by Leah Fleming
Suddenly Penny felt gauche and abandoned amongst the crowd. The exertions of her first day out were catching up with her and it was time to go home but she didn’t fancy walking back through the deserted streets alone. She had expected that Bruce would escort her home. Fat chance of that now.
‘Got to go,’ she announced loudly. No one took any notice as she rose to leave, gathering her bag along with her pride. Bruce was still engaged in deep conversation with Nikki, and one of the officers from the legation was muscling in on their party.
‘I’ve had enough for one day. I’ll walk back with you. Don’t want Evadne blowing her top. She’s a right mother hen where you are concerned,’ Joan offered, standing to leave.
Penny couldn’t wait to get away. She felt sick and furious that her exit went unremarked. Was she so invisible?
They walked back in the balmy night in silence. Joan could see Penny was suffering. ‘A word to the wise . . . this isn’t your usual cattle market. All the lads here are intent on furthering their careers or gaining some useful foreign experience, making hay before the rain pours. They’ll be in the army before the year’s out, if things go on as they are. Don’t begrudge them their fun and games. You’ve plenty of time for all that . . .’ Joan went on, but Penny was no longer listening.
I haven’t got all the time in the world, she thought. You don’t understand. I have to go home soon, and then what?
By the time they reached the villa gate she was exhausted and heart sore. It was all Bruce Jardine’s fault. If only he looked at her like he looked at that Nikki woman.
As she lay tossing and turning in the darkness Penny realized that it was only quirks of nature that had kept her here so long: a miscarriage and a bout of influenza. Because of these unexpected events, she’d been able to fend off her return. But not for much longer. Evadne was organizing their travel schedule. Penny was going home for the season and to catch up with the family. They’d all be gone by February, just as springtime arrived, whereas the students would be off to Crete, an island of spectacular beauty, according to Joan. How could she leave all these plans behind: her studies, Joan’s lessons and most of all her freedom? She couldn’t rely on snow or storm to cancel their journey home. If she was going to do the unthinkable she must take responsibility alone for the thunderstorms ahead.
‘What do you mean, you’re not coming with me?’ Evadne almost choked on her pasta soup.
They were sitting in the dining room when Penny announced her intentions in a croaky voice.
‘I’m not going back. I want to stay in Athens and continue my lessons.’
‘Don’t be tiresome, it’s all arranged. We leave in two weeks.’ She tore off a chunk of thick bread.
‘Then we can unarrange it. I can stay here with Walter until I get myself sorted,’ Penny continued, seeing she had her sister’s full attention now.
‘Oh, no you won’t. I can’t have a single girl staying with me. When Evadne goes, so do you, and that’s the end of the matter,’ Walter snapped. ‘It’s not proper.’
‘Who cares what’s proper? I want to be a student not a debutante.’
‘And just how do you intend to do that with no allowance? Live off thin air?’ Walter slammed down his soup spoon in annoyance. ‘You’ve never earned a penny in your life.’
‘I know, isn’t it dreadful at my age? But I’ll find a way . . . I’m not going and that’s that.’
‘We’ll see about that. I’m going to telegraph Mummy right now. She’ll insist you return. We didn’t bring you out here to make waves in the family. You have to do what is expected. Don’t disgrace us,’ Evadne demanded. ‘I don’t want to fall out with you. I thought you’d grown up enough to know when it’s time to leave the party.’
‘I’m sorry to disappoint you all, Effy, but is it disgraceful to want to earn my own living, to exercise my brain and be useful, not just an ornament?’ Penny hated upsetting her sister but she had to make her understand how she was really feeling.
‘So I’m just an ornament then, no use to anyone? Is that what you think after all we’ve done for you, you ungrateful madam?’ Evadne was in tears now. ‘What’s got into you? It must be the influenza; they do say it can affect the brain. You’re not thinking straight. We’ve given you all this freedom and you throw it back in our faces. How can I return home without you?’
