Page 26 of The Cruise

‘Some of you will know that reggae music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and is influenced by ska, rocksteady, jazz and calypso. Its powerful music inspires people and is most appropriate as we sail around the Caribbean.’ Heads turned as musicians stood at the side of the stage. ‘I hope you will all feel uplifted after this evening’s performance. It gives me great pleasure to introduce the Marley Men!’

Unaware of how uplifted the guests were about to be, Peter backed away as five musicians walked out, their hands raised in greeting. Dressed in vibrant tank tops, knitted headwear and deep layers of beads and bangles, they took up their instruments.

‘Good evening,’ the lead singer said, ‘my name is Toots.’ His eyes scanned the audience as he flicked long dreadlocks over his shoulder and adjusted the guitar strapped to his body. ‘We’d like to start with a little song that many of you might know. Do join in.’

Jane felt Selwyn swaying beside her. She could see that his eyes were closed, and his face, upturned, wore an expression of pure joy as he sang along. Toots encouraged everyone, and as Jane continued to fan her face, she could see that Kath, Anne, and Harold had joined in too. When the song ended, Selwyn leapt to his feet, applauding wildly. He placed his fingers on his lips and whistled so loudly that Jane covered her ears.

The Marley Men had the audience in the palms of their hands as they worked their way through their act. They played reggae and cover songs in a calypso style, and soon, most of the audience was on the dance floor. Selwyn held his hands to Jane, willing her to dance, but she shook her head and turned away. She found it difficult to watch him wind and grind. His hips had a life of their own, and his spine created snake-like movements. Surely a man of his years couldn’t be so lithe and supple? As the music got louder and the audience more animated, Jane felt hypnotised as she peered around the edge of her fan.

‘We’re jammin’!’ the Marley Men chanted as the last song was ending.

‘And we hope you like jammin’ too!’ the audience responded. Mature arms were raised, rickety hips rocked, and chins wobbled as everyone danced.

Jane’s mouth fell open when she saw Kath on her feet. She had removed her glasses and, with eyes closed, swayed her hips in time to Harold’s while Dicky gyrated with Anne. But as the final chorus reached a climax, the dancers parted, and the Captain appeared in a wheelchair. Bridgette held the handles and pushed with all her might. He wore a tie-dyed T-shirt with a smiley face that readDon’t Worry – Be Happy!Bridgette had a Jamaican flag knotted at her neck and sides, and it billowed as they zig-zagged across the dance floor.

‘Good grief,’ Jane muttered, ‘Bridgette is naked beneath that flag!’

Peter, standing by the side of the stage, began to panic. Things were getting out of hand, and he reached out to grab a glass of dark-coloured spirits from the hand of a bemused observer. He closed his eyes, knocked it back, and, with a shudder, hurtled to intervene as the Captain and Bridgette, picking up speed, led a lively line of over-stimulated guests in a long conga. Grabbing the hips of the person ahead, the guests, singing loudly, pounded around the Mermaid Theatre, careering into everything that got in their way.

Jane rose to her feet and moved swiftly. When she reached the exit, she saw crew reinforcements hurrying to help Peter and recognised Diane, the manager of the shop.

‘They’ll be halfway around the ship in no time,’ Jane said. ‘Good luck.’

Diane stiffened her shoulders and, with a high-five, acknowledged Jane. ‘Looks like we’ll need it,’ she called out as she followed her colleagues, ‘this lot will wake up to regret their antics, and the infirmary is going to be busy tomorrow.’

ChapterTwelve

The following morning, after a good night’s sleep, Jane sat in the Deck Café and studied theDiamond StarDaily. Her eyes wandered over the listings that detailed activities. It would be a quiet day on the ship, now berthed in Grenada. Passengers who could move about after their antics the previous evening were excited to disembark to enjoy the island and return later when the ship would sail eastwards to St Vincent.

As Jane tucked into an omelette, she made plans.

Having breakfast in her room, Kath told Jane that she’d decided to lie in following all her exertions on the dance floor. Anne was taking a leisurely bath after returning to Hibiscus in the early hours, high on her evening spent at the tables in the casino with Dicky. They’d all agreed to meet and head off to St George’s, the tiny island’s capital. Jane remembered that Diwa had told them about a sightseeing train outside the terminal. She explained that passengers could hop on and off, and it was a perfect way to discover the landmarks of the quaint and charming city.

‘Just the job,’ Jane mumbled as she buttered a slice of toast. ‘I won’t have to walk everywhere and get all hot and bothered.’

The café began filling with early risers eager to explore the island. As Jane munched on her toast and looked around the room, she saw Selwyn carrying a tray and heading her way. Jane dipped her head and prayed he hadn’t seen her, but it was too late. He was by her side and pulled out a chair in an instant.

‘Good morning,’ Selwyn said, ‘may I join you?’

Jane nodded. Her mouth was full, and she wiped at crumbs that had fallen onto her chest.

‘You didn’t join in with the dancing last night?’ he asked.

Jane shook her head.

‘I enjoyed myself. The entertainment reminded me that I have life in my bones, even though my bones don’t thank me for it today.’

‘I don’t like dancing.’

‘Perhaps, if you don’t mind me suggesting, if you listened to reggae, the music would reach into your soul and encourage your body to move to the rhythm.’

Jane didn’t want anything reaching any part of her body that involved movement. She was happy to plod along as she was.

‘But you have taken the Caribbean spirit to your wardrobe,’ Selwyn added as he sat down. ‘Your outfit is delightful.’

Jane swallowed and dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. Her palms were sweaty, and she wondered why she felt anxious when talking to Selwyn. ‘Thank you,’ she replied, ‘I got it in Bridgetown.’

‘Ah, yes, on your shopping trip.’

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