Augi nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘Sofia looked from one to the other of them. ‘I’ve a feeling I’ve missed something. Is this good news or bad news for my friend?’
‘Possibly good news.’ She hesitated. There was no going back now. If she told Sofia that this woman stood to inherit MacLeod’s Cottage, then it spelt an end to Dan’s family’s involvement with the property. She couldn’t break the news. It had to be him. ‘Daniel?’
Dan was grim-lipped. ‘We’re looking for the closest living relative to her great uncle — John Kowalski.’
‘Why?’ said Sofia.
‘Because my family home is held in a trust. John Kowalski’s will left it to his closest living relative.’
Sofia’s eyes opened wide. ‘And you believe it to be Maria?’
Dan turned to Augi. ‘Augustini had done all the work. Do you believe it’s Maria?’
For whatever reason, Augi hesitated. Flashbacks of Kate, the family — and how kind they’d been, and how established they were in the house — filled her mind, and she couldn’t help feel how desperately unfair it was. But it was Kate who wanted this solved. The uncertainty had become worse than the idea of leaving the cottage.
‘I…’ She took a deep breath. ‘I’m not one hundred percent certain yet.’ That was true. ‘It would be better if you didn’t say anything to Maria just yet. Not until we know for sure.’
‘Of course,’ said Sofia. ‘She doesn’t even know I’m here. It was for personal reasons I came.’
‘If she is the closest relative,’ said Dan, ‘what do you think she’ll do with the house?’
Sofia’s eyes narrowed, as she tried to figure it all out. ‘Does your family still live in the house?’
‘My mother does. I’m staying there at the moment. But normally it’s only my mother. She’s lived in it all her life,’ he added. ‘She was born there, as was her mother and her mother before her.’ Augi understood. Dan wanted Sofia to understand exactly how much the house meant to them all.
‘She’s a good woman,’ said Sofia. ‘She wouldn’t want your family to leave. I’m sure.’
‘Are you sure, though?’ asked Dan leaning forward. ‘You said she was poor. In my experience, poor people seldom have the luxury of showing kindness. Not if it means the difference between a comfortable life and a hand-to-mouth existence.’
‘Daniel!’ exclaimed Augi, surprised by the sharp edge to his tone. She put her hand on his arm as if to restrain him.
Dan leaned back in his chair with a sigh. ‘I’m sorry if I sound rude, but you must understand this is my family home we’re talking about.’
‘It’s OK. I understand,’ said Sofia. ‘Family is of the utmost importance to Greeks, too.’
Dan grimaced, and glanced at Augi. Augi thought both she and Sofia could read Dan’s mind. He was thinking that she, Augi, hadn’t been on the receiving end of much familial love.
‘If you could do us a favour, Sofia, of not saying anything to Maria, just for a few weeks, say. It will give me time to wind up my research and talk it through with Kate.’ She shrugged. ‘It’s taken years, so a few more weeks shouldn’t matter.’
‘Of course. Do what you will. Maria has no expectations. When I return, I’ll simply tell her that you reached out because your family had dealings with her great uncle.’
Augi smiled, grateful for Sofia’s understanding. ‘We appreciate it.’
‘Eleni,’ Sofia said. For a moment Augi wondered who she meant, but of course Sofia still thought of her by the name she was given at birth. ‘I don’t think you realise how much I feel I owe you. Owe you for my brother’s memory, owe you for how you were treated. I will do anything you say.’
Dan nodded but didn’t speak. Augi put her hand over his and squeezed. She was grateful. For both his protective attitude to her and for reining it in. The past was behind them all now. And she’d just been handed a future of reconciliation and hope. Dan shot her an answering smile and got up.
‘I think I’ll get going now. Leave you to it. You’ve a lot to catch up on.’
‘Thank you, Daniel,’ Augi said.
He took the hand he was still holding and brought it to his lips. ‘My pleasure,’ he said.
For a moment, Augi was confused. She could still feel the brush of his lips on the back of her hand, and echoes of that sensation skittering through her body. She watched him leave.
‘I’m glad you’ve found love.’
