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‘Oh, my, it’s Farah Fawcett-Majors.’ Shauna ducked her head as the famous actress walked by in a billowing gold lamé dress on the arm of a familiar-looking man. ‘And the Bionic Man.’

Demetrios laughed softly. ‘I don’t think you should call him that if we’re introduced.’

‘Do you know him?’

‘No.’

A thought struck her. ‘Do you know the prince and Princess Grace?’

‘Monaco is actually very small. My father has business dealings with Prince Rainier. He asked me to come in his place as he’s unavoidably detained in Athens.’

There was something about his tone that made her ask. ‘Didn’t you want to come?’ She couldn’t believe anyone wouldn’t.

He hesitated. ‘It’s business. These aren’t my friends. There are so many people here, it’s difficult to talk to anyone. It’s all an act. A game. Some of my father’s friends and associates will be here and I’m expected to mingle with them. Will you think me very dreadful if I say it’s a duty I must fulfil?’

‘Very,’ she said cheerfully, determined to make sure that tonight he enjoyed himself.

He laughed, a rich low rumble that made her tummy tingle.

Now it was their turn to climb the steps. They passed through ranks of white-uniformed guards armed with guns into a reception room. ‘It’s exquisite,’ Shauna whispered, entranced by the huge glittering chandelier that sparkled and shimmered with golden light refracted and reflected by the mirrors lining the white plaster and gilt walls.

‘I find it a bit stuffy.’ Demetrios shrugged, looking around him.

‘Yes, it’s like being in a museum, except real people live here. Look at the chairs.’ She discreetly pointed to the plump, silk-brocade-upholstered Louis XV gold-leaf chairs, ‘And the walls.’ Her eyes widened as she realized the walls were covered in matching silk brocade. Her attention turned to the painted walls curving up to the ceiling with frescoes depicting scenes of voluptuous cherubs and a titian-haired goddess with flowing locks.

Her head twisted this way and that as she tried to take in every detail so that she could share it in a postcard to her parents. It was magnificent, spectacular, marvellous, glorious … and she was never going to be able to describe it properly.

At last they came to a room so crowded with people that it took her mind off the sumptuous surroundings. The hum of chatter filled the high-ceilinged room and Demetrios took two glasses of champagne from the smart waiter standing to attention by the doorway.

‘Gosh, before today, I’d never had champagne, and now I’m having my second glass.’ Shauna raised her glass in a playful toast.

‘I feel like I’m leading you astray. I think my mother might disapprove.’

‘My mother definitely would. She doesn’t approve of enjoying yourself.’ With a defiant grin she took a swig of champagne.

‘Ah, the rebel,’ teased Demetrios.

‘Not really, just determined to make the most of this moment,’ she replied, beaming at him before looking around her. ‘I didn’t expect this many people. It’s quite a crush.’

‘And now you see why I’m not so keen.’

‘But it’s all so pretty, there’s so much to look at. And that doesn’t even include the people. Look at that old couple there, the lady with the iron-grey curls and the black walking stick. They’re like something out of an antique painting.’

‘The Von Hapsburgs – they’re German former royals, and he’s in pharmaceuticals.’

Shauna felt like she was wandering around with her mouth open and told herself to look less obviously like an interloper. Demetrios wanted her to play a role, so that’s what she was going to do. They began to circulate around the edge of the room. ‘Who’s the tall blonde over there with the rather elderly gentleman?’

‘Greta Mitterand, niece of the French president, and that’s her tennis coach.’

‘Tennis coach?’

‘Oh, yes, despite his advanced years, he’s still rather handy on the tennis court – she almost got to Wimbledon last year.’ She could feel Demetrios shaking with laughter as he spoke. ‘He’s also her husband.’

‘Really?’ Shauna took another look at the pair. ‘That’s … Do you think she really loves him?’ With a perplexed frown, she glanced up at him. ‘I mean, he’s, well, quite old, and she’s … very beautiful.’

Demetrios shook his head. ‘Shauna, you really do need an education in the ways of the moneyed classes.’ Then he caught sight of someone and steered her in their direction.

‘How about this couple?’ he said, indicating a very striking pair standing under one of the glittering chandeliers beside a long window.