‘Can’t you see I’m trying to be grown-up? You came here alone, and I have been useful here since . . .’ she hesitated, not wanting to hurt her sister further, ‘. . . since you were ill. I didn’t mean to stay so long but things happened. I just love being here. I belong and I’ve made friends. Why can’t you see that?’
‘It’s that Bruce Jardine, he’s at the back of this. He’s filled your head with nonsense.’ Walter banged his spoon down again as if trying to call her to heel.
Penny felt her cheeks flushing. ‘No, it’s not,’ she replied, but they were not convinced.
‘Look I understand, you’ve got a pash on him,’ Evadne leaped in, sensing a chink in her resolve. ‘Oh, Penny, it’s what happens at your age. You’ve led a sheltered life. He’s the first boy who’s shown an interest but he’s an adventurer and not likely to settle for anyone less than a countess when the time comes. I’ve seen his type: handsome, sporty and a bit of a daredevil; the sort that breaks your heart. Don’t throw it all away drooling after something that’s never going to be yours.’
Penny shook her head. ‘You’ve got it all wrong. Bruce isn’t interested in me one bit.’ Somehow saying it aloud suddenly made it more true, more real and it hurt. ‘I’m staying because this is where I want to be, not parading round some stuffy ballroom in London.’
‘We’ll see about that,’ said the couple in unison as they looked at each other.
‘You are in no position to argue any more,’ Evadne added. ‘Let’s just finish dinner in peace.’
The atmosphere in the villa was fraught for days afterwards as Evadne made preparations for leaving and Penny refused to budge at first. She spent as much time as she could at the student hostel, reading, drawing, making herself useful in the museum, washing pottery, anything to keep her mind off what was about to happen. She told no one of her coming departure, especially not Joan, because if she did it would become real. Every morning she secreted some clothes and personal bits and took them in a shopping bag to her locker in the hostel. She made an outward play of asking Kaliope to wash her clothes ready for packing and took them off the line, a few at a time, bundling them into her college bag, leaving all her art materials at the hostel. Each day she siphoned off a few things she might need: her papers, address book. It was madness but she had to escape before it was too late. On the night before their departure, she pretended to go along with their preparations and said she would have an early night while Walter and Evadne went out into the city for a last dinner, assured that she had come to her senses at long last.
As soon as they had left, Penny sat down and wrote a letter to her parents.
Please don’t blame Evadne for my decision to stay on in Athens. She has had no part in my actions and knows nothing of my plans. I know you will feel let down by me but I want to make you proud of me in another way.
Papa, your forefathers were humble tradespeople who, through hard work and luck, and maybe some cunning made their fortune from this very city. I feel I have roots in Greece. My language has come on well. My archaeology teacher says I have the eye and aptitude to succeed in my own right, not because of connections in high places.
Please forgive my disobedience to your wishes: we have but one life to live and I want to live it my way.
I am not taking the easy route. I will be penniless for the first time in my life, but deep in my heart I know this path is the true one for me wherever it may lead.
I am still your loving daughter though you may wish to disown and reject me after this act of what you see as treachery. Try to understand my decision.
Ever your loving if disobedient daughter
,
Penelope Angelika Georgiou
Later that day Penny left a note for Evadne, gathered up her new carpetbag and suitcase and made for the British School, leaving her luggage with the concierge there. It was still light as she made her way for the first time up the high mount of Lycabettus towards St George’s Chapel at the summit. It was a long, slow climb, every step distancing her from home and family. Half-way she halted in panic, knowing she ought to go back and say goodbye to Evadne and Walter, who would be confused, angry and frightened by her leaving. She’d drawn close to her sister in these past months and she’d miss her company. But the only way was forward through the brush of thyme and sage and buzzing insects, on and on to the little white chapel. Once there she stood in awe, watching the sun set on life as she‘d known it. The palette of sky as it slid to the west was streaked with lavender, ochre, pinks and apricots. The sight of it brought tears of relief and wonder at such beauty. How could she even think of leaving such a majestic place?
She found a quiet corner to sit and watch the city lamps slowly light up as evening turned into night.
