‘I don’t believe it,’ said Phyllida.
‘You’re calling me a liar?’ His eyes flashed fire.
‘Nonsense,’ said Cassandra. ‘You’re exhausted, Alex. It’s terrible news, but it can’t be so bad as you think.’
‘No? I tell you, kyria, it’s the end. The Acropolis will surrender; God knows how long you ladies will be safe here, giving your parties in Nauplia.’
‘Alex!’ Jenny leaned forward to intervene. ‘What of the Helena?’
‘She was still taking off the wounded when I left.’ And then, aware of a sudden chill in the room. ‘The Philip had all she could hold. As to the Helena, she’d been under fire, of course, but should be safe enough, with British colours. And so will Church and Cochrane, God damn their souls! All very well for them to play at war with other men’s lives, and stay safe on board to watch them die.’
‘Mr. Mavromikhalis,’ Cassandra was on her feet, speaking very quietly. ‘I think you forget where you are. It’s terrible news,’ her voice was not unsympathetic. ‘It will be better discussed in the morning. If you will forgive us, gentlemen, we will say good night. Price, you will look after our guests?’
But they had all risen. In the subdued murmur of farewells and thanks, Alex cornered Phyllida. ‘Forgive me! I’m not myself. In the morning…’
‘Yes, Alex.’ Very gently. ‘In the morning.’
Chapter 17
‘I Wish Brett would come.’ Jenny pushed back her chair from the breakfast none of them had eaten. And then, aware of Phyllida’s drawn face: ‘But I’m sure it can’t be so bad as Alex said. He was exhausted, beside himself, poor man.’
‘Yes.’ Phyllida had lain awake for hours; had made up her mind at last what she must say to Alex, and, surprisingly, had then slept dreamlessly till morning. ‘When did Mr. Mavromikhalis say he would come, Price?’
‘As soon as he could, miss. I think he was worried about what might happen to the Philip if he wasn’t there. Marcos says there’s a proper panic in town this morning, and no mistake. He wants us to start packing up, but I said we’d wait for orders from Mr. Renshaw. I hope that was right, miss?’
‘It certainly was, Price.’ And then, echoing Jenny. ‘I wish he’d come!’
‘I don’t expect he much likes to leave the Helena,’ said Jenny. ‘If Alex doesn’t even trust his own crew.’
‘He’ll come as soon as he can.’ It was comforting to be so sure of that. ‘But if things are really so bad for the men in the Acropolis—’ Her voice shook as she faced it. I know he’ll stay, just in case…’
‘Of course he will,’ said Jenny. ‘And when Brett really puts his mind to something, I wouldn’t want to be in his way.’
‘Oh, Jenny.’ Somewhere between laughter and tears. ‘You sound as if he would relieve the Acropolis single-handed.’ And then, the tears choking her. ‘Poor Peter! Just think. They must have been able to watch it all from up there. To see the attack that was to save them. And what happened to it.’
‘Don’t love.’ Jenny handed her a clean handkerchief. ‘It will all come right, you see if it doesn’t. Yes, Price?’
‘Mr. Mavromikhalis is here.’ Price’s voice was disapproving. ‘He asks to see you, Miss Vannick. Alone.’
‘No!’ said Cassandra.
‘Yes,’ said Phyllida, drying her eyes. ‘I must, Aunt. I owe it him.’
‘I see.’ Phyllida thought she probably did. ‘Well, if you think so, Phyl; but I shall be in the next room. And, Price?’
‘Yes, ma’am?’
‘You won’t be going out for a while?’
‘No indeed, ma’am.’
‘Very well.’
It was a little like a military plan of action, Phyllida thought ruefully. And all her fault. ‘I’ll see Mr. Mavromikhalis in the little saloon, Price.’
‘I shall be in the courtyard,’ said Jenny cheerfully. ‘Watering the plants. If you want me to burst in on you by accident, love, just raise your voice.’
‘Bless you.’ Tears threatened again. ‘I’ve been a terrible fool.’
‘Never mind that,’ said Cassandra bracingly. ‘So long as you’ve realised it.’
