At last she heard him sigh.

‘It’s breathtaking, isn’t it? I always come out to watch.’

‘And yet you must have seen it so often,’ she ventured.

‘It doesn’t matter how often. It’s always like the first time.’ He looked at her wryly. ‘I guess that surprises you, seeing as you have me down as an unrelieved jerk, totally insensitive and incapable of appreciating a moment of beauty. Don’t deny that that’s your opinion of me.’

‘I wasn’t going to deny it-’ she chuckled ‘-why should I?’

He looked aggrieved. ‘It might have been polite.’

‘I don’t do polite.’

‘Very wise. You save a lot of time that way.’ He came and sat beside her. ‘Are you coping all right?’

‘I’m fine, thanks. I’m really pleased with myself for not collapsing when Joan lost her footing. I just supported her until she was ready, you have to admit that.’

‘True, but with me above, supporting the two of you. All right, all right, don’t eat me.’

From inside came a burst of laughter, making him wince.

‘Shouldn’t you be getting back to your guests?’ she asked.

‘They’re not my guests, they’re my responsibility, and sometimes it’s one I’d much rather do without. I swear, this is the last time I take over a party where I haven’t been able to vet everyone first. And no, I don’t mean you.’

‘I know,’ she said cheerfully. ‘Henry. Do you know which one of the girls slapped him last night?’

He grinned. ‘They’re lining up to lay claim. Poor Henry. I saw him trying to attach himself to you earlier today. Is he giving you trouble?’

She glared. ‘You’re not chivalrously offering to take care of him for me, I hope.’

‘No way,’ Renzo said hastily. ‘You deal with him any way you like, and er-’ he gave her a significant glance ‘-I’ll dispose of the body.’