I laugh. “Ben was rather put out by my success there.”

“Men, darling,” she sighs. “So insecure.”

As the boys reach us, Ursula and I cheer and whistle.

Klaus smooths down his toga. “This is far less restrictive than usual evening dress,” he says. “I could get used to it.”

“I can’t believe I let Filomena talk me into this nonsense,” Ben says, though his grin belies his words.

“Oh, don’t,” I say. “Look how happy Hero is.” We all look over to see Hero laugh as Filomena straightens the laurel crown on her head. Ben’s face softens.

“She does look happy,” he says.

“And I think you both look very handsome,” I add.

“I have to say, I agree,” he says, glancing down at the makeshift toga, which I must admit is showing off his muscular arms and shoulders to their best advantage.

“Both of you,” I stress.

“But me in particular, I expect.” Ben preens and I groan. Hero dances over with laurel wreaths for the boys.

“Please, be seated,” Hero says solemnly. “It is time to begin the sacred ceremony.”

Ben rolls his eyes but drops down good-naturedly beside me on the blanket, reaching across to pluck one of the purple grapes from the bunch and popping it into his mouth.

“Don’t start the feast yet!” Hero cries, making Ben jump. “There’s an order to things that must be observed,” she says seriously.

“Hero is right.” Filomena stands beside her now, the light from the fire dancing across her face. “Tonight we come to make a bargain with the gods. We shall feast, celebrate, dance, and we will do so to honour the ancient ways.” She pours red liquid from a glass bottle into a large, earthenware bowl. I think I recognize it as the fruit bowl from the kitchen. “We begin with the ceremonial wine.”

“Ceremonial wine is just what I need to get through this,” Ben says, but when I catch his eye he composes himself and sits straight.

Hero takes the bowl from Filomena and insinuates herself into the circle, standing between me and Ursula.

“Oh, Jupiter,” she intones. “We come tonight to ask for rain, that the scorched earth may feel your tears once more upon her lovely face.” She lifts the bowl up high and then brings it to her lips, taking a sip before passing it to Ursula.

“That was excellent,” I whisper as she takes a seat beside me. “Very dramatic.”

“I wanted to say it in Latin, but I couldn’t remember my declensions and I didn’t want to mess it up,” she murmurs, her face intent. “I wouldn’t want to do anything to anger the gods.”

“I thought it was a very effective toast. Poetic, even.” I reassure Hero before turning to Ben, who is holding the bowl out to me. I take it from him, lift it to my mouth and take a sip before handing it back to Hero.