by Linda Ungar
Nigel had arranged to be seated at the captain’s table. It’s where he expected to find the wealthiest passengers. There were ten of them including the captain. Two balding, graying men wearing glasses, and six women, ranging in looks from plain to ugly. He and one other woman were the only ones under sixty. One of the older ones who was seated to his left appeared to be wearing the entire contents of a small jewelry store. She was thrilled when he danced with her after dinner.
Late in the afternoon of the following day, Nigel found a sunny spot on deck and luxuriously stretched out on a lounge chair, enjoying the warmth of the late day sun. Tonight he’d begin to seriously pursue his quarry. Before he could close his eyes, the only woman at his table under sixty sat down in the chair next to his. The liquor on her breath was overpowering. Sipping from a flask she held in her hand, she appeared tipsy and talkative, not a good combination.
“Oh, hi,” she said, oblivious that she was intruding. “You were at my table last night, weren’t you?”
He nodded, remaining silent. He hoped to discourage further conversation. She was not discouraged.
“Aren’t you loving this ship?” She didn’t wait for an answer, but kept up her prattle. “I think it’s so interesting meeting new people. I love all the dirt you learn. Knowing you’re not going to see anyone after you get back home, you can say all kinds of things.” She slurred her words. “I think maybe I had a little too much of this.” She laughed and waved her flask in the air. A waiter approached her and asked if she’d like something from the bar, in a glass. “No, this way I know what’s in my drink.” She brought her face close to his, assaulting him with her breath. She lowered her voice, “I’ll let you in on a secret,” a confidence he hadn’t asked for, “in the spa today, talking to some of the ladies, I found out that the woman in the stateroom next to mine is on board with a man who’s not her husband.” More laughter directed more foul breath in his face. Nigel winced.
“I think I’ll have to kill her here and now, in front of everyone. I might even get knighted by the Queen for service to the nation.”
“You know what else I found out? The woman you were dancing with last night, the one with all the jewelry, none of it is hers. She’s not even rich.” The drunk woman howled with laughter. “Her husband died almost a year ago, she took the life insurance money and spent it all on this cruise. She’s pretending to be rich. All that jewelry belongs to her friends. She doesn’t have a pot to piss in.” She cackled, apparently this was the funniest thing she had ever heard. Just as suddenly as she had started laughing, she grew maudlin. Tears came to her eyes, “At least she had a husband and friends. So what if she doesn’t have money. It doesn’t always bring happiness. My parents left me a lot of money, and I’m still unhappy. I never married or had children.” She was planning to continue her self- pitying monologue, when suddenly she got up and doubled over. “Oh, I think I’m going to be sick!” She staggered away, clutching her stomach.
She didn’t show up at the captain’s table that night. The passengers dined mostly in silence. The drunk woman’s seat was empty, Nigel was quiet and distracted, and the bejeweled woman was clearly disappointed that he wasn’t showing any interest in her. No one else knew how or cared much about keeping conversation alive.
Nigel pulled his cap lower, shielding his eyes from the sun glare bouncing off the water. He walked easily on the rolling deck, enjoying the salty wind blowing against his face. Approaching from the opposite direction was the woman who’d been drunk yesterday afternoon. She appeared sober now. Her short strides were steady in spite of the heavy swells. She turned her head away in embarrassment, trying to avoid him. It was too late.
“Good morning. You didn’t come to dinner last night, are you ok?”
“Except for my hangover, I’m fine. I have to apologize for yesterday. I’m so ashamed of myself. I can’t remember exactly what I said, but I don’t think I had any more to drink than usual. The reason I carry a flask is so I can control what’s in my drink. You hear all these scary stories now about men drugging drinks. It’s the first time this has ever happened. I was on painkillers after dental work, and I thought I’d waited long enough after my last dose to start drinking. Apparently, I was wrong. I guess the combination was a disaster. Again, I apologize for anything I might have said. Maybe it’s better I don’t remember.” She had a need to redeem herself in his eyes.
“We all have things we’d like to forget, don’t give it another thought.”
“But you know,” she was clearly still concerned, “I’m really bothered by yesterday. Did I make a complete fool of myself, air any dirty laundry?”
Nigel smiled reassuringly, “The only thing you said was that there was someone you met who’s here with a man who wasn’t her husband. You didn’t name names, you didn’t give away any state secrets.”
“That’s a relief. Sometimes alcohol is like truth serum.”
“And what’s the truth you’re hiding?” he teased.
“Oh, I can’t go there,” she laughed.
“I didn’t catch your name at dinner the other night. The lady sitting next to me was talking. I’m Nigel Craxford, and now that I’m really looking at you, I think we might have met before. “
“I don’t think so. I would definitely have remembered meeting you.”
“I hope that’s meant as a compliment.”
“It is.”
“I still didn’t get your name.”
“Bess…”
The ship lurched violently in the growing turbulence, toppling an elderly man who had been standing nearby. His wife, a dumpy dyed blonde, screamed as she anxiously waddled around her injured husband. She wore a disapproving expression, always on the lookout for a reason to be dissatisfied. She was satisfied to have found one.
