‘Let me take you to Ruggiero.’

‘Better not,’ Polly said. ‘If he’s expecting me to descend on him like a nanny, that’s exactly what I’m not going to do.’

Hope nodded. ‘You’re a wise woman. Oh, dear! Why do men never listen to wise women?’

‘I suppose the other kind are more fun,’ Polly said with amusement. ‘Let him wait and wonder. I think I should meet some more people, just to show I’m not watching him.’

Hope took her around the room to meet the older, more distant members of the extended Rinucci clan. They all greeted her warmly, and seemed to know that she was there to look after one of their number. They were kind people, and open in their appreciation.

It didn’t take long for Polly to understand that they were taking their cue from Hope, who was the centre of the whole family, a charming tyrant, exercising her will so lovingly that it was easy to underestimate her power. Toni’s fond eyes followed her everywhere.

After a while Polly became aware of a glass being pressed into her hand. Looking up, she saw Ruggiero, surveying her grimly.

‘It’s only mineral water,’ he said. ‘Since I take it you’re not allowed to drink on duty?’

‘On duty?’

‘Don’t play dumb with me. You’re here to fix your beady eyes on me in case I go into convulsions. Sorry to disoblige, but I’m having a great time.’

‘A man with cracked ribs is never having a great time.’

‘Who says I have cracked ribs?’

‘You do-every time you touch your left side gingerly. I’ve seen that gesture before. Often enough to know what it means.’

‘And you think you’re going to whisk me away to a hospital-?’

‘There’s no need. If you’ll only-’

‘Once and for all,’ he said, with a touch of savagery, ‘there is nothing wrong with me.’

‘For pity’s sake, what are you trying to prove?’