Page 32 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“I shall never grow tired of seeing you bared to me,” Oliver whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her cheek, causing her to shiver as he helped her finish dressing.
“And I suppose I will tire of teasing you with my womanly ways,” Melisa said with a chuckle. They laughed together as Oliver brought her into his arms, holding her to his chest for a moment.
“I’ll give you a moment to freshen up,” Oliver said as he let go of her, kissing her forehead before leaving the room.
Though it was an early hour, well before the sun had risen, Melisa felt purely alive. Shortly she’d be on a ship sailing for Italy, a place far away from England where she’d be free at last. The thought filled her with much excitement as she took care of her personal needs quickly and soon joined Oliver in the front room.
Melisa had never been in an apartment before but knew that families lived in these small dwellings, multiple apartments in one building. Melisa had always been used to her own house that she found the space rather small. It also had a strange smell to it; one that she first experienced when she’d stepped into the building and had taken the several flights of stairs up to this floor. But Melisa didn’t worry herself with such details. Soon they’d be sailing aboard a ship and would have to get used to those close quarters before they could settle in Italy.
“Are you all set, my dear?” Oliver asked. He was dressed in leather trousers, tall riding boots, a muslin shirt, and fitting leather vest. It was not the latest fashions, but Melisa knew that it would be suitable for their trip. And the leather highlighted his brown hair, making him even more handsome to Melisa.
“I believe so. I suppose we should head down to the docks and board the ship,” Melisa agreed as she grabbed her trunk.
“It will be a short distance to the port, I promise. We simply have to endure these burdens until we arrive,” Oliver said sympathetically as he motioned to his own, full-sized trunk. Melisa simply nodded her head as Oliver opened the apartment door and allowed Melisa to step out first.
Melisa walked slowly down the many stairs, taking her time so she wouldn’t trip on the hem of her gown. The smell of the cramped space with lack of air circulation caused Melisa’s nose to crinkle because the air was very stale and sour. By the time they reached the street, Melisa felt discomfort in her legs, but appreciated the fresh air outside the building.
“Come, let’s hail a hackney and get to the port sooner,” Oliver suggested as he led them up the street to a main road and flagged down a driver. Oliver quickly placed his trunk in the coach and helped Melisa with hers before helping her up into the vehicle. Melisa gave Oliver a few coins to hand to the driver, and then off they went to the port.
“It seems like it’s the middle of the night,” Melisa said as she looked out the open window of the coach and watched town pass by her. A deep fog had settled over the place, causing the oil lamps to glow ominously. The clickity-clack of the horse’s hooves was the only sound present as they travelled. Not even the servicemen and women were out on the streets, heading to their assignments for the day.
“It is very early, my dear. The captain of the ship assured me that he’d disembark down the Thames at first light,” Oliver said as he leaned close to Melisa, placing a protective arm around her.
“The sooner we leave, the better,” Melisa remarked as she turned towards Oliver. She reached up and placed a kiss on his cheek.
After a while, the coach came to a stop along the road that overlooked the dock. Here, everyone seemed to be alive as sailors roamed over the docks, calling orders to one another.
“Thank you, sir,” Oliver called up to the driver as he helped Melisa down and then handed over her trunk before grabbing his. The coach was off the moment they stepped away from it. To Melisa, this was another reason to leave England behind. She hoped the people in Italy were a lot friendlier.
“Come, this way,” Oliver said as he neared a set of narrow stone stairs leading down to the docks. “Watch your step. These stone stairs can be rather slippery when wet.”
Melisa nodded as she followed after Oliver, both of them stepping lightly as they made their way down. Once settled on the docks, Melisa felt the movement of the wood underneath her feet as it moved with the water. She felt slightly wobbly and did her best to step lightly to avoid the many sailors and various crates being loaded onto the ships.
“Good morning, Mr Quinn, Mrs Quinn!” called a man who was standing on a plank that connected a ship to the docks.
“Good morning, Captain Vanderbilt. I assume we are all set to sail this morning?” Oliver asked as they reached him.
“Indeed, sir. Once all the families are settled, we’ll set off,” the captain replied.
“Very good. May I introduce you to my wife,” Oliver said as he looked over at Melisa. With her hands full, Melisa simply smiled and nodded her head.
“Pleased to meet you, Mrs Quinn. I’m sure you’re excited for your trip abroad,” Captain Vanderbilt said with a dip of his head.
“Indeed, Captain. I’ve longed for this moment for some time,” Melisa admitted.
“Well then, I’ll have my second-in-command, Mr Hopkins, show you to your cabin,” Captain Vanderbilt said as he signalled to a sailor standing not too far from them.
“Thank you, Captain,” Oliver said as Mr Hopkins led the way up the plank to the packet ship.
Melisa continued to feel the sway of the water below her feet, causing her stomach to become upset. She knew that seasickness was a normal experience for those who had never sailed before, according to the many novels she’d read before, and hoped that soon she would acquire her ‘sea legs’ as she knew the term to be.
Oliver and Melisa followed Mr Hopkins on board the impressive ship. Halfway across the deck, Mr Hopkins pulled open a hatch, revealing a set of stairs descending below.
“Watch your step now,” Mr Hopkins said as he continued to lead the way. “The way is narrow and dark during the day. But you’ll get used to it soon enough.” Melisa could hear the man chuckling ahead of them as she stepped carefully down the set of stairs and into darkness. She moved slowly as she followed the others in front of her. A small light shone above as Mr Hopkins opened a narrow door and stepped back for them to enter.
“Now, I know it’s not much. But when you’re out at sea, there are very little comforts,” Mr Hopkins said as Oliver and Melisa stepped into the small room. Half of the space was occupied by a narrow bed, forcing Melisa and Oliver to set their trunks on top of it.
“We’ll make do,” Melisa said reassuringly as she gave Mr Hopkins a small smile.
