap. A dirty wine goblet still sat where last he’d drunk, leaking a stale, sharp smell. Used poultices grew stiff and discoloured. Luna brushed her hand against the string of glass beads hooked over one of the shelves and took some pleasure in the familiar sound. At least that was crisp and clean. Footsteps reminded her she’d entered uninvited and moments later, Mamma Lucrezia appeared in the doorway.

‘What business do you have in your father’s private room?’ she said impatiently. She had a cloth draped over one shoulder and bent to put down the basket of salad greens she carried so she could fold her arms firmly across her chest.

‘I disturb no one whilst Papa is away. I am being very careful.’

‘That may be so but he will be annoyed if he returns to find anything amiss in his studiolo.’

‘He won’t, I promise.’

A crashing of pots followed by shouts sounded from the kitchen. Mamma Lucrezia looked towards the staircase. ‘The lady Margherita Palagio visits later and I am most nervous. I have not hosted her since my days in Bologna, and with your father absent I must manage alone. It is important that she leave this house impressed, for her opinion will influence the course of the marriage negotiations between our two families. I must make sure everything is perfect.’ She frowned at Luna. ‘I have asked Friar Bartolomeo also. His presence will be a comfort.’

Luna stayed where she was. Her heart sank at the mention of wedding plans for Maria again. She no longer felt any sympathy for her step-mamma’s sagging shoulders when the cause was impressing the family who might steal away her sister. She sighed, for she must still help, however she felt about their guest. ‘I will join you shortly, Mamma. Please just let me review one page and then I will be with you for the rest of the day.’

‘Very well, Leonarda, but mind I don’t have to come looking for you.’ Mamma Lucrezia picked up the basket. ‘We all miss dear Papa,’ she said.