“They should never have made the deck so slippery. No wonder my husband fell. Wait until I call my solicitor.”
Last night Nigel had overheard her complaining to her waiter that everything on the menu disagreed with her. In spite of her obvious face-lift, no surgeon was skillful enough to lift the comers of her mouth. Before Bess could finish answering, Nigel left to help the fallen man. Looking back over his shoulder, he called out, “I’ll catch up with you later.” As he reached the couple, the disgruntled wife was still going on about the unsafe conditions onboard the ship.
“Why don’t we get your husband to the infirmary, and worry about calling your solicitor later?”
They didn’t see each other until dinner.
“So, knight in shining armor, how is the old man?”
“He’ll be fine. He just needed a couple of stitches on his forehead. I think his wife was let down that she wouldn’t be able to sue the cruise line for a lot of money. She was probably hoping to make a killing.”
“A little concern for her husband would have been nice. What a world!” Bess shook her head. “Nothing surprises me anymore.”
“I hope I can surprise you.” Nigel, his eyes twinkling, lifted his wine glass, and clinked it against hers.”
“Here’s to surprises.” Bess drained her glass.
When Bess had booked passage on this cruise, she was on a manhunt. She had invested time and money, coming home empty-handed was not an option. She now had reason for optimism.
Nigel was attentive and charming all during dinner. He was very interested in getting to know Bess. She was happy to tell her story. He learned the family money had come from the sale of her parent’s chain of successful grocery stores. She didn’t tell him directly how wealthy she was. But reading between the lines of her story, he found out all he needed to know.
They danced late into the night, laughing and talking. He pressed her close and whispered how wonderful it was being with her.
“It’s like we’ve known each other before. I’m so happy to be with you.”
When the music ended, Bess looked at Nigel curiously.
“What is it about me you like so
much? I can’t believe you’ve ever met a woman who didn’t fall for you. I’m not so attractive. I hope you don’t mind my being blunt, but I’m too old for games, and never liked them even when I was younger. You could do a lot better than me.”
“That’s exactly why I like you. You’re refreshing, honest. There’s no pretense with you. What you see is what you get, and I hope I can get you. Beauty can wear thin. A lot of beautiful women are too self involved. They think the world revolves around them. You’ve lived, you know how to get around without relying on a man. I’m impressed. You’re smart and independent. In fact, your name suits you, like Good Queen Bess. She was able to out-maneuver all the men who wanted to marry her just to get to the throne. That’s the kind of woman I admire, and want. Does that answer your question?”
“Yes.” Bess seemed convinced. “And I have to admit, now it’s my turn to be impressed. The men I’ve met before practically ran me over in their rush to get to all the pretty girls wearing tight jeans. I’m glad I met you. You’re not like the others.”
They were inseparable from then on. Spontaneous and playful, they seemed to share the same interests. They would talk into the early hours of the morning. Nigel was surprised that Bess was so attuned to him. She was very observant, nothing escaped her. In spite of their compatibility, she wouldn’t allow him to make love to her. “It’s too soon. I want to see where we are after this holiday is over.” Nigel was relieved, having to make love to his victims, with the exception of Karen, wasn’t enjoyable. It was a necessary evil. Bess wondered aloud if he’d want to see her after the cruise ended. She didn’t have to worry, Nigel assured her, they were a couple.
“I’m not going to get rid of you.”
“I know that now, but I’d still like to wait a little while longer to make love to you.” She wouldn’t be all that bad if she had a plastic surgeon work on her nose. He thought it was curious that someone with all her money hadn’t had it fixed. Maybe she was afraid to go under the knife. Whatever her reason, he was happy to accommodate her.
“Here’s a perfect spot for a picture. Lean against the railing and look straight ahead. I’m a pretty good photographer, I think you’ll like the results.” Nigel had an expensive camera that he enjoyed using, and was eager to take her picture.
“No way! I hate being photographed. I never look good.”
Bess’s reaction was surprising. Most women were flattered by this request. She kept moving, making it impossible for him to get a picture. He would need it soon for the tapestry, but he still had some time.
The last night of the voyage, Bess surprised him again. They were about to say good night, when she reached out and lightly touched his arm.
“Don’t go yet.” She took a deep breath and hesitated for a moment. “You said you liked that I was honest, so I’m just going to come out and tell you what I’m thinking. I’m thinking we should get married. Before you object, let me go on. We’re not kids, we’ve lived long enough to know that it’s hard to find love. I hate to waste time playing games. I know what I want, and what I want is you.” She looked anxiously at him for his answer.
“You do go for what you want.” This woman was surprisingly bold.
“Well, so do I, and luckily, we both want the same thing. Consider yourself engaged!”
Nigel was delighted. He wouldn’t even have to bother with the tapestry this time. It wasn’t his usual routine, but he was happy to speed up the process. She told him she wanted to be married as soon as possible. Bess had thought about all the arrangements. She was good at planning ahead.
