to loiter,’ said Giaconda brusquely.
‘Aspettare, wait, please,’ said Signor Tedeschi and plunged into the fabric, appearing to be consumed by its soft maw. On closer inspection, I saw there was a door hiding under the impromptu curtains. He returned in seconds carrying a long roll of what looked like spun gold.
Under the gentle light of the candles, the bolt shimmered like molten metal, reflecting the flickering flames and casting a wide halo. It was stunning, and I found myself lost for words. I could sense Giaconda’s eyes on me from behind her mask. ‘You like this, Tarlo?’
‘It is … beyond lovely.’
Giaconda smiled. ‘Molto bene, Signor Tedeschi. We will take it.’
The Signor made a sound that might have been delight.
‘Included in the price we agreed upon is the making of the dress, sì?’ added Giaconda.
‘Sì, Signorina, it’s all included in the quote I gave you.’
‘Bene, bene. I expect you at the casa tomorrow morning, then. My maid has some initial measurements for you to start with. I also want you to follow my design to the last detail, is that clear? I will provide you with the jewels you are to sew onto the dress tomorrow.’
My eyes widened in astonishment. Jewels on the dress? The Maleovellis were sparing no expense – this was to be a grand introduction indeed. I wondered where and when it was going to occur. My heart started to beat faster at the thought.
‘It is clear, Signorina. This is a very exciting commission. You honour me with your patronage.’
‘Only so long as this is kept secret, Signor Tedeschi. If I should find that one word of this escapes, then not only will you never have our patronage again, you will no longer enjoy the business of anyone in Serenissima.’
‘I understand, Signorina. I am always discreet.’ The small man regarded Giaconda with knowing eyes.
‘Sì. That you are, Signor.’ Giaconda reached out and touched the old man’s face. His eyes lit up.
He took her hand and kissed her glove. Giaconda pulled it away with what appeared to be reluctance. ‘We will start tomorrow,’ agreed Signor Tedeschi. ‘When do you require the dress?’
‘By the end of the week.’
‘The end of the week?’ Signor Tedeschi staggered backwards into his bales, clutching one to prevent himself from falling, the other screwing up his shirt over his heart. ‘Signorina, non é possible!’
Giaconda reached into her purse and pulled out a small leather pouch. It bulged like a bag of nuts. She held it out in front of her. ‘I think you’ll find it’s not only possible, but it will be done.’
Signor Tedeschi released the grip on his clothes and held out his hand. He rested the pouch in his palm. He weighed it thoughtfully before a smile wiped away his frown. ‘Ah, you’re right, Signorina. Miracles can happen – all they need is a little faith.’
Giaconda freed the purse. The coins clinked together as they hit his hand. ‘Or a lot.’ She nodded curtly to the Signor. ‘Till tomorrow then, Signor Tedeschi.’
‘Ci vediamo, Signorina Maleovelli.’ With a grand flourish, the old man held open the door, bending in half as he did.
We sailed past him and back into the draughty ramo.
‘Give Signor Tedeschi those measurements, Hafeza,’ ordered Giaconda. Hafeza obeyed, passing a folded piece of paper to the tailor, who bowed again.
‘Let’s go,’ said Giaconda, turning and leading us back the way we had come. It wasn’t long before we were once again caught in the current of people.
We were just about to cross back over the huge bridge that separated the Opera Quartiere and the marketplace when something caught my eye. Pressed momentarily against a building as a group of soldiers marched past, I saw a square of paper pasted to the outside of a shop. A corner had lifted and it was fluttering in the wind. In the centre was a crude picture of a young boy with unruly black hair, a small chin and cross brows. His expression was pure evil. I would not have given it another glance except for the eyes. They were the only thing of colour on the paper. Silver blazed from the poster, drawing the eye, drawing my eyes.
Bile rose in my throat and I didn’t need to understand what was written below to know who this was meant to be – it was me – as the Cardinale chose to represent me to the popolani; to those he now promised to reward with many a lifetime’s worth of riches should they report or catch