The Legend of Lexandros

by Anne Mather

  ‘How about tomorrow?’ she said lightly. ‘After breakfast.’

  ‘Tomorrow? After breakfast?’ Dallas swallowed hard. ‘I’m sorry, I was dreaming. What did you suggest?’

  Paula laughed. ‘I thought you might like to have a look around. The house, etc., and the grounds. We might even swim, if you’d like to. Dress casually. No one dresses formally here, during the day, anyway.’

  ‘All right, I’d like that,’ Dallas nodded, glad of anything to banish her unwelcome thoughts.

  ‘Good. I’ll call for you after breakfast. By the way, everyone breakfasts in their rooms, usually, except perhaps Alex. So yours will be served in your chalet. O.K.?’

  Dallas nodded. ‘It sounds wonderful’ She hesitated. ‘Tell me, your brother says that your twin nieces require a governess; is this so?’

  Paula frowned. ‘Eloise and Estelle? I guess they could at that.’

  ‘I ... I understood from your brother that their mother has advocated one for some time.’

  ‘Minerva? Really! Has she? I didn’t know that.’

  Dallas shivered suddenly. ‘Do ... do you think it’s a good idea, then?’

  Paula shrugged. ‘Why? Are you going to be that person?’

  ‘If ... if it’s acceptable, to all concerned.’

  ‘I don’t see why not. The twins do run wild. But so did we all at their age. Particularly Alex. He was the wildest of us all.’

  Dallas bent, her head. She couldn’t understand why Alexander Stavros should go out of his way to invent a job for her, when he knew that she had no choice now that she was here but to accept her position gracefully. Unless he wasn’t quite as unfeeling as she believed. She sighed, and as Paula had excused herself again to go and speak to Dahlia Sharef, Dallas walked along the terrace and looked out across the lawns to the sweep of the coastline. Twinkling lights of vessels broke the almost inky darkness. There was no moon tonight, but the air and the perfumes and the whole atmosphere breathe romance. It was easy to feel disturbed in such surroundings, she thought, trying to assimilate her emotions

  clinically. But no matter what she told herself she could still picture him sitting beside her on the low couch in his study, his shirt and tie loosened, and she still wanted to touch him.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The next morning Dallas put all such thoughts out of her mind. The translucent quality of the air, and the vista from their chalet windows were enough for the moment to lighten her mood, and she slid out of bed willingly, and showered before breakfast.

  But when she went into Jane’s room, she found her sister lying in bed looking rather pale and sorry for herself.

  ‘Jane!’ she exclaimed. ‘What’s wrong?’

  Jane sighed and shook her head, shading her eyes with her arm.

  ‘I feel ghastly,’ she said. ‘I think it might have been all that dancing last night. But Andrea was such a marvellous companion, and I didn’t like to be a spoilsport.’

  Dallas frowned. ‘That’s crazy! You’re pregnant, Jane. Surely Andrea ought to have had more sense!’

  ‘I guess he’s not used to dancing with pregnant women,’ remarked Jane, with a half chuckle, making an attempt at gaiety. ‘Oh, Dallas, don’t look like that, darling. I’ll be okay. It’s nothing serious, you know. Just I’m tired, that’s all.’

  Dallas was less confident, but she agreed to give Jane her breakfast in bed, and they sat having coffee together and eating the delicious rolls and butter, together with the lime marmalade, which Yanni had brought for them earlier.

  After the meal was over, Dallas went to get dressed, and decided to wear slim-fitting pale blue pants and a chunky V-necked white sweater. She was combing her hair prior to putting it up when there was a knock at their door.

  Closing Jane’s bedroom door, Dallas went to open it, and found Andrea on the doorstep.

  ‘Oh,’ she said, disconcerted. She had expected Paula. ‘Won’t you come in?’

  Andrea smiled, his eyes admiring. ‘You have beautiful hair,’ he

  said, disconcerting her even more. ‘Why do you hide it in that awful bun?’

  ‘It’s not a bun! ’ exclaimed Dallas defensively. ‘It’s a pleat.’

  ‘Well, anyway, I like it as it is,’ Andrea grinned. ‘Where’s Jane?’

  Dallas frowned. ‘Jane is still in bed. She’s not very well.’ Andrea looked immediately disturbed, and Dallas thought Jane must have made quite an impression on him, one which she had hoped was not returned.

