Filomena’s laugh is throaty. “This doesn’t have to stop you,” she says, and something in my face must betray my surprise because she laughs again. “I think your uncle is right that you will find us horribly shocking.”

“Oh no,” I reply. “I’m just used to being the shocking one myself.”

Filomena regards me with an unblinking feline gaze. “Perhaps you have some Italian blood in you,” she says, and it sounds like a compliment. “Anyway, it is no matter about the bathing suit. I will have your uncle order some things for you. And some summer clothes perhaps.” She eyes my dress rather doubtfully. “You are not too warm in that?”

The truth is that I am rather warm. Although my dress is cotton, it’s quite thick with long sleeves and it’s also a pinch too tight. The heat here shimmers in the air, a different beast altogether from the weak English sunshine. “I suppose I am a bit,” I admit, feeling a trickle of perspiration on the back of my neck. “But Uncle Leo shouldn’t have to buy me clothes.”

“Do not worry about it.” Filomena is firm. “I will take your measurements myself later and then I will speak to him. It is fine.”

“All right,” I say doubtfully. I’m not sure my parents would like my uncle spending money on me, but Filomena seems very certain.

“So, you are going to explore?” she says, closing the subject.

“Yes. There’s actually a particular bird that I want to find.” Then I remember; if I’m going exploring then I’ll need my binoculars, and that means I need to track down both the car and its driver.

“Oh.” I hesitate. “Actually, there is another thing. The man who came to collect me yesterday – do you know where I can find him?”

“Ah!” Filomena arches a knowing eyebrow. “Another victim falls to Ben’s charms.”

“Charms?” It’s not exactly the first word that comes to mind.

“It is usually the way with Ben.” Filomena sips her coffee. “He has quite a reputation with the ladies, you see.”

“Well, I suppose he could be charming,” I say, a little doubtfully. “If he really put his mind to it.”

“I’m sure he would be pleased to hear you say so.” She sounds like she is trying not to laugh.

“I shouldn’t think he’d care much for my opinion either way,” I reply. “I don’t think he really … warmed to me. To be completely truthful, we had a little bit of a disagreement.”

Filomena smiles. “How intriguing. Well, Ben will be working in the grounds. When you find him, I’m sure the two of you can …” She pauses here, looking at me from underneath her eyelashes. “… make amends.”

Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE