Alexandra’s heart leaped. She really didn’t want to go to finishing school in Switzerland, especially not when there was a chance she could stay in Paris and have fun with Donna.

‘What’s the job? Do you know?’ Alexandra now really wanted to stay in Paris so badly, she’d try anything. Although the gorgeous man probably wanted a bilingual secretary who could not only speak French but do shorthand too – in both languages.

Donna made a face. ‘I don’t really know, but the good part is, it’s only for a month. Your relatives might not mind you staying for a month. Families like dates, I’ve discovered. Mine really didn’t want us to come to Paris but when I said it was only for a year, they felt a lot better about it.’

Alexandra nodded. ‘I think mine would be the same, but I need to know what sort of job it is. I may not be able to do it. I told you I couldn’t do shorthand, for example.’

‘He didn’t say anything like that. He said you must be able to cook, which you can, speak English and French, which obviously you can, and drive. Can you drive?’

‘Yes,’ said Alexandra, ‘but I’m not sure I can drive in French.’ She tried to imagine herself driving through Paris and felt a little daunted.

‘Oh, you mean in Paris? I see your point. Parisians make up their own rules about how to do it.’

Then Alexandra got over her defeatist attitude. ‘I did learn to drive in London, and if I can do Hyde Park Corner I’m sure I’d get used to Paris. For a month, you say?’

Donna nodded. ‘Your family would like that, wouldn’t they? You’d have a month of really brushing up your French, although I think it’s perfectly fine as it is, and then you can go to the finishing school.’ Donna paused, not something she did often. ‘What do they teach you to do there, do you think?’

‘Oh, I don’t know. How to write cheques, how to address the nobility and how to get in and out of sports cars without showing your pants.’

Donna laughed delightedly. ‘In America pants are things men wear. But never mind that: here’s his card. You’re to go to that address at two o’clock today for an interview. All the information is on there. If you need a reference, Bob will give you one.’

Alexandra inspected the card and her spirits lifted. ‘He’s a count! My relations will love that. If I get the job, I’ll have to send them details.’

‘Of course! Now, what are you going to wear for the interview?’