  ‘What is wrong?’ he asked fervently. ‘Is she ill?’

  Dallas studied him for a moment. ‘You do know she’s pregnant?’

  Andrea’s cheeks darkened a little. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Well, you ought to know that pregnant girls can’t indulge in energetic dancing half the night without feeling some effects.’

  ‘Oh lord!’ Andrea clapped a hand to his forehead. ‘How thoughtless of me! I’m very sorry, Dallas. May I ... may I see her for a moment?’

  ‘I ... I think not. I also think you ought to tell your brother that a doctor’s opinion might not come amiss.’

  ‘What?’ He frowned. ‘Oh, I see. You would like the doctor to see Jane.’

  ‘Yes,’ Dallas nodded firmly.

  ‘I will tell him at once.’ Andrea opened the door again. ‘I am sorry to have behaved so foolishly.’

  ‘It was hardly your fault,’ replied Dallas, smiling. ‘And thanks for being so nice.’

  Andrea hesitated for a moment, looked as though he was about to say something, and then, smiling, went away.

  Dallas closed the door, leaned back against it, and wondered whether there were going to be even more problems here than she had even thought possible.

  She finished doing her hair, plaiting it and making a coronet of top of her head instead of the usual pleat, as if she went swimming with Paula it would be easier to control in plaits. Then she looked into Jane’s room. She seemed to be asleep, so Dallas lit herself a cigarette and opened the chalet door, then went outside on to a kind of patio which fronted the house. It was tiled with coloured tiles, and there was a basket-weave chair, so she sat down and sighed with a feeling of contentment in her surroundings which she had not experienced last night and which she had no reason really to feel this morning. After all, things were just as complicated, and the sensuous sensation of wonder at the view ought not to arouse such inertia inside her.

  She felt in her trousers pocket and slid her dark sunglasses on to her nose, for even at this hour—it was a little after nine—the sun was quite brilliant. It was easy to see why so many people took to the lotus-eating life, she thought. It was a pleasant existence to imagine yourself with absolutely nothing to do, and the sun to warm you.

  She had been there for about half an hour when she heard voices and, looking up saw Paula coming through the trees towards the chalet with an elderly man, carrying a bag.

  ‘Hello, Dallas,’ said Paula, smiling. ‘This is Doctor Zantes. Doctor Zantes, this is the patient’s sister, Dallas Collins.’

  The elderly man smiled and shook hands with Dallas, and then they all went inside the building.

  ‘What exactly is the trouble?’ asked Doctor Zantes, before they entered Jane’s bedroom.

  Dallas explained awkwardly, and Paula, sensing her discomfort, said: ‘Doctor Zantes knows that Jane is pregnant. Alex informed him long before you arrived. Alex is very thorough in his arrangements.’

  ‘Oh, I see.’ Dallas was relieved. ‘Well, perhaps if you examine her, Doctor, you will be able to tell whether she is all right. ’

  The man smiled. ‘Of course. Do not worry, Miss Collins. Contrary to regular belief, babies do not abort themselves without a great deal of persuasion.’

  Dallas nodded, and indicated Jane’s room. The doctor went in alone, and Paula turned to Dallas, smiling. ‘Are you ready for our date?’

  ‘Well, I am, if Jane is all right.’ Dallas sounded doubtful.

  Paula shrugged. ‘With Andrea positively yearning to
come and keep her company I should think you would be allowed a little freedom,’ she said.

  ‘Oh, but, I mean ... ’ Dallas halted. ‘It’s not the same, is it? I think Jane might want me to ... Andrea is a man! ’ she finished lamely.

  Paula laughed. ‘Andrea may be very much like Paris to look at,’ she said, sobering. ‘But in other ways he is completely unlike him. For instance, Andrea would never take advantage of any girl. On that I would stake my reputation.’ As Dallas looked at her anxiously, she went on: ‘Andrea is more like Alex. Completely reliable.’

  ‘Reliable! ’ Dallas could not help but echo the words. Reliable was the last adjective she would have applied to Alexander Stavros. And yet hadn’t she once before sensed that feeling of security in his company? Maybe his attitude towards her was tempered by her own treatment of him. And in any case, in family matters, he had shown he was dependable.

  ‘Well, all right,’ said Dallas slowly. ‘If the doctor says she is only tired out. ’

  The doctor emerged a few minutes later, closed Jane’s door, and nodded satisfactorily.

