‘Ariadne! What a wonderful name,’ Wendy smiled. ‘Does she carry a ball of string? Poor girl – I expect everyone asks her that, thinking they’re being smart-alecs who know about Greek mythology.’

‘It’s just an ordinary name here.’ Penny found a quiet table on the corner in the shade. ‘Everyone you meet is an Adonis or an Achilles.’

‘How funny!’

Takis emerged at that moment carrying a tray, and Penny called to him. ‘Takis, come and meet my wonderful daughter Wendy!’

A huge smile cracked Takis’s face. ‘I am so glad to meet you!’ he grinned. ‘Your mother and her friends have done so much to help our island. Penelope, you must show your daughter the boathouses. But first, what will you have to drink, ladies?’

‘I am more concerned with eating, thank you,’ Wendy replied. ‘I had a very early flight and I’m starving!’

‘I will get you a menu at once,’ Takis promised, and disappeared back inside.

‘I like him. He’s got such a funny face!’

‘He’s the kindest man on the planet.’ Penny looked round, but there was still no sign of the others. As soon as Takis came back with the menus they both ordered some meze plus a Greek salad and a glass of wine, and some warm pitta bread.

‘My mother will be so excited to hear that Penelope’s daughter is staying with us as well!’ Takis enthused as he scuttled back to the kitchen.

‘How great that they appreciate you so much,’ Wendy commented.

‘I know. It’s nice to be appreciated.’

‘Especially after Dad.’ They both giggled.

‘Oh, it is good to have you here!’

Takis arrived with the salads, with an extra-wide smile to see them looking so happy.

‘You must take your daughter on a tour round the island. I am sure Nikos would be delighted to take you.’

Penny looked up at him, but he had a poker face with no hint of any implications.

‘Who’s Nikos?’ Wendy enquired.

‘A friend of ours here,’ Penny replied stiffly.

‘Aha. I knew there was somebody from the tone of your voice when you rang me up. Is he tall, dark and handsome? I suppose, being Greek, he’s bound to be dark.’

Before she’d had a chance to reply, Moira bounded up to them with the air of a startled sheepdog.

‘Wendy, this is my old college friend, Moira,’ Penny introduced her. ‘This is my daughter Wendy.’

‘So not your horrible husband at all,’ Moira blundered with her usual tact. ‘Takis told us it wasn’t.’

‘Wendy’s come on a surprise visit,’ interrupted Penny, trying to signal her not to go there.

‘It certainly was that.’

Wendy looked at her curiously.

‘We’re going to go on a tour of the island,’ Penny continued, trying to steer them into safer waters. ‘What do you think I should show her?’