‘Oh, you must see the Corsair caves,’ enthused Moira. ‘They’re the most significant thing about Kyri. You can tell her it was the caves that made this such an important place in the seventeenth century.’

‘Was it an important place?’ Wendy glanced round her. ‘It hardly seems like it now.’

‘I know it’s hard to believe, but Kyri was the hub of the whole eastern Mediterranean,’ said Moira with a flourish.

‘You sound so proud of the place,’ Wendy smiled.

‘We are, aren’t we, Pen?’ Moira slipped an arm round Penny. ‘We’ve sort of adopted it.’

‘How long are you planning to stay?’ Wendy asked.

They both jumped guiltily. Wendy noted the response with interest. They clearly felt they ought to be going home, but didn’t want to.

Takis was back with their wine. ‘I will call Nikos,’ he said tactfully, ‘and see if he can take you ladies on a tour.’

‘Why doesn’t Penny call him?’ Moira enquired, ignoring Takis’s warning look. ‘He’s more likely to take us if she asks him than you do!’ she blundered on.

Wendy, acute as ever, stored this interesting information away and got stuck into her salad.

Just as they were finishing, Dora and Karl appeared. Seeing that Moira was there already, they came up to join the group.

‘This is my wonderful daughter, Wendy!’ Penny informed them meaningfully. ‘She was in my room waiting to give me a surprise!’

‘Ah,’ acknowledged Karl, sagely nodding.

‘Takis was right, then . . .’ began Dora.

‘Yes, Dora,’ Karl interrupted swiftly.

‘He has just phoned Nikos to see if he can take us round the island.’

‘But you should see the boathouses first,’ Dora suggested. ‘Your mother was absolutely amazing with the boathouses,’ she told Wendy enthusiastically. ‘She has a real flair for design!’

‘I know,’ agreed Wendy. ‘She should believe in herself much more.’

‘She was brilliant. Her and Nell. Where is Nell, by the way?’

‘I think she’s worried about being seen with us, after the other night.’

‘Ooh,’ Wendy commented. ‘How fascinating. What happened the other night?’

She could see from their faces that they didn’t know how to answer this. ‘Aha – a mystery. Even better. Don’t feel you have to tell me. I have just escaped dreary reality and my demanding children for some sunshine. I am happy to lie around like a basking seal with earphones on. I shan’t give your game away.’

Takis descended on them, all smiles. ‘He asks if you could go round to the jetty near the boathouses at three p.m., and he will be happy to take you.’

‘Oh good,’ Penny smiled. ‘That gives us plenty of time to show you round a bit.’

‘And avoid Marigold,’ Moira agreed. ‘If you can.’

‘Who is Marigold?’ asked Wendy.

‘The most dreadful woman you could imagine,’ Moira replied.

‘Now, Moira . . .’ Penny began.