‘How is he?’

‘Well enough, though the bruising is nasty. He was cross as the Devil when he woke. I managed to rub some tincture into his cheek before he went out.’

‘I knew you’d have something to help. I see the gate is being replaced. That’s good.’

‘This house must be safe; you all play in the garden. I can’t have my children in danger.’

‘Does Papa know any more about who it was?’

Mamma Lucrezia shrugged. ‘Let us just be grateful neither of you was hurt. Your father said he would inform the Council so tonight the patrols will walk the alleys around us. I told him no more adventures.’

Luna nodded, though she hoped Papa would ignore her step-mamma’s request. She wanted him to take her star gazing again.

‘I want you to stay home today, Leonarda.’

‘But I go to the monastery shortly to sit for the painter again.’

‘Not today, my dear.’

It was comforting to feel her step-mamma’s hand warm upon her arm and Luna’s expression softened as she realised Mamma Lucrezia was worried.

‘Mamma, I will be safe. We both know robbers hide in the daylight and the painter must finish on time otherwise Papa’s surprise will be late.’

Mamma Lucrezia patted Luna’s knee. ‘Do not be wilful.’

Luna was touched by her concern but she had no intention of prolonging the torture of sitting for the painter. ‘I will ride in the covered litter. Will that appease you?’

Mamma Lucrezia lay her hands in her lap and frowned. Her poise belied an indecision that Luna rarely saw. It softened the edges of her usual fortitude.

‘Very well, Leonarda, do as you wish.’ Mamma Lucrezia stood up. ‘Now I must get your brother to his tutor.’ She called to him with such impatience Pippo jumped up in shock.

When the pair had disappeared up the stairs, Luna went in search of Alessandro.

He was in the stables. She stood and watched him a moment.

‘I won’t ride in the litter today. You do not need to ready the horses.’

She went to put on her boots and gather her cloak.

*