she took his hand and led him to a chair near her father’s. ‘Signor Maleovelli,’ he said crisply and bowed before Giaconda practically pushed him into a seat. She gestured for one of the servants to bring Lord Waterford wine.
‘Has something special happened?’ enquired Lord Waterford.
‘Sì,’ said Signor Maleovelli. ‘It has indeed.’
They all waited until Lord Waterford’s glass was filled and the servant retired to the corner of the credenza.
‘May I ask what?’
Signor Maleovelli smiled. ‘Last night we had a very successful dinner party, did we not, Giaconda?’
‘We did, Papa.’ Giaconda raised her glass to him.
Lord Waterford lifted his as well. ‘Here’s to fine dining,’ he said and drank.
Signor Maleovelli studied him for a moment. Aware of the scrutiny, Lord Waterford lowered his glass. ‘Signor?’
‘To what do we owe this visit, Lord Waterford? I had thought we were having dinner tomorrow night.’
‘Yes, Signor, but something has happened which induced me to seek your company earlier. Whereas dinner in your casa is always a pleasure –’ he reached for Giaconda’s hand and kissed it ‘– I wish to speak to you on a matter of business.’
‘Go on,’ said Signor Maleovelli.
‘Here?’ he asked, signalling the room.
‘Like all good Serenissian servants and slaves, ours are selective about what they hear and, if they do listen, they know never to repeat what is said. It is not worth the risk, if you understand. You may speak freely.’
Lord Waterford looked vexed.
‘He means in front of me, Papa.’ Giaconda withdrew her hand from Waterford’s.
Signor Maleovelli looked genuinely surprised. ‘I hide nothing from my daughter. Anyway, I thought you said that in your land, a woman rules. Why would you hesitate to speak in front of Giaconda?’
‘I do not,’ said Lord Waterford gruffly. ‘I was just uncertain. In Serenissima, women play such a contradictory role. I have barely met any of the wives or daughters of the other nobiles. They are hidden away as if they are somehow ashamed of them. Only courtesans and peasants seem to lead any kind of public life. I know Giaconda is a … well … she’s also your daughter. You’re a nobile. I wasn’t sure …’
‘Be sure. Speak without inhibition.’ Signor Maleovelli leant forward, his hands clutching his thighs. ‘What is it you have to say?’
Placing his glass down, Lord Waterford turned to his hosts. ‘We have spoken, Signor Maleovelli, of our shared concern over the future of Serenissima under … the current regime. I have, as I told you I would, passed those worries onto my queen and her privy council. As you know, Farrowfare has recently shown great interest in, not only Serenissima, but in accelerating commercial opportunities in Vista Mare. Trade between our countries has commenced; soon you will be sending an ambassador to our city, Albion. We have also negotiated tithes to be paid for use of your ports in the Mariniquian Seas and the exchange of important diplomatic information.’
‘Sì,’ said Signor Maleovelli, trying to hasten the point. ‘It’s this diplomacy that has allowed us to discover the movements of the Ottomans, is it not? Without the cooperation of Farrowfare and your spies and networks, we would not have known of their plans.’
Lord Waterford bowed his head. ‘That is all true. What is also true is that I have spoken to you of Farrowfare’s genuine interest in the Estrattore.’
‘Ah.’ Signor Maleovelli frowned and leant back in his chair. ‘Do you mean the race, or the ones you have been so curious about?’
‘Signor, do not mock me.’ Lord Waterford smiled to soften his words. ‘You know I mean both. We have followed the Cardinale’s search for the young male Estrattore with great interest. My queen is very keen to find this boy – if indeed he exists.’ Lord Waterford reached for his glass and took a deliberate sip, studying the Maleovellis beneath his lashes. They neither moved nor spoke, but kept their eyes fixed on him. ‘She is also very interested in any information pertaining to Estrattore generally – it’s a passion of hers, you understand. But, most especially anything at all about a female.’
‘A female Estrattore?’ Giaconda gave a small laugh. ‘Why, Beolin, do you persist in speaking of this girl? She does not exist, my friend. I fear she is a product of the Farrowfare, of your queen’s, imagination.’ Lord Waterford saw Giaconda glance at her father. He felt the frisson in the room. He decided to take it a step further.
‘I have reason to believe that you know something of this Estrattore. I speak, of