Alex was a different man this morning, chastened, subdued, deferent. ‘Phyllida,’ he took both her hands in his. ‘It’s like you to see me, to forgive me, to understand … I was a little mad last night, I think, with despair. I don’t even rightly remember what I said, but I know being you, that you will have understood.’
‘Of course I did. I’ve forgotten too. Only, is it really so bad?’ She must ask this before anything else.
‘As bad as can be. It’s the worst disaster of the war—worse even than Peta. It’s a miracle Reshid didn’t go on and recapture Phalerum and Saint Spiridion—but he was too busy taking vengeance on his prisoners. Yes, kyria, he lined them up, hundreds of them, the flower of our pallikars, and had them beheaded.’
‘Horrible! But where are Cochrane and Church?’
‘Cochrane’s gone off to Hydra. Church is holding out in Phalerum, but God knows how long he’ll be able to. A friend of mine was there before Saint Spiridion fell. It’s terrible, he says; brackish water to drink, and sometimes no bread for days. They’ll never hold out long; not after a disaster like this one.’
‘Then what about the Acropolis?’ She hardly dared ask.
‘That’s just it. That’s why I was in such despair last night. There’s no more hope for the Acropolis; we have to face that. It’s merely a matter of time. If they try to fight their way out, they’re dead men.’
‘And if they surrender?’
‘Think of those Greek prisoners yesterday. There’s your answer. Petros might just possibly be spared, as a Philhellene, but I doubt it. There were twenty or so Franks killed on the field yesterday. No: it’s every man for himself from now on. We must make Petros see that. He must escape, by himself, as soon as possible.’
‘But will he agree to? And even if he should, is it possible?’
‘If we put it to him right, I think he’ll agree. And, yes, I think it’s possible. It will cost money of course.’
‘As if I cared about that. But how shall we persuade him?’
‘You’re his sister, kyria, surely you can think of some way. Tell him you’re ill, in danger, that you need him … That will bring him.’
‘But I’m not.’
‘Does that matter? It’s his life we’re talking of.’
‘Yes.’ Doubtfully. ‘You’re sure, if I manage to persuade him, that you can arrange it?’
‘If he’s my brother. Yes.’
‘What do you mean? I don’t understand.’ She was afraid that she did.
‘Phyllida.’ He took her hands. ‘You must try and understand how things are today. The Greek pallikars—those who survive—feel betrayed. They feel, and I don’t blame them, that Cochrane and Church sent them and their friends to their deaths yesterday, and stayed safe themselves. You won’t find many Greeks, this morning, ready to risk their lives for a Frank. But if he’s my brother, it will be another matter. I know twenty men who would take your message to the Acropolis tomorrow—for a price—and bring Petros back with them. Albanians, of course. Who’s to know whether they serve the Turk or the Greeks? Frankly, many of them do serve both. It’s merely a question of who pays most.’
‘I see.’ She liked no part of it. But that was not the point. The point was Peter, Peter’s safety…
‘I knew you would. It’s not what I had intended for you, for us, but we must be married today, Phyllida, for Peter’s sake. Then, and only then, can I save him.’
‘Alex, I can’t.’ It came out instinctively, from the very depths of her.
‘Can’t? What madness is this? Have you forgotten Aegina, my little love, and the promise you made me there, under the Temple of Aphaia?’
‘Not forgotten.’ This was far worse than she could have imagined it. ‘But regretted it many times. Forgive me. I’ve realised, too late, I know, that it’s not possible. You say you we
re a little mad last night. I think I was that day on Aegina. I’m ashamed—disgusted with myself. But, thank God, you made me promise to tell no one. It’s not so bad as it might be. Nobody need ever know … Because it won’t do, Alex. We come from different worlds, you and I. I’m no wife for you. You must see that. I can’t understand how you should think of it. And as for me, I was a fool that day: I didn’t understand anything. Forgive me?’ She said it again, pitifully.
He had dropped her hands as if they burnt him. ‘So! It was one thing to engage yourself to me when we Greeks were winning. You would reign with me at Constantinople. But when it comes to being my comfort in exile, down in the Mani, you think again, Phyllida, I would not have believed it of you!’
