Lorenzo, Piero's son, in order to avoid the fall of Florence, takes over the role of his father both in the government of the Signoria and as head of the family, avoiding the invasion. Although he has a relationship with a married woman, Lucrezia Donati, Lorenzo accepts marriage with a Roman religious noblewoman, Clarice Orsini (who initially wanted to be a nun but has to give up her dream for the marriage) . Their marriage goes through a turbulent time as their interests differ but he soon falls in love with her and they start living happily.