Elena had been distressed by Raphael’s anger directed at them both, and more than a little humiliated that her situation was now being so openly discussed, and they had not hurried back to her house. She seemed especially fond of Raphael, so felt his disapproval keenly. When they learnt he was there ahead of them, she had insisted on leaving again. Knowing she would now have to face her mother, she wished to do it alone. So, they had lingered a while at a taverna.
At last, walking his horse to the stables behind Sam’s house he met Tommaso coming out. He kicked his leg over the pommel and dismounted, handing his horse to a stable lad. ‘Raphael’s here … for Elena’s wedding.’
Tommaso raised his eyebrows. ‘Ah. So presumably he’s been informed of everything?’
‘Indeed, he has. In very great d
