A breeze from the partially open door blew his hair, and he smiled, remembering the previous evening—the feel of Diana’s fingers in his hair, the way she’d brushed his neck, and her shy words before she’d fled into the house. Just the memory made his insides feel as if they were floating.
His gaze was drawn to movement, and he glanced toward the Sássaris men. He’d only made the acquaintance of Sebastianos, the clan leader, and a few of his elder sons. The moment Alex had seen the men gathered in the town square before the wedding, he’d known something was wrong. A tension was in the air, and even though the clan blended in with the others in the church, he saw darting eyes, tapping feet, and tight jaws. The sight made him uneasy.
He turned back toward the ceremony, feeling a warmth at the familiarity of the traditions. The koumbaro, the groom’s closest friend, lifted the golden crowns from the bride and groom and, ensuring that they remained attached, placed them on the opposite heads.
The woman next to Elena whispered something then turned back, adjusting her scarf. For just an instant, her profile was visible. Alex blinked and looked again. The woman was Diana Snow! How had he not recognized her?
He shifted to the side to get a better view and saw that Diana wore an exquisite gown that fit her curves as if it were made especially with her figure in mind. Wisps of dark, loose hair were visible beneath her scarf. Alex’s heart did a slow somersault. She looked beautiful. But it wasn’t only the clothing and hairstyle that were different. Diana held herself confidently. Not the forced confidence she typically assumed, but she somehow looked more comfortable with herself. It was obvious in her stance and her movements. He stepped quietly along the wall to catch a glimpse of her face.
Diana watched the ceremony with a pleasant expression. Her head was tipped with interest, and Alex wished he was the one standing next to her, explaining the significance of the bride and groom’s candles, the action of drinking from a common cup, and the attached crowns.
If only he knew her feelings about what she saw.
The priest led the bride and groom around the table three times, they switched their gold bands to their right hands, and the ceremony was over. As they left the church, rice was thrown to bless the newlyweds with children.
Alex followed the crowd into the square, where the women busied themselves serving a feast. He took a seat beside Dino and scanned the rows of tables. Diana was assisting Sophia’s children with their plates. She sat between Mikhail and Elena farther down the same table as Alex. As if she could feel him watching, she lifted her eyes and locked her gaze with his. Pink colored her cheeks, but she did not turn away. The corners of her mouth pulled, and she allowed it to happen. Diana Snow was smiling, a small smile, yet it warmed Alex from head to toe like sunshine.
Her smile was exquisite.
Mikhail said something that recaptured her attention, and Alex looked down at his plate. He didn’t even remember eating the lamb or the rice pilaf. He spread the egg and lemon sauce absentmindedly on the stuffed grape leaf, but his mind was not on food.
Forcibly keeping his eyes from wandering down the table, he glanced in the other direction. The men of the Sássaris family leaned their heads together at one end of the table and spoke in low voices, and this time they were joined by a woman. Alex squinted. He recognized her as the mother whose child had died. She spoke quickly and quietly, her gaze darting, and her face pinched in anger. The feeling of unease returned.
“Cause for concern on what should be a joyful day.” Dino lifted his chin toward the group of men.
“What do you think they are discussing so secretly?”
“I do not know. The Sássaris family is strong but impulsive. It will not remain a secret for long.”
Alex studied Dino’s expression and saw that even though his face was relaxed, the lines on the sides of his mouth had deepened. He was worried.
Voices called for attention, and the crowd quieted as the koumbaro lifted his glass in a toast. The toasting continued, but Alex only listened with half an ear as he glanced to where Diana sat. Mikhail had climbed onto her lap and was holding up his wooden cup with a plump arm each time the adults raised theirs.
Diana’s gaze met his again. She raised her brows and darted her gaze to the small dark head and then smiled again. Alex’s heart felt soft when he looked at the boy and watched the earnest way he participated.
“Missno is fortunate to be with Hektor’s family.” Dino gestured in her direction, and Alex knew there was no use in pretending he hadn’t been watching Diana for the entirety of the meal. “They are fine children. And Sophia is a good mother.” Dino took a long drink of raki.
Alex had never heard Dino engage in small talk, and wondered if his talkativeness could be attributed to the brandy. “And Hektor, he is your brother?”
“Yes.” The lines around his mouth tightened further. “He is in Italy, trading . . . merchandise.” He blew out a puff of air and tapped his fingers on the table. “But he has been gone too long. I fear misfortune has befallen him.”
“And what will happen to his family if he does not return?”
“I will marry Sophia, of course. And raise the children. It is my duty.” Dino spoke in a matter-of-fact voice, but Alex could still see the unease in his eyes. He worried for his brother’s safety.
“Will you search for him?”
“If he does not return within a week, I will search.” He took another long drink and motioned for the bottle to refill his glass.
Alex wondered about Hektor. Was he kind, like his wife? How would he treat Diana when he returned?
Petrobey stood and offered a toast to the new couple, and at last, the music started. A small band consisting of a long-necked bouzouki, a lyre, and a clarinet began to play, and the bride rose to lead the Kalamatiano. She walked slowly to the center of the square and spread her arms gracefully, then she began to move in time with the music, twisting her hips and stepping slowly with bouncing steps, first in one direction, then the other. She spun, eliciting applause from the gathered crowd.
