Summary

In “A Curving Meander of the River”, Lucrezia is unsure who she should implore for help. She scrawls a plea for assistance and addresses it to her sister Isabella, knowing that the note will never be sent. When she hears horses approaching, Emilia assures her that it is only the painter Il Bastianino. Lucrezia is confused by the artist’s presence, but her maidservant explains that she rode to the fortress with the painter. While she was at the castle Il Bastianino had arrived, looking for the Duke to present the marriage portrait he completed. They had travelled to the country together. Lucrezia quickly formulates a plan and demands the Emilia help her get dressed to greet the visitor.

Lucrezia explores her new sense of freedom at the delezia, in “Honey Water”. As...