‘I see. Gertie, as your father, I must advise you. Lies are never a good foundation on which to base a marriage. You must live with them for the rest of your life. However, I understand your reasoning.’ He turned away from the window. ‘I have to take the Ford into town for a service, so I’ll stay at the club after surgery and return home around noon tomorrow. Will you be all right?’

I stroked the downy hair on Adam’s head. ‘Yes, Father. Thank you.’

‘Then I’ll see you tomorrow, when I hope we can put all this behind us and forget it ever happened.’

*

Once my father had left, I called Manno in. He sat on the sofa and rocked Adam to sleep.

‘He is magnificent, and so strong, like Hercules. Did you see how hard he gripped my finger? I feel so proud now, I don’t want to be parted from him, Gertie. I should stay.’

‘Don’t frighten me, Manno. I’ve told you what will happen if my husband finds out the truth. Do you want me to hang?’ I clutched my throat. The idea terrified me. ‘Your son will grow up knowing his father caused his mother’s death. He’d never forgive you.’

Manno’s eyes widened. ‘Forgive me, agapi mou, I didn’t think of these things.’

‘You are a good man, Manno, and I love you, but we have to think of what’s best for our son. One day, I swear on my life, he will come to Syros.’ I went to my mother’s writing bureau and removed a small ivory box. ‘Just to prove I am telling you the truth, look, here is the money I have already saved up towards my trip to Greece.’ I hesitated, I had worked so hard for this, but then I thrust it towards him. ‘As a demonstration of my love for you, I want you to take this money and buy your father’s boat back.’

He reached out, I thought for the box, but instead he took my hand. ‘You are still wearing my ring. The silver dolphin. That is enough proof for me, agapi mou. The boat is no problem, I sold it to the mayor of Kea. I’ll win it back in a game of tavli. Also, the mayor has to get the mail from Syros, so he will lend me my own boat to get it. You see, is not so bad.’ He looked tenderly into my eyes. ‘Where is your bed?’

‘No, Manno, I’m a married woman now. It wouldn’t be right.’ His face fell. ‘Manno, you took my virginity, and I have given you a strong, handsome son, is that not enough?’