Harry joined Giles for breakfast at the Palace Hotel the following morning, when his friend greeted him with the same immodest smile he always wore just after he’d scored a century.
‘So, how was Caterina?’ Harry asked, not wanting to hear his reply.
‘Beyond my wildest dreams.’
Harry was about to question him more closely when a waiter appeared by his side. ‘Cappuccino, per favore.’ Then he asked, ‘So how far did she let you go?’
‘All the way,’ said Giles.
Harry’s mouth fell open, but no words came out. ‘Did you . . .’
‘Did I what?’
‘Did you . . .’ Harry tried again.
‘Yes?’
‘See her naked?’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘The whole body?’
‘Naturally,’ said Giles as a cup of coffee was placed in front of Harry.
‘The bottom half as well as the top?’
‘Everything,’ said Giles. ‘And I mean everything.’
‘Did you touch her breasts?’
‘I licked her nipples actually,’ said Giles, taking a sip of coffee.
‘You did what?’
‘You heard me,’ said Giles.
‘But did you, I mean, did you . . .’
‘Yes, I did.’
‘How many times?’
‘I lost count,’ said Giles. ‘She was insatiable. Seven, perhaps eight. She just wouldn’t let me get to sleep. I’d still be there now if she hadn’t had to be at the Vatican museum at ten this morning to lecture the next bunch of brats.’
‘But what if she gets pregnant?’ said Harry.
‘Don’t be so naive, Harry. Try to remember she’s an Italian.’ After another sip of coffee, he asked, ‘So, how did my sister behave herself ?’
‘The food was excellent, and you owe me your Caruso recording.’
‘That bad? Well, we can’t all be winners.’
Neither of them had noticed Emma enter the room until she was standing by their side. Harry leapt up and offered her his seat. ‘Sorry to leave you,’ he said, ‘but I have to be at the Vatican museum by ten.’
‘Give Caterina my love!’ shouted Giles as Harry almost ran out of the breakfast room.
Giles waited until Harry was out of sight before he asked his sister, ‘So, how did last night go?’
‘Could have been worse,’ she said, picking up a croissant. ‘A bit serious, isn’t he?’
‘You should meet Deakins.’
Emma laughed. ‘Well, at least the food was good. But don’t forget, I now own your gramophone.’