Page 73 of The Cruise

‘Help yourself.’ Kath pushed the plate towards Nancy.

‘I’ll go to the buffet and get your breakfast,’ Harold said and turned away.

‘Is the Captain joining you?’ Anne asked Bridgette.

‘No, and he’s not answering his phone. I’ll give him a bit longer and then pop up to the penthouse. He’s probably having a lie-in.’

Kath watched Bridgette flick a napkin onto her lap. ‘I think it’s admirable how you look out for him.’

‘I’m extremely fond of him. We’ve had fun over the years and especially on this cruise,’ Bridgette replied. ‘He’s very interesting when his mind is playing ball, and he’s kind.’ A pot of tea was on the table, and she helped herself. ‘I want to make sure that he makes the most of his holiday. At our age, every day is a bonus.’

‘Are you husband-hunting?’ Anne grinned as she sat forward, resting her chin on her hands to stare at Bridgette.

‘Good heavens no.’ Bridgette laughed. ‘It’s not long since I buried my dear Hugo, and I don’t plan on getting married again.’

‘I was so pleased that the Captain had no ill effects from the robbery,’ Kath said.

‘Fancy him having a fake Rolex,’ Anne mused.

Bridgette smiled. ‘It is very sensible not to wear expensive items offshore, but I can assure you that the Captain’s safe is full of the real thing.’

‘Seriously?’ Anne was wide-eyed.

‘He’s worth a fortune, but there’s no family now, only a distant nephew.’

‘Surely the nephew will inherit the lot?’ Anne asked.

‘Certainly, a good amount, but most of it will go to The Seafarers’ Charity.’

‘What a lovely gesture,’ Kath said and was reminded of the contents of Jim’s will. She shook her head as though erasing the memory.

‘No sign of the lovebirds this morning?’ Bridgette asked.

‘If you mean Jane and Selwyn,’ Kath said, ‘Jane is here.’ Kath held up her hand to wave as Jane entered the café.

‘Morning all,’ Jane said as she sat down. ‘Selwyn has gone for a swim so it’s just me joining you.’

‘And we’re very pleased to have your company,’ Kath said.

As diners went back and forth from the buffet, plans for the day were discussed. Nancy held a copy of theDiamond StarDailyand read aloud, informing the group that, together with Harold, she was going to the ukulele class.

‘I think I’ll join you,’ Kath said. ‘I enjoyed it so much last time.’

‘I’m giving my final talk later this afternoon,’ Bridgette said as she bit into a slice of melon. ‘It’s not until tea-time but I hope you’ll all be there.’

‘Yes, we’d love to. You are so interesting and knowledgeable.’ Kath noticed Anne rolling her eyes and kicked her under the table. ‘What’s the topic?’ Kath asked.

‘Around the World in Eighty Gardens,’ Bridgette replied. ‘As the cruise is ending, the talk helps passengers consider future cruises that stop at ports with fascinating horticultural estates.’

‘And you get a decent commission when everyone races to customer services to book?’ Anne grinned.

‘Don’t be vulgar, dear.’ Bridgette dabbed her mouth with her napkin, then pushed back her chair. ‘I think I’ll check on the Captain, I don’t want him to miss brunch.’

They watched Bridgette leave the café.

‘Jaden is hosting another cookery session, and Selwyn is joining me, so that’s my afternoon sorted,’ Jane said.

‘I’ve got a date by the pool.’ Anne grinned.

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