‘Thank you, Gabriela.’ Bel smiled at her as she left the room, then stepped lightly down the stairs and followed the sound of voices into the drawing room.

‘And here she is, the bride-to-be! Come, kiss your father, my princesa, and know that I have just given my blessing to your match.’

‘Thank you, Pai,’ Bel replied as he kissed her on both cheeks.

‘My Izabela, know that you have made me the happiest father in the world today.’

‘And me, the happiest man in Rio,’ Gustavo beamed.

‘Ah, here is your mother to share the news,’ Antonio added as Carla entered.

The mutual congratulations continued as the champagne arrived and the four of them toasted Bel and Gustavo’s future health and happiness.

‘Mind you, I am concerned that you wish to send her thousands of miles away from you before you marry, senhor,’ said Antonio, a slight frown passing across his brow as he looked askance at Gustavo.

‘As I explained, Bel is still very young, and I believe a visit to Europe will not only enhance her maturity, but what she sees there will make our conversations far more stimulating when we are old and have run out of endearments for each other.’ Gustavo smiled and gave Bel gave a surreptitious wink.

‘Well, I don’t know about that,’ said Antonio. ‘But I suppose at least it means she will have access to the finest couturiers in Paris for the design of her wedding gown,’ he conceded.

‘Of course. And I’m sure she will look perfect in whatever she chooses. Now’ – Gustavo drained his champagne glass – ‘I must take my leave and tell my own parents the happy news. Not that they will be surprised,’ he said with a smile.

‘Of course. And before your fiancée leaves for Europe, we must throw an engagement party. Perhaps at the Copacabana Palace, where you first laid eyes on your wife-to-be.’ Antonio could hardly prevent himself from grinning from ear to ear. ‘And we will need to make an announcement in the social columns of all the newspapers,’ he added as he walked with Gustavo towards the front door.

‘I am happy to leave the arrangements to my bride’s family,’ he agreed. Then he reached for Bel’s hand and kissed it. ‘Goodnight, Izabela, and thank you for making me a very happy man.’

Antonio waited until Gustavo’s car had driven away from the house, then, with a whoop of joy, he picked Bel up in his strong arms and swung her around, just as he had done when she was a little girl. ‘My princesa, you have done it! We have done it.’ He put Bel down, and then went to his wife and hugged her to him. ‘Are you not pleased too, Carla?’

‘Of course. As long as Bel is happy, then it’s wonderful news.’

Antonio studied Carla for a few seconds and frowned. ‘Are you well, querida? You look pale.’

‘I have a headache, that is all. Now’ – Carla made an effort to smile – ‘I will go and tell Cook to prepare something special for dinner.’