The Lady of Tarpon Springs

by Judith Miller

  Bessie leaned toward him and rested her head on his shoulder. “My dear man, if that’s the only thing holding us back, you needn’t worry any longer. I have more than sufficient funds to clear any obstacle that threatens our wedded bliss.”

  He placed his arm around her shoulder and smiled. “As soon as I have the funds, I’ll go to New York, pay off my creditors, and return to you, my love. Then we can begin our lives anew.”

  Bessie patted his hand. “I won’t have you going off to New York now that we’re engaged. I much prefer having my banker, Mr. Larson, take care of paying the debt. He would never approve of any other arrangement. Besides, this way you can remain in Tarpon Springs.” She beamed. “We can marry without waiting.”

  A knot fisted in Adelfo’s chest, and he clutched the lapel of his jacket. “No, no.” He shook his head. “I need to go and personally pay the debts myself, dear.”

  Bessie’s lips drooped into a frown. “Don’t be foolish, Adelfo. We both know that creditors don’t care if their payments are delivered personally or through a third party. I believe this is the safest method—for both of us.” Her frown faded. “Using Mr. Larson as our liaison will give us peace of mind and allow us to wed much sooner.”

  His stomach churned, but then a sliver of hope pushed to the forefront. “I’ll still need to travel to New York and speak with my employers. They may want me to train in a new buyer to take my place.”

  She shot him a brief smile. “Letters to those New York businessmen will suffice. You’ll not be working for them in the future, so there’s no reason for a personal visit.” Her voice quivered with excitement. “You can stay here with me forever.” The words gushed forth like a spring freshet. With a sigh, she lifted her head. “I think we should seal our love with a kiss.”

  He might be able to wiggle out of most things, but there was no way he could escape kissing Bessie Rochester.

  CHAPTER

  26

  At the jingling of the bell on the front door, Zanna looked up from the sheaf of papers strewn across her desk. Her full lips instantly curved in a welcoming smile. “Nico! What a nice surprise. I was going to come down to the warehouse later this morning, but I wanted to go through the remainder of these papers first.”

  His dark curls fell across his forehead, making him look more like a schoolboy than a seasoned diver and businessman. He flashed a broad smile, yet it was his tender expression that caused her heart to race.

  He dropped into one of the chairs opposite her desk. “I no longer expect you at the warehouse every day. We agreed you would work on the new project Mr. Burnside sent to you.” He leaned forward. “But I do miss seeing your beautiful smile each morning, so I decided to stop by on my way to purchase some cordage.”

  Heat crawled up her neck and into her cheeks. “No problems with the ledgers this week?”

  He shook his head. “You trained me well. Everything is—” he hesitated a moment—“balanced. That’s the word, is it not?”

  “Yes, and I’m amazed how well you’ve done. Soon you won’t need me at all.”

  He reached across the desk and captured her fingers with his. “I will always need you, Zanna. You must know that by now. It is only in the operating of the business that I don’t need you as much. And that is a good thing. Now you are able to work on these papers for Mr. Burnside. Before, you would have had to tell him you were too busy.” He rubbed his thumb across her fingertips. “You will be earning much more money from him than at the docks.”

  She couldn’t argue that point. The offer from Mr. Burnside had come as a surprise. He’d personally come to Tarpon Springs to ask her if she would be willing to examine a stack of contracts for the railroad. With the need to travel so much, he’d fallen behind and the company had agreed he could hire an assistant he trusted. Zanna had been flattered by the request and also the fact that the work would provide her with funds she could save for the future.

  Lucy had voiced no objection when Zanna approached her. In fact, she’d encouraged Zanna to accept the offer. Lucy had been delighted to hear her friend was going to spend a portion of her days practicing law. After all, Zanna would be available to support Nico if he needed help, though Lucy had expressed doubt he’d need much assistance.

  While at first Zanna felt affronted by Lucy’s comments, she knew they were true. Nico was more than capable of operating the business without her. His command of the language had consistently improved, and he seldom needed to ask her to translate a word. And now that he could manage the ledgers, she wasn’t needed as much.

  Instead, she’d begun helping the men in purchasing individual plots of land on which to construct homes, working with two local builders to make certain the men weren’t cheated. Even though the men had never warmed to her when she wanted information about the sponging boats or their voyages, they’d more than welcomed her assistance when they were ready to begin securing land and building homes. Most were eager to move out of the cramped huts and establish permanent homes where eventually they could welcome their wives and start raising families. However, Zanna didn’t relish the tedium of haggling with the agents and builders. The work didn’t bear the excitement of being on the docks and watching the boats sailing in and out of the Anclote River. She’d missed seeing Nico every day, and although he spoke with her regarding progress of the purchases and building of homes, his real interest remained with his men in the Gulf.

  So when Mr. Burnside had come calling, his offer had piqued Zanna’s interest and her desire to return to her first love—the law. With Lucy and Nico both expressing their approval, there’d been nothing to hold her back.

  Yet faced with Nico’s ability to get along without her, a feeling of loss now enveloped her.

  “Anything interesting in all those papers?” Nico’s eyes sparkled in the morning sunlight that slanted across the room.

  “I believe I’ve found a few issues that will interest Mr. Burnside. The lawyer who prepared the contract has attempted to slip in a few clauses the railroad won’t like.” She smiled. “And what about the Anastasi? The last you told me, Peter was doing well and there had been only two voyages when their harvest was lower than expected.”

  He sighed. “You need to keep your attention on those papers from Mr. Burnside and quit worrying about the boats. If the harvest is not what I expect, then I will take care of it. Eventually I will discover what is the cause of the shortage on the Anastasi.”

  “So there are still problems. Why didn’t you tell me? I thought we agreed you would keep me informed if the losses continued.”

  He tipped his head to the side. “And I thought we also agreed you would be working for Mr. Burnside and your time was too valuable to worry over fluctuating harvests on the Anastasi.”

  Zanna shook her head with such gusto, the cotton padding holding her pompadour hairdo nearly escaped. “I never said my time was too valuable, and you know I have a deep interest in the problems with the Anastasi.” She folded her arms across her chest. “I’d like a full report.”

  He chuckled. “And I have work that needs my attention. If you want a full report, perhaps I can give you one over dinner tonight? I think there’s a good special at the Tropical Hotel restaurant. How about I call for you at, say, six o’clock?”

  She gave a nod, and a thrill of anticipation shot through her—a sense of joy she experienced each time she was with Nico. And if she couldn’t get the information she wanted right now, she was certain he’d tell all before they parted company tonight. “Six o’clock will be fine. Maybe you should call for me here. I need to keep working on these contracts. I’ll let my mother know I won’t be home for supper when I go home at noon.”

  “It will be a long day for me.” He stood and flashed her a charming grin. “I’ll spend the day counting the minutes until I get to see you again.”

  She laughed. “Well, you’d better spend the day counting sponges instead.”

  Nico departed Zanna’s office with a spring in his step.
He’d told her he needed to purchase cordage, but that wasn’t the only reason he’d come into town today. In truth, he was intent upon speaking to her father. He knew Mr. Krykos didn’t like the idea of Zanna marrying a man who spent his time at sea, and although Nico was seldom on the boats, he couldn’t promise he would never dive again. He prayed Mr. Krykos would overlook his occasional diving and consider him a man worthy of his daughter’s hand in marriage.

  He stopped to order the cordage from Mr. Fernaldo and arranged to pick it up on his way back to the docks. Next, he strode toward Krykos & Sons, considering each word he would say—just as he’d done on three other occasions. On each of those visits, he’d been unable to deliver his speech. On two of the calls, Mr. Krykos was busy negotiating with customers. Both times Nico had waited for nearly an hour but then needed to return to the docks before speaking to Zanna’s father. The third time, Mr. Krykos wasn’t at the shop. Atticus had told Nico there was no use in waiting, for his father wouldn’t return until late afternoon. Today, Nico hoped he would meet with success. He wanted Mr. Krykos to give him his blessing before he spoke of marriage to Zanna.

