The decision had meant handing over the remaining 320 packets of the contraband Nazionali to old Signor Castrese across the street, but it had been worth it. Never before had Zen had a relationship like this with a woman: warm, intimate, friendly, informal, but completely nonsexual.

This is what it would have been like having a sister, he thought as they lay sprawled side by side beneath the green awning, the table between them littered with the remains of the simple meal Zen bought on his way home — a selection of cold antipasti, half a crusty loaf and some insalata Caprese.

They still had their differences, though, notably over the success of the plan Zen came up with for separating Valeria's daughters from their unsuitable suitors.

'But will it work?' she repeated. 'That's the question.'

'Of course it will/ Zen replied lazily.

She shook her head.

"I don't feel right, playing with their emotions like this.

They're such darlings. I remember when they were babies 'But now they can have babies. And it's your responsibility to make sure that that happens with the right person and in the right circumstances.'

'You're so logical, so Northernl Life isn't that simple.'

She glanced at her watch.

"I must go. The girls will be home in half an hour. I don't want to have to lie to them about where I've been.'

'The essential thing now is to make sure they don't try and back out. Take them shopping, let them choose suitable clothes and accessories, pick up a guidebook and maps of London.'

Valeria sighed.

'But what about the men? I still don't understand how you're going to get them to be unfaithful in such a short time.'