‘Or happier,’ Wendy added, as they swam back towards the pirate ship. ‘You haven’t asked my advice, but I’d say go for it, Mum.’

Back at the boat, Nikos helped them aboard. ‘So, to the famous caves,’ he announced, steering the boat to the next headland.

Penny went below to change out of her wet swimsuit. Wendy decided to seize the moment. ‘Have you ever been married, Nikos?’ she asked, pulling a t-shirt over her bikini.

‘No, never,’ he grinned, instantly aware of the direction of the conversation. ‘Which is considered very strange in Greece. I’ve had long relationships and almost tied the knot, but somehow it never happened. Does that make me a bad bet?’

‘Better than having a wife you forgot to mention,’ replied Wendy, always one to put her cards on the table.

‘Don’t worry,’ he replied. ‘I’m what the Americans call baggage-free. So, now I have a question for you. What is the situation with Penelope’s husband?’

‘My father, you mean?’ She liked his directness; it echoed with her own. And he wouldn’t be asking unless his intentions were serious.

He nodded.

‘He’s never really valued her. And now if he loses her he’ll probably only realize too late what he’s lost. And even then, he’ll find a way of blaming her.’

‘You think she’d be better off without him?’

‘Yes.’ Wendy looked him in the eye. ‘I honestly do.’

‘Good,’ smiled Nikos, as if she had answered something that had seriously worried him. ‘You don’t know how relieved I am to hear you say that.’

Wendy went back to her perch at the front of the boat. She had a strong feeling that Nikos would turn out to be a good thing.

‘Where is Stelios?’ Karl enquired as they met for their usual early evening drink.

‘For that matter, where is Nell?’ added Dora.

‘I think he’s feeling sorry for her because she’s still staying in her room to avoid detection,’ Moira suggested.

‘She can’t stay there forever,’ Dora shrugged, trying to catch Takis’s eye. ‘Takis, sweetheart,’ she smiled seductively. ‘How about opening a bottle of prosecco?’

‘Dora, behave,’ Karl objected. ‘They’ll never sell the rest, and it will cost them a fortune.’

‘I’ll drink it,’ Dora said. ‘No, I won’t – I’ll take it up to poor imprisoned Nell.’

‘Are you sure poor imprisoned Nell isn’t up there enjoying the company of charming Stelios, and might not welcome an interruption?’ he suggested.

‘Everyone welcomes interruptions involving prosecco,’ Dora commented blandly.

‘I wouldn’t,’ replied Karl.

‘I’ll try and bear that in mind. Takis, two more glasses, please. And some of that delicious pepper hummus Cassandra makes. Oh, and some pitta bread. And maybe some olives.’

‘Tell them we’ll meet them at the cafe on the beach,’ suggested Moira. ‘That should be safe enough. We’re always the only people there.’