Page 36 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“Forgive me, my love, but there is humour in the way you mop,” Oliver said as he picked up their mop bucket and tossed the dirty contents over the gunwale before picking up a bucket that was tethered and tossing it into the sea to pull up more water for their work. The packet ship had finally made its way down the river to the open ocean, sailing the strait between England and France.
“I’m sure there was much humour in the way you first played the piano,” Melisa replied as she doused the head of her mop into the fresh bucket of water and continued her attack on the deck.
“My father would have readily agreed with you concerning that point,” Oliver replied with a chuckle as they returned to their work. It seemed surreal for Oliver to be standing aboard a ship with a beautiful young lady he’d fallen madly in love with. Just two weeks ago, his only concern was securing new musical gigs to continue paying the rent. Now he was without a father, but with a wonderful new opportunity to have a loving wife.
Oliver wasn’t sure when they’d be officially married and hoped to attend a ceremony with Melisa at their earliest convenience, but already he felt married to Melisa in his heart. They’d made love together, the consecrating act of any marriage, and therefore he felt devoted to her and would always honour her in every way. His love continued to grow for Melisa as he watched her work. Though the task was very foreign to Melisa, she did so with enthusiasm and determination. She didn’t complain, even when her face clearly showed that she was frustrated. It was these qualities that truly attracted Oliver to Melisa, and he couldn’t wait to be settled with her in Italy.
As they worked, Oliver recalled the moment much earlier in the day when Lord Stanton had appeared on the docks. He feared that Melisa would be forced to disembark, or perhaps she’d feel guilty for leaving and try to return to her family. He wouldn’t blame her for finding common life unbearable because she’d been accustomed to such finery and luxury all her life. He only hoped that she’d choose him time and time again as they would continue to face challenges in getting settled in another country.
After their chores were finished, Oliver and Melisa returned to their cabin to dress for dinner. They spent a good bit of time laughing and giggling as they were forced to undress together in the small space. At one point, they exchanged a passionate kiss, promising more for after dinner. This only caused Melisa to giggle even more, and Oliver was certain that he’d never grow tired of hearing her laugh.
“It’s not as lovely as some of my former gowns, but I think it will do,” Melisa said as she smoothed down the front of her muslin gown. It was a crème colour and of a nicer quality than most common gowns.
“I think it is perfect, my dear. Come, let us go seek out the captain’s quarters,” Oliver said as he offered Melisa his arm. She smiled up at him as he led them from their room and slowly down the narrow hallway. With the sun setting on the horizon, it cast very little light below deck, forcing Melisa and Oliver to walk carefully.
Back on the main deck, they both took a long, deep breath of fresh air. “Isn’t it lovely?” Oliver asked as he looked up into the evening sky, stars starting to come out as the sun ducked further below the horizon.
“I feel like I haven’t seen the stars in ages. Living in town doesn’t offer one this simple pleasure,” Melisa replied as she held tightly to his arm.
“Is the seasickness still bothering you?” Oliver asked as he placed his left hand over hers, hoping to give her some comfort.
She nodded as she said, “I simply feel a little wobbly, is all. My stomach is a bit upset, but nothing too unpleasant.”
“You’re the toughest young lady of society I’ve ever known,” Oliver praised as he led Melisa across the deck and to the captain’s quarters below the wheelhouse. As Oliver knocked on the door, he soon heard the captain’s voice beckoning them in.
“Good evening, Mr and Mrs Trenton,” Captain Vanderbilt said from the head of the table. Oliver was surprised by the size of the room compared to their cramped cabin. It was at least five times as large and held a decent sized dining table. He felt more like he was in a dining room than aboard a ship. As Melisa closed the door, he led her over to the table and sat her in a chair like a gentleman would have.
“Good evening, Captain Vanderbilt. Signore and Signora Davone,” Oliver said as he bowed before taking a seat next to Melisa. Tonight, they joined not only the captain and the Italian couple, but also the two young ladies who had boarded the ship with Signore Davone.
