“Oh, you know,” I murmur, turning my attention back to the pastries. “Staring into her eyes for a fraction of a second too long, leaning in closer, brushing your arm against hers as if it’s an accident, whispering something seductive in her ear… Well, you hardly need me to tell you, do you?”

Ben looks torn between anger and amusement. “You certainly seem to be paying attention,” he says dryly. “Are you studying me like one of your glow-worms?”

“Young men, you mean?” I laugh, caught in the act. “You and Klaus are certainly interesting subjects,” I say.

“Oh, I’m sure Klaus will be delighted to help in any way that he can.” Ben rolls his eyes.

“I should think so,” I agree. “Overall I have found him to be much more amenable than you.”

“Well he would be, wouldn’t he?” Ben says, his voice not quite as easy as usual. “He’s had his eye on you since the moment you arrived.”

“Has he really?” I ask, surprised. “I assume by that you mean he considers me a potential sexual partner?”

Ben stares at me for a moment. “Strange sort of sheltered upbringing you’ve had,” he manages finally.

“I’ve never understood why we can’t talk about sex.” I shake my head. “I mean for goodness’ sake – without it none of us would be here. It’s hardly a great mystery, is it?”

“Yes, yes,” Ben says, “but it’s not typically something one discusses with…”

“Young women?” I sigh. “I know, and it’s such a shame. Ursula and I had a good chat about it all this afternoon and I really think there’s a lot to be said for modern attitudes.” I’m warming to my theme now. “And after all, Ben, it’s clear that you’re hardly living a chaste existence. Look at you and Simone, for example.”

“What Simone and I do…” Ben flounders. “or … did, is none of your business.”

“Just as, say, what Klaus or I do is none of yours.”

“What are you and Klaus going to do?” Ben’s frown is back.

“It was just an example. You’re the one who brought it up.”

“You’re the one talking about potential sexual partners,” Ben puts in stubbornly. “And I think you’ll discover there’s a big difference between theory and reality in that department. It’s a lot more complicated than you think.”

I fall silent at that. It’s true that I have very little actual experience with romance. And he’s not wrong – there’s a huge difference between reading something in a book and experiencing it. It’s theory versus practice.

“You’re right,” I say finally.

“Good,” Ben says automatically. Then, “Wait … right about what?”