The Lady of Tarpon Springs

by Judith Miller

  “Baah!” He waved her to silence. “If he loves you, he should have said something before now, and he certainly shouldn’t need to hear I am sending you to Greece to find a husband before he declares himself.”

  Zanna pressed a hand to her stomach. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. She felt so trapped that she could scarcely breathe. Questions pummeled her mind. How was she going to get out of this trip? What would her father say if she flatly refused? Worst of all, was her father right about Nico? Why hadn’t he asked her father for permission to court her?

  CHAPTER

  28

  The following morning, Zanna lay in bed staring at the ceiling. She’d been awake most of the night, trying to arrive at some argument that would sway her father. One thing was certain: She did not want to go to Greece. Granted, she’d made an agreement with her father, but that was before Nico had turned her world upside down. For all her life she’d been obedient—except of course that one tiny incident of becoming a lawyer. Otherwise she’d been dutiful and respectful of her parents’ wishes. Besides, becoming a lawyer hadn’t occurred until after she was of legal age to make such decisions on her own. And now, faced with the threat of a voyage to Greece with Yayá, she must find a way to convince her father that his attempt to send her in search of a husband was inappropriate. Yet dissuading him once he’d made a decision was usually impossible.

  Her feet hit the bedroom floor with a thud. Whether she felt like it or not, she needed to get out of bed and face the day. After she’d completed her toilette, she donned a gray skirt and white shirtwaist, then pinned her straw boater into place. She wasn’t going to sit down at the breakfast table and make small talk. Not this morning. Not with this weight of despair.

  The moment Zanna stepped into the hallway, Yayá called for her to eat breakfast. “Not today, I’m late.” Zanna hurried out the door before the older woman had an opportunity to argue further.

  After her father’s surprise last night, Zanna had pushed aside all thoughts of speaking to her father about Theo’s deathbed remarks. But she could at least talk to Lucy again. After all, Lucy knew only what Theo had said; she didn’t know all the circumstances.

  Zanna stepped inside Lucy’s office and immediately removed her dove-gray gloves. Lucy smiled and arched her brows. “Appears you’re planning to stay awhile.”

  Zanna glanced at her gloves that she’d placed on the side table. “It’s too hot for gloves. Why do women feel we must tolerate such nonsense?”

  “For the sake of proper etiquette and civility, I suppose.” Lucy sat down at her desk. “What brings you to the office so early?” Her brow furrowed. “Your color isn’t good. Are you feeling unwell?”

  “I’m fine. Just tired. I didn’t sleep well last night.” Zanna didn’t want to dwell on her father’s unpleasant surprise at the moment. Right now, she wanted Lucy’s opinion regarding Theo.

  Lucy’s frown deepened. “You’re sure?”

  Zanna nodded. “I want to discuss Theo’s deathbed statements with you.” Before Lucy could stop her, Zanna hurried to continue. “I know we talked about his comments at the time of his death, but you don’t know everything that’s been happening on the Anastasi.”

  Lucy straightened in her chair. “Go on.”

  That was all the encouragement Zanna needed. When she’d completed the tale, she leaned back in her chair. “Well, what do you think?”

  “I think there may be some merit to what you’ve told me, especially since only the Anastasi is bringing in smaller harvests. I believe you should tell Nico and let him be the one to decide whether he should approach the men. There’s a good possibility they’re behaving recklessly because they hope to find some sort of sunken treasure. If so, more lives could be lost. None of us wants that to happen. Besides, Nico may have already heard rumors circulating among the men.”

  “I doubt that has happened. They talk only business to Nico, while the crew of the Anastasi seem to enjoy the company of Mr. Pappas during their time onshore.”

  “Mr. Pappas? Really? How interesting. I’ve been hearing his name a good deal lately.”

  Zanna startled to attention. “How so? Has he offered to buy the sponging business from you again?”

  “No, but he’s apparently told Bessie Rochester he plans to purchase it, even though it isn’t for sale.” Lucy leaned forward. “Did you know they’re engaged?” She whispered the question as though the room were filled with patients.

