Things moved smoothly but a trifle stiffly after that. The deeply offended manager reappeared, her face stiff, refusing to meet their eyes as she stood, her arms folded across her bosom, staring fixedly at a spot above Bianca’s head as her models swung their hips and paraded various gowns fit for a bride, before the expectant trio.

She did not say anything, but her eyes, when she happened to look at them, were highly disapproving.

O’Grady glanced at his brother over Bainca’s dark head.

“Looks like she took it personally, Saint,” he grunted.

St Just, who was toying with Bianca’s small hands, grinned.

“Not everyone can be as exciting and...