The Lady of Tarpon Springs Read online

  “I talked to Nico about the wages. He said the easiest answer is to explain we’re a new business and they won’t be paid until we begin selling at auction.”

  The two of them waved to Bessie, Viola, and Eugenia as the three sisters departed the shop.

  “I suppose if you can hire anyone under those circumstances, I can’t object.” She leaned forward and touched Zanna’s hand. “If I offended you when I questioned you about Nico earlier today, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything untoward. You likely depend upon him as much as I’ve been depending upon you, but I do see a glimmer in your eyes when you mention his name.”

  Zanna pulled her hand away and giggled. “Stop it, Lucy. The only glimmer in my eyes is caused by the sun glaring through the front window. Nico may be a business friend, but nothing more.”

  Lucy grinned. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks, but I’ll say no more.” She pushed away from the table. “I must get back to the office, but remember I want to speak with Mr. Pappas. I still hold out hope he may want to purchase the business.”

  Zanna sighed. “I do wish you’d give it more of a chance. Nico says—”

  Lucy leaned down and brushed a kiss on Zanna’s cheek. “I know. Nico says everything will be fine.”

  With her heart full, Lucy strode toward her office thinking of Nico and the other spongers. Of course he’d told Zanna the business would be profitable. But would he feel the same if he’d had a roomful of ill patients dropped in his lap instead of a sponging business?

  CHAPTER

  12

  Zanna quickened her step, hoping to arrive at Lucy’s office before her first patient of the afternoon arrived. They’d seen little of each other since their conversation last week, and she wanted to speak with her. She’d redrafted the contract, and it now required Lucy’s signature, although Mr. Francis had already allowed them to begin using the warehouse. His kindness had been unexpected and greatly appreciated since there was little doubt the boats would return with more than enough sponges to fill their current space.

  She stopped short in front of Lucy’s office door. A sign hung in the front window saying she would be out of the office until four o’clock. Strange. It didn’t say where she could be reached. When leaving town, she usually added that piece of information.

  While Zanna continued to stare at the sign, she heard the sound of footsteps on the sidewalk and looked up. She smiled at the sight of the Rochester sisters. They were attempting to walk three abreast on the narrow walkway, none of them willing to walk alone. “Good afternoon, ladies.”

  “Good afternoon, Zanna. The doctor isn’t in this afternoon.” Bessie spoke with an air of authority as she drew near.

  Zanna pointed to the sign. “So I see. You don’t happen to know where I might find her, do you?”

  Viola giggled. “Well, of course we do. She’s our speaker at Women’s Club this afternoon. That’s where we’re going.”

  “And you should be attending, as well.” Bessie’s furrowed brow emphasized the censure in her voice. “That’s one of the many problems with the younger generation. You have little desire to help your fellow man, whereas we older folks are attuned to the needs of others.” She glanced at her two sisters. “Isn’t that right?”

  They bobbed their heads in unison.

  Zanna frowned. “I don’t know that I totally agree with your assessment, Miss Bessie.”

  Bessie tipped her head to the side. “Oh, so you are attending the meeting.”

  Why not? If she could secure Lucy’s signature before the meeting, there was a possibility Zanna could sneak out without being noticed. At least that was her hope. Not that Zanna didn’t want to help others. But, unlike the Rochester sisters, she had a job that required her time and attention. Besides, wasn’t she helping fifty Greek men establish their lives in a new country? Didn’t the sisters count that as helping her fellow man?

  She gave the older woman a firm nod. “Yes, I believe I will attend.”

  Viola clapped her hands like a child at play. “Oh good. You can sit up front with us.”

  Zanna slowed her step and swallowed. “We’ll see. I need to speak to Lucy before the meeting, if I can. Perhaps you should go ahead and be seated as soon as we arrive. I don’t want you to be forced to sit near the back on my account.”

  Eugenia smiled. “We’ll do that, and I’ll be certain to save you a seat next to me.”

