Ursula’s emotionally impulsive nature sometimes made her cave rather than cope so it was an immense relief when she replied quietly, ‘You’re not the problem here, Zia. I’ll just have a quiet word with Stephan and then it won’t happen again.’

Cheered by this calm pronouncement, Zia felt her shoulders loosen. ‘We’re all guilty of saying stuff we shouldn’t, sometimes. I hope this won’t sour things.’ She meant between Ursula and Zia but equally it could mean Ursula and Stephan. She transferred her gaze from the honey buzzards to the track through the cypress trees towards Piero’s property. She was all too achingly aware that she’d already soured things between Piero and Zia. She didn’t share that particular heartbreak with her friend though … because if Brendon got to hear about it he’d be ecstatic.

And if Brendon did get to hear about it it would mean that Ursula had overshared with Stephan again and Stephan had gone running off to bleat to Brendon. Zia wasn’t going to open herself up to that kind of pain.

Piero knew he’d acted like a dick when Zia visited him the evening before. He’d been seeking solace in his workshop and was too heartsore to accept her apology well. The knowledge of how he’d all but blanked her had marred what should have been a good day at Tenuta Domenicali today.

Once home after work, he headed straight over to Bella Vista, intent on trying to clear the air. Though he was seeking Zia, his heart lightened when he stepped out from between the trees to see Lucia taking a turn up the drive on Durante’s arm.

‘Piero! It must be time for afternoon coffee.’ She smiled and looked less haggard than when she’d first returned home but still wore her recent illness like a mask.

Gently, he took her shoulders and kissed her cheeks. ‘Fantastic to see you up and about.’

Durante pretend-wiped sweat from his forehead and grinned. ‘At last!’

They ambled together to a shady spot on the terrace. Piero updated them on progress with the finance company; they told him that two of Lucia’s sisters had visited today and Lucia hadn’t been too fatigued. When he’d drained his cup he asked casually, ‘Is Zia in her apartment?’

Lucia looked interested. ‘Try her door and find out.’

Feeling conspicuous beneath his friends’ gazes he strolled down the terrace and knocked. When he received no reply, he had no choice but to turn around and trail all the way back to where Lucia and Durante still sat. ‘I’ll catch her another time. Ciao.’ He’d better text her and ask to meet. He must apologise. At least she could blame uncontrollable anger for her hurtful words whereas he could only blame pique for failing to meet her halfway as she tried to clear the air.