‘What we lack in age we more than make up for in experience,’ said Nicola. This was a line she’d read once in a book, so it rolled smoothly off her tongue.

Shimlara began to giggle but had to pretend she was having a coughing fit when Enrico looked at her with kind concern. ‘I hope you haven’t caught colds on your journey. Quickly! Please! Come inside and you can freshen up in your rooms.’ They all turned to pick up their bags. ‘Oh, no, don’t concern yourselves – my people will take care of your luggage!’ Enrico snapped his fingers and two of the Shobblings who had been hovering behind him immediately ran towards the bags.

The Space Brigade followed Enrico into a magnificent entrance hall where they were enveloped in such a delicious warmth they all sighed with relief. Nicola looked up and saw dozens of glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Along the walls were oil paintings in heavy gold frames. Many were portraits of Enrico, wearing various elegant outfits and tossing back his hair, while others showed him with a woman and two children, all three of whom were smiling at him adoringly. There were also pictures of Enrico with larger groups of people: dancing at balls, laughing at picnics, ice-skating on the frozen sea. Every man, woman and child depicted had long brown hair.

At that moment, Katie took off her hat and Enrico caught sight of her hair. He arched his eyebrows. ‘A fellow hairity, I see,’ he said, taking her hand and kissing it. ‘No doubt the fans waiting outside my gates were delighted to catch a glimpse of you. I hope they weren’t a bother. All the fuss can be tiresome.’

Katie looked uncomfortable. ‘Why do people think long brown hair is so special?’ she asked.

‘People think that anything so rare is precious. Every time I do an interview I try to explain that I’m just a normal man who likes doing normal things, but they never believe it! What can you do?’ Enrico shrugged charmingly and sighed.

He gestured to the lady standing respectfully beside him. ‘This is my butler, Joy. She’ll show you to your rooms. I’ll look forward to seeing you at dinner time, when we can discuss the somewhat challenging little task I need you to attend to – although I’m sure it won’t be a challenge for professionals like yourselves!’

‘Thank you, Enrico,’ said Nicola. She watched him leave the room, his velvet jacket swirling elegantly.

‘Please follow me,’ said Joy. She had fluffy yellow hair like a baby chick and the sweetest smile Nicola had ever seen.

As they followed her up the stairs Joy lowered her voice and said, ‘I think Silent Fred picked you up from the SpacePort? How did he seem to you? Healthy?’

‘He seemed fine,’ said Nicola. ‘Is he a friend of yours?’