Natalia had just finished her finals. Dr Tomlin is presently sponsoring three students at the Ian Tomlin school of Music, Napier University, Edinburgh: Alexander Vella Gregory is studying composition, while Marcelle Zahra and Gisele Grima are studying pianoforte.

The pool at Mytton Lodge looked invitation with its backdrop of flowers and shrubs, but no one had remembered to bring a bathing costume so instead, everyone sat and drank more wine in the shade of huge, cream umbrellas.