But we have no proof of this.

On the contrary, the only letters extant which he sent to her, two in number, belong to the year 1545.

It is certain that anything like friendship between them grew up at some considerable time after his final settlement in Rome.
Vittoria was the daughter of Fabrizio Colonna, Grand Constable of Naples, by his marriage with Agnesina di Montefeltro, daughter of Federigo, Duke of Urbino.

Blood more illustrious than hers could not be found in Italy.

When she was four years old, her parents betrothed her to Ferrante Francesco d'Avalos, a boy of the same age, the only son of the Marchese di Pescara.