Lucrezia reddened under her brown skin.
"Si, signora."
"So do I. He's always been a good friend of mine."
Lucrezia shifted along the seat until she was nearly opposite to where Hermione was sitting.
"How old is he?"
"Twenty-five, signora."
"I suppose he will be marrying soon, won't he? The men all marry young round about Marechiaro."
Lucrezia began to darn.
"His father, Chinetti Urbano, wishes him to marry at once. It is better for a man."
"You understand men, Lucrezia?"