Lucianna by Bertrice Small Page A

little overwhelming, Balia, but I like it!”
    Balia smiled back at the younger woman. “Go to sleep now, mistress. The morning will be here soon enough.” Then she made certain the hearth had sufficient wood to keep the fire going and went into her own little chamber.
    In the morning, Lucianna arose, ate, and dressed. She knew her litter would be waiting at the door, for Balia had spoken to the bearers the previous evening. “Good morning,” she greeted the two brothers. “In a few days you will have your livery. Do you know where you are taking me?”
    “Yes, mistress,” one of the brothers answered. “We were told by Master Kira before we came yesterday.”
    “Then let us go,” Lucianna said, climbing in to sit down.
    The two litter bearers carried her quickly and smoothly from the residential streets into the heart of the city.
    Lucianna was fascinated to see the busy streets and shops they passed. They hurried through a market that actually did remind her of Florence, with its farmers selling vegetables, late-autumn fruits, meats, chicken, milk, and other items. She saw both men and women with trays of buns and other edibles, selling their wares as they went. And there were women shopping in the markets, some servants and some ordinary housewives, seeking items for that day’s dinner.
    Finally, the litter was set down before a shop, and David Kira stood waiting for her. He helped her out, greeting her pleasantly. “I think you have brought some of your sunshine from Florence to us today,” he said.
    Lucianna laughed at the compliment. “I hadn’t actually noticed; I was so busy staring at this wonderful city of yours.”
    David Kira nodded. “It has a bit of magic about it, doesn’t it?” he said as he led her into the shop. “We will have a sign to hang above the door installed shortly.”
    Lucianna nodded and gazed about the room. It was rectangular and had a long counter along one wall. “It is large enough,” she said. “I am concerned as to customers. How will they know I am here? I do not believe it wise to leave everything to chance, do you?”
    “The merchants who purchase fine cloth have all been notified of your coming. I will be certain they know when you are ready to do business, madame.”
    “The space is clean and bright,” Lucianna noted. “I will have the trunks with the silks brought here tomorrow. Then I will begin to see it arranged for display. This shop will be far different from what your merchants expect. There will be flowers to sweeten the air, and comfortable chairs for them to sit in while the fabric is brought to them for inspection. Have you found me a trustworthy man to work here with me? I shall have to teach him a great deal before he can be of any real help to me,” she said.
    “Would you object to having one of my people working for you? I actually have a young relative who is very reliable. He learns quickly,” David Kira said.
    “I see no reason not to employ him,” Lucianna said. “Have him here tomorrow morning, and I will begin to teach him as we unpack the trunks of material.”
    “His name is Baram Kira,” David said. “Here are the keys to your shop, Mistress Pietro d’Angelo.” He handed them to her.
    Suddenly the door to her shop opened. “Welcome to London, Lucianna.”
    She recognized his voice immediately, and her face lit up in a smile. “Robert!” she said. “How on earth did you know I had arrived in London? Do you know my banker, David Kira?”
    The earl held out his hand, much to David’s surprise. It was not often a nobleman would offer his hand. “Master Kira.”
    “My lord.” Then David turned again to Lucianna. “You will send for me if you need anything else, madame?” He made a small, polite bow and departed the shop.
    “Not a Medici?” The earl was intrigued.
    “My father has not kept money with their bank in several years,” Lucianna said. “They had difficulties, and we found the Kiras more reliable,” she