The evening’s cool breeze so longed for by the mistress rattled the window of the baby’s chamber. A candle burned and the flame flickered and grew large in the draught, dancing across images of naked, fat-cheeked baby boys that adorned the four walls of the small room. The smell of beeswax was strong. Within the linen cloth that bound her, the baby girl had settled into the rhythm of suckling. The wet nurse stroked her tiny, wrinkled fingers, which very occasionally flexed and kneaded at the bosom where she drank. A few tufts of downy hair clung to the nape of her neck but otherwise the baby was bald. The lace cap intricately embroidered in anticipation of the birth of an heir still rested in the empty crib so beautifully decorated with images of a baby Hercules strangling Juno’s serpents.

With a heavy sigh, Livia stroked the newborn’s cheek and gently eased her off her breast. It was time; she must take the child to the convent. She shook her head with pity at the almost perfect infant now lying on the bed before her, mouth open and still softly shaped as though around her nipple. Then she wrapped a length of plain linen around the baby’s head, tucking the end in amongst the folds before deftly swaddling her once more. She could at least protect her from the night air that would meet them on the road.

‘Are we blessed with a son?’ Vincenzio Fusili’s booming voice carried up the staircase.

The wet nurse closed her door and hurriedly gathered her belongings. She had lingered too long.

Giulia listened to her husband’s fast step on the flagstones as he made his way to her bed chamber. She just had time to pluck some colour into her cheeks before he appeared. With a strength she did not feel, she raised herself to greet him.

‘My love, you are here at last. I am honoured by your visit.’

‘God be praised in all His wisdom for this day.’ Vincenzio fell to his knees at his wife’s bedside, kissing her belly tenderly. His thick, dark hair fell forward and Giulia pressed her hands into the rich curls. When next he spoke, there was pride in his tone. ‘Lay back, mistress, you have earned your rest this day. Where is my firstborn? I would see him.’

Giulia stroked his cheek. ‘Your presence gives me strength.’

Vincenzio kissed her forehead as he stood. A finger of light crept across the floor from where he’d left the door open in his haste. There was a rustling in the next room.

‘Do you have him with the wet nurse already?’ he asked.