They had reached the door of Angelina’s house by this time. Angelina’s elderly housekeeper opened it to them and Ezio placed the box of flowers on a stone bench in the courtyard. He faced Angelina and smiled.

‘Now, are you going to tell me?’

‘Later.’

‘Why not now?’

‘Signore, I assure you it will be worth the wait.’

Little did either of them know that events would overtake them, and that they would not meet again.

Ezio took his leave and, seeing that the day was drawing in, directed his walk back towards the citadel. As he was approaching the stables he noticed a little girl wandering down the middle of the street, apparently alone. He was about to speak to her when he was interrupted by the sound of frantic shouting and the thunder of horse’s hooves. Quicker than thought, he snatched up the child and moved her to the shelter of a doorway. He was in the nick of time, too, as around the corner galloped a powerful war horse, fully harnessed but riderless. In less than hot pursuit, and on foot, came Mario’s stable master, an elderly man called Federico, whom Ezio recognized.

‘Torna qui, maledetto cavallo!’ yelled Federico helplessly after the disappearing horse. Seeing Ezio, he said. ‘Can you help me please, sir? It’s your uncle’s favourite steed. I was just about to unsaddle and groom him but something must have scared him; he’s very highly strung.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll try and get him back for you.’

‘Thank you, thank you.’ Federico mopped his brow. ‘I’m getting too old for this.’

‘Don’t worry. Just stay here and keep an eye on this child - I think she’s lost.’

‘Surely.’

Ezio raced off after the horse, which he found without difficulty. It had calmed down and was grazing on some hay that had been loaded onto a parked wagon. It baulked slightly when Ezio approached, but then recognized him and didn’t run. Ezio laid a comforting hand on its neck and patted it reassuringly before taking its bridle and leading it gently back the way they had come.