Read Online The Girl Under the Olive Tree by Leah Fleming - Free Book Online Page B

washing pottery, anything to keep her mind off what was about to happen. She told no one of her coming departure, especially not Joan, because if she did it would become real. Every morning she secreted some clothes and personal bits and took them in a shopping bag to her locker in the hostel. She made an outward play of asking Kaliope to wash her clothes ready for packing and took them off the line, a few at a time, bundling them into her college bag, leaving all her art materials at the hostel. Each day she siphoned off a few things she might need: her papers, address book. It was madness but she had to escape before it was too late. On the night before their departure, she pretended to go along with their preparations and said she would have an early night while Walter and Evadne went out into the city for a last dinner, assured that she had come to her senses at long last.
    As soon as they had left, Penny sat down and wrote a letter to her parents.
    Please don’t blame Evadne for my decision to stay on in Athens. She has had no part in my actions and knows nothing of my plans. I know you will feel let down by me but I want to make you proud of me in another way.
    Papa, your forefathers were humble tradespeople who, through hard work and luck, and maybe some cunning made their fortune from this very city. I feel I have roots in Greece. My language has come on well. My archaeology teacher says I have the eye and aptitude to succeed in my own right, not because of connections in high places.
    Please forgive my disobedience to your wishes: we have but one life to live and I want to live it my way.
    I am not taking the easy route. I will be penniless for the first time in my life, but deep in my heart I know this path is the true one for me wherever it may lead.
    I am still your loving daughter though you may wish to disown and reject me after this act of what you see as treachery. Try to understand my decision.
    Ever your loving if disobedient daughter,
    Penelope Angelika Georgiou
     
    Later that day Penny left a note for Evadne, gathered up her new carpetbag and suitcase and made for the British School, leaving her luggage with the concierge there. It was still light as she made her way for the first time up the high mount of Lycabettus towards St George’s Chapel at the summit. It was a long, slow climb, every step distancing her from home and family. Half-way she halted in panic, knowing she ought to go back and say goodbye to Evadne and Walter, who would be confused, angry and frightened by her leaving. She’d drawn close to her sister in these past months and she’d miss her company. But the only way was forward through the brush of thyme and sage and buzzing insects, on and on to the little white chapel. Once there she stood in awe, watching the sun set on life as she‘d known it. The palette of sky as it slid to the west was streaked with lavender, ochre, pinks and apricots. The sight of it brought tears of relief and wonder at such beauty. How could she even think of leaving such a majestic place?
    She found a quiet corner to sit and watch the city lamps slowly light up as evening turned into night.
    Early in the morning she arrived at Joan’s bedroom door, dishevelled and exhausted, having spent the night sitting in the chapel, knowing there was no going back.
    ‘Where on God’s earth have you been? They’ve been out searching for you. Honestly, Penelope, I thought better of you. Your sister is so worried. You can’t just walk out on people like that,’ she scolded. Then, seeing Penny’s stooped figure, her look of exhaustion and fear, she relented. ‘Don’t suppose you’ve eaten a thing. We’ll get something from the kitchen. You’d better go and explain yourself to Bruce while you’re here. He’s had Walter at his door thinking you’d eloped with him into the hills.’
    Penny sat down on the edge of Joan’s bed. ‘Have they gone?’ she asked anxiously.
    ‘I don’t know. None of my business,