Early in the morning she arrived at Joan’s bedroom door, dishevelled and exhausted, having spent the night sitting in the chapel, knowing there was no going back.
‘Where on God’s earth have you been? They’ve been out searching for you. Honestly, Penelope, I thought better of you. Your sister is so worried. You can’t just walk out on people like that,’ she scolded. Then, seeing Penny’s stooped figure, her look of exhaustion and fear, she relented. ‘Don’t suppose you’ve eaten a thing. We’ll get something from the kitchen. You’d better go and explain yourself to Bruce while you’re here. He’s had Walter at his door thinking you’d eloped with him into the hills.’
Penny sat down on the edge of Joan’s bed. ‘Have they gone?’ she asked anxiously.
‘I don’t know. None of my business, or it wasn’t. What were you thinking of, roaming the streets? You could’ve been robbed, or worse. There are some wild folk in Athens these days . . .’
‘I climbed Mount Lycabettus for the view and just stayed up there until dawn. The sunrise was so beautiful. I needed to think what to do next. I’m not going back,’ she cried.
‘What’s brought this on?’ Joan asked softly.
‘You did,’ Penny replied, looking up through tear-stained eyes. ‘You told me my life was useless and I ought to be working, earning my own living.’
Joan flung her hands in the air in protest. ‘Hang on! I never said anything of the sort. Don’t pin all this at my door. I may have pointed out the contrast between your situation and others less fortunate. You just don’t walk out on your family after all they’ve done for you, especially your sister.’
‘If I return to England, that’s me finished. There is no way will they’ll let me return.’
‘How do you know? Don’t be so dramatic. You have to face them and stand up for your decision. Running away solves nothing.’ Joan sat herself down beside her. ‘In my book, it shows you are still a kid who can’t face up to the disappointment and anger your parents must be feeling. They let you come here on trust and you will let them down.’
Penny jumped up, making for the door. ‘Whose side are you on?’
‘Yours, of course, but if you’re going to do this, do it properly and don’t burn your bridges. Families are important, meet them half-way . . .’
‘I’ve written them a letter explaining my decision. I am not going back.’
‘Then ask them to trust your decision, ask them to visit you to see how you are making your own way. And you’d better apologize to Bruce for putting him in a difficult position.’
‘It’s got nothing to do with him,’ Penny snapped.
‘Hasn’t it? I think he adds a little to the attraction of the city. I’m not blind, you follow him around like a lovesick puppy.’
‘I do not . . . Oh, shut up, Joan!’
‘Don’t be so touchy. I’m trying to be reasonable here. Come on, let’s get you some breakfast; see if we can repair a few burned bridges.’
Later, Penny found Bruce bashing tennis balls over the net. He laughed on seeing her peering round the wire netting. ‘So the Prodigal returns,’ he said, whacking another ball across the court. ‘You’ve caused quite a stir. Half the British legation were out looking for you.’
‘I’m sorry you got involved, but there was no need for them to panic. I just needed to think things through. Now I feel so foolish.’
‘Walter seemed to think I’d carried you off into my lair,’ Bruce laughed, but his eyes were concerned. ‘As if I’d dare? You’re a sweet girl but I’m not in the market for romantic entanglements, not with war on the horizon. I’m returning to England, finishing off my course and going to join up while I have choices. Things will shut down here if it comes to a fight so enjoy your stay while it lasts. John Pendlebury’s team is off to Crete soon. Come on, let’s go for coffee. I expect you’ve been up all night. Can’t have you wilting away.’
He found a perfect spot in a pavement café under a mulberry tree in Kifissia village. Penny was feeling exhausted but relieved he was still speaking to her after he’d had to brush off her romantic attachment to him. They settled down to share a huge slice of sticky baklava. Penny was trying so hard not to get the syrup all over her lips, Bruce burst out laughing. Then he looked her straight in the eye with those piercing dark eyes.
