After she’d finished packing, she sat down on the bed in a daze. It was a stupid moment, she told herself. I’ll never have to see him again after tomorrow. The thought was a relief, but the memory of his mouth against hers would not go away. A wave of panic swept through her. Would Devan detect something in her eyes? It was just a kiss, she tried to console herself. But she couldn’t escape the fact that she had enjoyed it … She had enjoyed another man’s kiss.

In her confusion, she realized she hadn’t opened the envelope, which was currently lying on the bedside table. She reached for it now and lifted the flap, withdrawing the wad of English notes. Counting, she saw Dinah had given her two hundred pounds. A fortune! The average tip from a couple might be between twenty and forty pounds, occasionally a bit more from warm-hearted Americans. But two hundred? She wondered if Jared had put her up to it.

Entering the breakfast room, she spotted Jared and his godmother at the hot-food section of the buffet, Dinah looking suspiciously under one of the domed stainless-steel covers. Taking a deep breath, Connie put her key on her table and went – head down to avoid Jared’s eye – to fetch some grapefruit juice and a bowl of fresh fruit salad. She wasn’t hungry, her stomach was in knots, but she knew she should eat something.

The young Polish waitress who had been serving them all week accosted her as she filled her bowl. ‘I bring you coffee?’ She grinned. ‘Black, hot milk on the side.’

Connie found a smile from somewhere and nodded, thanking her.

‘Morning, Connie.’ She turned to find Dinah at her side, holding in front of her a plate of scrambled eggs and a sad-looking grilled tomato as if it were contaminated. ‘I shan’t be sorry to leave these miserable offerings behind,’ she said, in a voice that must have carried clear across to Bellagio. ‘They cook it at five in the morning then leave it to wither till nine.’

Connie gave an embarrassed laugh. ‘I’m sticking to fruit.’

Dinah leaned closer, her voice lowered to conspiratorial level. ‘I love fruit, but it plays havoc with my innards. I simply can’t risk it when we’re stuck with rackety train loos all day.’

Connie sensed, rather than saw, Jared approaching. ‘Listen, Dinah,’ she said, quickly, ‘thank you so much for the incredibly generous tip. But it’s way too much.’

Dinah waved her free hand imperiously. ‘Nonsense, Connie. Not another word. You’re worth twice that.’

Before she had time to object further, Jared was beside them.