Page 35 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“Yes, my husband and I look for a new start in a foreign land. I’m looking for employment as a governess, and my husband is a professional pianist,” Melisa explained.
“I can’t imagine giving up all that I knew for what you seek,” Signora Davone admitted. “What are your names?”
“My name is Mr Michael Trenton and this is my wife, Mrs Isabella Trenton,” Oliver spoke up then, saying their new names slowly. Melisa watched as Signore and Signora Davone regarded one another.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr and Mrs Trenton. If you’ll excuse us,” Signore Davone said with a dip of his head. Melisa and Oliver returned the gesture as they watched Signore and Signora Davone walk to the other side of the deck.
“Well, that was interesting,” Oliver admitted as they turned and made their way towards the other families that had remained on deck while their cabins were still searched.
“It will do us well to make connections to this prestigious family. They might be able to offer us references once we land in Italy,” Melisa said as they joined the others.
It didn’t take long to become familiar with the other passengers. Some families were travelling to visit family and friends in other countries as the packet ship made frequent stops in ports along the way. And others were like Melisa and Oliver, setting sail on a new adventure in hopes of a better future. And while they spoke with the other families, Melisa also learned what many feared while out at sea.
“I hear that pirates plague the open waters. I hope we will not encounter such hardships,” one woman had spoken eagerly.
“Fear not, my dear. I would not have chosen Captain Vanderbilt if I did not feel that he could take us to Spain safely,” her husband had reassured her. But from Melisa’s perspective, she didn’t look convinced.
“I am going to have a quick word with Captain Vanderbilt. I want him to understand our new names so there won’t be any confusion later on,” Oliver said softly into her ear. “I will meet you back in our cabin.” Melisa nodded as she let go of Oliver, feeling a bit unsteady. But as she bid goodbye to the other passengers, she made her way slowly, but safely, back to their cabin.
Having little else to do for the moment, Melisa opened her trunk and fetched the single novel she’d packed. She knew that it was more of a creature comfort than a necessity, but she knew that it would be important for her to have something to do. She settled onto the bed and began to read her favourite novel, only to be lulled to sleep by the swaying of the ship.
~*~
“Like an angel,” Melisa heard Oliver say as he came back to their cabin. Melisa awoke startled, surprised to have fallen asleep.
“I dare say, I doubt I look very heavenly at the moment,” Melisa said as she smoothed back her hair that had been tossed aside while she slept.
“You looked very peaceful sleeping that I hated to wake you. But I have some splendid news that I think you’ll want to hear right away,” Oliver said as he came to sit on the edge of the bed as Melisa sat up, resting her back against the ship’s hull.
“And what is that, my dear?” Melisa asked as she yawned, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.
“I was speaking to Captain Vanderbilt, explaining the details of our names and receiving his understanding, when I was approached by Signore Davone. He has invited us to dine with him and his family this evening, along with the captain,” Oliver explained.
“My, that is good news. I’m curious to know why,” Melisa said, trying to figure out why they as commoners would be invited to dine with a Lord and Lady.
“It is very good news because I fear it may be the only good meal we’ll experience while on this ship,” Oliver said as he passed to Melisa a small satchel that produced a strange, pungent smell.
“What is this?” Melisa asked as she slowly opened up the bag, the smell only growing stronger.
“It is salted pork. It is the main food staple aboard this ship, and we’ll be having quite a bit of it while we sail, or so the other sailors explained,” Oliver said as he helped Melisa open up the satchel all the way and withdraw a few slivers of the salted meat. As Oliver took a bite, Melisa watched him closely. “It’s not too bad,” he said as he cringed.
Melisa crinkled her nose as she took a piece of the oily meat from the bag and bit into it. The pork was very salty, causing Melisa to thirst as she chewed slowly, thinking it was the most unpleasant thing she’d ever eaten. But if this was what she’d have to eat while sailing, she reasoned that she ought to just get used to it.
“That was rather unpleasant,” Melisa said as they finished the meal. Oliver chuckled then as he passed her a small water skin. They both took small sips, trying to wash down the salty taste without drinking too much water. Melisa wasn’t sure how often they’d have access to decent drinking water.
“These are just small things we’ll have to endure while travelling, my dear. It will be rather different once we actually make it to Italy and are settled,” Oliver said reassuringly as he patted Melisa’s knee.
“I understand. It’s like being on a grand adventure where everything is new and exciting. It will be different, and I’m sure a bit of hard work, but already I’m feeling much better than I have in years. I honestly have no fears anymore,” Melisa admitted, smiling genuinely at her lover.
“It’s only the first day, my dear, but I sure like your spirit,” Oliver said, causing them to chuckle. “Well, we better report on deck. I’m sure there is some assignment to complete before dinner time.”
Melisa set her novel aside then, knowing that she’d have to contribute as much as the others. And though she wasn’t accustomed to working, she looked forward to shaping her own future with her hands.
~*~
Oliver had a hard time not laughing as he watched Melisa use a mop and a bucket for the first time in her life. They’d been assigned to mop the deck, both of them working together from one side of the main deck to the other. It was clear to anyone who watched Melisa that she was unaccustomed to the task as she held the mop awkwardly in her hands and pushed it against the deck, slopping water everywhere as she went. Every time Oliver heard her huff, he did his best to contain his laughter.
“I think I’m making more of a mess than actually cleaning the deck,” Melisa said when noonday had passed. Oliver couldn’t contain his mirth any longer as he laughed loudly. “This is not a time for laughter,” Melisa said with pouty lips.
