From somewhere within the house, Luna heard her step-mamma talking about an invitation for the family to pay a visit to the Palagios’ city villa. The excitement in her voice was sickening. Luna felt the imprint of Maria’s shape still there in the dip in the mattress. She knew she must speak to her step-mamma about what had happened between her and Guido Palagio before her sister was allowed to see him again. She looked at her peg-leg balanced against the wall. She’d done a poor job of re-attaching the ties that had broken, but they held. She didn’t look forward to having to explain to Papa why he must pay for its proper repair.

‘I would welcome the excursion,’ Mamma Lucrezia said. ‘The streets have been more settled these past weeks but we will take the carriage nonetheless.’

‘Very well, you may go, though I cannot attend as the lecture at the Academy is later this afternoon and before then I must visit the shops,’ Papa grumbled. ‘In any case, Tommaso Palagio won’t be home as he said he’ll be at the lecture too.’

‘Why would I know such details of your gentlemen’s affairs, my dear?’ Mamma Lucrezia said, exasperated.

‘Well, I’m sure Signora Palagio does not expect my presence,’ he answered.

‘Yes, you are most certainly correct. I don’t expect to be home till vespers, so do not worry.’

Luna heard his easy laugh. ‘I will do my best, my love.’

Footsteps grew louder and Luna went and sat on her bed and waited. Mamma Lucrezia appeared. ‘I will need your help in getting Filippo ready and whilst we are out, Luna, I trust you to a quiet day.’

‘Mamma, I must tell you something,’ Luna said.

‘What is it?’

‘When I left you after dinner, I went into Papa’s studiolo to find a book, only Guido Palagio was in there too.’ She spoke slowly, as the words were not easily said. Her neck felt hot and uncomfortable. She remembered the tang of his breath and the stain of wine on his teeth.

‘You should not have been in there,’ her step-mamma chided. ‘I must get ready, Leonarda. Is there something important you wish to say?’

Luna felt tears begin to well in her eyes. ‘You do not know what sort of man he is.’ She took a deep breath and tried again. ‘He was foul. He attacked me obscenely.’

Mamma Lucrezia turned sharply. Luna wanted to add that she was unhurt, only ashamed and angry, but her step-mamma’s hardened eyes told her that would not be wise.

‘Do you accuse him?’ Mamma Lucrezia asked. She didn’t sound angry; Luna had expected her step-mamma to be horror-struck.

‘I do,’ Luna answered.

‘This is the boy your sister will wed, Leonarda.’