Rinaldo hailed a passing waiter and ordered two coffees. Alex had an amused feeling that he was giving himself a breathing space to come to terms with her attack.

‘You were probably following me up here,’ she added, ‘to see if I met up with a prospective buyer behind your back.’

‘No, I’ve been visiting friends in Fiesole. This is pure chance.’

Suddenly she remembered that Gino had said his wife came from this town, and wondered if he had been to see Maria’s family.

‘Anyway, you’re wrong,’ she said in a gentler tone. ‘I have nothing to negotiate, not with Montelli or anyone else of his kind, until I’ve first talked seriously with you. Anyway, I dislike him.’

Rinaldo gave her a grin that was as harsh as it was humorous. ‘The question is, do you dislike him as much as you dislike me?’

‘I haven’t quite decided, but it makes no difference. I never allow personalities to interfere with business.’

‘Like a good accountant?’ he mocked.

‘No, like a civilised human being actually,’ she said crisply.

He gave a half nod, acknowledging a hit to her.

The coffees were served, giving them both a brief time out.

‘I wonder what your notion of “civilised” includes,’ he mused when they were alone again. ‘My brother?’

‘Your brother is a nice lad, but I told him, and I’m telling you, don’t treat me like a fool.’

‘Meaning?’

‘Meaning that you should have been ashamed to be so obvious. You sent him out to say pretty nothings to me because you thought I was a ninny who’d faint the moment an Italian gave her the eye. Well, he’s delightful and he made my head spin-not perhaps as much as you planned, but enough for a very nice day.

‘But let me make one thing plain to you, Signor Farnese. I do not make serious decisions while my head is spinning. I hope that’s clear.’