Then unfolding the letter, he read it, leaning against one of the merlons of the wall.
"If you can devise a means to deliver Roccaleone at once into my hands you shall earn my gratitude, full pardon for your share in Monna Valentina's rebellion, and the sum of a thousand gold florins.
"GIAN MARIA." As he read, a light of joy leapt to his eyes.

Gian Maria's terms were very generous.

He would accept them, and Valentina should realise when too late upon what manner of broken reed she leaned in relying upon Messer Francesco.

Would he save her now, as he so loudly boasted?
Would there indeed be no mutiny, as he so confidently prophesied?
Gonzaga chuckled evilly to himself.

She should learn her lesson, and when she was Gian Maria's wife, she might perhaps repent her of her treatment of Romeo Gonzaga.
He laughed softly to himself.