‘Look, if you’re determined to stick it out here, you’ll have to work hard. Joan will keep you up to scratch. Not sure they’ll let you on board yet for an excavation but try to learn the mountains while you’re here and keep yourself walking-fit, go hill walking. Archaeology is not for sluggards. Have you met Mercy Coutts and her friend Marion Blake? They’re superb at what they do. Mercy is so agile she can even outstrip John on their mountain treks. Ask their advice and you’ll not go wrong.’
‘You’re not cross with me then?’ Penny asked.
‘Why should I be cross? What you do is up to you. You’re following your dream, good for you. I just hope we get enough peace for the school to get on with its business. I’d hate anything to happen to all the excavation work we’ve done in Egypt and Greece.’
As they sat in the shade they looked to passers-by like any young couple out for a stroll, but Penny knew as far as he was concerned she was a nuisance, just a kid who behaved as mixed-up girls often did. He’d befriended her and she’d let him down, and now he was letting her down gently. He was off to follow his own destiny and she wasn’t part of it.
She suddenly felt flat and despondent, especially with Joan’s accusations still ringing in her ears. It was true that Bruce was the first man to excite her imagination and interest, but she realized now it was all a silly childish fantasy. He was confident, handsome in a rugged sort of way. She’d imagined she was special to him but she wasn’t and never had been. He’d burst that bubble and she must hide her disappointment. How could something be over when it hadn’t even begun?
Better make the most of this moment alone with him, save it up to chew over on a rainy day in the future, she sighed as she tucked into the last of her cake.
Only one thing mattered and that was her chosen career; the chance to do something interesting and be useful too. She would make the most of her opportunities and show her family that Penny George would succeed.
Penny braced herself for a tearful reunion with Evadne and a telling-off from Walter, but no one was at home when she called. Kaliope said they’d left as planned, then shut the door in her face. She was in disgrace and on her own now.
Funny how the next few weeks seemed to be full of farewells. Everyone was disappearing into the hills, across to Crete or returning home on vacation. Joan left for England and Penny found lodgings with Miss Margery McDade, a retired teacher who taught music and sometimes helped out washing and cataloguing artefacts in the stratigraphic workroom.
The Pendlebury expedition did not need her services so it was back to washing dirty artefact
s from recent digs, and drawing practice and trying to remember all the things Joan had drummed into her. Money was tight and she was glad to have learned all Joan’s little schemes to stay afloat, but she sold her pearl necklace to fund her stay.
Athens was hot in early June and it was a relief to find coolness in the wooded groves of Mount Lycabettus whenever she could. She toured sites with Margery as her guide, just like any tourist: first to the sacred groves of Delphi, north of Athens, in the steps of pilgrims thousands of years ago who had come to hear the Oracle’s prophecies. Then they visited the Temple of Apollo high in the hills of the Peloponnese, built 2,000 years ago, through the rough winding tracks, down to the finger-lines of coast at Mani. Later they found the ancient city of Mycenae where the School was doing excavations, and it was Penny’s turn to show Margery around the site. The party invitations from Walter’s friends dried up on hearing about her disgrace. She was left to fend for herself, much to her relief. There was always a book to read, a museum to visit and lots of time for reflection, but life on a shoestring was not easy. Thank goodness for pupils wanting to learn English, and cheap food from the markets. Margery would always make her meals stretch for two. If she went hungry sometimes, it was the price of this new-found independence.
The silence from Stokencourt Place was deafening. Sometimes she felt she’d made a terrible mistake, doubts creeping in as she floundered around the fringes of the shrinking student community, hoping for distraction from her guilt, but without Bruce and Joan and the familiar gang, it wasn’t the same.
There was one young man who seemed as apart from the crowd as she was. Steven Leonidis had an English mother, who came from a landowning family in Wiltshire, and a father in the Greek diplomatic corps. He’d been studying at Oxford and had been schooled by private tutors and at public school. He was interested in all things Greek and the philosophy of the ancient Greek society. He liked hiking and sunbathing on the beach in the briefest of bathing trunks. The other students avoided him, for some reason. Once he started on political theory, the groups scattered and Penny was left clutching her coffee, not knowing how to make her exit without causing offence. He was lonely and so was she, so it made sense for them to go about together.