The contessa sniffed. "That Frenchman. He is no more civilized than his Tartars. I would rather he left me alone. The French are all rather barbaric. Of course, that fine young Simon de Gobignon--he is most attractive." She grinned with a lasciviousness that startled Sophia. "This palace has not been the same since he went back to France." "Back to France?" Ugolini stared. "I thought he, too, was going to Perugia." Sophia felt a ball of ice suddenly encase her heart. She had told Ugolini, as she told Daoud, that Simon was going to Perugia. She prayed Ugolini would not suspect that she had been lying. "Oh, no," said the contessa. "France. He told me himself when he took leave of me. And when he returns, I think Ghibellini everywhere in Italy will have reason to tremble. Because the might of France will follow him. I am only sorry he will not come in time to save Orvieto from the Sienese. One of my sergentes just reported that the Sienese army is but a day or two away from here." _And Lorenzo with it_, thought Sophia. _If only he would hurry._ "What will you do, Contessa?" Ugolini asked. "As a Guelfo family, do the Monaldeschi intend to leave Orvieto before the Sienese arrive?" He was straying from the subject, thought Sophia impatiently. _Never mind the damned Sienese army. They cannot do us any good._ The old lady tossed her head, her hooked nose jutting defiantly. She laid her hand on Vittorio's. "We will stand fast. This family has lived in this city since the days of the Etruscans. I expect our militia to put up a good fight. After our honor has been satisfied, we will ask, with dignity, for terms." "Very brave," said Ugolini. The militia of Orvieto, thought Sophia, was under the command of the podesta. If d'Ucello was involved in fighting the Sienese, what might that mean for Daoud? Dona Elvira looked at the cardinal slyly. "Are you also staying in Orvieto, Your Eminence?" "For the moment," said Ugolini. Sophia was surprised that Ugolini did not say more, but the conversation seemed to be going the way he wanted it to. "You may be able to help us, Your Eminence." Sophia felt more elated than ever. If she wanted help from Ugolini, then surely she would be willing to help him. "Nothing would please me more, Contessa." "You are from the south, from Manfred's kingdom. You might have some influence with these Ghibellini. Perhaps a word from you would help to keep our house and our property intact." Ugolini threw out his arms. "Dear Contessa, anything. Of course, as a loyal supporter of the pope I do not ordinarily have dealings with Ghibellini." "Of course not," the contessa agreed. Vittorio smiled. He had a small, chiseled mouth, such as Sophia had seen on the men in ancient Roman sculptures. "But whatever little I might be able to do, I am entirely at your service," Ugolini said.