Page 130 of A Scottish Teashop in Napoli

‘Well, you’re a dark horse. Have you been having secret lessons?’ Lucy asked as she twirled round and round under his arm.

‘Aye,’ he said, glowing with pride.

‘Aye? And you’re learning the language too?’

‘Aye.’

‘I am impressed,’ she said, mouth twitching.

As they launched into the polka, Lucy felt the room spinning like a high-speed carousel. She grabbed hold of Dario’s arm, a wave of nausea washing over her.

‘Are you okay?’ he said, his joyous expression sliding into a frown. ‘You look like a ghost.’

‘I just need some air.’

He fetched her a glass of water, placed his coat around her shoulders and led her to a bench outside. She laid her head in his lap as he gently picked bits of confetti from her hair.

She looked up into his face, eyes sparkling, a thrill of excitement in her voice. ‘I’ve got something to tell you Dario—’

‘Allora,there youare,’ said Stefano, bursting onto the courtyard. ‘Zio Jamie says it’s time to throw the bouquet.’

‘Thank you, Stefano. ‘I’ll be with you… the bouquet? Oh my God, where is it?’ she said, leaping up and dashing into the hall.

Jamie grabbed the microphone and announced in his husky, Scottish burr, ‘Okay, lassies! The time has come for the throwing of the bridal bouquet. Please make your way to the dance floor. Err – no, Mum, you don’t qualify – all thesinglelassies, that is!’

After the laughter had died down, Lucy turned her back to the crowd of excited, jostling women. She raised the bouquet of heather high above her head. A hush fell over the crowd.

All eyes followed it tumbling through the air, as if in slow motion.

Stefano sprinted towards his mother, and gathering all his strength, pushed her onto the dance floor. All the ladies – except Elena – launched themselves skyward, arms frantically grabbing the air. The bouquet spiralled downwards. There was a gasp,followed by excited whooping and cheering. Lucy turned around slowly, searching for the lucky lady who would be the next to marry. The crowd parted.

There, in the far corner of the dance floor, the wedding bouquet at her feet, was the woman who had rescued her and taught her so much about life, love and survival.