“E cosi che un signore mette una singora al tavolo,” Signora Davone said to the two young ladies. They smiled and nodded their heads as they looked between Oliver and Melisa. It wasn’t until Melisa leaned towards him and explained that Signora Davone had told the young ladies that Oliver had treated her well in seating her at the table that he understood what had been said.
“Mr and Mrs Trenton, may I introduce you to my two daughters. Signornia Gabriella and Signornia Vivian. You’ll have to forgive us for speaking mostly in our native tongue to our daughters for they are still learning English,” Signore Davone explained as he gestured to the two young ladies. Oliver simply smiled and nodded his head towards the young ladies, but Melisa spoke up.
“E un piacere incontrarti,” Melisa said. When the young ladies repeated the phrase, Oliver could only assume it was some form of formal greeting.
As the dinner commenced, they dined on roasted duck and boiled potatoes. It was a rather nice change to the salted meat, and Oliver was thankful for such a hardy meal when he expected to have no such thing while travelling at sea. He could see why it would be beneficial for Melisa and himself to befriend Signore and Signora Davone, as well as Captain Vanderbilt.
“Mrs Trenton, you mentioned before your plans to acquire a governess position once we land in Italy. Do you have any references?” Signore Davone asked Melisa at one point in the dinner.
“I have no references, Signore, but I would be happy to display my skills. I can read and write in four languages and possess a wealth of knowledge of both ancient and modern societies. I’m an eager teacher and a caring person,” Melisa replied. Oliver noticed the way Signore Davone smirked as he nodded his head, as though finding what Melisa said to be agreeable.
“The reason I ask, Mrs Trenton, is because my wife and I are actually in search of an English governess for our daughters. You see, we travelled to England to experience a Season, as it is called, in hopes of finding respectful husbands for our daughters. We plan to debut them next Season and would like an expert on the matter so they may be fully prepared for the experience,” Signore Davone explained. Oliver watched as a bright smile came over Melisa’s face, showing him how excited she was at the prospect.
“I’d be happy to assist the Signornias in this task. And my husband could teach them familiar English music and dance,” Melisa said, gesturing towards Oliver. He was surprised for a moment, not thinking he had anything to offer the two young ladies.
“That would be perfect,” Signora Davone said happily. “How fortunate to have found two people to suit our needs for next year.” She then turned to her daughters and quickly told them in Italian the good news, or at least that’s what Oliver assumed was being spoken at the dinner table.
As the meal continued, the details of their employment were discussed, from pay to lodging while in Italy. Oliver soon realized that Signore and Signora Davone were very generous, not only offering them to stay in their cottage so they could be closer to the family and provide easier lessons to the Signornias, but they would earn enough a year to live comfortably. The only part of the deal that Oliver could tell Melisa wasn’t excited about was the request to join them during the next Season in London. Though Melisa had agreed with a smile on her face, Oliver could tell that the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
When the delicious meal had concluded, Oliver and Melisa excused themselves, bidding all a good night. It was rather dark when they left the captain’s quarters, but lamplight shone on the deck as a few sailors stood by, guarding the ship by night.
“Well, that was rather pleasant,” Oliver said as he guided Melisa slowly across the main deck, feeling her hands trembling on his arm.
“I will agree that it is wonderful to find employment so quickly, that I can begin tutoring the young ladies right away. But, Oliver,” Melisa said, looking up at him, “I’m terrified of the idea of having to return to England next Season.” Oliver then understood why Melisa was trembling, the fear apparent in her voice.
“That is a long time from now, my dear. There is so much that will happen until that time that we shall be ready when the moment does come. And it won’t be likely that we’ll be in the same social circles as your parents,” Oliver reasoned as they walked back to their cabin. But Oliver’s soothing words seemed to do little for Melisa’s nerves as she continued to tremble.
The moment they were in the privacy of their small room, Oliver wrapped his arms around Melisa and began to kiss her soundly on her luscious lips. He could feel the way she went still as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer as her arms rose and settled around his neck. He continued to kiss her, forcing her lips apart as his tongue sought out hers.
