Lorenzo's Reward. Catherine George

him only a short time ago. Roberto is here to visit his friend, but he will return to Florence after your wedding. I shall stay awhile, and explore your beautiful countryside.” Lorenzo glanced at Jess, sending the colour rushing to her face again. “I was most fortunate, Leonie, to meet your sister tonight.”

      “Come and meet the rest of my family as well, Lorenzo,” she said promptly, but he shook his head.

      “I must not keep the bride from her beauty sleep.” He smiled at her. “Not, of course, that you need this, Leonie.”

      “Thank you, kind sir.” She exchanged a look with Jess, then gave him a cajoling smile. “Lorenzo, feel free to say no, of course, but since Roberto and Ravellos are coming to my wedding why don’t you come too? It’s a very informal affair. Just a garden party after the church ceremony tomorrow afternoon. My family would be delighted to welcome you. Wouldn’t they, Jess?”

      Jess nodded mutely.

      Lorenzo’s eyes searched her face for a moment, then, apparently satisfied she approved the idea, he smiled at Leonie. “You are very kind. I am most happy to accept. Until tomorrow. Buona notte!” He gave them both a graceful little bow, got back in the car and drove off down the winding drive.

      Leonie put an arm round her sister’s shoulders and drew her slowly along the terrace to the house. “Well, well, what have you been up to, sister dear?” she teased gently. “I was sent out to invite Lorenzo in, but I beat a hasty retreat when I saw him kiss you. I waited for a bit, but then he started kissing you again, and it seemed unlikely that he was about to stop for the foreseeable future, so I decided to interrupt. Sorry!”

      “I tripped and fell in the Chesterton car park and hurt my hands, so he volunteered to drive me home,” said Jess, flushing.

      “With the greatest of pleasure, by the look of it. I don’t know Lorenzo as well as Roberto, of course—”

      “Obviously,” retorted Jess. “You never mentioned him.”

      “I haven’t met him often. He doesn’t socialise much. In fact, Roberto told me that Lorenzo’s marriage changed his brother into something of a recluse.”