At breakfast, Sofia had laid on another feast, akin to those she’d prepared for the girls when they’d visited the year before. Judith munched her way through two large slices of watermelon, enjoying the sensation of the sweet juice running down her chin and dribbling over her fingers.

George was like an excited puppy, clean-shaven now and tanned. He wore a smart shirt and chinos and Judith thought how different he looked from the sad factory worker he’d been in Coed Celyn and the bearded Scottish-oil-rig worker she’d met at Christmas. George was a new man.

After their daytrip through the mountains and their picnic in a shady grove, they headed back to Kakopetria and the house of Cleoniki Kyriacou. She was a petite, slender woman in her early forties, with pretty lips and shiny, bright brown eyes, dressed plainly but elegantly. Judith was touched by how respectful George was of his sweetheart, kissing her politely on each cheek and greeting her with a formal salutation.

When he turned to introduce her to Judith, Cleo’s eyes filled with tears. She opened her arms wide and embraced her, as if welcoming a long-lost relative back from the war. Judith could pick out a couple of Greek words, but George translated. ‘She says you are beautiful, like a small deer.’

Judith wasn’t sure if this was a compliment or not, but decided to take it as such. ‘Efcharisto poli,’ she timidly attempted, and Cleo seemed to love her even more.

They stayed for tea and Cleo showed Judith her little garden, in which she took such pride. Beautiful blooming geranium plants in pots, and cyclamen and peonies.

‘I am building her a garden seat, to go there in the corner by the olive trees,’ said George, bursting with pride. And Judith noticed the couple share a secret smile.

On their way home, they called into the little churchyard to lay flowers at the grave of George’s mother. It was a happy occasion this time, both Judith and George buoyed up by the sheer joy of being there together. Because who’d have thought this could possibly have ever happened?

As they walked back to the car, George said he had something to tell her, and they sat on a little stone seat in the shade.

She’d already guessed what he wanted to say, but didn’t want to take the wind out of her father’s very full sails. She could tell he’d been rehearsing it, and, after he’d gathered his thoughts, out it came in a loud and definite declaration.

‘I have asked Cleoniki Kyriacou to be my wife and she has consented.’

Judith tried to keep a straight face, his formality was so sweet. ‘Oh, I see,’ she teased.

‘I understand if you feel uncomfortable about this, but—’

‘Dad—’

‘But I love her and I’m afraid I will marry her with or without—’

‘Dad!’

He stopped and she held his hand.

‘It’s wonderful news. I could not be happier for you.’

George beamed, and hugged her. ‘Oh my little Judi-moo!’ He went on to explain that they were hoping to be married as soon as the decree absolute was through.