“Here?” I giggled nervously, conscious that I was wearing nothing under his silk dressing gown and that we were standing on a sandy beach.

“Where else?” he asked, holding out his hand to me. He took me into his arms. I was horribly aware of his body pressing against mine. But our dance had scarcely begun when the first drops of rain fell. “Umbrella, Pierre!” he commanded.

And miraculously a large umbrella was opened and held over us as we danced. It was romantic but at the same time bizarre to be dancing on sand with the lapping waves to one side and the raindrops pattering on the umbrella over us.

It was a French café song, sung throatily and with great passion. I was feeling rather confused myself. Did I feel passion for this man? What would happen when the dance was over? He was smiling down at me, his eyes holding mine. Then slowly he leaned to me and his lips brushed mine. The effect was electrifying. Then he kissed me again, his lips playing with mine now, making me want to respond to him. And I knew I was responding. I could feel myself pressing my body against his . . .

Without warning the heavens opened. Thunder grumbled nearby and lightning flashed.

“I think we have to concede that the gods are not being kind,” Jean-Paul said. “A little rain is good, but this—to stay out in this is madness. We do not wish to be struck by lightning, and you have already had one soaking today. Come.” He took my hand and led me back up the steps into the house, while the faithful Pierre kept the umbrella over us so that we remained dry all the way. Once inside I found that my white linen trousers and sailor top had been cleaned and pressed for me. I went into the bathroom and changed into them.

“I regret that the weather has been unkind enough to cut short what could have been a delightfully romantic afternoon.” Jean-Paul was waiting for me as I came out of the bathroom. “But no matter. I will drive you home now and you will rest and change into something ravishing. I will call for you at eight o’clock and we shall go for a delightful dinner and then we shall dance with no rain falling on us. Does that idea please you?”

“Yes, it does,” I said.