Milan, 25 October 1816, 5 p.m.
Seat of the Directorate-General of the Austrian Police
Anna Molinari risked a bout of apoplexy because of the unexpected liaison with Lord Byron at police headquarters.
Ziani took a telegraph from her trembling hand.
‘It’s written with abbreviations I just can’t fathom. What does it say?’
‘Bolza has begun to examine a few exhausted marble caves in an area rich of mica in search of some clues. May I have your autograph, sir?’
‘Bolza wants my autograph and is calling me “sir”?’
‘Forgive me, sir, I was speaking to Lord … I’ll be back in the archive!’ stammered Molinari.
She found it within herself to leave the office unfettered, although mistaking the door for the wall.
Again alone, the two men were able to resume their conversation.
‘Do yo
