Summary

Chapter 30 references Giustina Niccolini who wrote a chronicle of convent life and how she kept her virginity despite many assaults. Charlotte heads to Venice thinking of Luca’s invitation and how he is excited to see her alone. She writes about San Francesco del Deserto including a haunting courtyard. Then, she and Dante meet with Dr. Ricci who is finding more of Isabella’s work. She talks about Veronica Franco who wrote about the importance of women’s intelligence over their chastity. Like her, Isabella called out the men who slept with women, then imprisoned or punished them for doing so. Dr. Ricci thinks Isabella could have inspired another writer, Arcangela Tarbotti, and wonders why Isabella wrote to Il Toro. Charlotte agrees to meet again on the weekend. Charlotte loves how close they are to history as Dante kisses her.

In Chapter 31, the...