In the workshop, Giulia and Angela began gessoing a pair of panels for the private commission that would follow completion of the San Giustina altarpiece. Lucida gave another dinner party. Perpetua’s bad tooth became infected and one side of her face swelled up like a water skin. Despite her pain, she refused to visit the infirmary until Humilità, exasperated, ordered her to get it seen to. Giulia had vowed she would work harder than ever—and she kept her promise, fulfilling her responsibilities with meticulous attention, taking on more of the heavy labor to spare Angela’s leg, throwing herself into the drawing lessons as never before. She did her best to lose herself in her tasks—to try, when she was in the workshop, to truly be a part of it. But Ormanno was always in her thoughts, a presence underlying every moment, a secret she must be careful every second to guard. Even with Anasurymboriel’s protection, she knew her own carelessness might still betray her. She should be happy now, she knew.