  Zanna sighed. If nothing else, the ladies were determined to make sure she had a front-row seat whether she wanted it or not. They were walking toward the Golden Crescent, so nicknamed because of the crescent-like shape of the bayou and the wealth of the early developers. Lucy’s father had been among them, though he had chosen to build their family home a short distance from the crescent. “Who’s hosting today’s meeting?”

  “Since I oversee membership and communication, I know that a meeting notice was sent to you. Do you read your mail, Zanna? I would hate to think the expense of sending postcards to our members is going to waste.” Bessie’s lips drooped into a frown.

  Could she say nothing without incurring Bessie’s condemnation? “I’m sure I read it when it first arrived, but I have been quite busy since the Greek sponging crews arrived, and the details have slipped my mind.” She forced a smile. “Please forgive me.”

  “Today’s meeting is once again at the Knapp home, so I know it will be delightful. Virginia is a gracious hostess who always exceeds expectations. When Jennie Brumfield had to unexpectedly return to Massachusetts, Virginia agreed to host another meeting.” Bessie sniffed. “I know you young women don’t agree, but society would be better served if you dedicated yourselves to hearth and home rather than taking over jobs better suited for men. I simply don’t understand your desire to overstep society’s boundaries.”

  “That was never my intention, Miss Bessie. I became a lawyer because I wanted to use my mind and help people with their legal issues. I’m sure Lucy would tell you the same regarding her medical practice. After all, you ladies rely upon her for medical treatment at every turn. Where would you be without her?”

  “That’s true enough, but she’s the only doctor in town. We might choose otherwise if—”

  Viola stopped short. “I wouldn’t. I love Dr. Lucy and I’d go to her even if there were lots of other doctors in Tarpon Springs.”

  “Hush, Viola. I’m trying to have a private conversation with Zanna.”

  “I will not hush. You can’t always speak for me, Bessie. I have a mind of my own, you know.”

  Zanna sighed. Dear me, what had she started by merely asking the location of today’s meeting? She needed to do something before the sisters waged war against each other. She glanced at Eugenia, who had been dutifully silent. “That’s a lovely dress, Eugenia.”

  Eugenia bobbed her head. “Thank you. Bessie said it was too late in the season to wear such a pale color, but I disagree, don’t you?”

  Zanna wanted to run. Perhaps she should have gone to her office, after all. “The color is lovely on you, Eugenia.” She gestured toward the basket the woman carried on her arm. “What’s in your basket? Are you helping with refreshments?”

  Before Eugenia could respond, Bessie groaned. “Mrs. Knapp would never ask anyone to assist with refreshments. As I said earlier, she’s a perfect hostess.”

  “She was talking to me, Bessie, so let me have a chance to answer.” Eugenia glared at her sister. “Dr. Lucy said if we wanted to bring strips of cloth with us to the meeting, she would show us how to roll bandages so we can send them to Kenya. She’s going to give us a list of projects that will help the people in Africa and tell us about two of her friends who are missionaries in Kenya.” Eugenia’s face was alight with excitement. “Can you imagine going to a place like Africa? Sister wants to visit France, but I would never venture that far from home.”

  The three sisters continued to quibble about the advantages and disadvantages of traveling abroad. Instead of older women, they sounded like school
children arguing over who should win a penmanship award.

  Zanna relaxed her shoulders as they neared the Knapp house. She’d never been so happy to arrive at her destination. A group of ladies were visiting on the front porch, and the sisters bustled forward to greet them. Zanna took the opportunity to slip off in search of Lucy. She’d made it no farther than the vestibule when Mrs. Knapp spied her and offered an effusive greeting.

  Zanna peeked over the woman’s shoulder while they exchanged pleasantries. No sign of Lucy. “I was wondering if Lucy has arrived? I hoped to speak with her for a few minutes before her presentation.”

  Mrs. Knapp’s lips curved in a generous smile. “Of course, my dear. She’s going over her notes in the side parlor. Let me show you the way.”

