In the week that followed, she sought out a quiet moment with Elisabetta and spoke to her about declining her place in the convent and staying on at the estate instead. To her delight, Elisabetta pulled her into a hug as fierce as her accompanying exclamation of approval. Luna leant against her shoulder for far too long, breathing in her friend’s loving acceptance. Next she spoke to Livia, who initially frowned with suspicion at such unprovoked generosity from their hosts, till Luna led her to see Elisabetta. Luna had become like a daughter to her, the lady explained, before asking Livia to join their household as Luna’s maid.

And so it was that Leonarda Lunetta found a new home.

Luna lay in bed, playing over in her mind the shock and then delight on Livia’s face when Elisabetta had offered her a place in their household. There was a soft knock at her bedchamber door. Luna let out a gentle exclamation, no louder than the puff of air escaping from the pillow she pressed against. Then she rose hurriedly and dressed. Nicolaus had come to collect her. It was just past the fourth hour of the night. The occult of Aldebaran would soon begin. He was wearing a deep green cloak and she put on her walking cloak, for the tower was cold at night. No fire would be lit and only the one candle was allowed for note taking, else their vision of the stars be spoilt.

She hovered at the base of the stairs then set her foot firmly on the lowest step and followed Nicolaus up, breathing heavily with the climb and expectation of what lay ahead. Excitement tingled in her fingertips.

As she rounded the final bend, slowing from the exertion, she saw the black night across one side of the room and gasped, for it seemed there was no shield between the room and the elements. Where normally a wall would block much of the view, there was an opening so large it let in the sky. Heavy doors framed either side and a long, slim balcony ran its length.

The professor was already preparing for the lunar event. The room was dimly lit and instruments and papers cluttered the desk and lay spread across the floor. He set down his quill and pushed back his chair, beckoning them in. On a smaller round table beside where he worked was a bronze astrolabe. It looked exactly like the one in the illustration in the Almagest, only dulled with use. Luna wanted to touch the rings and investigate the detailed wording on each thick band, but she stood politely and waited. Books were neatly ranged upon a set of shelves built into the far wall.

‘I’m glad that you decided to join us this evening.’ The professor smiled warmly at Luna.

‘I’m honoured to be here.’