that as well. It’s cold outside.’
Tallow looked from Hafeza to Giaconda, trying to clear her head. Outside? Giaconda was already fully dressed in an elaborate gown of deep purple and grey with hints of blue cut into the sleeves. Garlands of pearls were sewn into the bodice and along the cuffs. On her head, she wore a matching cap with a shadowy veil thrown back over her hair. As she collapsed into a chair, Tallow caught a glimpse of her zoccoli. They had the highest heels Tallow had seen yet. They were well over twelve inches. It was far too elaborate an ensemble for indoors. Tallow glanced at the window. It was raining heavily. Water thrummed against the windowpane. The day was dark and uninviting.
‘I don’t understand. Have I slept in? Why would I need a cape?’ Tallow climbed out of bed and picked up a cup of steaming cafe, grateful for its warmth as it slipped down her throat. Before she could have another sip, Hafeza snatched it out of her hand and whipped her nightgown over her head. Used to being naked, Tallow reached for the cup again, blowing across the surface before drinking. After a couple of swallows, her head began to clear.
‘You’re filling out nicely, Tarlo.’ Giaconda lazily studied her form, leaning back in the chair, appraising her in the same way Quinn would discuss the fishmonger’s fare before making a selection.
‘Your breasts have grown and your hips are also becoming beautifully rounded. It won’t be long before we’re able to seek offers for you – well, once we work out what to do with your eyes. You’ll fetch a wonderful price.’ Tallow gulped. They’d talked about this before. How once she was presented in public, they would both receive and invite offers from gentleman keen to bed her. Virgins fetched the most money. Giaconda herself had been a virgin many times over. It was to be their way of placing Tarlo in certain nobiles’ lives. After last night, Tallow had a better idea of what might be expected of her. It filled her with a mixture of dread and longing.
Hafeza lifted Tallow’s right arm in the air and rubbed the flesh vigorously with a cloth.
‘That’s cold,’ said Tallow, breaking out in goose bumps.
‘Sì. I told Hafeza not to bother heating the water. We don’t have time.’
‘Time? For what?’ asked Tallow, cringing as the cold washer was dashed over her breasts and between her legs. Hafeza indicated for her to sit, so she could wash her feet.
‘Today, my dear Tarlo, you leave the casa!’ Giaconda beamed.
Tallow’s jaw dropped. She didn’t even flinch as one after the other, her feet were plunged into a bowl and scrubbed. ‘Leave? But how? Why? My eyes …’
‘Ah, so many questions, Tarlo.’ Giaconda threw her hands up in the air. ‘All you need to know is that today I am your teacher and your lesson will take place outside. And for that to happen, you will wear a mask.’
‘But … I thought Carnivale was still weeks away?’ Hafeza began to dry her, running the towel up and down her body. Accustomed to the routine, Tallow held out one leg, then the other, talking around Hafeza’s bobbing head. She wanted to give the woman a sign of gratitude. Hafeza hadn’t exposed her.
‘Sì, it is. But it’s the nature of Carnivale that in the lead-up, we celebrate its approach with masks and it so happens that it’s perfectly appropriate for ladies to wear them this very day.’ Opening the purse tied to her wrist, Giaconda pulled a fabric mask out. She unfolded it and began to tug it into shape. Black with dark beads sewn around the eyes and along the nose, it was adorned with deep purple plumes. Giaconda stroked them back to life.
‘Why today?’
‘Something special is happening, Tarlo.’ She shook the mask in front of her. The black stones sparkled even in the dim light, but the feathers refused to cooperate, remaining flat. Giaconda frowned and kept fiddling with the strange cloth half-face. ‘This is a chance for you to learn a great deal. We aren’t going very far – just to the palazzo in Nobiles’ Rise. You, me and Papa. Jacopo will stay at home. The ride is difficult for him. But I promise you, what you’ll learn today is more than I could teach you in a month. Now hurry!’
Tallow felt her heart swell. She was to escape these walls, even briefly – and with the Maleovellis by her