‘Nor do I, Price, but for God’s sake don’t frighten the ladies.’
‘I’m sorry, sir. It just slipped out. And mind you, those two would take quite some frightening. As right a pair of ladies as it’s ever been my pleasure to serve. I just hope—’
‘I know.’ He too was thinking of all the unpleasant possibilities. ‘When I leave, shut the door and see to the priming of my pistols, Price.’
‘I’m sorry, sir. They made a search, right through the ship, while you were having dinner. They’ve got the lot.’
‘You should have told me.’
‘What difference would it have made, sir?’ And then. ‘Look out, here comes that captain.’
‘Is there anything I can do for you?’ As before, the pirate captain was all smiles, but Brett liked the look of him less than ever.
‘Yes,’ he said at once. ‘You can return the arms my man tells me you have impounded.’
‘But of course.’ He reached negligently into his broad red sash, pulled out his yataghan and made a little business of picking his teeth with the sharp point. ‘When we land, milord, you shall have your arms back. But in the meantime, we none of us want trouble, do we? My men are quick on the draw.’ He illustrated this by replacing the dagger in its sheath, then whipping it out again at electric speed. ‘We don’t want to start anything we might not be able to stop.’ It was the most smiling of threats. ‘But I have good news for you, milord. We are in sight of land. You wish to come on deck and see?’
‘If I may bring the ladies?’
‘But of course. They too must enjoy the sight of free Greek soil. Bring them by all means, milord.’
‘I don’t like it,’ said Price in English.
‘Nor do I.’ Brett turned away to summon the two women from the saloon.
‘At last,’ said Phyllida. ‘I’m sorry to say it, Mr. Renshaw, but as a gaol, your fine ship is even worse than Mahmoud’s harem. At least, there, we had free access to our own walled garden.’
On deck, they found the pirate captain. ‘So this is Hydra?’ Brett looked at the rugged island ahead.
‘No, Spetsai.’ The Greek grinned broadly. ‘My own island. We thought it time we came home.’
‘I don’t understand.’ Brett gazed at the barren-looking island, where the Hera was already furling her sails in a small harbour from which a tumble of white houses climbed steeply uphill. ‘Surely the entire population here can’t be given to piracy? Do you think we have misjudged the situation completely?’
‘I doubt it,’ said Cassandra. ‘But it is odd, I agree. In a town that size, there must be some foreigners—or at least foreign representatives who would be compelled to take our side. Perhaps they have had good news of some kind that has changed all their plans.’
‘Let us devoutly hope so,’ said Phyllida. ‘If it means the Helena is safe.’ They were very close in now, and Greek and English sailors, working together in apparent amity, had got down the sail, so that they glided slowly on under engine power only. ‘Something’s very odd,’ she went on. ‘Can you see anyone in the town? At a little place like this, the arrival of two ships should bring the whole population helter-skelter down to the harbour.’
‘You’re quite right.’ Brett had been surveying the town through his pocket glass. ‘There’s not a soul in sight except the crew of the Hera.’
‘And no washing hanging from the houses. Or nets, drying in the sun. Or ships, come to that.’ She looked from Brett to her aunt. ‘Am I being stupid? Is there some simple explanation?’
‘Just so long as it’s not the plague,’ said Cassandra.
‘That would hardly have made our captors so happy.’ Brett turned to the pirate captain as he approached. ‘What’s happened to all the people?’
‘Extraordinary, isn’t it?’ The captain’s teeth flashed in his mechanical smile. ‘A ghost town, milord. To stay here will be an experience you are not likely to repeat. We learned of the evacuation only this afternoon, and thought we had best come home and see that our wives left all tidy before they went.’
‘Evacuation? What do you mean?’
‘That the Turkish fleet is out of the Dardanelles, may they rot in hell. Spetsai is as you see—almost indefensible. We don’t want another massacre like the one on Chios … So our brothers on Hydra sent inviting the entire population of Spetsai to move over there. What do you think of that, milord? Does it not give the lie to the tales you Franks like to tell about internal dissension among us Greeks?’
‘The whole town is empty?’
‘Just so. You can have the choice of any house in the place. You and your beautiful ladies. And your crew, of course, unless any of them wish to throw in their lot with us.’
‘You propose to leave us here? Alone on an island that may be attacked by the Turks at any moment?’
He spread out his hands in a gesture of disengagement. ‘What’s that to you? As Franks, you will be safe enough with the Turks. Anyway, very likely it’s all a false alarm, like so many others. You have only to wait a while … I expect your Cambrian will call here sooner or later; or the French admiral, de Rigny. What a fine tale you will have to tell, will you not? A regular romance—’ A flashing glance between Brett and Phyllida underlined his point.
‘It’s monstrous,’ began Brett. ‘How do we know there is food and water on the island?’
‘Oh, there’s bound to be. Our wives are good women, but not capable, like the kyria here. They will have left plenty behind. And as for the cisterns, they would hardly have emptied them.’ He turned away to shout an order to the man at the helm.
Brett and Phyllida exchanged a speaking glance. ‘I suppose it might be worse,’ she said.
‘Not much. He may honestly think there will be enough food for all of us, but I wonder.’
‘Surely he’ll tell someone about us?’
‘Why should he? It would merely endanger him.’
It was all too obviously true. They were a very silent party as they were landed by the Helena’s boat. Brett had made one last protest, which had been received with another of the captain’s flashing smiles. ‘Time for such talk,’ he said, ‘when we have beaten the Turks. Your baggage will come next, and then your crew. In the meantime, perhaps you would like to choose your house—or houses—’ Another look of extreme roguishness flashed to Phyllida and back. ‘Then your men will know where to take your baggage. Doubtless they will find their own quarters.’
The crew of the Hera had already dispersed, shouting to one another, among the narrow lanes and whitewashed houses on the steep hillside. Now the pirate captain turned away from Brett to shout angrily as the Greeks on board the Helena also began to leap ashore one by one. They took no notice of his furious commands, but disappeared up the hill after their comrades from the Hera.
‘They’re looting their own houses!’ Phyllida exclaimed.
‘Or each other’s,’ said Brett. ‘I hope to God it doesn’t end in fighting.’
‘It might be our best chance.’ Like him, Phyllida was looking thoughtfully back to where the Helena lay quiet in evening sunlight. But if there had been a momentary chance of repossessing her, it was already gone. By furious shouting, the pirate captain had managed to collect a small group of his men to guard her. Now he returned to the three of them on the dock. ‘We’ve not been home in months,’ he said as if in extenuation. ‘But my men will see that all is safe on the Helena. See your people are beginning to come ashore already. I had best make sure they are bringing nothing they should not.’ And he turned away once more to join Captain Barlow, who had stayed to supervise the unloading. The pirates had stipulated that only personal effects might be brought ashore and were now examining the crew’s small bundles as they allowed them to land one by one. ‘I told Barlow to see to it that each man carried food for at least twenty-four hours,’ Brett told Phyllida. ‘It looks as if they are getting through with that.’
‘Thank God. But—’ She looked at the bleak hillside above the houses.
‘Twenty-four hours?’
‘I know. I’ve heard that Spetsai and Hydra are the most desolate of all the inhabited islands. We must pray for a quick rescue. And see to it that the men husband their provisions.’ He moved forward as the first of the crew approached them, retying his bundle and swearing under his breath. ‘What is it, Jem?’
‘They’ve taken all my pay, sir. They laughed and said I’d have no need for money here. All’s free, they said. Every penny they took, and laughed.’
‘I’ll make it up to you, Jem, when we get out of here.’ Passionately he hoped he could. ‘But they left you the food?’
‘Yes, sir. Biscuit and salt beef, like the captain said. I don’t think they reckon much of our salt beef.’ He looked up at the bare hillside. ‘Just as well, by the look of things. What’s to do, sir?’
‘We’ll all stay together for the moment. Till the Greeks are back on board. Pass the word, Jem.’ And then, to Phyllida: ‘I’ll feel a great deal safer when their captain’s got them rounded up.’
