Page 70 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

Jonathan called out a greeting in Greek before asking if he and his wife might draw water from the well.

“Where are you traveling?” the man asked.

“A wedding in Arachova.”

“You have a long journey ahead. Come inside from the heat. Share our bread with us.”

Jonathan translated for Evangeline.

“Thank you,” she said, bowing her head. “Efharisto.”

He smiled, pleased by how quickly she’d learned a few phrases. He could only imagine the progress she would make if she studied the language.

A lanky boy in a dusty herding robe emerged from the house, cocking his head to one side. His skin was golden brown, and his expression curious.

“Yannis, feed their donkey.”

“Yes, Father,” he said and took the reins to lead Timothy away.

The man told his daughter Maria to bring water inside so their guests could wash, and she hurried toward the well while Jonathan and Evangeline were welcomed inside. When the girl returned with a bucket, she led Evangeline to a back room while Jonathan stood to wait his turn, not wanting to dirty a chair.

The man introduced himself as Nikos and explained that he and his children lived in the home and tended sheep on the land. He didn’t mention a wife, and Jonathan didn’t ask.

When Evangeline walked into the main room, her rosy cheeks were scrubbed clean and her riotous curls had been tamed into a knot again. The bodice of her gown was still damp, but they were traveling light, and she needed the split skirt for the climb ahead. Maria followed her from the room and Jonathan took his turn.

After he splashed water on his face and tamed his hair, he joined everyone at the table. A small spread of bread, cheese, and olives had been laid out.

Nikos sat at the head of the table and gestured to the food. “Please, help yourselves.”

Jonathan told their host he and Evangeline were traveling performers, sticking to their cover, while Yannis and Maria listened with wide eyes as they pinched off pieces of bread to pop into their mouths.

Nikos appeared to be a man of few words, and he didn’t probe for more information. Recognizing the children’s fascination, Jonathan offered up that he played the frame drums. When Maria looked toward her father with lips parted, he nodded, granting permission for her to ask questions. Truly, it was an interest Jonathan never minded discussing.

He stopped periodically to translate so Evangeline was included. At the end of the meal, Jonathan thanked their host and left a couple of coins on the table.

“For your kindness.”

Nikos walked them to the door while his son retrieved the donkey and Maria filled their water skins. Evangeline thanked him again, then pulled a sprig of lavender from her pocket that she had picked earlier and handed it to Maria. The girl giggled, tucking it behind her ear.

As they reached the door, Nikos grabbed Jonathan's arm and issued a warning.

“I understand,” Jonathan said, nodding. “We will take precautions.”

Evangeline looked at him, eyebrows raised.

“There are tales of the Lamia roaming Nyx Gorge at night,” Jonathan said. “Nikos advises us to be careful.”

“Lamia?”

“Female demons. They’re from Greek mythology.”

“Oh? What do these mythical demons look like?”

He shrugged. “Travelers hear them moving in the dark, but when they take a torch to look… nothing.”

“And the next morning?” Evangeline asked. “Are there footprints? Anything out of place or missing?”

When Jonathan repeated her questions, Nikos drew back, frowning. He hesitated before answering.