‘And these…’ he pointed to a pair of marionettes with pig-like features and black suits hanging by the window, ‘these are father and son.’ With a gentleness usually reserved for babies, he touched the older-looking one with a finger. ‘This is Joseph Spejbl. He’s very stupid and says stupid things. This is his son, Hurvinek, who’s clever.’

Laure wiped the sweat off her cheek.

‘The Nazis hated the Spejbls. They arrested the man who made them and put him in prison. Then they came back and arrested the marionettes.’

‘Arrested marionettes!’

Milos looked at Laure. You have no idea.

That was true.

It was cripplingly hot inside and her armpits were damp. Milos was obviously busy and she thanked him and, as an emergency measure, dived into the garden. Here she lit a cigarette, a recently acquired habit. The cigarette was Czech and its smoke was rough on the back of her throat but she persevered. The smoke drifted upwards and its aroma mingled with that of the tobacco plant in the corner.

‘So, you came,’ said a voice.

Her heart thumped as she swivelled around. ‘As you see.’

Despite the heat, Tomas was wearing the linen waistcoat, which he took off and folded over the back of the garden bench. The light fell full over him. Slight of frame, eyes narrowed against the evening, thick eyelashes, hair slicked back, he exuded energy, boldness and… an irresistible unkempt quality.

‘Nice dress.’ He sounded approving. ‘Not bought in Czechoslovakia, I think.’

‘Paris.’

‘The goons will suspect it.’

She tugged at the neckline and felt a blush hi-jacking what cool she possessed.

He pulled her down onto the bench. He was smiling, as he so often was. ‘You like the marionettes? Marionettes and puppets, and the Laterna Magika are very strong in our traditions. Not so much in yours, I think.’

‘Punch and Judy.’ She wrinkled her forehead. ‘Not much else.’ Did she know anything about her own traditions? ‘But here is different. You have spells and enchantment.’ She struggled for coherence. ‘This is a place where, if you want to watch properly, you must forget yourself. It’s part of the experience.’

‘Then, you know.’

Emboldened, she continued. ‘You think you are watching one thing, but it’s really about something else.’

She had blundered. Tomas’s smile switched off and he pressed down on Laure’s arm. It was a warning to shut up. He removed his hand and said in a low voice. ‘I knew you were clever and that’s a smart observation but not one to discuss here.’

She opened her mouth to reply but he waggled his finger. Don’t.

A silence drifted and folded between them. Curiously, it wasn’t in the least awkward, which it could have been, but… exciting.

Tomas was the first to break it. ‘Would you like to help out here? For the summer?’