While I never approved of her affairs outside marriage—were Caterina to become pregnant again, the scandal could cost her her lands—I was glad that this time she had chosen the kindest of men. When Ser Giovanni returned again after New Year’s, all his belongings were taken to the lavish apartment directly next to Caterina’s, and this time, neither he nor Caterina bothered to hide their relationship from anyone at Ravaldino, although the servants were all sworn to secrecy. The Forlivese would be scandalized, and there was always the chance a cleric might write a letter of complaint to Rome. Pope Alexander would never allow a Medici to take control of any property outside of Florence, and if Caterina married outside the Riario–della Rovere lineage, it would cost her her regency. Despite this, Giovanni and Caterina lived as man and wife, and there was no happier time in Paradise. Giovanni was naturally cheerful and slow to take offense, and his sweet temperament influenced Caterina greatly.