‘So shall I. Goodness, what’s Price doing?’ On the deck of the Helena, Price seemed to be signalling to her and at the same time pointing to something heavy carried by two of the crew. ‘What can he mean?’ Now she recognised Helena’s box. ‘Oh!’ Suddenly she understood. ‘Forgive me?’ To Brett. ‘Aunt, come and help me.’ She hurried forward just as the two men brought the big sea-chest across the deck towards the check-point the Greeks had established. ‘Captain!’ She put a pleading hand on the pirate’s arm. ‘Those are our things, mine and my aunt’s. You Greeks are known for your gallantry. You’ll never let your men examine them? Out here, in full view? It’s not possible!’ She cast an anguished glance back towards Brett as if to suggest that it was his inspection of her intimate effects that she minded most.
For once she was pleased to see the pirate captain’s grin. ‘Only one box for two ladies?’ he said. And then, as she held her breath. ‘Very well, kyria, you shall not be shamed in front of the milord.’ He shouted an order to his men, then smiled broadly at her again. ‘You should bless me, lady. No doubt you do. To spend the night with him here on shore—one night and many more, perhaps? I congratulate you, milady?’ He put just enough question into his voice to make the insult unmistakable.
Or rather, she thought, not an insult but simply a statement of fact, as he saw it. Naturally, he assumed her to be Brett’s mistress. Furious colour stained her cheeks. Thank God, no one else had understood.
But she actually found herself sorry for Brett as the Greeks held up shirt after shirt with amused comment on milord’s luxurious tastes. The crimson dressing-gown raised a small cheer and was instantly appropriated by the pirate captain. Behind her, she heard Brett swear under his breath and turned quickly to comfort him. ‘Don’t mind it,’ she said. ‘Just let’s wonder what Price has put in—’she paused.
‘Helena’s box?’ He supplied the phrase. ‘Food and warm clothing, I hope. You’re wonderfully quick, Miss Vannick. That’s the second time today we’ve all had cause to be grateful to you.’
‘And to Price.’ She coloured with pleasure at his praise.
‘And here he comes. You’re all ashore?’ Price and Barlow had come ashore together.
‘Yes.’ Barlow was still red with anger from having his own effects examined and his money appropriated. ‘Set of thieving pirates! But we’ve got some food ashore, sir, like you said.’
‘Thank God for that. And the box?’ To Price.
‘Food and warm clothes, sir. Mostly food. And a few things I thought the ladies might need on top. Thanks to you, miss.’
‘Yes, we’ll all be blessing you both if we have to stay here any length of time.’ He looked thoughtfully at the shadows that were lengthening round them. ‘It will be dark soon. We must find ourselves quarters. Brown, you and Price stay here with the crew and the ladies. The captain and I will explore the town.’
‘You’ll be careful?’
‘Of course. And you’ll stay here, all together, on the quay. At least, here, you’re under the Greek captain’s eye.’
‘For what that’s worth,’ said Phyllida. And then, suddenly: ‘Look!’
Turning, he heard shouts from the men on lookout duty on the Helena and Hera, and saw an island brig just rounding the point, all sails set to catch the evening breeze.
‘He’ll never make it!’ Phyllida was amazed at the daring of this swift entry into the harbour.
‘Oh yes he will.’ She had spoken in Greek, and the pirate captain answered her. ‘That’s Alexandras in the Philip. He can do anything. Watch!’
As he spoke, the sails of the new ship came rattling down, and, suddenly, amazingly, she was sliding to a halt exactly behind the Helena. ‘And he not even a Spetsiot,’ said the pirate captain with reluctant admiration as he went forward to greet the tall young man who had leapt ashore.
‘They’re friends, worse luck.’ Brett watched gloomily as the two men embraced each other.
‘I’m afraid so,’ agreed Phyllida. ‘I wish we could hear what they’re saying.’ It was obvious from the two men’s gestures that they were talking about the Helena. Now they turned and approached along the quay, apparently arguing.
‘They understand Greek,’ were the first words Phyllida caught, spoken in warning by their captor.
‘Do they indeed?’ The newcomer was the most handsome man she had ever seen. His tanned face was a Greek god’s from an antique coin, his dark hair curled, his brilliant smile had a warmth the other man’s lacked. On him, even the curious baggy trousers of the Greek sailors contrived to look elegant. Now, approaching, his flashing smile was for them. ‘Welcome to Spetsai!’ A graceful bow for Phyllida. ‘I have been telling my friend here that he cannot possibly abandon a beautiful lady in this desolate island. You Franks are our friends. We may need your ships, but we will never willingly expose you to harm.’
