‘I gather it’s in a poor state of repair,’ Luke said. ‘When I’ve put it right, I’ll sell it.’

‘Why not just sell it now? Let someone else bother with the repairs.’

‘Signora Pepino would never let me get away with that,’ Luke said with a grin. ‘She’s a lawyer who lives and works there, and has already bombarded me with letters saying what she expects me to do.’

‘And you’ll do what this woman tells you?’

‘She isn’t a woman, she’s a dragon. That’s why I didn’t tell her I was coming. I can get a look at the place before she starts breathing fire at me.’

‘Is that the only reason?’ Bernardo asked, regarding him shrewdly.

Luke shrugged.

‘Ah, a lovely lady broke your heart and now-’

‘No woman has ever broken my heart,’ Luke said sharply. ‘I don’t allow that to happen.’

‘Very wise.’

‘I let myself get a little too close to a woman, although I knew she was in love with another man. It was a mistake, but mistakes can be put right. A wise man sees the danger and takes action.’

‘And you managed that with your customary efficiency?’

‘My what?’

‘You’re known as a man who believes in good order, keeps things in proportion, and stays invulnerable. I envy you. It must make life simple. But now you need to get blissfully roaring drunk, with good companions who will put you safely to bed afterwards.’

‘For pity’s sake, Bernardo, how often have you seen me like that?’

‘Not often enough. It’s unnatural.’

Luke gave a reluctant laugh. ‘Maybe, but it helps a man stay in charge of his life, and that’s what matters. Goodnight.’

He went to his room quickly, suddenly uneasy in Bernardo’s company. For a moment he’d seen himself through his friend’s eyes, a man who prized good order and self-control above all else: a cold, hard man, who gave little and counted it out carefully first.