Nory barked out a laugh before composing herself. “The one that looks at the stars, yes. If you’re being euphemistic, then no, no such luck. Apparently, the marquis doesn’t like the staff to fraternize with the guests, and my brother hath forbade him to pursue me romantically.”

“What the fuck? It’s not Downton Abbey.”

“Tell Isaac that.”

“He clearly fancies you.”

“Maybe.”

“And you definitely like him. I haven’t seen you this doe-eyed about a man for a long time.”

“It would be complicated, though,” said Nory thoughtfully.

“Oh, I don’t know. He’s obviously forgiven you for the turd wars, and from the way he keeps looking at you, I’d say he’s definitely looking for ways to defy Brother Thomas-Twatmonkey and have his wicked way with you.”

Nory sniggered and gave Ameerah a shove. “What about you? Are you still pretending that it’s just sex with Dev?”

Ameerah sighed and Nory caught the wistful note in her best friend’s voice when she replied, “To echo your words, Nory darling, it would be complicated.”

Nory linked arms with her. “Once again, we two are destined for a thorny road to true love,” she said, grinning.

“Speak for yourself, Nory Noel, I have no intention of taking any roads to true love, thorny or otherwise.”

Jenna and Camille joined them again. Pippa was across the yard snapping orders into her mobile phone.

“What are you witches cackling about?” Jenna asked.

“Just discussing ways Nory can get herself into Isaac’s pants,” said Ameerah, nodding toward Isaac, who was talking with Guy and Charles; their chests were pushed out so far they reminded Nory of pigeons.

Nory gasped. “Ameerah!”

Camille giggled.

“Really? You and the gardener?” Jenna grinned. “Well, well, well.”

“There is no ‘me and the gardener.’ Isaac. There is no ‘me and Isaac.’ ”

“Methinks the lady doth protest too much,” said Camille, and the others sniggered.

“Who’s Pippa yapping at?” Nory asked, trying to change the subject.

“One of her minions,” Jenna replied. “Pip’s got a client arriving back from Dubai today, and they expect their town house in Kensington to be fully festive by the time they put the key in the lock.”

“Isn’t half the fun of Christmas decorating the house yourself?” asked Camille.

“Not once you get into the realms of silly money,” Jenna replied. “It’s all about appearances. It’s theater, nothing more. Like dressing a film set.”

“I’m with Camille on this one,” said Nory. “I can’t imagine having a team of strangers coming into my flat to decorate it with their idea of what my Christmas should look like.”

“You can’t get more than three people in your flat at a time, Nory,” said Ameerah.

“True.”

“I’ve never been to your flat,” said Jenna.

“It’s what you might call cozy chic.” Nory smiled.

“But it’s central,” said Ameerah.