‘Kalinýchta,Michaíl.’ The significance of her saying that for the last time caused her insides to churn with grief. She watched the hunched figure of her friend leave and go upstairs.
She busied herself by clearing away the glasses and was wiping down the tables when there was a knock at the door.
Who can this be at this time of night?
She slid back the bolt and opened the door a fraction.
‘Cassia, it’s me. Let me in.’
Her heart pounded as she recognised the voice.It couldn’t be, could it?Maybe Eléni was right after all when she’d seen the big ship in the bay.
She opened the door and looked at the person she’d wanted to see most in the world. ‘Tom! What are you doing here?’
‘I wrote to say I was coming today. Didn’t you get my letter?’
The letter was still in her pocket! Most of it had been left unread since the doctor had shocked her with Michaíl’s imminent departure the next day.
‘Come here.’ He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. ‘My time on the ship has ended early so we are free until we hear where the next posting is going to be. When I read about poor Michaíl, I came straight here to help you.’
Cassia didn’t know if he’d received her first letter where she agreed to marry him.
‘Efcharistó.He’s going on the ferry in the morning. Leaving Kefalonia for Patras. I’ve been helping him pack. All he wants to take are his photos. It’s so sad.’
He took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. ‘It must be very difficult for him, but he’s enjoyed having you and Eléni living with him.’
‘That’s what he says. Can I get you something to eat or drink? You must be tired after your long journey.’ Cassia couldn’t believe Tom was back. But had he returned just as a friend to help her, or did he know she had agreed to marry him? There was nothing in what he had said or done yet to suggest he was doing anything more than helping out a friend in a difficult situation.
‘A coffee would be good, thank you.’
Before she started to make the coffee, she dashed to her coat hanging in the hall to retrieve Tom’s letter.
AgapitíCassia,
Work here on HMSDaring, it is over. We are posted to other places at the end of the month. I do not hear from you so still you do not marry me. I am your friend. I hope one day you love me like a wife. I wait for ever.
February 1st
Your letter arrives with the sad news about Michaíl. I come to Kefalonia to help. I catch today’s ferry.
Yours,
Tom xx
Cassia’s hand shook. Tom had not received her first letter! As far as he knew, they were still just friends with no prospect of marriage.
She returned to the living room empty-handed.
‘I’ve just read your letter. You didn’t receive the one I sent a few days after you left!’
Tom looked puzzled. ‘No. Just a short letter telling me about Michaíl. That’s why I came back here.’
Cassia took a deep breath.
‘Do you still want to marry me, and take me and Eléni back to Wales?’
‘Of course, I do. You shouldn’t have to ask.’
‘Please ask me again, Tom.’
