A darkness crossed her father’s face and Luna thought for a moment he was going to strike her as well. She went and curtseyed to him. Let him turn away from the truth in her eyes, if he dared.

‘I have no more the makings of a nun than I do a man, and equal revulsion for pretending I am either.’

‘Tell me what you would have me do differently?’ he asked. Mamma Lucrezia scoffed, but Luna answered eagerly. She didn’t see the indifferent curiosity in his eyes.

‘Let me stay here with you, as I believed was always our plan … your plan.’

‘What will you do each day once Maria is wed and Pippo grown?’

‘I will read and spend my hours cultivating ideas on paper when not in discussion with you.’

‘You are a woman now and the more I hear such talk, the more I am assured the convent is the best and only place for you.’

‘Then why take me to the lecture?’

He slowly shook his head and laughed. ‘Why indeed. It was a misjudgement on my part. I thought to indulge you one more time before sending you to the convent. Professor di Novara’s concern for your wellbeing made me realise the public theatre of ideas is no place for a woman.’

‘What of all my years of study? My mind will go to waste.’

‘A woman’s mind is made for the contemplation of God and family; anything greater will fester into darkness. I’ve learnt my lesson. You were my beguiling prodigy and I will sorely miss that charming child, but I too must sacrifice.’

‘I pose no threat, Papa. Truly you must know this.’

‘The good reputation of this family is at stake.’

The more he spoke, and the longer they parleyed, the more profoundly did her heart burn till there was naught but despair and fire inside her head.

‘Please let me stay with you, Papa. I beg of you, do not send me to a nun’s cell.’ She dropped her crutch and clasped her hands together as though in prayer. She could not look at him for fear of what she’d see. She kept her eyes lowered and listened to the loud beat of blood in her ears.

‘A Fusili never begs.’ His voice was tensely charged as a sky of lightning and thunder. ‘Leave me. The decision is made.’