Not until she was out of the church and finally able to swing off to the side did Luna breathe again. Her chest burned and something like elation peppered her breath. She looked around, expecting to be set upon by the stranger, but no one followed. She overheard a lady mention the temperature was expected to rise and her companion complained about the impact on the fruit of her peach trees. Two gentlemen made plans to gather later. Luna’s heart pounded fierce and proud.

She saw her step-mamma appear at the cathedral’s entrance, Pippo swinging from her arm. Maria must be somewhere in the crowds milling around the piazza. Mamma Lucrezia and Pippo were forced to halt by the tall wooden doors whilst those in front progressed slowly. Luna walked towards them, excusing herself as she weaved through groups of parishioners heading in the opposite direction. When she saw that they’d noticed her, she stopped and waited. She took a step to the side to make way for the passing crowds.

‘The crippled daughter of Signore Fusili fell. That’s what slowed our exit,’ Luna overheard a woman say. ‘Thank God my husband would never allow such shame upon his name.’

‘Only think how much sin there must have been in her mother’s womb to corrupt a baby’s body thus,’ her companion answered. ‘Every good lady of Florence knows it was the Devil got her with child.’

Other ladies near to the pair heard too and crossed themselves hurriedly. How fast they are to judge, Luna thought, who feign a charitable heart. She was about to make a fiendish face but then the first lady spoke again.

‘I hear the preacher plans to make her kind attend the lepers’ Mass.’

There were muttered approvals all round and it was like the murmurings of the congregation but Luna heard the truth of it. She stumbled away and nearly walked into her step-mamma, so distracted was she. The glower in Mamma Lucrezia’s eyes told Luna that she’d overheard too. She took Luna by the arm and steered her back around in the direction of where the carriage waited, towards the ladies. Luna’s pulse thrummed loud in her ears. She dropped her head. She did not want to see their judgement. They came upon the group and her step-mamma pushed through, holding firm to Luna’s arm and dragging Pippo along with the other.

Luna didn’t let go of Mamma Lucrezia’s hand as they moved away from the women who had insulted her. She was relieved to see Papa walking towards them, and there was Maria waiting by the carriage. Papa waved the driver forward.

‘Get us home,’ Mamma Lucrezia said.

Papa helped Luna into the carriage before hauling Filippo into his arms and depositing him beside his mother. Maria followed and sat close to Luna, grasping her hands. Their father directed the driver before turning away.

‘You are not coming?’ Luna asked.