Ponte di Rialto, Venezia Tanina and Tommaso hurry through the crush of mid-morning crowds. He tries to tell her about his sister, but it's clear she's not listening. Tanina's mind is solely on the idea of being hunted down by the inquisitor's men as she leads the monk not to her own home, but to that of her friend in Rio Tera San Vio.
Lydia's doorman, Giuseppe, opens up and settles them in reception while he goes off to inform his mistress. Tommaso rests his elbows on his knees and sinks his head into his hands. His life is in such turmoil.
The lady of the house arrives moments later, greatly intrigued by the unexpected visit of her friend and the worried-looking monk. 'What a surprise, Tanina. I thought you were working.'
'I was.' She stands and takes Lydia's hands. 'A quiet word, if you please.' She glances back at Tommaso: 'Scusi.'
Tommaso nods and waits patiently. He still wonders whether Tanina is telling him the truth. She may well be lying – and all three of them were involved in the theft. Or, perhaps she's being truthful, and Ermanno was with her, which could mean that Efran took the artefact. Tommaso's mind is in a spin – maybe they are all innocent, and he's made a terrible error of judgment.
Double doors open.
Tanina reappears. 'Please come through.'
Tommaso walks into a large drawing room, tiled in cream veined marble that reflects two gloriously plump Murano chandeliers. 'Lydia, this is Brother Tommaso.'
'No longer. As of a few hours ago, I left the monastery.' He forces a smile. 'Now I am just plain Tommaso.'
'You are not so plain, brother,' says Lydia with a glint in her eye. 'Pray sit. Tanina has told me you need help.'
Tommaso tips a scalding stare across the room and Tanina feels defensive. 'Lydia is my closest friend. My confidante. I have told her everything. You said we were all in danger.'
'We are.'
'I have some clothes one of my old lovers left behind,' says Lydia, sizing up Tommaso. 'You look about the same size.' The glint returns. 'I think you will be able to move around less conspicuously in them than in that old black habit.'
Tommaso realises he has never worn anything other than the vestments and robes of the monastery. The thought makes him nervous. 'I am grateful for your kindness.'
Tanina stands. 'While you change I will go for Ermanno and Efran, then we can all decide what to do.' She can see Tommaso still doesn't trust the men. She turns to Lydia. 'We know we cannot stay here. We will go straight away, once we have a plan.'
Lydia reaches out a hand to her friend. 'Worry not. I have many friends in high places. The guards of the inquisitor will not come pounding on my door.' She turns her head and winks suggestively. 'Now, be on your way and leave me alone with this celibate young man and his urgent needs.'