‘I’m more than relieved to hear you say so,’ said Brett. ‘It’s not so much for myself that I’m anxious, as for Miss Vannick here, and her aunt.’
‘Vannick!’ The young Greek’s eyes flashed suddenly into fire. ‘You are Miss Vannick?’ He turned his brilliant gaze searchingly on her and spoke in quick English with an accent that she recognised, with surprise, as like her own.
‘Yes? Why?’ Wild, unreasonable hope surged up in her.
‘You have a brother, Petros? Peter, I should say?’
Now it was more than hope. ‘Yes?’ Eagerly.
But his face had changed. ‘I spoke too rashly. One should not tempt the fates, But some of them escaped from Missolonghi. So why not Petros? He was a fine fighter; a brave man; my friend. And you are his sister.’ Surprisingly, he kissed her lightly on the cheek. ‘Welcome to Greece, sister of my Brother Petros.’
‘You know him well?’ She would not use the past tense.
‘Well! He sailed with me when he first came to Greece. He taught me your language—’ He laughed. ‘And I did my best to teach him ours. A brilliant teacher, your brother Petros, and a fine man. If only he had not fallen under the spell of that mad Lord Byron—but nothing would do but he must serve him. When the mad lord died, I hoped Petros would come back to me and the Philip, but he said he must stay in Missolonghi. Always, when we took supplies in, I urged him to come away, but each time their situation was worse. I knew he was right to stay. Don’t look so sad, sister of my friend. We will pray, together that he is safe.’
‘Yes, indeed.’ Brett had listened with increasing hope. ‘And, in the meanwhile, perhaps you, sir, will speak for us to your friend the captain here. I was taking Miss Vannick to Nauplia to make enquiries about her brother. Your friend seems to think us lawful prize, merely because we have come from Constantinople.’
‘Where Mr. Renshaw had, in fact, rescued us (my aunt and me) from the Turks,’ interposed Phyllida.
‘From the Turks?’
‘Yes.’ Phyllida was grateful to Brett for intervening. ‘That is why it is so dangerous for them to remain here, where, I
understand, the Turks are expected momently.’
‘Oh well, as to that—’ His smile flashed out. ‘I only believe in the Turkish fleet when I actually see it. I think the Spetsiots have let themselves be panicked too easily. But never mind that. Of course you must not be left here. I will explain to my friend that your mission to Constantinople was one of purest gallantry.’ This time the lightning smile was for Phyllida alone. ‘You see how well your brother taught me to speak your language. I am glad, now, that I paid attention to him, since it makes it easier for me to serve you.’ He turned away to embark on a furious argument with the pirate captain.
Brett and Phyllida watched and listened anxiously, but it was difficult to catch more than an angry phrase here and there. For a moment, it seemed that they would come to blows, then their rescuer used one quick, venomous phrase and it was over.
‘What did he say?’ Phyllida had missed it.
‘Something about the Mavromikhalis,’ Brett told her. ‘I’ve heard of them. They’re the ruling family down in that wild southern part of Greece, the Mani. Not even the Turks dared meddle much with them; they used merely to name the head of the family their representative and made do with a token tribute from him. I don’t suppose our captor there would much want to make enemies of them.’
‘No.’ She turned to greet their rescuer.
‘All’s well,’ he said. ‘My friend there understands his mistake at last. Your ship is yours again, milord—’
‘Just plain “Mr”,’ said Brett. ‘Brett Renshaw, and your debtor for life. And you?’
‘Alexandras.’ Again his smile was for Phyllida. ‘My friends call me Alex. And you are no debtor of mine, Mr. Renshaw. It is for Miss Vannick that I have annoyed my friend over there. Who knows? If it had not been for her, and her brother, I too might have found that beautiful Helena of yours irresistible. A steam-yacht, here in Greece. Do you not understand what a temptation she represents?’
‘I think I am beginning to,’ said Brett dryly.
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