Grace noticed that Elena didn’t eat anything herself. It was more important that you, the guest, ate. It wasn’t great for the waistline. She’d have to think about upping her exercise regime.
Coffee over, Elena buzzed some sort of intercom connected to the terrace.
‘Anastasia, could you bring the children in now, please.’
‘Of course, madam,’ was easily audible.
‘I wanted you to meet them before you started the lessons,’ said Elena. ‘They go to a private school in the town in term time, and they have a tutor here in the afternoons. Obviously, they couldn’t attend our own language school, as it would be awkward for everyone, pupils and teachers alike.’
Her boss was probably right. Grace and her husband had avoided working at any of the schools their girls attended, and her long stint as a deputy head had been at a school in the next town. Plus, you never wanted to bump into parents when you’d had a few down the local pub. Not that she could imagine that was a problem Elena would ever have.
‘But in August, although the school is shut, we’ll be staying put and enjoying the island this year, so I’d like the children to take lessons from you to keep improving their English– in the mornings, as discussed.’
‘Of course.’
The light came back into Elena’s eyes as three immaculately dressed, dark-haired children, two girls and a boy, filed into the room one by one, in height order, like something fromThe Sound of Music.
‘Say hello, children.’
‘Pleased to meet you, Mrs Foreman.’
‘And it’s lovely to meet you. Please tell me, in English, your names, your ages and what you most like doing.’
The tallest girl stepped forward.
‘I’m Athena. I’m ten years old. I love maths, painting and drawing.’
The boy was pushed forward by his big sister.
‘I’m Vasilis. I’m seven and I like fighting.’
‘Vasilis! What a thing to say.’ But there was still a smile on Elena’s face. Grace had heard a lot about Greek mothers and sons. They certainly seemed to get away with a bit more than their sisters.
A scared face peeped round her sister’s legs.
‘Go on, Katty, your turn.’ Elena took her youngest daughter by the hand and brought her over to Grace.
The little girl reminded Grace a lot of Flo when she was young. Obviously shy, she spoke in a near whisper.
‘I’m Katerina, I’m six, and I like… butterflies and flowers.’
‘Well, Katerina, I like butterflies and flowers too.’
Grace was rewarded with a smile.
‘I’m so excited about coming to spend time with you all. We’re going to have a lot of fun.’
Meeting the children made her even angrier with Giannis. It was none of her business really, not that that always stopped her. But how dare he risk their futures for a silly fling?
‘OK, children, say goodbye to Mrs Foreman.’
‘Bye, Mrs Foreman.’
‘Goodbye. I’ll see you soon.’
Elena stood up and Grace noticed Anastasia waiting in the gloom of the kitchen.
‘If you get into your swimming costumes, I’ll take you down to the beach.’
