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

name.’
    ‘Thank you, Miss Bushnel, but I prefer Penny.’
    ‘Then you can call me, Joan
or
Kyria Joanna,’ she laughed.
    As Penny watched her striding down the path she felt a surge of hope. With women like Joan supervising her studies, she might just succeed. She would not let her down.
    Evadne suddenly appeared from the orchard of citrus trees. ‘Goodness, what an old bluestocking!’ she exclaimed as they watched Joan striding down the steps in her long skirt and floppy hat.
    ‘Oh, don’t say that,’ Penny retorted, feeling oddly protective of her new teacher. ‘She loves her work. I’m going to visit the British School of Archaeology and its library,’ she boasted.
    ‘She’s very mannish. I hope she’s not one of those . . . well, you know.’
    Penny sensed what she was getting at. ‘She’s wearing an engagement ring. Stop now – I really like her. She’s coming back next week and she’s left me a list of things I’ll need.’
    ‘Goody, a trip to the shops, but rather you than me,’ Effy smiled. ‘Wait till I tell Mummy you’ve got a tutor . . . Come on, let’s have an early snifter.’
    ‘No, Effy.’ Penny grabbed her arm. ‘I’d rather you didn’t tell them, not yet, not until I’ve got something to show them. It’ll be a surprise. I don’t want them to think I’m just playing at this. I really, really want it to be our secret. Promise?’ she pleaded.
    ‘As you wish, but don’t forget we’re going home for Christmas and then you’ll be busy coming out . . .’
    No, I won’t, thought Penny, though that shocking thought gave her no comfort at all. If she stayed on here there would be all hell to pay and Effy would be blamed for leading her astray. Yet the rebellious seed, long planted in her mind, was now firmly rooted.
    On that first visit to the British School of Archaeology Penny was allowed to make her own way, with strict instructions to talk to no one and to take the tram straight there. Evadne was playing bridge with friends and so arranged to meet her later at Costas for dinner.
    The building was impressive, set high on the slopes of Mount Lycabettus, overlooking the grandeur of the city skyline. The Director’s house was in the classical style, surrounded by immaculate lawns, orchards and even a clay tennis court.
    Penny found her way to the student lodge at the side, built in the same style, and saw Joan waiting for her in the Penrose Library. Its walls were apparently lined with every book on ancient history known to man. How was she ever going to devour all this knowledge? For one agonizing moment she wanted to rush back outside, fearing her ignorance would make everyone laugh. Who was she to be attempting to join these serious students? What did she know that was worth knowing? But the students merely looked up and smiled at her entrance before turning back to their own projects.
    One face, however, continued to fix her with a grin. ‘Good Lord, it’s “the mountain goat”! So you made it here after all. Thought you would. I could see that steely look of determination in your eye.’
    Bruce Jardine smiled up at her, twice as large and handsome as she remembered him in Scotland.
    All eyes were now on her, everyone waiting for her response. Penny felt herself flushing, but Joan leaped to her defence, holding an armful of books she’d been picking out from the shelves.
    ‘Take no notice of our Kiwi friend; he’s always on the charm offensive with new arrivals. Do you know this bounder?’
    ‘We met at a ball in Scotland . . . he gave a slide show . . .’
    ‘Glad to know he takes his studies seriously. Miss George is joining us for some tuition this term so don’t distract her,’ Joan barked at Bruce. ‘Come on, Penny.’
    Bruce jumped up. ‘How’s the family, Penny? Fancy a game of tennis some time?’
    ‘She’s here to work, not thrash around the court.’
    ‘Slave driver!’ Bruce whispered loudly, and even Joan laughed as she and Penny made their way