  Zanna followed as Mrs. Knapp led her through the formal dining room and parlor before opening a pocket door into the small side parlor. Lucy was sitting at a corner desk and looked up when they entered.

  “I’ll leave you two alone. I need to attend to my other guests.” The older woman exited and closed the door behind her.

  Zanna watched Mrs. Knapp depart. She truly was the perfect hostess.

  Lucy turned her chair. “I’m surprised to see you here, Zanna. Is anything wrong?”

  “No, nothing wrong. I just need your signature on the redrafted contract. Mr. Francis has already signed. I stopped by the office, and the Rochester sisters told me you were speaking today. They insisted I come along.” Zanna removed the contract from her bag.

  Lucy chuckled. “They do have a way about them, don’t they? I’ve cared for them since the first day I opened my office, and the sisters still leave me speechless at times.”

  Zanna handed Lucy the contract. “They may leave you speechless, but they certainly have no problem arguing among themselves. I thought they were going to come to blows before we made it here.” She shook her head. “I know you’re eager to speak with Mr. Pappas, but he didn’t appear at the sale last week. I asked Mr. Francis if he had any idea why he hadn’t attended.”

  Lucy looked up. “And did he know?”

  “He said Mr. Pappas told him he wasn’t going to be in Florida for a month or so due to some other business, so another buyer would be attending the Friday auctions.”

  “Then I suppose I’ll have to wait until he returns. Perhaps his other business dealings won’t take as long as he anticipated.” She heaved a sigh. “At least I can hope.”

  Zanna’s stomach tightened. “I’m pleased another buyer will be there in his place. That means the bidding should remain competitive. Any added income is a benefit. I’m hoping you’ll agree to finance more suitable housing for the men once our income increases.”

  Lucy sighed. “It appears the expenses of operating the business are going to exceed profits for a long time if you continue to rent warehouses and build housing for the men.” She turned back to her notes. “Let me know when Mr. Pappas is expected. I believe he’s the best option to purchase the business.”

  Zanna winced at the offhand remark. Why couldn’t she convince her friend to give the business more time? “I hope you don’t mind if I sneak out before your speech. I have several matters that need my attention.”

  Lucy shook her head and offered a fleeting smile. “As long as you don’t mind if I’m absent when the ladies ask you to speak at a meeting in the future.”

  Zanna nodded. “Agreed.” She tucked the contract back into her bag. With a little luck, she could make it through the formal parlor before the ladies gathered to take their seats. She glanced over her shoulder at Lucy. “I hope all goes well with the speech.”

  Lucy grinned. “I hope all goes well with your escape.”

  She opened the pocket door far enough to slip through. If only she knew how to find the rear entryway, yet she dared not wander through the house. She’d have to take her chances going out the way she’d come in. Darting around groups of women, she’d almost made it to the vestibule when Eugenia jumped to her feet.

  “Over here, Zanna!” Eugenia flapped a pamphlet overhead, her voice growing louder. “Zanna! I saved you a seat.”

  Zanna let out a sigh. So much for making an escape.

  At midmorning the following day, Nico took note of the supplies needed in camp before heading into town to make the necessary purchases. If he timed things correctly, he could buy the items, return to the camp and put them away, and still be at the warehouse before one o’clock. And if he didn’t linger along the way, he might even have time to eat lunch.

  Over the past weeks, there had been several more trips to the Gulf, each for only a few days, but upon their return at the end of the week, the crews had encouraged Nico to let them remain in the Gulf for at least two weeks. He had agreed. The men could accomplish much more if they remained out for a longer period of time, and these men were accustomed to being at sea for six months while sponging in the Aegean Sea. For them, two weeks would be a simple feat. Of course, there would be no mother ship going along to carry supplies, so staying out for longer than a few weeks would be difficult. The three boats would need to carry enough food and water to sustain the crew for two weeks while allowing space for the sponges they would harvest.