‘It’s not that!’ But how horribly convincing it sounded. ‘Alex, try to understand. I didn’t know, back at Aegina, what it was like to be a woman, here in Greece. I can’t do it. Even if I loved you—’
‘If?’ He pounced on it. ‘They were all lies, then, those kisses back at Aegina?’
‘Not lies, Alex. A mistake.’
‘An unlucky one for me, kyria. And for your brother.’ It sounded, incredibly, almost like a threat. ‘But you’ll think again of this. You’re distraught today, and I don’t blame you. And angry, too, because of last night. Take your woman’s revenge then; make me suffer. I deserve it. But not for too long, kyria, if you don’t wish to know yourself your brother’s murderer.’ He watched it hit her. ‘I must go now and tell the priest we don’t need him—yet. I’ll come again tonight and hope you’ve returned to your senses. We’re all a little mad today, Phyllida. Don’t, in your madness, make a mistake that will ruin our lives, yours and mine, and end your brother’s.’
‘But, Alex—’
‘Not now, little one. I will come to you again tonight. There’s a hair’s-breadth of time, still, for the Acropolis, and for Petros. Use it well, my love, for all our sakes.’ To her infinite, unreasoning relief, he merely bent, kissed both her hands, and left her.
‘Oh God.’ She was actually wringing her hands. ‘What shall I do?’ But at least, since he wanted her to marry him today, Alex could be assumed to have absolved her from her promise of secrecy. She found her aunt peacefully darning sheets and poured out the whole story. ‘I’m so ashamed. I’ve been such a fool. But what shall I do? If I don’t marry him, Alex will do nothing for Peter.’
‘It hardly makes him seem a good bargain as a husband.’
‘Oh, I know. I was crazy, moonstruck, sunstruck; I don’t know what, back there on Aegina. But that’s not the point. If Alex doesn’t get Peter out … If they’re all murdered … It doesn’t bear thinking of.’
‘No,’ said Cassandra. ‘But we have to.’ And then. ‘I wish Brett was here.’
‘Oh God, so do I. But there’s not even time to send for him. Alex is coming back this evening. I suspect he’ll bring a priest. I suppose it would be legal?’
‘I very much doubt it. But that’s neither here nor there. You can’t do it, Phyllida, and you know it. This is what those nightmares have been about, isn’t it, not what happened at Constantinople at all?’
‘Yes. Aunt Cassandra, I’m sorry—’
‘No need to be. You’d given your word. Foolishly, but never mind. The question is what to do now. First of all, you’re not going to see Mr. Mavromikhalis alone. I’m not sure we oughtn’t to send for Dr. Howe.’
‘Oh no. It would make Alex too angry! Think what he was like last night!’
‘Yes, scratch the charming surface, and you find the barbarian. But you’re right, just the same, we can’t afford to alienate him, for your brother’s sake. I think you and I will have to see him together, and try a little genteel bribery. The only question is, how high will we have to go? I wish you had your diamonds here.’
‘You think it might work?’ Here was a new horror.
‘If we go high enough, I should hope so. After all, this thing works both ways. Mr. Mavromikhalis is no fool. He must see that you would make a very different kind of wife from the usual Greek beast of burden. He might be quite glad to take the fortune without the bride.’
Phyllida actually smiled. ‘You’re not very flattering!’
‘That’s better.’ Her aunt smiled back lovingly. ‘These last few weeks I was beginning to think you’d never smile again, poor lamb.’
‘I’ve been a proper fool, haven’t I?’
‘Yes, dear, and the best thing you can do now is to forgive yourself and tidy up as best you may. How much actual cash do you think you can raise in the course of the day? Failing diamonds, I think the clink of sovereigns might be a powerful argument with Mr. Mavromikhalis.’
‘I can’t believe it.’ Suddenly, she found she almost wanted Alex to refuse the offered bribe. And yet, where would that leave her? Either way, it was sordid, horrible…
But she sent off an urgent message to Mr. Biddock’s representative in Nauplia and was anxiously awaiting his arrival when Jenny bounced into the room. ‘Marcos is back from the market! He says the Helena’s in.’
‘Oh, thank God!’ And then, appealingly, ‘Aunt, will you explain to him?’ No need to say she meant Brett.