A woman joined her, opening a handkerchief and holding one corner while the bride grasped the other. More women merged into a line, linked together by handkerchiefs and facing into the center of a growing circle. The line continued to move, and the music was accompanied by claps and shouts.
Alex watched as Elena tugged on Diana’s arm. Diana seemed reluctant but finally followed her to join the other women. Her expression was pinched in concentration as she attempted the steps, skipping along with the line. She stumbled when the dancers changed direction, then stumbled again, trying to understand the rhythm. After a few minutes, Diana appeared to work out the cadence. She stopped watching her feet and smiled at Elena as she was pulled along. She leaned back her head, and her head scarf slipped down onto her shoulders, but she did not pull it back.
The music picked up speed, and the dance became faster.
Following the groom, the men joined the dance, holding onto the shoulders of the man next to them and forming a ring around the women. Alex found a position where he could watch Diana, and his feet moved in the familiar pattern that Greeks from Crete to Constantinople had followed for generations.
Diana grinned at Elena, and Alex nearly lost his footing when her smile was joined by laughter. He felt breathless but could not attribute the sensation to the rapid pace of the wedding dance. A sound had not had such an effect over his heartbeat since he could remember.
The song ended, and the dancers broke off, applauding and moving around the square. Diana walked toward the table, but he intercepted her path, offering his arm.
She squinted in a questioning look but slipped her hand beneath his elbow and permitted him to lead her away from the crowd. The night was cooling, and the area outside the range of the lanterns had grown dark.
The cicadas chirped, softening the sound of voices and music. Alex stopped and turned toward her. Diana was breathing heavily, her face was flushed, her gray eyes bright,
and the bewitching smile directed at him. Alex brushed a long curl from her forehead, his fingers following the line of her hair behind her ear. He pulled her gently toward him and pressed his lips on hers. He could not help himself.
Everything about her was soft and warm. She melted against him, sliding one hand along his shoulder and the other around his waist. His thumb felt the pulse at her neck speed up.
Alex drew back and saw her eyes were closed. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and fire heated his insides. “Your smile. It is beautiful.” He stroked a finger along her lips. “I knew it would be, but I had no idea that it would enchant me so completely.”
His lips smirked as he remembered the woman with the disapproving expression at the Corfu taverna. That was not Diana—not really. This vibrant woman standing before him was the true Diana Snow, and his fingers itched to touch her.
“Thank you.” Diana stepped back and lowered her arms. Her expression grew guarded, and the smile faded.
Alex's insides grew cold as he realized the implications in his actions. Once his mind was clear, he regretted immediately that he'd made her uncomfortable. The kiss was a promise he couldn’t keep. He grimaced, angry at himself. “I acted impulsively, and I am sorry. Your smile, your laugh, I should not have . . .”
She breathed heavily, and her lips quivered as she watched him.
“You must understand, if circumstances were different . . . But this situation is complicated.” He pushed his fingers through his hair. “If we were simply a man and woman living in this village, I would court you. I would walk home with you from church. I would bring you flowers and sing beneath your window.”
“I would like that.” She spoke so softly that he had to strain to hear. She seemed to realize what she’d said and clenched her jaw. Her shoulders lowered, her chin raised, and her face hardened the slightest bit.
“Why do you hide yourself away, Diana?” He brushed his fingers down her arm to clasp her hand. “Why do you wear a mask?”
“I told you why.” She looked down at the ground.
He crooked a finger beneath her chin and lifted her face. “Do you fear that someone will see Diana Snow? Why do you protect her? Has somebody hurt you?” Just the thought made his blood boil and then turn to ice.
“Nobody can hurt me unless I allow it.” She pulled away her chin and spoke as if repeating something she’d said often, which he thought she surely had.
“I would never hurt you. Do you know that? Do you trust me?”
She looked up at him, then pursed her lips. “I do not think you would do so on purpose.”
Her mask was back, and the sight made his stomach sink. He had hurt her, and he did not imagine he would possibly win her trust again.
She glanced toward the dancing. “Excuse me, but I must return to Sophia.”
He studied her, but her expression remaind cold. Alex breathed out a sigh. “May I accompany you? You should not walk alone.”
She started toward the lantern-lit area and did not glance back to see if he followed. “If you like.” She searched the crowd until she found Georgi.
“I am leaving to take care of your mother. Please make sure Elena gets home safely.”
Georgi glanced at Alex and then back to her, nodding. “Thank you.”
Diana left the square and walked quickly. Her back was straight, her chin up, and her lips pressed together.
Alex lengthened his stride to keep up with her. He wished he could think of something to say that would soften her again, but he feared he’d spoiled the friendship beyond repair. His heart hurt at the thought. “I imagine we do not have much time left in the Mani.” It was a pitiful attempt at conversation, but he decided small talk was preferable to silence.
She glanced at him. “Your ship will arrive soon, won’t it, Mr. Metaxas?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see it in the harbor any day now.”
“And I imagine you will be pleased to return to Constantinople.” She did not glance at him, and her voice was clipped like her footsteps.
