Page 33 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“That’s the sea spirit. I’ll leave you to your unpacking then. Welcome to the Mayberry,” Mr Hopkins said with a nod before he shut the door. Oliver and Melisa looked at one another before they burst into a fit of laughter.
“Look at how tiny this room is,” Melisa exclaimed as she turned her head from side to side.
“Are you complaining, my love? Simply think of how close we’ll become while we sail,” Oliver said as he wrapped his arms around Melisa before giving her a passionate kiss.
“Calm yourself, my dear,” Melisa said, already feeling Oliver’s ardour rise. “We still need to find a place for our trunks before we can use the bed.
“You have a point, my love,” Oliver said as he released her, picking up his trunk. “Have a seat on the bed. I’ll set our things where you are standing.”
Melisa moved around Oliver and his trunk and sat upon the bed, allowing Oliver to deposit his trunk on the floor and easily set Melisa’s on top of it. They wouldn’t have much space in the small room, but at least they had every they’d need. Even a small chamber pot sat in the corner next to the bed. Melisa didn’t like the idea of using it with Oliver present and wondered how it would be disposed of.
“Well, let us return to the main deck and see who will be joining us on this voyage. I learned earlier that Captain Vanderbilt had been commissioned by a prestigious Italian family who had come to England for a visit. It will be interesting to see them,” Oliver offered as he helped Melisa up from the bed.
“Certainly. I’m excited to meet some new people, especially since we shall all be out at sea for weeks,” Melisa said eagerly, though her stomach was tight with knots. She was certain she’d feel better once the ship actually pulled away from the docks.
The sun was starting to show over the horizon as Melisa and Oliver returned to the main deck. They were careful to keep out of the sailors’ way as they walked over to the gunwale.
“Stai attento!” called a female voice, causing Melisa to look towards the woman who was standing near the plank that connected the ship to the dock. Melisa watched as a beautiful Italian woman talked fiercely with a sailor who was carrying a large trunk.
“What is she saying?” Oliver whispered in her ear.
“She’s telling the sailor to be careful with that,” Melisa replied, grateful to have the knowledge of the Italian language. They watched as the Italian woman followed after the sailor to the other part of the ship. Together, Oliver and Melisa watched then as an Italian gentleman came onto the ship, followed by two young ladies.
“Perhaps that is the prestigious Italian family and they’ve come to collect English suitors,” Oliver said quietly, causing Melisa to chuckle. She had to admit that the two other young ladies were dressed in fine gowns that she would consider the latest English fashions.
Melisa’s breath caught in her lungs as the Italian gentleman settled his eyes on her. He dipped his head in their direction, and Melisa and Oliver returned the gesture with encouraging smiles. The man soon led the two young ladies across the main deck, following after the woman. Melisa was certain that they’d make their acquaintance soon enough.
For what seemed like forever, Melisa and Oliver stood together on the gunwale, Melisa’s hand in Oliver’s as they watched town come alive. The sun slowly rose across the horizon, casting light about. They didn’t need to say anything as they looked at England for one last time. Eventually, Miss Thorsten was spotted on the street, and Melisa couldn’t help waving at her from the ship, both young ladies smiling at one another. Shortly after, Mr Lockwood appeared, whooping loudly till Oliver and Melisa were overcome with laughter. Together, they watched as Miss Thorsten approached Mr Lockwood, and even from the ship, they could see the way that Mr Lockwood blushed.
“Set sail!” called Captain Vanderbilt as he crossed the main deck and headed for the wheelhouse where Mr Hopkins stood ready for orders. The whooshing sound of sails being lowered filled the air as the sailors on the dock let lose the cords that tethered the ship. There was a sudden lurching motion, causing Melisa to reach out and grasp the side of the ship as it started to pull away from the docks. Melisa and Oliver waved then to their friends on the street as they returned the gesture. This would certainly be the hardest part of saying goodbye.
“Melisa! Don’t go!” came a shout from the street, causing Melisa to dart her eyes to find the source of the voice. She suddenly felt lightheaded as she watched her father step down from a carriage, waving his arms over his head as though to try to stop what was happening.
“I’m sorry, Melisa! I’m so sorry!” Lord Stanton shouted, clearly dishevelled. He looked crazed as he continued to call to Melisa, even trying to run down the stone stairs where Melisa watched in horror as he slipped and fell down half of them.
Melisa cried out, clinging to Oliver as she buried her face in his chest, unable to watch any more. She could hear the commotion from the docks but couldn’t bear to watch.
“Shh,” Oliver comforted her as he rubbed her back with his hand. “It’s going to be all right.”
“I can’t … believe he came for me,” Melisa said through her sobs as the ship sailed down the river towards the open seas.
“More than likely to just save his reputation when others learn you ran away,” Oliver said, holding Melisa tightly against him.
“You are right,” Melisa said, leaning away from Oliver as she dried her face on the back of her hand. She looked around, a different part of town passing them by. “I think I want to lay down for a bit.”
“Of course. Let’s get settled. I’m sure it will do us good to see all we’ve brought,” Oliver agreed, leading Melisa by the hand back towards their small cabin. It would take time, but eventually Melisa would find a way to forgive her parents for pushing her to this extreme. Melisa focused on doing her best to turn her mind towards a better future.
Chapter 19
While Melisa had packed all the necessities she’d require for travelling abroad, Oliver instead had the foresight to pack what he thought they would need. After dressing their small bed with bedding, Melisa was able to relax comfortably, Oliver lying behind her as he wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close.
“I understand now why you packed such a large trunk,” Melisa said as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of Oliver being close. Even with all of their clothes on, she felt a certain feeling of love coming from Oliver that was told to her by the way he held her close.
Melisa heard Oliver chuckle as he nuzzled his face in her hair. “You are so used to money, Melisa, that you lack the instincts of survival. But I don’t fault you for that. You’ve already brought a large fortune with you. I’m happy to make up for the things we can’t buy while we are travelling,” Oliver said kindly.
Melisa took a deep breath into her lungs and let it out slowly, trying to settle her nerves after watching what happened on the docks. “I have no idea how my father discovered my plans, Oliver, but I hope he never finds me. I want to sail far away from England and never have to be reminded that the country still exists,” Melisa said with a shiver.
Oliver tightened his hold on Melisa, bringing her much comfort. “Do not worry, my dear. I will not allow anyone to take you from me now that I have you,” Oliver said, causing Melisa to smile.
