He laughs. ‘Ah, the pupil isn’t quite ready to dismiss her mentor yet, then. I was beginning to feel a little redundant.’ Although he’s probably every bit as tired as I am, he’s in such good spirits tonight.

‘Why don’t you quit now and get some rest, too?’

‘I think I will, in a bit. It’s been a tiring day. But a good one. Productive, and I’ve had some good news. My benefactress is pleased with the photographs I sent her of the painting. A large transfer of funds will be in my account tomorrow.’

I can’t hide my smile. ‘That’s wonderful news, Nico. You’ve worked so hard to get that finished. How long will it be before you can ship it? It’s good to receive the payment so promptly, though.’

‘Yes, I’m fortunate indeed. A few weeks, the longer the better. Although in this weather, the paints dry quite quickly, but I never like to take a risk. We know each other well – very well, actually. As I said, the Marquesa is very kind, although she is ultimately an astute businesswoman. If all goes well, my work will appreciate in value, so to her it’s an investment. The not-so-good news is that the van isn’t going to last much longer. That’s an expense I hadn’t factored into the budget, but that was more wishful thinking than facing the inevitable.’

‘Don’t let that take the shine off the fact that you’ve sold another painting, Nico. Your mother would be very proud of what you’re achieving. And of what you’re doing here at the château.’

He shrugs. ‘Let’s hope I can keep it all together, then.’ With that, he picks up his brush, tilts his head forward and begins to dab very tentatively at the leaves. From where I’m standing, with the soft glint from the inset lights above us, they seem to shimmer as if they’re moving. I realise that I’m watching a genius at work and the inspiration comes from deep down within him. That thought makes me catch my breath.

There’s passion in this life and then there’s passion. One is transient, sexual, shallow. The other is all-consuming and affects every single thing you say, touch, do or think. And that’s something I was never able to appreciate, or understand, before I met Nico.

I walk away as quietly as I can, shutting the door behind me. My heart is pounding in my chest. The excited knot I can feel in my stomach is exhilarating. Nico has awoken something in me and I can only hope that it’s merely a dormant desire to create and nothing more.