‘Papa will be home later,’ Mamma Lucrezia answered, and they watched him stride towards the circle of men.

Luna sat back. She felt her step-mamma’s gaze and tried to smile. A fine shard of wood from the rough sawdust had attached to the wool of her skirts and she plucked at it methodically until it was out. She would not be complacent again in Mass, if she was allowed to worship there.

‘Do you think the lady was correct in what she said, that I will have to attend the lepers’ Mass?’ Luna asked.

‘I’m not sure, though there is always much gossip straight after Mass.’

Luna nodded. A good crowd still milled about the square. At least that man would most assuredly hesitate before speaking to her again. A smile broke across her face.

‘Where is your shame, Leonarda?’ Mamma Lucrezia was staring at her. ‘I would like one day not to have to scurry away from the judgement I see in all those women’s eyes. They are my friends but that can change. Do not tempt such a fate on your family. Be modest and silent. Be the daughter I want and the sister Maria needs to ensure her own future is not tainted by you.’ She looked down at Luna’s boots and grimaced. ‘How I hate those.’

Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

Vincenzio breathed deeply. He’d be gone from the city soon enough. Two more days till he could really give Apollonius his head and feel the power of his gallop across the hills towards Prato. He’d prepared a strong box to hold the bags of his own money. With any luck, Roberto was already back in Siena. In the meantime he’d enjoy this breezy morning as best he could. Lucrezia was taking the carriage to the cathedral and he’d not objected. He preferred to walk to Mass; it gave him time to think away from the constant demands of his family and Lucrezia’s badgering about the Palagio offer for Maria. He turned back to admire his home, the bold street frontage as impressive as the Rucellai Palazzo. He’d only need a Palagio union if he became so desperate for coin he had no choice, and he didn’t plan on that happening. The Spinelli family in Pistoia needed a bride for one of their sons and, from what he knew of the boy, they’d even pay to secure one. He was sure Luna would suffice.