She frowned, confused and a little taken aback. ‘That is very kind, but I have no place here.’

‘Let my wife be the judge of that. And in due time, I would find a suitable match for you.’ He walked a short distance away, turning back to observe her with hands on his hips.

Luna’s insides shrank but she held her voice firm. ‘Even my father understood that marriage was not in my future, and that was when he was alive and our family still respected. I do not expect miracles.’

He remained silent.

‘Nor could I accept,’ she added wearily, ‘even if you did find a madman willing to have me. I am expected by the abbess.’

‘I beg you to consider what you lose by entering the convent. I know your father had you educated.’

‘He did, sire, and now I have a head full of knowledge which, in the end, even my papa found too confronting.’

‘Indeed, I do not mean to offend, but an educated mind is a wonderful gift; I’m sure Vincenzio would want more than a convent for your future.’

She laughed then. ‘Even before my family perished, I was to become a nun by my father’s choosing. The truth is, he wanted to hide me away because my wilfulness brought shame upon the family.’ Luna tried to keep the bitterness from her voice but this gentleman she hardly knew went too far. She rubbed a hand across her eyes. When next she spoke her voice was quiet. ‘Forgive me, I am still tired from my journey.’

The professor sat again. He tilted back in his chair so that the front legs left the floor and he rocked with a rhythm that made Luna think the whole thing would up-end him.

‘This could be your chance to make a different future. You are young and pretty, and being educated strengthens your character in the eyes of a future husband.’ He spoke encouragingly and Luna was shocked by his compliments, but she’d no patience for his misplaced sympathy.

‘Be that as it may, I have a place secured at the convent and so there I will end my journey.’ Despite the fact she had no money and no family, so in truth she had no choice, Luna did not lie; she went willingly to the sisters of St Clare.

‘Then that is that,’ the professor said after a long pause and with a tired finality. ‘We are happy to entertain you until such time as you choose to leave us for the convent.’ He rose slowly, languid as the gracious host he was, whistling to his dogs as he turned to the doors.