‘The ones glowering at you in the corner are the other members of Enrico’s family,’ he said.

‘Don’t tell me they’re annoyed with me too?’ she exclaimed.

‘Of course. They were expecting to inherit more.’

‘So I’m in the firing line from both sides,’ she said with a touch of exasperation. ‘Oh, heavens!’

‘This is Italy,’ Isidoro said wryly. ‘The home of the blood feud. Here they come.’

Two men and two women appeared solidly before Alex. Greetings were exchanged, not overtly hostile, but cautious. The older man, who seemed to be the spokesman for the group, muttered something about having ‘necessary discussions’ later.

Alex nodded agreement, and the group moved off. But behind them was a middle-aged man of large proportions and an oily manner. He introduced himself as Leo Montelli, and said that the sooner they talked the better.

After him came another local landowner, and after him came the representative of a bank. Alex began to feel dizzy. One thing was clear. The message about who she was and why she was here had gone out loud and clear to everyone in the room.

It had certainly reached Rinaldo Farnese, who was watching her steadily. His face was inscrutable, but Alex had the feeling that he was mentally taking notes.

‘Isidoro, I’m leaving,’ she said. ‘This shouldn’t be happening here. It isn’t seemly.’

‘Shall I fix appointments with them for you?’

‘Not yet,’ she said quickly. ‘I must talk to the Farneses first. For now I’ll just slip away.’

‘Look,’ Isidoro said.

Rinaldo was cutting his way through the crowd until he reached her and said very softly, ‘I want you to leave, right now. Your behaviour is unseemly.’

‘Hey, now look-’

‘How dare you dance on my father’s grave! Leave right this moment or I’ll put you out myself.’

‘Signore-’ Isidoro was vainly trying to claim his attention.