Page 12 of Under a Dancing Star

“Hmmm?” Leo looks up from his rapt contemplation of Filomena’s profile. “Oh, it changes. We have Klaus, a talented painter, and Ursula, a playwright, and Ben, of course, who have all been here for a few weeks, and then the others tend to come and go. Filomena is throwing a big party at the end of the summer to exhibit their work. It will be quite the occasion.”

“I didn’t know you were artistic, Uncle.” I pull the roll apart with my fingers and dip it in my coffee. Hero snorts.

“As my daughter will be quick to point out, I am not in the least artistic.” Leo raises an eyebrow at Hero, his eyes dancing. “I just happen to be in love with an artist, and I’ll do whatever I can to keep her happy so that she won’t leave me.”

“Oh, Leo.” Filomena raps his hand playfully. “What nonsense.”

“And most of these arty types haven’t got two pennies to rub together,” Leo continues cheerfully, “so while I am no artist, I like to think of myself as a sort of sponsor, in the grand old tradition.”

“Well, I love it,” Hero says firmly. “It’s much more exciting since Filomena came here. We have all sorts of interesting people to stay.”

“Yes, it was dull for you before with only your poor old father.” Leo sighs, levering himself out of his chair. “And now, I must get back to the boring world of business and leave you ladies to it.” He turns to Filomena. “I will try and finish in time for drinks before dinner, my love.”

“I will be working, I think, anyway,” Filomena says. She barely glances at him, while his expression is one of dog-like devotion. I feel a pang for my uncle.

“And you, young lady” – Uncle Leo turns to Hero – “are supposed to be working too, at your lessons. Where is Signora Giuliani?”

“She’s late,” Hero says smugly. But then, as though on cue, there is a clanging of the bell on the door.

“That will be her now,” Filomena says.

Hero’s face falls. “I wish I could spend the afternoon with Bea.”

“Bea isn’t going anywhere,” Leo reminds her. I realize that he is right, and feel a grin stretching across my face. “There will be plenty of time for you two to catch up.” He leaves, Hero trudging after him, and Filomena and I are left alone.

“Well,” I say. “What now?”

“What now?” Filomena stretches, like a cat. “Why, whatever you want, Bea.”

It’s a perfect answer. I jump to my feet, brushing the crumbs briskly from my skirt, my mind already on the hunt for hoopoes. “In that case, I think I’d like to explore.”

“Of course,” Filomena agrees. “Perhaps you would like to swim as well?”

“I don’t have a suit,” I say, thinking longingly of the blue water.

Filomena’s laugh is throaty. “This doesn’t have to stop you,” she says, and something in my face must betray my surprise because she laughs again. “I think your uncle is right that you will find us horribly shocking.”

“Oh no,” I reply. “I’m just used to being the shocking one myself.”

Filomena regards me with an unblinking feline gaze. “Perhaps you have some Italian blood in you,” she says, and it sounds like a compliment. “Anyway, it is no matter about the bathing suit. I will have your uncle order some things for you. And some summer clothes perhaps.” She eyes my dress rather doubtfully. “You are not too warm in that?”

The truth is that I am rather warm. Although my dress is cotton, it’s quite thick with long sleeves and it’s also a pinch too tight. The heat here shimmers in the air, a different beast altogether from the weak English sunshine. “I suppose I am a bit,” I admit, feeling a trickle of perspiration on the back of my neck. “But Uncle Leo shouldn’t have to buy me clothes.”

“Do not worry about it.” Filomena is firm. “I will take your measurements myself later and then I will speak to him. It is fine.”

“All right,” I say doubtfully. I’m not sure my parents would like my uncle spending money on me, but Filomena seems very certain.

“So, you are going to explore?” she says, closing the subject.

“Yes. There’s actually a particular bird that I want to find.” Then I remember; if I’m going exploring then I’ll need my binoculars, and that means I need to track down both the car and its driver.

“Oh.” I hesitate. “Actually, there is another thing. The man who came to collect me yesterday – do you know where I can find him?”

“Ah!” Filomena arches a knowing eyebrow. “Another victim falls to Ben’s charms.”

“Charms?” It’s not exactly the first word that comes to mind.

“It is usually the way with Ben.” Filomena sips her coffee. “He has quite a reputation with the ladies, you see.”