‘Of course.’ Ezio stooped and hefted the box onto his shoulder. ‘So many flowers. You’re a lucky woman.’

‘Even luckier now that I’ve run into you.’

There was no doubt that she was flirting with him. ‘You could have asked your husband to fetch them for you, or one of your other servants,’ he said.

‘I have only one other servant and she isn’t half as strong as I am,’ replied the woman. ‘And as for a husband - I have none.’

‘I see.’

‘I ordered these flowers for Claudia Auditore’s birthday.’ The woman looked at him.

‘That sounds like fun.’

‘It will be.’ She paused. ‘In fact, if you’d like to help me out some more, I’m looking for someone with a bit of class to escort me to the party.’

‘Do you think I have enough class?’

She was bolder now. ‘Yes! No one in this entire town walks with greater bearing than you, sir. I am sure Claudia’s brother, Ezio himself, would be impressed.’

Ezio smiled. ‘You flatter me. But what do you know of this Ezio?’

‘Claudia - who is a particular friend of mine - thinks the world of him. But he rarely visits her, and from what I can gather he’s rather distant.’

Ezio decided it was time to come clean. ‘It’s true, alas - I have been … distant.’

The woman gasped. ‘Oh no! You are Ezio! I don’t believe it. Claudia did say you were expected back. The party’s supposed to be a surprise for her. Promise you won’t say a word.’

‘You’d better tell me who you are now.’

‘Oh, of course. I am Angelina Ceresa. Now promise.’

‘What will you do to keep me quiet?’

She looked at him archly. ‘Oh, I’m sure I can think of several things.’

‘I’m longing to hear what they are.’