The ship’s Matron, was a stick-insect with gaunt features, a whispery voice, and hair pulled into a long, grey-streaked bunch more reminiscent of an old nag than a pony tail. She found us in the dining room. ‘Ah, here you are. As you’re both experienced, from tomorrow you’ll work on wards two and three – that’s intensive care – until we dock in Southampton.’

We both nodded. ‘Thank you, Matron.’

‘However, the ship won’t be leaving until after dark, nurses, so you’re permitted to go ashore. Make the most of a last day of freedom, but be sure you’re back on board by eight hundred hours.’ She walked away, but then turned sharply. ‘Oh, and if you find any loukoumi, I’m very partial.’ She flashed long, narrow tobacco-stained teeth in the semblance of a smile, then disappeared in a flurry of nurses.

I blinked at Josephine, she shrugged. ‘What’s loukoumi? ’ I asked.

‘Turkish delight,’ she said quietly.

‘Why don’t they just say “Turkish delight”?’

‘Shhh. Keep your voice down! You’re not allowed to use the word’ – at that point she resorted to miming Turkish – ‘in this country unless you want your throat cut. They’re arch enemies.’

‘But that seems completely mad when they’re neighbours; why?’

Josephine looked over each shoulder dramatically. ‘I’m not saying. Not too sure, perhaps because they’re on opposite sides. There’s even an issue around who invented “Turkish” delight. Apparently, it should be called Greek delight. Anyway, if we see some loukoumi we should buy it for Rapunzel there. Get on her good side so we’re not allocated dysentery duty or the syphilis ward.’ She nodded towards the group of nurses that had surrounded Matron.

‘Syphilis ward?’

Josephine glanced at me and rolled her eyes. ‘Not now, Gertie.’

*

The cassette tape is nearly at its end, dear listener, but I want you to know that I’m telling you these things in the hope you’re hearing them long after my death. I pray you’ll appreciate my feelings, not judge me, and know that through all my adventures I was always doing my best for my departed siblings, my beloved parents, and my country. However, love has a mind of its own, and I am going to be frank. Cupid may or may not have pierced your heart with his mischievous arrow by the time you listen to these meanderings. I want to be completely honest, and will leave nothing out. So, listen on if you dare, and perhaps you’ll understand.

Chapter 39

CHAPTER 39

SHELLY

Greece, present day.

FOUR HOURS LATER, SHELLY STEPPED outside Athens airport into the warm sunny day. So much had happened since the last time she’d stood outside this airport. ‘I’m here, Harry,’ she spoke softly into her phone. ‘I’ll be leaving for Kea on the seven o’clock ferry; can’t wait to see you.’