“Since it’s where we met, I’d like to get married on this ship, when it next sails. The captain can perform the ceremony, and we don’t have to go anywhere else for the honeymoon. It sails again one week after we land. I’m pretty sure we could book a stateroom, they’re so expensive, something should be available.”
He agreed with her. Nigel then became serious. “Before we get married you need to know something about me. So far, it’s been all fun and games with us. But if we’re going to have a future, you have to know about my past. I married my childhood sweetheart, Joyce. We had twin boys, our life was wonderful. In those years I did a lot of travelling for my import-export business. I had a trip planned to America, actually, California. The boys, Kenny and Paul, were eight years old and obsessed with cowboys. So I decided to bring the family along and drive to Arizona after my business was done. We went to a rodeo, a ghost town and visited all the sights we knew the boys would love. On the last day, our trip was over, we were on our way to the airport, when out of nowhere a drunk driver crashed into our car. Joyce and the boys were killed instantly. I was knocked unconscious and fractured my ribs. I recovered from my injuries, but never got over the guilt. My whole family died while I was driving. I couldn’t protect them.” Nigel was silent and held his head in his hands.
Finally he looked up and continued. “I let my family down. I need to know I can take care of you. I have a lot of money and no one to spend it on.”
“You never let your family down! What a horrible story! Unbelievable!”
“Listen, I need to know if anything happens to me, you’ll be well taken care of. I want to make a new will leaving you everything I have.”
Bess interrupted. “That won’t bring your family back. Besides, I’m rich. My parents left me in great shape. I don’t need anything from you.”
“Bess, I need this from you. Please, it’ll help me to know that I’m protecting you anyway I can. If you don’t need the money, you could give it to charity. Bess, please do this for me,” he begged.
“All right, but on one condition, I have to do the same for you. We should start our married life as equals. What you do, I should be able to do. And one more thing, no prenup either. This is ‘til death do we part.”
“I want that too.”
He fell into her arms, and reluctantly agreed to her demands. “I’ll email my solicitor and try to arrange a meeting with him after we dock tomorrow. He’s been handling some matters for me and I think we can probably get to see him on short notice if I explain the circumstances.”
Peter Wilmot’s office was in a high rise building with a spectacular view of the Thames. The young solicitor greeted Nigel and Bess warmly. The chairs he offered them were surprisingly comfortable. Often contemporary furniture sacrificed comfort for style. His office combined both.
“It looks like you had a talented interior designer.” Bess commented. “I imagine I’m not the first one to say that.”
“You’re quite right,” Peter beamed, “I’m a lucky man, the designer is my wife.” Turning to Nigel, “I understand you’re also a lucky man. Congratulations. My assistant told me you want to make a new will, and want it before your wedding next week. That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll make sure we get to it straight away. It’ll probably mean a few late nights at the office, but you’ll have it.”
“Peter,” Bess spoke up, “I also want a will. It should be fairly simple to do, everything goes to Nigel.”
“I told you, Bess, that’s not what I really want, so you can change your mind.” He smiled at Peter, “I told her I don’t need anything. She could leave her money to her favorite charities. Are you going to help me out here and talk her out of it?’
“I’m not a marriage counselor,” he joked, “And the lady looks determined. My advice to you, and this comes from a happily married man, give her what she wants.”
They had agreed not to see each other in the week before the wedding.
There was a lot of preparation to complete before embarking on their voyage. They’d call only in the event of an emergency. Otherwise they would meet in one week at the dock.
Nigel stood facing the sea while he waited for Bess. He breathed in the smell of the ocean, and listened to the cry of the gulls circling overhead in their unrelenting search for food. He watched the crew making their final preparations for the voyage. The ocean liner, tethered at
the dock, rocked restlessly in the harbor, as if it were anxious to break free and head for open water.
This was the only time Nigel hadn’t been in charge of making all the arrangements, but he didn’t think it mattered. He felt alive with anticipation, and couldn’t foresee any problems. He too looked forward to open water. Being at sea had always brought him happiness.
A flower filled stateroom welcomed the future bride and groom. The ship’s captain was delighted to perform a wedding for the couple who’d met on board only a few weeks ago. They were to be married privately, and then join the other passengers for dinner and dancing. The passengers had been told that they would be part of a special celebration dinner in honor of the bride and groom. Everyone on board was in a festive mood.
Bess wore a cream-colored lace dress and pinned a gardenia in her long hair. She was not a pretty bride, but she was a happy bride. Nigel was handsome in a charcoal gray suit, pale blue shirt and bright striped tie. His ice blue eyes sparkled.
The captain began the ceremony by welcoming them back on board. “I’m so honored that you chose to be married on my ship, and that you wanted me to officiate.” He droned on, finally getting to the words they both had been waiting for.
“…and do you, Nigel Craxford, take Elizabeth Higgins for your lawfully wedded wife, forsaking all others until death do you part?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Elizabeth Higgins, take Nigel Craxford for your lawfully wedded husband, forsaking all others until death do you part?”
“I do.”