‘I think it would be better if you did, my dear.’
‘Explain?’ Jenny looked from one to the other, puzzled.
‘It’s Alex—’ Telling Jenny was bad enough; how in the world would she tell Brett? But her aunt was right; she must do it.
When Brett arrived, she forgot everything in shock at his appearance. He was immaculately neat as always, but the efforts he had made to look as usual merely accentuated his ghastly pallor, the nervous twitch under one eye, and, worst of all, the path of dried blood across the top of his head that he had tried so hard to hide by a rearrangement of his Byronic curls.
‘Brett! You’re hurt!’ Jenny had flung her arms round him and was sobbing on his shoulder.
‘It’s nothing; a ricochet; I was lucky.’ He patted her soothingly, his eyes on Phyllida.
‘You certainly were.’ This was Cassandra. ‘An inch lower…’
‘Just so.’ He did not want to discuss it. ‘You’ve heard the bad news, I take it.’
‘Yes.’ Phyllida took the plunge. ‘Alex came last night. He told us. Is it as bad as he said?’
‘It could hardly be worse. It was a shambles … a disaster … When I think that I wanted to see a battle, for my own selfish reasons, I can hardly bear myself. We saw it all, from the Helena. The Greek prisoners lined up—’ He stopped. ‘Why should I inflict it on you? Besides, I mustn’t waste time; I must be back at the Piraeus by morning. Thank God the Helena’s engines weren’t damaged.’
‘And the crew?’
‘Nothing serious—a few scratches—spent balls mainly. We were wonderfully lucky. The tricky bit was getting the wounded off the beach—I got this on the last trip—’ A shaking hand made another attempt to hide the wound.
‘You’d much better leave it uncovered,’ said Cassandra. ‘And I never heard such nonsense as to suggest that you’re going back on board tonight.’
‘Oh, I must.’ He said it with a sort of absent-minded firmness that was more final than any amount of argument. ‘I only came to tell you not to worry—too much. You should be safe enough here. At least for the time being. It’s Peter we have to think about. This is the end for the Acropolis, I’m afraid.’ His steady eyes met Phyllida’s.
‘That what Alex said. He says Peter must escape. There were twenty Philhellenes killed yesterday, he told me.’
‘He thinks it still possible? An escape?’
‘Yes.’ She must tell him. But how could she?
‘Jenny, my dear,’ Cassandra picked up her sewing. ‘I think we had best leave your brother and Phyllida to talk it over.’
‘Yes, Aunt Cass,’ said Jenny meekly. She flung her arms round Phyllida. ‘Don’t look so frightened, love. He won’t eat you. He’s a kind old monster, aren’t you, B?’
‘Naturally.’ Brett closed the door behind her. ‘W
hat is it, Phyllida? Something’s very wrong. I knew the moment I saw you.’
‘Brett, I’m so ashamed.’ How many times must she make this confession? ‘But, sit down, do. You look exhausted.’ She sat, herself, on one of the set of chairs from the Helena’s saloon, remembering, as she did so, the one he had broken that night at Zante, and was frightened, for a moment. But that was absurd. ‘I’ve been such a fool.’ He was facing her across the table, but she could not look at him. ‘And now I don’t know what to do.’
‘Tell me.’
‘You remember that day at Aegina? When we went to the Temple?’
‘Of course I do. What of it?’
His tone frightened her again. Get it over with. She bolted into it. ‘Alex asked me to marry him.’
‘Yes?’ Very quietly.
‘I don’t know what possessed me. I said yes.’
‘What?’
‘Yes. Don’t look at me like that, Brett. He said it must be a secret, for the time being, because he’d be ashamed—he didn’t want to be thought a fortune hunter. And, like a fool, I promised—And then, you and Jenny came, and I never had a chance to ask him to … to…’
‘To release you from the engagement?’ He pounced on it. ‘You realised at once, then—’
‘No. If only I had. To release me from my promise, I meant. I knew I should never have given it. I’ve felt so dreadful, all this time, acting a lie to you three who … who … who’ve been so good to me. But what could I do? I never had a chance to speak to him alone. You know what it was like on the Helena.’
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