Luna glanced at her step-mamma, but all her attention was on her friend. She told him she was hoping to learn as much as she could from the Sacrobosco in the weeks until her father returned. It was good to speak freely. She smiled at the friar and continued enthusiastically.

‘It is an impressive text, to be sure. I’m not ashamed to confess I find the technical detail challenging,’ she said.

‘It takes years of study to master astronomy.’

Luna sighed. ‘I long for such a luxury.’

‘It is hard work to be a student! Boys must display immense focus and commitment to study astronomy. Your father has a friend, Professor di Novara, who teaches at the university in Bologna. Perhaps one day he will introduce you. His students are highly regarded.’

‘I do not doubt it. I would certainly choose to study under him if I was ever given the chance.’

Father Bartolomeo grunted. ‘The Earth may move around the Sun afore we witness such a day!’

‘Yes, I know,’ Luna said. ‘Though I can dream.’

‘You would make a most excellent student,’ Father Bartolomeo answered sympathetically. ‘Your father has arranged for Professor di Novara to speak at the Platonic Academy next month, on the other text you covet: the Epitome of the Almagest.’

‘My father’s copy was sent to you for safekeeping, was it not?’

The friar nodded.

‘I beseech you, could you show it to me?’

This time the friar shook his head, but there was a lift in his smile that made Luna hope.

She took his hand and squeezed gently. ‘It could be something we do together whilst my father is absent, like old times when I was your student. I do miss those days so keenly.’

She waited for him to reply. The afternoon light moved more deeply into the room. Maria was speaking with Margherita Palagio and Mamma Lucrezia was engrossed in whatever was being said.

‘You were always an eager student, and a worthy one, Luna.’

‘Well, then?’

Her step-mamma motioned to them. ‘Signora Palagio takes her leave of us.’

Friar Bartolomeo rose stiffly and went to where the ladies waited.

‘It has been a pleasure to see you, friar. I bid you a good afternoon.’ Signora Palagio dipped her head in farewell.

Luna curtseyed and then hung back as Mamma Lucrezia and Maria followed their guest from the room. There was just enough time for Friar Bartolomeo to speak to her.

‘Come and see me in the monastery library when you are able,’ he said and inclined his head with a wink.

*