‘For a few months, perhaps. But at the end of the season my hats will be thrown away, or put in a cupboard and forgotten.’

‘Would you like to see some more work like this?’

‘Very much.’

‘We are laying a floor in the Exchange Flags building. I could show you, if you like.’

She hesitated, unsure if it would be proper for her to agree.

He said, ‘My father will be there, and my cousins.’

‘They won’t mind?’

‘Not at all.’

‘All right, then. When?’

‘When are you free?’

‘Not until this time next week.’

‘Then I shall look forward to seeing you then. I will wait at the main entrance for you. About two o’clock?’

‘That would be lovely.’

Walking back to Nan’s, it occurred to her that she had not thought about Gus for several hours.

* * *

The following Wednesday she found Armando waiting as he had promised. He led her into the grand courtyard and up a flight of stairs to where several men were at work on a half-completed floor. He introduced her to his father, who took her hand with one so rough and calloused it felt like shaking hands with a rock, and then turned back to his work. Armando showed her how the tiny pieces of coloured tiles could be fitted together to form the design the architect had drawn up, and she spent the afternoon watching and copying the designs.

When the work was over Armando said, ‘Can I ask you something? Do you like ice cream?’

‘Ice cream? I don’t know. I’ve never tasted it.’

‘Never tasted ice cream? Then you must try some of my Uncle Giovanni’s. He makes the best ice cream in the city – perhaps the best in the world.’

‘Really? I’d love to try some.’

‘Then you shall, on Sunday. If you will allow me, I will take you to my uncle’s shop and we will have ice cream. Will you come?’

May hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should accept, but there was something in Armando’s brown eyes, and the way they sparkled, that was irresistible. She nodded. ‘Thank you. I should like that very much.’