‘I’d be delighted,’ Nell bowed back. ‘As a matter of fact I’d like to try to some raki.’

‘Raki?’ Takis echoed, stunned. ‘But that is a Turkish drink.’

‘Raki,’ Nell repeated firmly.

‘Not Greek ouzo?’ Takis’s face took on a wounded air.

‘I have a reason,’ Nell explained. ‘My daughter Willow used to play this song over and over again. It said something about sipping down raki and reading Maynard Keynes and I always promised myself I would try some.’

‘And who is this Maynard Keynes?’

‘He’s a British economist.’

‘We certainly need those in Greece. Invite him over.’

‘I would, but sadly he died in 1946.’

‘That is a problem. And you other ladies?’

‘I’ll join Nell with the raki,’ Moira grinned. ‘There’s an old saying you shouldn’t drink raki alone.’

‘Or at all,’ Dora sniffed. ‘The stuff’s 40% proof! White wine for me. Where do you get all this information, Moira?’

‘Too many years in libraries.’

‘Wine for me too, thank you,’ Penny agreed.

‘Takis,’ Penny asked, hoping he wouldn’t be insulted, ‘with all that’s been going on, we’ve found ourselves staying longer than we planned and instead of going home, some of us would like to stay on for a while.’

‘How many?’ he asked.

‘Who’s up for staying in Kyri a bit longer?’

Nell put up her hand instantly. Then Moira, and eventually Dora as well.

‘Of course; and you can have a special rate!’ Takis said delightedly. ‘I will give you my business rate. And you are helping the island! I should let you stay as my guests.’

‘No, no,’ Penny insisted firmly. ‘A business rate would suit us fine!’

They sat down at their usual table looking out at the harbour. All around them the everyday life of the island unfolded. Old men chatting on the bench at the side of the quay, kids playing football, fishing boats coming in after a day at sea; a few smart yachties showing off with cocktails on their deck; an Orthodox priest in his black robes, huge beard and tall hat hurrying along, trying not to be tempted to join members of his flock sitting down for a drink. And just below, the white sand beach fringing a glorious aquamarine sea.

‘What do you most like about Kyri?’ Penny suddenly asked them.

‘The fact you always know tomorrow will be sunny,’ Dora smiled. ‘And the feeling of sand between your toes down at the beach bar.’

‘That’s two,’ pointed out Moira. ‘The friendliness of the people. They’ll do anything for you. Look at the doctor and his wife putting me up for a pittance. Can you imagine that at home?’

‘The sound of flip flops,’ giggled Penny.

‘Greek yogurt for breakfast with honey and walnuts!’ added Nell.

‘The peace of the place.’ Dora closed her eyes and felt the last rays of sun on her face. ‘I’ve never known anything quite like it.’