eyebrows shot up. ‘How do you know about this?’
Signor Maleovelli crushed his hanky into his fist and picked up his glass. ‘Ah, amico mio, you know how sailors talk. It’s a subject of great interest at the port. Which means it’s a topic of interest among the merchants. Which means, of course, it’s a subject of great interest to me.’
‘But the Sea With No Name is not on your trading route.’
Signor Maleovelli threw back his head and roared. My heart leapt into my throat. I had never heard him make such a noise. ‘It’s not on anyone’s trading route!’
Signor Moronisini and the young man joined his laughter.
‘That’s not what I meant,’ said Signor Moronisini.
‘I know,’ said Signor Maleovelli, his laugh dying as quickly as it had erupted. ‘I know what you meant. You were being polite. I don’t actually have a trading route anymore. In fact, as we all know, my family have not enjoyed the benefits of one for some time. We have to rely on the spoils that others find, much to our disappointment. I hope to change this. So, I continue to look for the right venture into which I can invest the last of our funds. The Sea With No Name caught my interest. I asked about it and found your name on everyone’s lips. You have caused much excitement, amico mio. It is a risk, no? It’s probably too ambitious for most.’
Signor Moronosini became suddenly serious and stared earnestly at Signor Maleovelli. His eyes were filled with anticipation. I knew that what I’d distilled into the candles had taken hold. ‘Why do you say that? Imagine a whole country with an entire population hungry for trade, for new experiences. It’s there for the taking. I just haven’t found someone I trust enough with whom I can enter into a colleganza. Finding the right partner, the right person to lead and manage such an expedition is so important. And, let’s face it, since the plague it’s becoming harder to find that individual. Many of the great casas are reeling from losses brought on by the Morto. Entire bloodlines were decimated, never mind business opportunities ruined. Why, we lost four ships ourselves. Whole cargoes were spoiled while waiting for quarantine to end.’ He made a noise of disgust. ‘I hope the fish enjoyed them.’
Signor Maleovelli pushed his kerchief beneath his nose. ‘I heard of many difficulties. Cargoes decimated, ships deserted in the harbour as their crews fled. Then, of course, there were those tragically taken by the illness.’ He took a sip of vino. ‘As you say, the Morto Assiderato has deprived us of so much already. We cannot lose anymore – nobiles, popolani or soldi. Allora, on second thoughts, maybe we can afford to lose a few more nobiles, sì?’
There was a titter of approval as everyone crossed themselves and muttered salutations for the dead. My fingers itched to join them – it was automatic. I had to concentrate. If I moved, I risked discovery.
‘No,’ agreed the old man, chuckling. ‘And in a venture such as this, there’s much to lose. But –’ he raised his glass ‘– there’s also much to gain.’
‘What have you heard?’ asked Signor Maleovelli. ‘Come on, Moronisini – you can trust me. Long ago, we shared a great deal in our lives, huh? Remember? You can share this with me now. I, who have shared everything with you.’ He reached over and stroked Giaconda’s arm. This man called Moronisini shifted uncomfortably and gave an uneasy laugh. ‘What is there to be lost from simply talking?’ Signor Maleovelli persisted.
It was then I knew who the old man was – my lessons with Jacopo and Baroque’s mumblings had not gone to waste. Nobile Moronisini was from the Fourth Casa of Nobiles’ Rise, someone who had made a great deal of money from trade and who, according to Jacopo and Baroque, had the ear of the Doge. Certainly he was a member of the inner sanctum – the Council of Ten. The Maleovellis had important guests indeed. If I was caught spying on them … For just a moment, I wondered what Baroque would say about what I was doing. I had no doubt he’d approve.
Signor Moronisini considered his words. Then, letting out a long sigh, he signalled for more vino. He drank deeply then smiled, his teeth tinged carmine. ‘You’re right, Maleovelli. We used to share a great deal … more.’ I saw his eyes flicker over Giaconda in a way that made