“Those are excellent choices, madam,” the man said. “I’ll put your order in right away.”

No sooner had their waiter left when the sommelier appeared. He handed the wine list to Bennett and watched as she opened the leather-bound book and flipped to the list of champagnes. Well-informed with the restaurant’s ninety-page selection, he waited patiently. Watching as she ran her finger down the list of champagnes, he hid his scoff when Bennett turned to the pages filled with the white wines they offered. Their selection was not for the cost-conscious, and he was more than accustomed to some patrons deciding on water instead.

“We’ll have a bottle of the 1995 Krug Brut to start and follow that up with a bottle of 2007 Trimbach Gewürztraminer to go with our appetizers,” Bennett said, handing the man the wine list. “You’ll need to bring this back once we decide on our entrees.”

The sommelier twitched his wispy mustache and promptly tucked the list under his arm. “Right away, madam,” he said, bowing slightly at the waist. “Right away.”

Bennett turned to those at the table and discovered all the women wore the same gleeful expression. “I hope that was all to your liking?”

“My mouth is already watering,” Angelique said, picking up her water glass.

“How’s your arm?” Bennett said. “All better?”

“Like new,” Angelique said, her face lighting up as she glanced at the woman sitting to her right. “Polly took good care of me.”

Polly’s cheeks grew rosy, and the table erupted in titters. “I’m sure she did,” Bennett said, beaming. “And should I assume you two have…um…hit it off, shall we say?”

Angelique’s smile grew wide. “Yes, we have,” she said, reaching for Polly’s hand. “It’s still new, and it’s definitely quick, but we’ve decided we want to stay together and see where things go.”

“So, you’ll be remaining with Max’s group then?”

“Before I answer that, are you planning to stay in Boston much longer? I know you’ve been here for a while.”

“Actually, Lisa and I have been talking about moving to Italy once we get things sorted here. Why?”

“Oh, my God,” Polly said, perking up in her chair. “Are you going to Max’s place in Tuscany? That is, by far, the most—”

“Please don’t say anything else,” Bennett said, her interruption causing all eyes at the table to turn toward her. “Lisa doesn’t know this yet, but I’ve decided not to tell her anything about the estate. I want to make it a surprise.”

“Wait. What?” Lisa said. “We didn’t talk about this.”

“I know, and we shan’t,” Bennett said, smiling. “All you need to know is that I love you. I want to give you the most unimaginably wonderful life, and unless the trappings matter, there’s no need for you to know about them. Is there?”