A hint of ruefulness crept into his eyes, and for a moment he almost allowed himself to grin. ‘I feel sure she would be happier for your presence. Please oblige me in this.’

‘But this is December. Your wedding isn’t until next March.’

‘I forgot to mention that I’ve arranged for it to be moved up to the second week in January.’

‘Forgot to mention-? Did you forget to mention it to Catalina, too?’

‘I have every intention of telling her when she comes out to breakfast.’

‘And suppose she has other ideas?’ Maggie demanded, incensed almost past bearing by this high-handedness.

‘We’ll ask her, shall we?’

Catalina appeared at that moment, dressed in slacks and sweater. ‘Oh, good!’ she exclaimed when she saw the breakfast table. ‘I’m so hungry.

‘I was just explaining to Señora Cortez that official business obliges me to bring forward our wedding date to next month,’ Sebastian said smoothly.

Catalina gave a little scream. ‘But I can’t be ready by then. I haven’t even chosen a bridal dress.’

‘Señora Cortez will help you decide when we return to Granada.’

‘Oh, Maggie, you’re coming to Spain? That will be wonderful.’

‘Now, wait-I haven’t said-besides, you’ve missed the point. He’s changed the date without consulting you.’

Catalina gave a resigned little shrug. ‘He does everything without consulting me. This bacon looks lovely.’

It was hopeless, Maggie realised, trying to make an impression on Catalina’s butterfly mind. Last night Catalina had talked bravely under the influence of Maggie’s strong personality. Today she was under Sebastian’s even stronger influence. She listened while he explained that Isabella’s sister would be arriving that afternoon, and the three of them would be leaving next day.

‘As easy as that?’ Maggie said, nettled by this casual way of arranging matters.

‘Of course it’s as easy as that,’ he said in some surprise. ‘Why shouldn’t it be?’