Sforza was impatient to be away and their inspection of the smithy was cursory. It was sizeable and well-equipped with no less than five forges, each attended by a blacksmith and three.
The capo of the smithy was introduced simply as Alonzo, a hulking bear of a man who stood impassive and unblinking in his well-used leather apron with his brawny arms folded as he heard the arrangements.
‘I’ve told him you don’t speak Italian yet, but there will be someone to translate. That will be your mercenary friend, who I expect very shortly.’
There was no point in staying any longer without an interpreter and Jared went back to his house to wait for Sforza’s call.
‘A white wine, Giannina,’ he dared to the waiting housekeeper.
‘Oh – a trebbiano or a vermintino?’ she suggested anxiously.
‘Um, one you like yourself, we must talk together.’
The balcony had discreet curtains that could be lowered and they sat at a small table in the rising warmth of the morning. She looked at him in something like awe, waiting for him to speak.
‘Giannina, I’m only a simple man,’ Jared began awkwardly. ‘Here to do a job, and I find so much strange in your country and … and I’d take it kindly if you’d set me straight on anything I do that’s not right. You know, like a friend!’ he finished with a blush.
‘Anything, Messer Jared?’
‘Then the first!’ she giggled. ‘If a friend, you will call me Nina – not in front of servants, o’ course.’
‘So I will be Jared,’ he replied, taken by her bubbling spirit.
She grew serious. ‘You are receive by the signore. You are important man, all Arezzo talks of your magic. You be careful – I must take care for you also, or I be in high trouble.’
‘I’ll be careful, Nina. Now tell me – how does my house work?’
She looked incredulous then broke into laughter. ‘Which way you want it! You tell me, it will done.’
It was quickly settled. Shaking her head at his simple tastes it was agreed that a single manservant would be more than enough, the cook, laundry maid and two others on call only, quite sufficient for his needs.
The middle floor he would have little use for as he had no plans for entertaining; his upper room would be his retreat. There, a capacious bed sat squarely to one side with corded veils hanging down; the thickness of the mattress was astonishing. A broad writing desk was on the other side and a dressing table was already arrayed with pots and shaving implements.
With a room area larger than an entire house in Hurnwych he would not lack for comfort.