‘My intent was to finalise a marriage contract in your name, so good a father am I to you. But I underestimated how far the winds of Florence gossip travel and I could not convince Signore Spinelli of your suitability. He refused to sign the contract and I returned empty handed.’

‘Why do you think I’ve always chided you so harshly, Leonarda, if not for your own reward? But I relinquish that responsibility now, for I see that you will never change.’ Mamma Lucrezia spat the words at Luna.

‘Yet still, I thought, someone will have my clever Leonarda Lunetta.’ Papa slammed his hand on to the table and laughed. ‘Foolish hopes! I’ll have my work cut out for me to find a family willing to take you now.’

‘This may be so for Leonarda,’ Mamma Lucrezia said, ‘but for Maria we must rejoice!’

Luna listened, astonished.

‘I will not rejoice,’ Papa said grumpily. ‘My hand was forced. I take no pleasure in accepting Signore Palagio’s offer for Maria’s hand.’

‘Come now, husband, your youngest daughter’s future fixed to a wealthy and connected Florentine family. Allow me a little jubilation.’

‘Do as you wish, but don’t expect me to join in.’

Mamma Lucrezia clapped her hands and filled her own and Papa’s cups. ‘There, now I am content. My family seated around the table, my most beloved husband in good health and my daughter’s future secured. I am truly blessed.’

‘The Lord graces us,’ Papa added flatly.

Luna slid down in her chair; she could barely keep herself upright. One moment she was being punished, the next they were celebrating Maria’s betrothal. Her step-mamma was angry and now excited. Her papa was … She dared not glance at him. Luna drank a full wash of wine. He intended to marry her off to whoever would take her. The wine slaked her throat and fed the sourness of her disappointment. The tinder in her belly ignited and she felt a flame of hot injustice. She met her father’s gaze steadily.

‘You lied to me, Papa.’

‘Do not speak rudely; it does your pretty eyes no kindness.’ His compliment confused Luna. He continued, even more gently, ‘These are circumstances you do not understand.’

‘Only because you did not share them with me.’ She didn’t mean to whine but his gentler tone lured her back to him. ‘I thought you enjoyed my conversation and debate. Why give me books and tutors if you did not want me to form ideas? More so, what good are ideas if we cannot debate them? I am mightily confused, Papa. I have only ever wanted to make you proud. Have I failed?’

‘Why must you always want for more? More books, more answers, more approbation? Your curiosity has become tedious.’

Luna sat back in surprise; she’d not expected such criticism.