As they walked back down to the beach, Juno the goat trying at every step to join in the conversation, Dora could sense that Ariadne was genuinely unhappy. She didn’t have much to do with young people but she could tell from the girl’s listless demeanour and the dark smudges under her rather lovely eyes that all was not well.

‘Is something worrying you? You can tell me. I’m not your father or grandmother.’

‘I don’t want to be stuck on this island any longer!’ Ariadne declared passionately. ‘I want to learn things! My father is all right, but he’s under his mother’s thumb, which is sad at his age. Could you try and persuade him? Maybe I could come to England and stay with you?’

There was so much sudden hope in her voice that Dora, who didn’t even want the responsibility of a cat, was oddly moved and found herself saying, ‘I will talk to your father and grandmother. Try and persuade them.’

Ariadne launched herself at Dora and hugged her. ‘Thank you! You are very kind and good.’

Dora felt she could take the credit for neither of these qualities. If she wasn’t careful, she’d end up with a fifteen-year-old Greek girl coming to stay with her in London.

Seven

So many people turned up for the meeting to decide the fate of the olive grove that they spilled out from the village square on the harbourside into the cafes along the quay.

There was a table at the front with various officials ranged behind it and Nikos, dressed for the occasion in a smart suit and white shirt, officiating. Penny, watching from the back, couldn’t help thinking how he seemed to emanate natural authority without even needing to speak loudly.

‘Good evening, friends,’ Nikos began. ‘To begin with, I have asked anyone who has a serious objection to stand up and make their point. After that, Mr Georgiades will explain why he thinks the project should go ahead.’ He spoke in Greek, but Cassandra was standing close enough to translate for Penny and the others.

Deep silence fell on the crowd as everyone looked round to see who would be brave enough to speak out. It almost looked as if no one was going to oppose the scheme.

Finally it fell to Takis to be brave and stand up. ‘I oppose the scheme,’ he announced. ‘I know this means I cannot be any longer on the planning committee because I will be seen as prejudiced and so, Nikos, I give you my resignation now.’

There was a murmur in the crowd but Penny couldn’t tell whether it was approval or disapproval.