She pushed open the door and entered the room, already warm from the early morning sun. Her new tutor was standing, ready to greet her, she swept a deep curtsey, being careful to show the elegant curve of her long, white neck as she dipped. When she stood she carefully appraised him, whilst feigning disinterest.

He was taller than her, and very ordinary looking. Her heart sank, she had hoped to be swept off her feet. But it was not to be. She could tell already he was earnest and timid, his long pointed nose and quivering fingers betraying his nervousness.

Elisabetta felt herself take charge of the situation as she had seen her mother do so many times before. She sat down, deferentially, so as not to offend, but leading him to sit down too. She let out her held breath evenly, thanking God that he was not a garlic eater after all.

'Ss-signorina' he stuttered, 'it is a pleasure to meet you, I hope our work together will be mutually profitable.' his cheeks coloured as he looked at her, she was surprised by his overt reference to her family's wealth, but she fought not to show it. She decided to play with him, and bide her time. To this end, she acknowledged his comment with a smile and a tilt of her head, and allowed her eyes to rest meaningfully on the small pile of books stacked next to his chair.

'Yes, yes.' he looked flustered, and a shaft of satisfaction pierced her.

'I thought we could read a little today of the works of Pythagoras, an interesting man wouldn't you say?' he glanced at her enquiringly, inviting her to answer. Now was the moment to dazzle him with her knowledge, she had been studying all week for this.

But instead with a theatrical sigh she raised her eyes to heaven, 'I admit sir, to having understood little or nothing of his arguments, perhaps I am a poor student but when the good Doctor explained to me I found it all so confusing.' here she tittered, like one of her mothers' ladies in waiting who wished to appear simpatica.

Signor Bardi smiled at his attractive young student, drew close to her and bent his head over the small volume, preparing to explain the theories of Pythagoras.

Josi looked on with arched eyebrow and pursed lips whilst busying herself with her embroidery, occasionally tutting and sighing to herself at the poor man, who was totally unaware he was being played like one of those new lutes with twelve strings.