  Zanna reared back in her chair and clapped a hand to her chest. “No! You’re kidding. Please tell me this is a joke.” If Zanna hadn’t given her word to keep Viola’s promise, she would have told Lucy that Mr. Pappas owed Bessie money.

  “I wish I could tell you there’s no merit to it, but unfortunately it’s true. She doesn’t have a ring, however. Somehow the man got her to pay off some of his debts, and she’s also forgiven a loan she made to him some time ago. I do believe he’s only after her money, and he’s convinced her he loves her.”

  “Humph! I don’t think Mr. Pappas loves anyone other than himself.” Zanna sighed. “I don’t know if I can abide another day like these past two days. Can nothing good happen?”

  Lucy came around the desk and sat down in the chair beside Zanna. “Has something else happened? Something you haven’t told me about?”

  Zanna nodded. “Yes, and it’s terrible. Even worse, I don’t know how to fix it.” Lucy remained attentive while Zanna detailed for her what had occurred the previous evening. When she’d finished, Zanna leaned back in her chair. “I was awake most of the night attempting to arrive at a solution, but there’s nothing up there.” She pointed to her head. “I haven’t even one good idea.”

  Lucy grasped Zanna’s hand. “You need to have a long talk with Nico. You need to discuss Theo and the problems with the Anastasi, and then you need to tell him about your father’s plans to send you to Greece. There is no doubt in my mind that as soon as he hears what your father has done, he will be at your family’s doorstep begging for your hand in marriage.”

  Zanna hesitated, trying to process what Lucy had suggested. Telling Nico about Theo’s deathbed comments wouldn’t be overly difficult. He might be unhappy she’d withheld the information for so long, but once she explained it had been her hope to avoid causing any trouble among Nico and the crewmen, he’d surely understand. Telling him about her father’s surprise was another matter. Would he think she was trying to force him into proposing? The mere thought of professing her love for him before he’d spoken of love or marriage caused her cheeks to warm.

  “If you don’t think you have the courage to tell him what your father has planned,” Lucy continued, “perhaps you could ask him a few questions about love or marriage that would cause him to ask for your hand.” She paused and added, “I don’t know, Zanna. I’m certainly no expert when it comes to these things. We were the ones who were going to remain single for years, remember?”

  Zanna lifted her head and met Lucy’s eyes. “I know, but thoughts of being his wife overwhelm me when I’m around him. I think God has changed my mind about marriage and, strangely, I have no objection. Perhaps I’m beginning to learn His ways are far better than my own.”

  Lucy released Zanna’s hand. “That may be, but right now you need to speak with Nico.” She suddenly pushed to her feet. “Wait! I have an idea. You write Nico a note, telling him your father is sending you to Greece to find a husband. Then I’ll go to the warehouse and tell Nico what Theo said prior to his death. After all, I was the one who thought his statement was only delusional muttering, so it makes sense that I tell him. Before I leave, I’ll place the note on his desk. You wait a couple of hours before you go down to the warehouse.” Lucy clapped her hands together. “I think this is going to work.”

  Zanna stared at her for a minute as she attempted to sift through the idea. She slowly nodded. “I’ll write Nico a letter, you tell him about Theo and deliver the letter, and then I go to the warehouse in a couple of hours. And you thi
nk he’ll be prepared to propose after that?”

  “Of course he will. I’m sure he loves you. You’re sure he loves you. It’s time he voices his love for you.” Lucy beamed. “It’s a perfect plan, isn’t it?”

  “I suppose so.” Right now, Zanna was still attempting to grasp the idea. Could it possibly work?

  Before she could give it further thought, Lucy tugged at her arm. “Come around the desk and sit in my chair.” Lucy opened one of the drawers and removed a piece of paper. “You can’t write while you’re standing up.” Zanna dropped into the chair, and Lucy immediately pointed to the pen. “Write, Zanna, write. It need not be eloquent. Just a note stating what happened in the fewest words. That way he’ll want to ask questions the minute he sees you.”

  Zanna reached for the pen, looked up at Lucy, and offered it to her. “Would you like to write the note?”