  ‘Over-exertion,’ he remarked, putting away his stethoscope. ‘She will be all right if she spends a couple of days in bed, and rests for a couple more. It was the most sensible thing to send for me, although I am afraid your sister did not take too kindly to my presence. I think she wants to see you now.’ He handed Dallas a bottle of tablets. ‘Be sure she takes these three times a day and when they are finished advise me and I will let you have some more. They are merely an iron additive. Most women in her condition require added iron. ’

  ‘Thank you.’ Dallas took the tablets, and glancing at Paula she went into Jane’s room. Jane was propped up on the pillows now, and looked rather annoyed.

  ‘Whatever did you call the doctor for?’ she asked, as soon as Dallas had closed the door. ‘Heavens, I’m okay!’

  ‘You’ve hardly seen a doctor since you started this baby,’ replied Dallas carefully. ‘It was time you were examined thoroughly. After all, you don’t want anything to go wrong, for your own sake, do you?’

  Jane grimaced and shrugged. ‘I suppose not. Oh lord, Dallas, I’ve got months to go yet. I’m going to be a positive sketch to look at by the time I have it. ’

  ‘All women look the same,’ said Dallas comfortingly.

  ‘Yes, and most women are married, with, husbands to support them,’ said Jane bitterly.

  ‘Oh, Jane!’ said Dallas, unable to think of anything to say. Then she smiled encouragingly. ‘Anyway, do you want to see Andrea? He wants to come and keep you company while . . . .’

  Jane interrupted her before she could finish. ‘To keep me company?’ she echoed resentfully. ‘Where are you going?’ Dallas sighed. ‘If you’d give me a chance I’d tell you,’ she replied quietly. ‘Paula wants to show me around, the grounds and so on. It’ s quite an innocent expedition, and naturally I shouldn’t go and leave you alone.’

  Jane pouted, looking sulky. ‘Honestly, Dallas, and I’m supposed to be here all day and view the sunshine through the window!’

  Dallas ran a tongue over her dry lips. ‘Jane, be reasonable. This afternoon I’m going to see the brother of Mr. Stavros, who has two young children who require tuition. I’m to be their governess, providing their parents approve of me. As such, my hours of freedom will be limited. Surely you don’t object to me taking this chance to look around, to explore?’

  Jane frowned. ‘You didn’t tell me anything about this.’

  ‘I didn’t know myself until last night,’ said Dallas calmly. ‘Mr. Stavros explained it all to me. I was pleased. After all, my presence here is purely involuntary, I assure you.’

  Jane studied her fingernails thoughtfully. ‘What am I supposed to do while you’re working?’

  Dallas shrugged. ‘Oh, heavens, Jane, I don’t know. Read, knit, sew! After all, you are supposed to be taking it easy; I am not.’

  ‘It appears to me that your time here is going to be infinitely more enjoyable than mine,’ retorted Jane, grimacing. ‘I wish ... oh, how I wish I didn’t have this .... this awful encumbrance! ’ ‘Without your so-called encumbrance, neither of us would be here,’ Dallas reminded her dryly. ‘Please, Jane, try and accept the situation. I’ve had to, and it’s been more difficult for me, believe me, whatever you may think. I’m not the type to vegetate. That’s why I wanted this job. You know perfectly well that with Andrea around you won’t be bored.’

  Jane looked pensive. ‘I suppose you could be right,’ she conceded slowly, and then she smiled a little. ‘All right, we’ll play it by ear. But don’t blame me if you find yourself getting into emotional difficulties. I think you’re crazy separating us like this. We would be much safer together.’

  ‘I don’t know what you mean,’ exclaimed Dallas. ‘How will I get into difficulties teaching two six-year-olds?’

  Jane raised her eyebrows mockingly. ‘Oh, Dallas darling, you won’t look beyond your nose, will you? Last night I could have sworn you were bewitched when we found you on the terrace, and yet this morning you act like the actual Norwegian fiord! ’

  ‘Oh, Jane! ’ Dallas turned briskly towards the door. ‘Anyway, is it all right if I go with Paula?’

  ‘Of course. I’ll be fine.’ Jane was looking rather smug, and Dallas felt unreasonably annoyed with her. She left the room, closing the door with a definite click, and looked up to meet Paula’s enquiring eyes.

