Sister Priscilla joined in. ‘But we have internet. Without internet I think no volunteers.’ She laughed. Her brows were thin and grey over dark eyes and she looked at least twice the age of Paola.

Zia laughed too. ‘Tell me more. I know people take working holidays but I’ve never heard of them being at a monastery.’

Lucia and Durante arrived bearing jugs of iced water and bowls of olives. Sister Paola waited for them to greet the newcomers before continuing. ‘Anyone is welcome. From any country, any religion.’ She leaned forward as if imparting a secret. ‘Both genders! We’re not so unworldly that we can’t speak to men.’ She seemed to have picked up on Zia’s uncertainty and wanted to put her at ease.

Zia giggled at the gentle teasing. ‘Have you known Piero, Lucia and Durante long?’

The closely covered head nodded. ‘More than ten years. We experienced—’ She hesitated and turned to Piero, ‘What is it called, the shaking of the ground?’

Piero was pouring out water, each glass sparkling in the light. ‘It was a tremor. The earthquake was further north.’

Sister Paola nodded. ‘Sí. The monastery was a little damaged and members of Lucia’s factory helped us with repairs. She also asked Piero to repair a wooden building in our grounds.’ Her eyes twinkled in her round face.

Zia found herself thinking how incredibly normal the nuns were. If she’d ever thought of those in religious orders, she’d vaguely imagined them gliding around in silent seclusion with their eyes cast to heaven. In contrast, these bright, engaging women chatted enthusiastically of volunteers, cultural experience, open minds and convivial mealtimes. ‘We’re grateful to the volunteers,’ said Sister Priscilla, taking up a bread stick. ‘They improve the condition of our house. They paint window frames or work in the garden or the kitchen.’

Ursula said, ‘I think a cousin of mine has done something of the kind in Spain.’

Lucia looked interested. ‘You are Catholic, Ursula? Today I will return with Sister Paola and Sister Priscilla to look at some nineteenth century painted tiles in their guest house. Several have cracked and I offered to provide replicas. My old factory will fire them for me. Would you like to come?’

Beaming, Ursula pounced on the opportunity. ‘I’d love to! Zia?’

Zia was glad something might distract Ursula from her unhappiness over Stephan but that message from the private investigator was on her mind. ‘I’m sure the monastery’s beautiful but I won’t get in your way. I have an email I need to answer.’

She helped Durante bring out the lunch of salad, chicken, pasta and crusty bread. It was followed by dessert of torta gelato, chocolate sponge with stracciatella and chocolate ice cream. ‘Mm,’ she groaned approvingly as she devoured her portion.