As they approached us, I said clearly, “Come, girls. I think we’ve seen enough of this, haven’t we? It’s all propaganda. You can’t really call it art.”

And I led them from the room. It was a small victory, but it felt good.

We wound through the grounds to other nations’ pavilions. We had just come out of the American one when a group of what were clearly important men came towards us. Men in well-cut suits walking with that air of confidence that comes with power. A foreign delegation being shown around, I suspected. Then I saw Leo. He was in the middle of the group, saying something to the other men, who were listening attentively. I recognized him instantly. He had hardly changed at all, except that he had filled out a bit and was now wearing what was clearly an expensive business suit. Also those wild dark curls were now slicked down.

I was frozen to the spot. I wanted to call out to him, but I didn’t dare. What if he had forgotten me? Walked past as if I didn’t exist? But I couldn’t just let him disappear without doing something. I took a tentative step forward, and at that moment he looked in my direction. I saw surprise and recognition in his eyes.

“Julietta? Is it really you?” he asked.

I could hardly make myself speak. “It really is.”

“I can’t believe it. You have come back. After so long.”

“That’s right.”

He turned to the men who were accompanying him. “Un momentino, per favore.” He came up to me. “I cannot talk now,” he said in a low voice. “I am showing these men around our exhibition. They are important investors, you understand. But when can we meet? Are you free for dinner tonight? You are here with your aunt again?”

I had to smile. “No, no aunt this time.”

There was a sparkle of amusement in his eyes. “That is good. Then we can go to dinner without getting approval, no? Where do you stay? I will pick you up at eight.”

I looked around, conscious of the pairs of eyes on me. “I must check with my associate first.”

“You are here on business?”

“I’m a schoolteacher, here with a party of girls. We’re staying in a convent.”

I went over to Miss Frobisher. “Would it be all right if I met this gentleman for dinner tonight? He’s an old friend I knew when I was staying here with my aunt, and I haven’t seen him in years.”

“I suppose that would be all right, if he’s an old friend of the family,” Miss Frobisher said doubtfully, stressing the word “family.” “But remember the convent rules.”

“Yes, of course.” I turned back to Leonardo. “I’d love to have dinner with you, but can it be a little earlier? The convent locks its doors at ten o’clock, and unfortunately there are bars on the windows.”

“Dio mio!” He shook his head. “Why do you stay in such a place?”