  Lucy perched her hands on her hips. “No, I would not. The message needs to be written by you. And there’s no need to be grumpy. I’m only trying to help.”

  “I know, and I appreciate it, but I’m feeling completely overcome.” Zanna’s voice quivered. “I’d like a few minutes to gather my thoughts if I’m going to write a love note to Nico.”

  “You’re not writing a love note. Just tell him that your father is sending you to Greece to find a husband. You can add that he’s already purchased the tickets for your voyage. It’s as simple as that. There’s no need to fuss over each word. If I’m going to deliver the note and talk to Nico, I should go soon. I have appointments later this morning. If I’m not in the office when my patients arrive, they’ll be unhappy. Besides, the sooner I speak to Nico, the sooner he can speak to you and your father.”

  Lucy crossed the room, picked up her straw hat, and pinned it in place while Zanna penned the note. She’d written what Lucy instructed, but what should she use as her closing? She gripped the pen, uncertain if she should write “love” or “sincerely” or perhaps “yours truly” before adding her signature.

  “Zanna!” She startled and looked up as Lucy marched across the room and tapped her finger on the page. “Finish the note.”

  Without further thought, she scratched the tip of the pen across the bottom of the page, folded it in half, and placed it in the envelope Lucy handed her.

  Lucy took it from her and placed it in her bag. “Come on. We can walk together to your office, and then I’ll go on to the warehouse and speak to Nico.”

  A short time later, the two of them parted in front of Zanna’s office. She watched as Lucy continued down the street. Had she made a mistake? Was the note a good idea? Her stomach cinched. Would Nico ask for her hand? And if he did, would her father still insist on sending her to Greece to find someone other than a seafaring man? Her fingers trembled as she unlocked the office door and stepped inside. She leaned against the door and murmured a prayer. “Please, God. If you intend this man for me, make our path smooth and straight.”

  Adelfo Pappas tugged on the tip of his mustache before knocking on Bessie’s front door. She’d sent word she needed to speak to him. Since he’d proposed to her, he’d done his best to remain at a distance. One kiss had been one too many, yet he needed to keep her happy. She was his safeguard if things didn’t work out with the sunken treasure. The thought of marrying Bessie was distasteful, but he needed her. No, he needed her money—he didn’t need her. Unfortunately, he couldn’t have one without the other.

  She pulled open the door and bid him come in. He was surprised to see there was no tea cart waiting along with his favorite desserts. Perhaps she hadn’t had time to bake. He arched a brow. “No pastries? Not even a cup of coffee or tea?”

  “Sit down, Adelfo. I don’t think you’ll be here long enough for coffee. I’ll be brief with what I have to say.”

  His mouth went dry. For some reason, he felt as though a noose had been slipped around his neck. “I’m here for as long as you want me, my dear.” He gave her a generous smile. “And may I say you look lovely today? That shade of blue is most becoming on you.”

  “Thank you.” She finger-pressed the pleats of her skirt and straightened her shoulders, though she didn’t smile.

  His flattery was usually more impactful. There was something amiss, though he wasn’t sure what it might be. “Are you feeling unwell, my dear?”

  Her lips tightened into a thin line as she folded her hands in her lap. “As a matter of fact, I feel quite well. Would you like me to tell you why?”

  He nodded. Finally she was warming up. “Of course. I’m eager to hear anything you have to tell me.”

  She nodded, her gray hair bouncing with the gesture. “Because I’ve been back to the bank and had another conversation with Mr. Larson.”

  He stiffened. “Now, Bessie, I’ve told you there’s no need to worry over your finances.”

  “That’s true. There’s no longer a concern. You see, Mr. Larson was worried over that list of debts I’d given him to pay. You do recall the list you gave me?”

  “Yes, of course. Why did the list worry him if it is your money and you asked that the debts be paid?”

  She tapped a finger to her pursed lips. “Well, you see, Mr. Larson knows me much better than you, and he was concerned you might take advantage, so he hadn’t yet paid those debts.” She clasped a hand to her chest. “Believe me, I was so relieved when he told me my money was still safe in my bank account.”

