Page 32 of The Cruise

‘Last night, I overheard Peter telling passengers that Saint Vincent has a volcano and it erupted in April, the first time in over forty years,’ Kath replied. ‘Volcanic ash blanketed everywhere and caused a national crisis. It spoiled a lot of the crops.’

They stared out at the clear ocean and sunny sky. Further inland shrubs were a myriad of greens, but patches of darkened earth and skeletal-like trees, destroyed by boiling lava, could be seen amongst the lush vegetation.

‘The fallout from the ash was felt as far away as Barbados, where everything was covered too,’ Kath said.

‘Goodness, you’d never think that happened only eight months ago.’

‘Apparently, there was support from all over the world, and the United Nations stepped in.’ Kath imagined the chaos on this little island, thousands of miles away from her home. She wondered why she hadn’t heard about the disaster, for she avidly listened to the news. But Kath realised that it would have coincided with Jim’s demise, and at that time she had her own problems to deal with.

‘What a massive thing to cope with; these poor folk probably lost much of their livelihood.’ Jane shook her head.

‘But Mother Nature has bounced back, and things must be getting back to normal, or we wouldn’t be stopping here.’ Kath straightened up and touched her earlobes, where smooth pearl studs were safely fastened. ‘I’m going to take a tour to the botanical gardens. Apparently they’re one of the oldest in the world.’

‘If there’s anything left of it,’ Jane said. ‘Perhaps the volcano ruined it too.’

‘I don’t think so. Bridgette is theDiamond Starguide on the tour, and she said that it will be well worth a visit if you like gardening.’

‘Oh well, good luck, I’ll swerve that trip, probably too much walking for me.’

‘Anne is going to a beach with Dicky,’ Kath said as she watched the busy crew below ensure that the ship was secure. The gangway was in place, and several vehicles arrived laden with fresh supplies.

‘She must be tired. I’m sure that she didn’t come to bed until the early hours. Still, at least she returned to our suite and not Dicky’s cabin.’

‘I believe they were in the casino again,’ Kath said, remembering Anne falling happily into bed. As Jane slumbered soundly, her steady snores a soft hum, Anne had whispered to Kath that Dicky had another winning streak on the roulette table. They’d drunk champagne in the disco to celebrate. ‘They are going to Wallilabou Bay,’ Kath added, ‘there’s a tour that leaves from the port after breakfast.’

‘Where is Walli … labou bay?’ Jane struggled with the pronunciation.

‘It’s on the west coast and was the location for the filming ofPirates of the Caribbean. Dicky told Anne that the set used on the film has been preserved and there’s a museum that’s got lots of photos of the cast.’

‘Hmm, I’ve never seen any of those films so that wouldn’t mean much to me.’

‘So, what are you going to do all day?’ Kath asked and reached into her bag for her sunglasses.

‘I think I’ll have a stroll into the town, I’ve read that there’s an interesting market in the centre and I’d like to have a look and maybe try some of the local dishes.’

‘Well, be careful, I’m not sure if it’s safe for you to be wandering around the streets on your own.’

‘I hardly think anyone will kidnap me; I’d squash them to death.’

‘Don’t be silly, you could be robbed.’

‘Not a chance, I’ve no expensive jewellery and my money will be secured in my fanny pack.’

‘I hate that word; can’t you call it a bum bag?’

‘I don’t wear it on my bum.’

Kath sighed. Her friend could be impossible, and she wished she would come on Bridgette’s tour. But Jane was more interested in sampling local delicacies, and who could blame her? Cooking had been Jane’s life. It was her passion. Kath secretly thought it must be wonderful to feel so strongly about something. Although she enjoyed gardening, Kath couldn’t honestly say it was her passion.

Jane turned away from the activity on the quayside and, checking her watch, announced, ‘Let’s go and get some breakfast. We can wake Anne up and hear all about Dicky.’

‘Good idea,’ Kath smiled and, taking Jane’s arm, strolled back to Hibiscus.

* * *

Jane took her time after breakfast and wasn’t in any hurry to leave. She’d helped Kath get ready for her tour of the botanical gardens by making a checklist of the contents of Kath’s bag. This included her glasses – two pairs, insect repellent, a personal alarm, glucose sweets, sticking plasters, deodorant and a spare pair of socks and knickers. As Kath added a large bottle of water and a notebook, Jane wondered at her strength in carrying the bag around. But as she sat on her bed, she was diverted by Anne preparing for her day too. For some reason, Anne was taking for ever to decide what to wear for her date with Dicky.

‘You’ll miss the coach if you don’t pull your finger out,’ Jane said as she watched Anne discard another dress on her bed.

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