The Italian Inheritance by Louise Rose-Innes

step. It was a long way down and she was covered in sweat and gasping for a cool drink. She slipped into a nearby cafe and ordered a bottle of still water, enjoying the blissful coolness. Anna looked around for a chair. Unfortunately many wilted beach-goers had the same idea. There were no free tables.
    “Excusi, Signorina ,” came a voice from behind. Anna swung round. “Would you like to join me?” A short, stocky man of about forty-five was sitting in nothing but swimming trunks, sipping an espresso. He had masses of dark hair spread across his chest, shoulders and upper arms. Amidst all this hair nestled a thick, gold chain.
    It was on the tip of Anna’s lips to decline, but on closer inspection, saw only genuine kindness in the crooked smile and dark, sparkling eyes. “Er...okay, thanks.” Anna sunk into the chair gratefully.
    “You are from England, yes?” asked the man.
    Anna nodded.
    “I am Leonardo. I live in Capri. I have a boat service. If you like I can show you around the island?”
    “Oh, well, actually I was heading for the beach,” smiled Anna. “But thank you all the same.”
    “No, no,” insisted the man, “The only way to appreciate the beauty of Capri is by boat. I am taking a few tourists in half an hour to the Blue Grotto. You should join us.”
    “That’s very kind of you,” said Anna, wondering if perhaps she should take a boat trip after all. Rafael had mentioned the Blue Grotto last night and she did want to see it. It was a scorching hot day to bake in the sun and she’d be quite safe with other tourists on board. “Okay, perhaps I’ll take you up on your offer.”
    “Excellent!” Leonardo clapped his hands. “I will be honoured to have such a beautiful lady on board.”
    Leonardo turned out to be most informative and Anna spent the next half hour learning all about the island and its colourful history.
    Leonardo’s boat was moored in the Marina Grande, next to a long jetty. Two couples and an elderly man were waiting besides the mooring. The one couple were obviously very well off, judging by the diamonds dripping from the woman’s ears and wrists. The other couple were holding hands.
    Newlyweds, thought Anna, wistfully. She studied the man. He was clearly besotted with his new wife.  He looked kind and dependable. Lucky girl, mused Anna. She was keen to start on that journey , too. But until she found a suitable mate, her family plans would have to wait.
    They clambered aboard and cast off. Soon they were skimming over the clear blue water, the wind in their faces. Anna laughed with delight. It was all so incredibly beautiful. They sailed around the island admiring the scenery and the impossibly blue water. An hour into the trip they anchored near the Blue Grotto. The entrance to the marine cave was partially submerged and far too small for the boat to enter.
    “You must all swim inside the Grotta Azzurra,” Leonardo told them. “It is the best way to see the spectacle.”
    “What’s so special about it?” asked the elderly gent.
    Leonardo explained. “The sunlight passes through the underwater entrance and illuminates the cavern. It glows with a magical blue light. Magnifico!” He clapped his hands together to emphasise his point. “There are many grotto’s on the island,” he told them, “but this one is the most well known. You must see it!”
    “Will you show us?” asked Anna, who was keen to see it , but didn’t want to go in alone.
    “Of course. Follow me!” And with that Leonardo dived overboard and swam towards the entrance with strong strokes.
    “I guess that’s our cue,” laughed the posh lady’s husband and he took off his shirt and followed suit. Anna slipped out of her dress and dived in, in her bikini. The lovers elected to stay on board, holding hands and dangling their feet off the back of the boat clearly more interested in each other than the sights.
    Soon the three of them ducked through the entrance and emerged inside the blue