‘Like I used to,’ India had said wryly. ‘Ones where I was the princess with my handsome prince coming along. Why do they tell us those fairy stories as girls? The ones about men rescuing women and how our lives are not fulfilled unless we have a partner. It’s not realistic,’ she added crossly. ‘Whole rafts of clever women think some guy is going to save them and all they have to be is a unicorn woman with no needs.’
‘You know better now,’ said Rose firmly.
India nodded.
Rose reached into her pocket and took out her ever-present package of tissues. She handed them to India before she launched into more about Dan.
‘Even if you don’t like Julia, remember that she’s been through a lot. We don’t know her story, only Dan’s perception of it, which is idealised.’
‘You’re very kind, Rose,’ said India.
‘That’s me – always kind,’ Rose agreed smiling. ‘I have to go to the village but we’ll meet on the beach at six, before dinner, OK?’
The way things were going, Rose thinks as she gathers up her belongings, there was going to be a full session with everyone on the beach. Which is OK.
Finally, she’s on her way. She’s wearing her light cotton tennis shoes and walks at quite a pace down the dusty track to Xanthe.
In the off-season, the shops are all closed at this time and only the tavernas and bars are open. But now in the glorious warmth of September, the shops are all open again after their mesimeri, the Greek siesta.
The village will become busy fast, Rose knows.
People from the various rental villas and little apartments are wandering through the town, along with the stragglersfrom day trips to Xanthe who are heading to the coaches to drive back to their holiday apartments and hotels.
They’re trailing bags with souvenirs in them: the iconic little Greek horses with the patina of green on the brass manes, pieces of pottery with pretty flowers painted on.
Rose likes the village best in the early mornings when only the locals are there, drinking strong coffee, setting up for the day, breathing in the sea air.
But it’s beautiful anytime: sloped streets heading to the harbour, bright flowers in window boxes, elegant little houses side by side with older whitewashed ones, Greek history and architecture everywhere.
She speeds past people dawdling outside the straw hat and handbag shop and makes it to La Bella Graca, a little gem on Ermou Street, its stonework walls and richly ornate wooden door opening up to a bright, scented shop.
Herbs hang from the ceiling and Rose inhales as she walks in, identifying the scent of apples, strawberry leaf and luscious liquorice root.
‘Hello Rose,’ sings out Elena, in the work area behind the counter, mixing up blends of herbs. ‘How did you find the Shepherd’s Tea? Did it help with your cold?’
‘Yes, it was marvellous,’ says Rose, ‘but I need something stronger today. I need a calming tea to help me finish the retreat properly.’
‘Of course.’ Elena nods thoughtfully. ‘I see everyone has been looking for one of your guests.’
‘We found him,’ Rose says. ‘Well, we located him. I won’t feel right until I have him back in Villa Artemis.’
‘Guests are often tricky,’ Elena agrees. ‘So – you are looking for my Magic Tea, perhaps?’
Rose nods.
‘Can you wait ten minutes? I have a small quantity ready but need to package it.’
‘Of course.’
‘No new medications I should know about?’
The Magic Tea is the strongest herbal tea Rose has ever had. Its exact ingredients are a secret known only to Elena and her elderly mother, which is why Elena only sells it to people who divulge all of their medications to her.
‘Herbs are powerful and some herbs cannot be taken with some medicine,’ Elena has always said.
‘No new medications,’ Rose answers.
‘Good. Have some of today’s blend while you wait.’ Elena gestures to the teapot warming on a little flame. ‘It’s raspberry and pomegranate.’