  ‘Is Jane all right?’ asked Paula.

  ‘What? Oh, yes, perfectly all right,’ said Dallas, a trifle absently, and then gathering her thoughts she said: ‘Do you want to see her before we go?’

  Exploration of Lexandros proved the island to be even more delightful than even Dallas had imagined. There was so much colour and vegetation, with white-sanded coves, sheltered from fresh breezes by rocky headlands providing the coastline with a constantly changing geography. It had a kind of untamed beauty that was hard to describe, but Dallas felt an unfamiliar sense of well-being pervade her whole being, and she felt very glad to be alive on such a wonderful morning.

  Paula was driving an open sports car and they followed the road which embraced the island, curving sometimes close to the shoreline so that flurries of sand were scattered in their path, and at others mounting the rocky inclines where gorse and heather flourished-wildly, and the air was sweet with the scent of pine.

  At the pinnacle of one of these inclines they came upon a small ruined temple and Paula turned the car off the road into the shade of a clump of olive trees.

  ‘I’ve brought some coffee,’ she said, sliding out of the car. ‘We’ll have it here. This is the local shrine, you know. It’s from this that Lexandros derives its name. Do you like it?’

  Dallas climbed out of the car, smoothing back wisps of hair which had come loose during the drive and were curving round her ears. She smiled. ‘It’s quite beautiful, isn’t it?’ she murmured softly. ‘Oh, Paula, I’m glad we came here. What is it? Do you know its history?’

  Paula laughed, lighting a cigarette before replying. ‘Do I know its history?’ she echoed incredulously. ‘It was practically our catechism when we were children. We heard of Lexa almost as soon as we learnt to talk. ’

  ‘Lexa?’

  ‘Yes. This is the Temple of Lexa. Come on, I’ll show you around. ’

  The ruined temple was overhung with wisteria and bougainvillea, and their perfumes enhanced its atmosphere of immortality. It was small, but there were still evidences of its original intent. Ionic columns guarded a marble-floored terrace which led up to a higher level in the centre of which was a stone basin below an altar. Dallas walked forward curiously, followed rather more slowly by Paula who leaned against one of the marble slabs which had formed the walls of the temple but which now gave on to the cliffs above a rocky promontory.

  ‘What is this?’ asked Dallas, pointing down into the basin which was now pitted and crumbling a little with age.

  Paula smiled. ‘That was the place where the altar fir
e burned,’ she remarked patiently. ‘It was reputed to burn always; Lexa’s fire.’

  ‘And who was Lexa?’

  ‘Lexa was a god, or rather so we were taught. A rather lesser-known personage, I would say, but possessing supernatural powers, as did all the best gods.’

  Dallas looked disappointed. ‘ Oh, don’t joke about it. I’m serious. And I’m interested. Tell me properly.’

  Paula subdued her amusement. ‘All right, Dallas, I’m sorry. I can see you are a romantic, and the story is very romantic, if rather sad. ’

  ‘Go on, then.’ Dallas was eager.

  ‘Come, let’s have some coffee,’ said Paula, stubbing out her cigarette. ‘Then I’ll tell you.’

  Dallas shrugged a little regretfully for having to leave the temple, but she followed Paula back to the car and accepted a cup of aromatic Turkish coffee with good grace.

  Paula leaned back against the bonnet of the car, and said: ‘Now, Lexa was a god, as I have already told you. He was reputedly a very handsome being, and found no difficulty in attracting members of the opposite sex. But unfortunately Lexa had no time for women. He lived here, quite content on his island, living the life of a lotus-eater. The fire in his temple burned brightly, and it was obvious that it would continue to do so, so long as Lexa was happy.’ She smiled. ‘Do you want me to go on?’

  ‘Of course.’ Dallas was enthusiastic.

  ‘So.’ Paula ran a tongue over her lips. ‘One day there was a terrible storm over the islands. A caique was wrecked on the rocks below this very point where the temple stood, and the only survivor was a girl. Her name was Helen, and she was ecstatically beautiful. Lexa fell in love for the first and only time in his life. But he was a god, and she was a mortal, and their love was doomed from the outset. Lexa tried everything in his power to make her forget her earthly life and become immortal like himself, but someone else loved Helen, a boy from Sparta, who one day discovered her whereabouts and came to claim her. Lexa was heartbroken, and the fire in his temple died, never to be rekindled. ’