Page 82 of The Cruise

Kath smiled when she saw Dicky appear. He gave her a sideways glance as he slipped his arm around Anne’s waist. ‘God bless the old gentleman,’ Kath overheard Dicky say, as he respectfully bowed his head.

Bridgette wished something more appropriate could be done to see the Captain off. She wanted to sing a hymn or let off fireworks but knew that he would have been touched that so many had watched his departure from his final cruise.

But suddenly, a voice rang out. Clear and melodic, a woman began to sing.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind.

It was Melissa Montana. She stood by a railing and stared at the hearse slowly moving away from the ship. Melissa raised her hand and began to wave. Everyone joined in, raising their hands, too, and Bridgette felt hot tears trickle down her cheeks as she whispered,

‘For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne.

We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, the sake of auld lang syne.’

ChapterThirty-Five

Following the sad start to the day, New Year’s Eve soon kicked in, and the last few hours of the cruise became a whirlwind of activities for the passengers. Dicky, who was about to begin rehearsals for the evening’s show, caught Anne’s hand as they moved away from the railings.

‘Can I speak to you?’ he asked.

‘Yes, of course, is everything all right?’

He led her into the library and they sat in the quiet corner that he favoured. ‘I’ve had a bit of an epiphany since I fell over the deck,’ he began.

Anne smiled. ‘Did you think that your number was up?’

‘Well, actually, yes, I did.’

‘Goodness.’ Anne reached out and took Dicky’s hand. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘I’m feeling that if I don’t say what I am about to say, I will regret it all my life.’

‘Go on.’

‘I’ve been an idiot over the years, made stupid mistakes and treated people very badly.’ Dicky hung his head.

‘You don’t have to explain—’ Anne’s comment was cut short as Dicky gripped her hand.

‘But I do, I’ve thought about it a lot because I want to put things right.’ He stared deep into her eyes. ‘Do you think you might consider spending time with me after the cruise?’

‘Dicky, I don’t know.’ Anne shook her head. ‘What we’ve had was just a bit of fun.’

‘You know I’m married, but I’ve spoken to my wife, and she feels the same. We’ve agreed that it’s best that we part company and get a divorce.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes, she’s going to keep the house, it’s only fair, and I want to start again.’

Anne’s head was spinning. Had she really heard Dicky own up to the mistakes he’d made? They’d had a good time on the cruise but she didn’t want to fall into another bad relationship. She studied his face as he waited for her response, his fingers gently stroking her hand. Dicky’s eyes were anxious, willing her to reply.

Anne sighed.

Barry had always lied to her. He’d never told the truth or faced up to his faults, and even now he was still treating her dishonourably, disputing every penny they had left. But here was Dicky, wearing his heart on his sleeve and asking if they could make a go of things.

‘I don’t expect you to contribute to anything,’ Dicky added. ‘I’ll pick up all the bills and work to pay our way.’

‘Can you give me a little bit of time to think this through?’ Anne asked and loosened her hand from his grip.

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