Riccardo wasn't a conceited man, but this was not what he was used to. Honor demanded that he did not leave matters there. They had unfinished business.

As he went on his way, he was smiling.

"I can't believe that happened," Justine wailed as Dulcie's veil floated back down to earth. "That would have been the shot of shots, the big one. Aaaarrrgh!"

"It's not fair," Dulcie agreed sympathetically. "Still, you got some lovely pictures before that."

But Justine couldn't be consoled. As they made their way back to the Palazzo Calvani she was still mourning "the one that got away."

It was Riccardo's fault, of course. If he hadn't kept her talking she would have been back to work in moments.

I hope his vegetables rot, she thought grumpily.

As soon as they reached the palazzo, Dulcie changed out of the wedding dress and settled it on its stand to await the big day. Then she went to Justine's room, and found her downloading the morning's work.

"Guido's gone to collect Uncle Francesco and Liza from the airport," she said. "I'm longing for you to meet them."

"They're getting married the day before you, right?"

"Right. It's such a romantic story. They've been in love for fifty years, but Liza wouldn't marry him because he was a count and she was his housekeeper. After all this time, she's finally agreed. It's so sweet to see how much they love each other. Guido and I are going to be exactly the same when we're old."

Justine gave a brief, wry smile that made Dulcie cry out, "What's that for? I know you pretend not to believe in love, but even you have to agree that it's a beautiful story."

"I do believe in love," Justine said. "Love is real. It's the 'eternal' bit that I can't swallow."

"Fifty years sounds pretty eternal to me."