“There is a sense of satisfaction that comes with completing an assignment, but I do not think ‘pleased’ will entirely describe my feelings.”
She did not respond.
“Your ship will arrive soon as well. I will delay my return in order to see you safely off. You will be happy to see Molly again, will you not?”
“I’ll not be leaving.” Her voice wavered, but her face betrayed no emotion. What did her statement mean? Did she think the bey had not kept his word and contacted the navy at Corfu?
“Petrobey told no falsehood. He has sent for a ship.”
Diana stopped in front of the garden gate so suddenly that Alex’s heart jerked, and he glanced around to see what had caused the abrupt halt.
“Who do you expect to come, Mr. Metaxas?” Diana eyes were red and her voice strained. “Do you think the British navy sends a ship for each person who asks?” She choked and drew in a ragged breath. “I am not a lady or a gentleman’s daughter. No ship will be sent to rescue a penniless orphan.” She whipped around and fled into the house.
Alex stood on the bricks of the road as if his feet had grown roots. Was there truly nobody coming for her? Did she have no family? No connections? He furrowed his fingers through his hair as he remembered the pink on her cheeks when Molly told him Diana was her chaperone. And now the reaction made sense. “Oh, Diana, what have you gotten yourself into?” He whispered the words. He did not know what the Maniots would do when they realized Diana had been abandoned.
He started back along the dark road toward the music and laughter of the party, his mind spinning as he thought of scenarios. He had friends in Italy who might be willing to help, or perhaps he could negotiate with the British himself.
If only he could take her with him when he returned to Constantinople. But it was impossible. Diana was a young British woman, and he was a Greek revolutionary. She was not strong enough to be involved in that world, no matter how much he wished it.
The memory of Diana kneeling on the beach with a sword to her throat entered into his mind. She had not wept nor carried on but held her chin up bravely. He’d seen her mind working.
He did not allow the memory to linger. The thought of anything happening to her squeezed his chest until he could scarcely breathe. He would have to say good-bye; it was inevitable. Parting would be difficult, painful even. But he was sworn to the cause—and it was his cause not hers. Diana could not survive in his world. She was not a warrior. He would think of some other way to save her. He must.
Chapter 16
Diana closed the door behind her and leaned against it. The house was dark and quiet, and she was grateful for the time alone. Her eyes burned, and she thought she might be ill.
Her emotions felt like a loose ribbon unraveling in the wind, and the feeling terrified her. She struggled to pull them back where they belonged and clenched her fists as she tried to make sense of what had happened.
Alex had kissed her. The memory of his touch, even nearly an hour later sent her heart tripping. But then her insides turned to lead when she thought of his words after. He’d apologized, claiming it had been an accident, then made excuses to explain his impulsive behavior.
Diana was embarrassed and humiliated, and even more, disgusted with herself for enjoying the kiss. For believing, just for that moment, that it was the beginning of something, that Alexandros Metaxas cared for her.
She had not disguised her feelings quickly enough, and he’d seen exactly how she felt.
And on top of it all, she’d lost her temper and revealed something she never should have—the truth about her origins. The thing that had so often been used to hurt her, the truth she hid away. She’d blurted it out without a thought. And why? She knew the reason, and it made her stomach ache. She’d been angry and frightened and had hoped to show Alex how her life was ruined and make him feel as terrible as she did. She’d blamed him for something he had no control over.
A blinding dread rose when she let herself consider what would happen when Alex departed and then later when her ship did not arrive. Facing an unknown future terrified her. And she’d turned her fear into anger, thrusting it at him like a weapon.
Remember this, Diana. Remember what happens when you loosen your control.
She stepped across the dark room, treading lightly on the wooden floor. The moonlight shimmered through the windows, turning the furniture silver, much as it had done early this morning. Had it really just been this morning that she’d risen before Elena to complete the chores? It seemed that so much had happened since then.
Glancing at the sofa, she thought of the kindhearted advice Sophia had given her before she left. Diana had taken the words to heart. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so joyful in her life as she had when she allowed her inhibitions to fall away and danced in the wedding celebration. Dancing gave her a feeling of freedom, and for a person who spent her life at the mercy of others, it had been intoxicating.
She stepped up the stairs quietly so as not to wake Sophia or the younger boys. All she could think of was going to sleep and putting this day behind her, but as she passed Sophia’s bedchamber, she heard a low moan.
Diana knocked and opened the door. The room was lit only by moonlight. She heard another moan, and when she saw Sophia, her heart turned cold.
The woman was curled up on a threadbare rug on the floor. Tears streaked her face, and her hair and clothes were soaked with perspiration.
“Oh, what is it?”
“Thank goodness you are here.” Sophia’s voice was a strained whisper that ended in a sob. “The baby is coming. It is early. Something is not right.”
“Oh, Sophia. Why did you allow me to leave? What shall I do?” Diana hurried to light a lantern.
Sophia’s entire body clenched. She gritted her teeth but could not fully stop a whimper. Diana knelt next to her, pushing her hair back from her face, holding her hand, and feeling utterly helpless.
After a moment, the episode passed.
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