"Hmm," said the old lady. "That night at my reception I thought you and the young Count de Gobignon were attracted to each other."
Sophia felt a strange stab of guilt.
"Oh, he is too far above me, Contessa," she said. "A count. David is a merchant. We are right for each other."
It is true that David and I are much more suited than Simon and I.
"It makes me feel young for a moment to see a beautiful woman in love." The contessa stroked Sophia's cheek with dry, rough fingers.
Sophia opened her eyes wide and looked the contessa full in the face. "Please help us, Contessa, for the sake of love."
The contessa sighed and smiled. "I will send for d'Ucello. I will request that he stop questioning your friend." She looked across at Ugolini. "You must give me your word, Your Eminence, that this David will not leave Orvieto until all doubts about him are settled."
"Oh, thank you, thank you!" Sophia kissed the shiny knuckles, wetting the blue-veined hand with her tears.
"Sophia, stand up," said Ugolini, touching her shoulder. "This is embarrassing."
Vittorio helped her to her feet, holding her waist more tightly than was necessary.