  With the words fresh in his mind, Nico stepped inside the large building that housed the boat-building business. Atticus stood on the bow of a nearly completed boat that rested on wooden scaffolding. Nico waved to Zanna’s brother. “I’ve come to speak with your father. Is he busy?”

  Atticus shrugged. “I can’t say for sure. He’s not here.”

  Nico’s shoulders sagged. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Mr. Krykos had some foreknowledge of when Nico planned to arrive and ask for permission to wed his daughter. “Do you know when he will return?”

  “Not until late tomorrow,” Atticus replied. “He took the train to Tampa to meet with some men who want to hire him to build several boats.” He swiped his forehead with a handkerchief. “Anything I can help you with?”

  “No. I’ll talk to him after he gets back.” Nico mumbled his thanks before turning and exiting the building.

  He kicked a stone lying in his path and watched it tumble along the wooden sidewalk until it hit a fence. It made a sideways hop, then settled in the dirt beneath the fence. He felt much like that rock. Kicked, battered, and bruised, even though no one had said or done anything to him. Still, his plans had been thwarted at every turn. He’d prayed about his future with Zanna and also prayed before each attempt to visit Mr. Krykos. Nico believed God had sent Zanna into his life, so why had it been so difficult to meet with Mr. Krykos?

  He blew out a sigh, trudged to Mr. Fernaldo’s store, and picked up the cordage before returning to the docks. At least he’d have this evening with Zanna. He had hoped to speak to her of his love and the possibility of marriage, but now . . . now he must wait for another day.

  With her hand nestled in the crook of Nico’s arm, Zanna’s heart warmed. Their dinner at the hotel’s restaurant had been filled with an exchange of information and pleasant conversation, but now, as Nico walked her home in the late evening, she felt an even deeper intimacy arise between them.

  At the corner, only doors from her home, he paused beside a dramatic angel’s trumpet, its honeyed scent filling the air. Her Yayá called it the queen of the garden. Personally, Zanna thought the plant was a bit of a show-off with its pendulous floral bells swaying gracefully from sturdy branches in the sultry evening air.

  Nico snapped a flower from a branch and held it out for Zanna. “Something almost as sweet as you.”

  Her cheeks grew hot as she took the flower. Did Nico notice her blushing in the fading light? She had no trouble seeing the depth of emotion in his dark eyes.

  “Zanna.” He cleared his throat and took her hand. “I hope you know how much I care about you—so much more than you could ever imagine.” He sighed. “But timing has not been our friend, my sweet lady.”

  My sweet lady. He’d just called her his. Her heart soared at his declaration. “I care about you, too, and we have all the time in the world.”

  A smile reached his eyes, crinkling the corners. “I’m glad to hear that.” His gaze dropped to her lips.

  Zanna drew in a quick breath, her pulse racing. They shouldn’t kiss. Nico should speak to her father first. She shouldn’t want something this badly.

  But she did.

  Before she could draw back into the sensible recesses of her mind, he brought his mouth to hers, kissing her until she had a taste of his love, and she realized one kiss would never be enough.

  Two days after Zanna’s dinner with Nico, Lucy stopped by the office for a visit. The two of them were deep in conversation when the door opened and Zanna’s father appeared. He glanced back and forth between the two women before stepping inside.

  “I was on my way to the store when I saw you through the front window.” He gestured toward her office window. “I was surprised to see you in here. I thought you were in the office at the warehouse all the time.”

  She shook her head. “No, not as often anymore. I had some legal work that needed my attention.”

  Lucy bobbed her head. “And Nico is very capable now. His English is good and he can even balance the ledgers.” She glanced at Zanna. “Isn’t that right, Zanna?”

  Zanna gave a slight nod. “Yes, he’s catching on.”

  Her father leaned against the doorjamb. “I’m pleased to hear that. And the business is doing well? You are pleased with the progress, Doctor?”

