Sheffield huffed and looked at Patricia with mock indignation. “You know, he tells me that all the time. It’s really quite annoying.” Then, turning back to Giancarlo, “But I’m glad I finally caught up with you before the evening got too late. I was telling Patricia just a few minutes ago that I saw you from across the yard when you first arrived at the house, but that I hadn’t seen you since. Tell me, what’s he been up to, my dear?”

“Moon watching,” said Patricia, nodding out to the ocean.

“Ah, one of my favorite pastimes,” said Sheffield, looking out to the horizon. “And it looks like tonight’s show is just beginning.”

Sure enough, the top edge of the moon had just nudged itself over the horizon, casting its soft orange glow across the sea. Sheffield stood there for a moment, staring out at the sight.

“You know, that’s something I never get tired of watching,” he said in a faraway voice. Then he smiled and looked back at Giancarlo. “So, Professore, will you play for us tonight?”

Giancarlo looked down at his drink. “Sorry, Henry,” he replied softly. “I’m afraid not.”

Clicking his tongue, Sheffield turned to Patricia and shook his head.

“Did you know,” he told her, “that when he came to us twenty years ago, Giancarlo was without doubt the best piano player and the most talented composer anyone had ever seen here?”

“Yes, I have heard that,” said Patricia, turning her gaze to Giancarlo, who was still contemplating his beverage.

“I used to always be able to count on him to play for us whenever we had a get-together,” Sheffield went on. “It was wonderful, until one day—poof. He suddenly decided to stop playing in public. Now he won’t even give piano lessons anymore—and I have to pay someone else to come and play at my parties.”

“I know how you feel,” said Patricia. “I once tried to get him to teach me to play, but he turned me down.”

“I didn’t actually turn you down,” said Giancarlo, clearing his throat.

“Ha,” scoffed Patricia. “You said ‘perhaps some other time,’ which for you means never.”

“She has you on that one,” said Sheffield, smiling at Giancarlo’s obvious discomfiture.

“I think it’s going to be a full moon tonight,” said Giancarlo.

“Yes, I think you might be right,” said Sheffield, taking the bait. “I’d love to stand here and watch it come up with you two, but I seem to have misplaced my drink, and I feel quite naked without it.”

“I’ll get you a new one,” offered Patricia. “I need to powder my nose, anyway, so why don’t you stay here and keep Giancarlo company until I get back.”

“What a doll you are,” said Sheffield. “A gin and tonic, please. And very easy on the tonic.”

“Gin and gin it is,” said Patricia over her shoulder.