Page 74 of The Cruise

Kath and Jane stared at Anne.

‘Don’t start,’ Anne said, ‘it’s only a fling, a bit of fun.’

‘Do be careful, I think there is something suspect about Dicky.’ Kath pushed her plate away and folded her hands in her lap.

‘Don’t worry about me,’ Anne replied.

Kath glanced around the table and noticed Harold absorbed in a newspaper as Nancy ate her cereal, her head cocked, and ears tuned like satellites, hanging off their every word.

‘I’m going to have a walk on the promenade deck. Would anyone like to join me?’ Kath asked.

‘I’m in.’ Jane jumped up.

‘Me too.’ Anne stood and linked her arms with Jane and Kath.

‘Don’t forget the ukulele session!’ Nancy pushed back her chair.

And before Nancy could fling down her spoon and amble over to join them, the three friends made their exit.

* * *

Bridgette took her time as she wandered through the ship and made her way to the lift that would take her up to the penthouse. There were only two more days of the cruise, and she felt ready to return to her home. The garden, despite the season, always needed attention, and Bridgette was keen to ensure that everything was wintering well. She enjoyed the new year and always made resolutions, which she endeavoured to carry out in the following months. This year she knew she would keep in touch with the Captain and not just on cruises. She’d been surprised that she enjoyed his company so much. Despite his infirmity, they’d shared some happy times.

‘Let’s hope that flu doesn’t strike,’ Bridgette said as she tapped on the Captain’s door. Remembering how quickly Hugo had deteriorated, she had little hope for the Captain should the wintery virus that attacked so many elderly folks rear its ugly head.

There was no reply to her knock, and Bridgette called out, ‘Wakey, wakey, time for brunch!’ She dug into her pocket and retrieved the key card that the Captain insisted she keep to allow herself into his suite. ‘Come on, my dear,’ Bridgette said as she opened the door and stepped in. ‘It’s a glorious day, let’s get out and enjoy it...’

* * *

Kath, Jane, and Anne stepped onto the promenade deck, and Anne linked her arm through Jane’s. ‘Come on,’ she implored. ‘Spill the beans, tell us what the score is with you and Selwyn. Is it serious?’

‘I can’t explain it,’ Jane began. ‘I’ve had a funny feeling from the start of the cruise. Whenever I was near Selwyn, I couldn’t understand my emotions. I was so mixed up, never for a moment thinking that he was interested in me.’

‘And now?’ Anne was persistent.

‘It feels completely right to be with him.’

‘Is it the sex?’

‘Not entirely, although that is wonderful, but no one has ever made me feel so feminine and loved.’ Jane looked dreamy as she cast her eyes over the tranquil sea. ‘We seem to get on and like each other’s company.’

‘Are you sure he’s not looking for a wealthy woman to ease his journey into retirement?’

‘Oh, Anne, why are you so cynical?’ Jane shook her head. ‘I have no doubt that Selwyn has been careful with money and planned for this part of his life.’

Anne squeezed Jane’s arm. ‘I’m just concerned for you and don’t want you to get hurt,’ she said. ‘What happens at the end of the cruise? You live hundreds of miles apart.’

‘I have no idea, but if he wants to continue to see me, I’ll find a way.’

Their conversation continued, each voicing their thoughts on where life might lead them next. Anne knew full well that Dicky was just fun whilst she was on the cruise, which would distract her from the distressing task of dealing with her divorce when she got home. Kath admitted that she was contemplating booking another holiday and had been browsing brochures.

They had been strolling for almost an hour, and as they came to the end of their final circuit of the walking track, Jane took out her fan and began to wave it.

‘Crikey, Kath,’ she said, ‘do you have to go so fast?’ Red in the face and puffing hard, Jane wiped the sweat from her brow.

‘I’m only sauntering. This isn’t my normal pace,’ Kath replied.

‘Think of the calories you’re burning,’ Anne said. Neat and cool in cotton shorts and a tiny white vest, she checked her watch. ‘Armani is holding a water aerobics class in ten minutes. Do either of you fancy joining me?’

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