Race of Scorpions - Dorothy Dunnett [200]
The doctor said, ‘Of course.’ The lamplight on his flushed face turned his eyes bright as crystals. Perhaps he remembered, as she did, the voice of Nicholas rambling in Nicosia. You’ve always believed I plotted it all. Of course I did. Luxurious exile for David of Trebizond … Nicholas had known about this. Nicholas who, carefully enjoying his wine, was saying nothing. He was saved, in any case, from an unusual quarter.
‘How kind you are,’ said Fiorenza of Naxos. ‘We respect your reticence: we have felt your unspoken sympathy for our great-uncle the Emperor and his family. Messer Jacopo, these sad affairs should not intrude on our host’s hospitality. Messer Niccolò: I hear flutes. Are we to be given some music?’
Nicholas then emptied his cup and turned, saying something, and in a moment the performers arrived and began. They were reasonable enough; they were indeed the players the princesses invited when they wished to entertain: there were not so many artists on the island. But what they played was appropriate, and their manner of presentation was correct, and the behaviour of Nicholas equally so. He was talking, now, in a civilised way to Valenza, and she was leaning at ease, replying coolly with a bantering undertone. Jacopo Zorzi said, ‘He knows proper conduct. He trained at their court and has read the same books.’ The doctor beside her suddenly rose and went out. Zorzi said, ‘About Diniz.’
Katelina turned. The Venetian looked earnest and a little sorrowful. She said quickly, ‘The princesses told me. Your brother employs him. On the other hand, there are special difficulties in asking for his release. I should not trouble you.’
His eyes shone in the lamplight. ‘I was not sure if you had been told. My brother is discreet, but it is important, of course, that the truth of the incident does not reach the ears of King James. The fact, that is, that Messer Niccolò was not injured by accident. Naturally, Messer Niccolò himself is the last person to ask to free your nephew. On the other hand, my brother is sympathetic.’
Katelina said, ‘That is the best news I could have. But no one can help. If Diniz escapes and is caught, everyone will suffer, for Zacco is bound to find out the truth from Messer Niccolò.’
Zorzi said, ‘You have not thought of persuading Messer Niccolò yourself? Forgive me.’
Her outrage turned to acid amusement. She said, ‘He would hardly believe, I’m afraid, an attempted seduction by me. In any case, as you have said, I might find myself the victim, like Primaflora.’
‘Of that young man?’ Zorzi said. ‘Surely not. He is an amalgam of replicas: a composite of dubious models. You are your own person. If you ever do fear for yourself, it is not hard to get off the island. The Alexandria galleys pass and call, at Episkopi, at Akhelia, at Salines. There are always responsible men such as Luigi Martini who would help you. On the other hand, you have been promised freedom at the end of the summer.’
She said, ‘Do you think I should wait?’
And Zorzi said, ‘I think you should do what you say is impossible. I think you should speak to friend Niccolò. You underrate your charm, demoiselle; but it was not a persuasion of that kind I was thinking of. Our generous host did not mean to lose that delightful lady Primaflora when he did. He might be prepared to do a great deal to get her back.’
‘In the face of the King and his mother?’ said Katelina.
He looked at her thoughtfully. Then he said, ‘Perhaps even then. He is in a position of strength, and is young, and greedy for women.’ He smiled and, relaxing, passed her a dish. ‘In which case, he has made his home in a singularly appropriate place. Look. People are rising. We leave in an hour. Will you allow me to arrange a meeting –’
‘With me?’ said the voice of Nicholas behind him. Zorzi, half risen, stood and turned. Katelina subsided. A moth, substantial as brown rotted fruit,