  “But, I don’t understand. You were the one who wanted to pay the debts so I wouldn’t have to go to New York.”

  “Yes, but that was before I came to my senses and realized the only reason you want to marry me is so you can be freed from your debts and have access to my money, so that you can then purchase Dr. Lucy’s sponging company—which, I might add, is not for sale.”

  His anger mounted with each word that came from her mouth. “It sounds as though you’ve been going about town spying and spreading rumors about me.”

  “I’ve been single and on my own for a long time, Adelfo. I’ll admit you swept me off my feet and I thought I was in love with you, but after a lot of prayer and thought, it became clear that you don’t love me. The only thing you desired was my money. Thankfully, Mr. Larson saved me from my foolishness. Your debts remain outstanding, so I suggest you go back to work.” She leaned toward him. “I think the only person you love is yourself, and that’s a sad thing, Adelfo.”

  “So you invited me here to insult me.” He clenched his teeth. If she were a man, he’d challenge her to a bout of fisticuffs or perhaps a duel. But she wasn’t. His only choice was to fight her with words. “There have been a few women I have truly loved, Bessie. Unlike you, they were women of beauty and charm.”

  She chuckled. “If they loved you in return, they have my pity. And you, Adelfo, have my prayers. Please leave.”

  He stormed from the house, his hands clenched into fists. That ungrateful woman! To think that he had actually kissed her. He punched at the air. That noose he’d felt slip around his neck had tightened a notch. Those divers had better find that treasure soon because his debtors wouldn’t wait forever.

  Nico looked up at the sound of clicking footfalls outside the warehouse door. His jaw dropped when Lucy stepped inside. He could count on one hand the number of times she’d come to the warehouse since he’d arrived in Tarpon Springs. She disliked the docks, and unless she was needed for a medical emergency, she typically stayed away.

  Lucy smiled. “Your reaction to seeing me down here doesn’t surprise me.”

  “I heard the footsteps and thought Zanna would appear in the doorway. You don’t come here often, so . . .” His chest tightened. “Is Zanna ill? Is someone injured?”

  “No. At least no one that I know of. I wanted to visit with you, if you have a few minutes.” She glanced around. “I’d like our conversation to be private.”

  “I think it’s fine to talk here. There’s nobody around right now, although I expect a few of the men from the Anastasi to come to the warehouse and help with t
he trimming and cleaning.” He gestured for her to take a seat. “Their boat returned earlier than the others. Problems with some of the diving equipment, but it will be repaired by the time they are due to sail again.” He inhaled a deep breath. “In the meantime, I plan to keep them busy in the warehouse. Maybe then they’ll remember to check their equipment before they sail the next time.”

  She scooted forward in her chair. “The Anastasi is what I want to talk to you about.”

  He arched his brows. “What about her? She’s a sound boat. There are no reasons for concern, Dr. Penrose.”

  “I have no doubt she’s a seaworthy vessel, but I understand the harvests have been unreliable when she sails. From the records, it appears sometimes the harvest is excellent, while other times it’s far below average.”

  “That’s true. There is something not quite right. I keep trying to discover what it is, but I haven’t yet figured it out.”

  Lucy nodded. “That is why I feel I should talk to you about Theo.”

  “Theo? What more can be said about a dead man?” Nico placed his hand on his chest. “My heart aches for his family back in Greece, and I know Markos grieves for his brother, but there is nothing we can do to change what has happened.”

  “No, but maybe there’s something going on that will prevent such a thing from happening in the future.”

  His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “Right before Theo died, he made a comment. At the time I thought he was hallucinating and his words meant nothing.”

  Nico leaned toward her. “What did he say? Please—tell me.”

  She repeated Theo’s remarks about the sunken ship and treasure. “I don’t know if there’s any truth to it, of course, but it’s odd that the only injuries or death have occurred on the Anastasi, and the only problems with reliable harvesting are with that same boat. After considering all that’s happened, I wonder if one of the divers discovered a sunken ship and they’re taking chances staying down too long.”