  Nico had considered sailing with the men, but in the end decided his abilities could be put to better use in Tarpon Springs. The living conditions for the men were inadequate, and he planned to use some of his time working with the few men they’d hired to reinforce the shanties in the camp. Thus far, they’d been slow to accomplish much of anything unless he was present, and Nico feared the huts wouldn’t serve the men much longer—at least not without complaint.

  In addition, they needed more workers to trim, sort, and pack the sponges, especially if the crews came back with full loads. Two days ago, Zanna mentioned there were itinerants who came to the area during the cold winter months, so they’d posted a sign in the train station advertising for seasonal workers. Interested employees were advised to report to Nico at the warehouse at one o’clock each day. Of course, Zanna would need to be present and interpret for him. She’d offered to perform the hiring without him, yet he was quick to point out that she knew nothing about the preparation of sponges for market.

  A passing breeze tousled Nico’s dark curls before he lifted his face to the warmth of the morning sun. He couldn’t deny the beauty of this place that reminded him of home. Before they’d left Greece, he had prayed the men would adjust to this new country. This place, so reminiscent of home, had been an answer to that prayer. He was nearing the crescent-shaped bayou when his thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of arguing women. Though he could understand little of what was being said, one woman was clearly in charge. He heard her say something about “the springs” and guessed they were heading toward the mineral springs Zanna had pointed out to him on one of his first trips to town. Along with the warm winter weather, the springs were an immense attraction to the wealthy, who had constructed opulent homes surrounding the crescent.

  Nico didn’t know if the mineral springs would truly heal aching muscles or cure ailments, but he doubted he’d ever have time to personally test the waters. However, there was little doubt the ladies of Tarpon Springs took the cure seriously, for a large pagoda-style structure had been erected above the springs, where visitors could sit on benches before or after they’d descended the short stairway into the waters. He turned to cross the street when a startling shriek cracked through the morning quietude. He hesitated and looked over his shoulder.

  “Help! Someone, help!”

  The cries of a woman brought him to an abrupt halt. Another scream followed. The calls sounded as though they were coming from the area near the mineral springs. Someone needed help. He ran, retracing his steps and then veering off toward the springs. The sun shone in his eyes, and he slowed his step to gain a better view. Another cry for help drew his gaze. Two older women were in the pagoda, one quite buxom, and the other, who was much shorter, possessed a voice as shrill as a grosbeak. The larger woman
was leaning over the side of the pagoda, swinging her closed parasol at something and yelling words he couldn’t understand. Moments later, the shorter woman turned, spotted him, and screamed. She raised her arms and flapped about like a windmill in a storm.

  The ladies were in distress, but from his vantage point he couldn’t determine the cause of their problem. Perhaps the gyrating woman was having some sort of seizure. He’d seen men come up from the depths of the ocean and have seizures, but those men hadn’t screamed and jumped up and down. The woman continued to shout and wave him onward. He picked up his pace and ran toward the pagoda.

  The scent of rotten eggs filled the air. He wrinkled his nose in protest. What was the foul-smelling odor? Never before had he come this close to the springs, and never before had he noticed such a stench anywhere near the river. The old woman screamed once again, and he raced forward. As he drew closer, he caught sight of a woman thrashing in the water, her white head of hair bobbing up and down, while the larger woman continued to shout at her.

  Nico decided the quickest way to reach the drowning woman was through the pagoda and down the steps leading into the water. The moment he entered the pagoda, the short gyrating woman, still screaming, rushed off toward town. The larger woman barked orders he couldn’t understand.

  Nico shouted back in Greek, “Be quiet!”

  She took a backward step, placed her hand to her heart, and clamped her lips in a tight line. No doubt he’d offended her, but he couldn’t keep his wits about him if she continued her constant screeching.

  He raced down the steps and made a shallow dive toward the woman. Her skirts had ballooned around her, and the weight of the water-soaked fabric was pulling her under. He made several long strokes and then dove beneath the water. He grabbed hold of the woman and lifted her upward. Using the crook of his arm, he caught her beneath her chin and tried to swim toward the water’s edge. She fought against him. With each movement, her head went underwater.