Page 26 of Under a Dancing Star

He gives me a glare that tells me he knows I’m laughing at him, and he doesn’t appreciate it. But before he can respond, Klaus appears at my elbow.

“There you are!” he exclaims, leaning in close. “Ursula and I had to get away from this lot. Fil’s guests this evening leave a little to be desired.” His eyes linger distastefully for a moment on Simone.

“What do you suggest?” I ask.

“Join us for a picnic, of course,” Klaus responds promptly, flashing me a grin that shows off his white teeth to their best advantage. “We’re down by the fountain. Ursula sent me for wine and to fetch you.”

“In that order, I expect,” I say, and it’s Klaus’s turn to laugh.

His lips are close to my ear. “Your only mission is to find dessert.”

“You have come to the right woman for the job,” I reply. “Rosa won’t have let us down, I’m sure. Take this for me, will you?” I hand him my laden plate, and he bows slightly.

“I am, as always, at your service, Bea,” he drawls.

“So chivalrous,” I call over my shoulder, already making my way back to the kitchen.

Once inside I find that I have not misjudged the situation. Though she is nowhere to be seen, Rosa has left neat rows of home-made cannoli laid out on the side. The shells of fried pastry are as pretty as a picture, stuffed with sweet, creamy ricotta, their ends dipped in dark chocolate and delicate green pistachios. I take a plate and begin filling it.

“What are you doing?” Ben’s voice makes me jump and I swing round.

“I’m getting some dessert,” I say.

“For you and Klaus?” Ben asks casually, strolling over and swiping a cannoli from my plate.

“Yes,” I reply. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be practising the art of seduction out in the garden?”

He leans back against the counter, his arms folded. “What do you mean?”

“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.”