  “Oh, indeed. Zanna was correct. I’m not inclined to sell anymore. She and Nico have created a business that will show large profits far sooner than I could have ever expected.” Lucy’s smile broadened. “Of course, Nico’s knowledge of diving and his ability to learn the business operation so quickly have made the business flourish. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

  Zanna’s father nodded. “This is good news. I am happy for you, Doctor.” He turned to his daughter. “I’ll see you at supper tonight, Zanna. Don’t be late. I will have a big surprise waiting for you.”

  Lucy turned around and grinned. “Do you think he brought something back from his trip to Tampa?”

  “I don’t think so. If he’d purchased a gift, I think he would have given it to me upon his return. It’s not my birthday, so I have no idea. But, knowing Papa, it will be something very special.”

  “Promise you’ll stop by in the morning and tell me.” Lucy gathered her gloves and stood. “I hate to rush off, but I need to go and visit Bessie Rochester. She said there was a matter she wanted to discuss with me.”

  Zanna’s lips curved in a feeble smile. “I wish you well. I think I’d rather go through all of these documents than listen to Bessie seek sympathy for her nonexistent ailments.”

  Lucy nodded. “That’s why you’re a lawyer and I’m a doctor.” She then breezed out the door, while Zanna attacked the remainder of the contracts with a vengeance.

  Lucy accepted the cup of tea from Bessie—whose gray hair was perfectly coiffed for their visit—then settled back in the brocade-upholstered chair. “Tell me what’s so important that you needed me to come to the house.” Her gaze traveled up and down the older woman. “You appear to be feeling quite well, Bessie.”

  “Yes. I am quite well—for a change.” Bessie paused to clear her throat. “Let me rephrase that remark. I am physically quite well. Emotionally I am in deep distress.”

  Lucy swallowed a sip of her tea. Already she feared this was going to be a long afternoon. “How so?” Though Lucy knew she’d likely regret the question, she’d agreed to come and visit with Bessie. The only way to offer any help was to discover the problem.

  “As you know, my sisters and I have counted Mr. Pappas a friend for some time.”

  “I’m aware of that, yes.” She set the teacup on its china saucer. “So you want to discuss your friendship with Mr. Pappas?”

  Bessie sighed. “My engagement to Mr. Pappas.”

  Lucy’s eyes flew to Bessie’s ring finger. “I don’t see a ring.”

  “A ring isn’t important to
me, but I do have a few doubts about Mr. Pappas. I know you’ve had dealings with him, and I thought you might share your insights regarding his honesty and trustworthiness.”

  “I doubt I know him well enough to make such a judgment. You’ve had far more contact with Mr. Pappas.” Lucy traced her finger along the swirling pattern on the chair’s cushion.

  “Surely you can judge a man from his business dealings. You’ve been negotiating the sale of your business with him. Hasn’t that provided you with some idea of his integrity?”

  Lucy inhaled a quick breath. Sale of the business? Whatever was Bessie talking about? She gave a slow shake of her head. “I’m not considering a sale of the sponge company, Bessie. Early on, when I first learned of my father’s decision to invest his funds in the business, I spoke of selling. Back then, Mr. Pappas didn’t appear to have much interest. I believe he told Nico that he was content with his employers in New York and that he enjoyed living in a large city.” She shrugged. “If he has pursued some further offer to purchase, he must have spoken to Zanna or Nico, but he hasn’t sought me out on the matter.”

  “Perhaps I misunderstood.” Bessie stroked her forehead with the tips of her fingers. “Maybe he isn’t going to speak with you until he has all the money available to make the purchase.”

  Lucy reached forward and touched the woman’s hand. “How could he have the money necessary to purchase my business when it isn’t for sale?”

  “You’re right, I suppose.” She poured a splash of milk into her teacup. “You don’t think Nico or Zanna would try to sell the business without telling you, do you?”

  Lucy chuckled and shook her head. “No, Bessie. Even if they wanted to, they couldn’t do such a thing. Besides, I trust them—although I’m beginning to develop some concerns about Mr. Pappas if he’s told you he plans to buy my sponging company.” Lucy leaned forward as a troubling realization struck. “Has he attempted to borrow money from you?”