Holding Primerana in her arms, Marietta reads the letter from her husband and is deeply troubled by the news. He has learned of a serious threat to their little family; he is safe where he is but they should shut themselves in and open the door to no one. She should rely only on their neighbors to bring them food, and do absolutely nothing until he sends an update.
Mother Mary of God, what has that blessed man gotten himself into this time? Matters of state, to be sure, but what do we have to do with it, Marietta wonders, her chest constricting with anxiety.
Borgia’s messenger, dressed in a non-descript manner, stands waiting before her. He made his way into the city by mixing in with other travelers and carries false papers that say he’s from Bologna. In his letter, Niccolò urges Marietta not to tell anyone about the messenger, not to ask him any questions, and to entrust him with a verbal message which he will then relay back to Niccolò.
“Tell my husband that I will be careful. He mustn’t worry about us. Tell him to dress warmly and not get sick, it’s getting cold out now. If you can take him a few things, I would like to send some clothes: a doublet, two shirts, and some handkerchiefs that I sewed.”
The messenger nods. Marietta offers him some food and drink, which he refuses graciously telling her he is in a hurry to start back and will eat along the way. He does not mention that before leaving Florence he has another urgent message to deliver on behalf of his lordship.
As soon as the messenger takes the clothes and leaves, Marietta cautiously walks over to the window and peers out. She sees quite a few people milling about, but in particular she sees a man with a sinister look standing in a doorway not far away. He watches the messenger ride off, looks up at their shutters, then turns away when he catches sight of Marietta at the window.
What an ugly face that man has! What could he have possibly been looking at? Holy Virgin, keep us safe, Marietta says, crossing herself. She closes the shutters firmly, tiptoes downstairs while saying a prayer, bolts the door, and rushes back upstairs.
Duccio Del Briga continues to stare at the house, looking for a weak spot that will be his way in.