Stay with Me

by Jessica Blair

  Lena looked round, searching the faces of people being directed to seats by Ralph who had also enlisted the help of Ben and Jude. Where was he? Then she wondered why she was feeling so concerned. She glanced past Olivia and saw Alistair deep in conversation with Avril. She frowned, then just as quickly chided herself for the thought that had crept into her head. She gave herself a little shake, stiffened her resolve and fell into polite conversation with her uncle and aunt. But her eyes still moved restlessly over the new arrivals.

  Her uncle pulled a watch from his waistcoat pocket, flicked it open, noted the time and, as he returned it to his pocket, said, ‘Only a few minutes to go.’

  Lena made no reply. Where was Peter? Had further news of his father’s illness taken him back to Hull? Or had something she’d said on the day of his arrival sent him away? Why did she feel so anxious? Why would it be a relief if she saw him? She swept her gaze over Alistair and Avril again. They were enjoying laughing together.

  Then her confused thoughts were stilled. He was here, standing before them, his smile just for her. Peter.

  ‘Miss Carnforth. A delight to see you again.’ He swept his hat from his head and pressed her hand to his lips as he bowed.

  Out of the corner of her eye she saw her uncle’s gaze settle on the young man. ‘I’m so pleased you are here, Mr Hustwick. Please meet my uncle and aunt from Dundee.’ The introduction quickly over, Lena added, ‘And my dear friend Miss Nash who lives a few streets away. Of course, you already know Alistair from our time at Weaver Hall.’

  Peter bowed to Olivia, shook hands with Alistair, and had to leave any further introductions until later, forced to take his seat as James was mounting the steps to the platform.

  Lena just had time to whisper an explanation to her uncle whom she knew was dying of curiosity. ‘He’s the son of the owner of a firm of merchants in Hull. They have hired the John Carnforth for her maiden voyage.’ Martin gave a little nod, satisfied with the explanation of how his niece knew this young man.

  James reached centre platform with the bow of the ship towering behind him. The buzz of excitement began to wane and then was silenced completely by the roll of a drum from the band that had gathered to one side of the platform. A hush hung in the air.

  ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all here today to witness what is an important day for Carnforth’s - the launching of the John Carnforth, named after my father, the founder of the firm. Through his enterprise and foresight it has grown to what it is today. I hope this ship will help us build on the foundation he laid down. I know you don’t want long speeches, and I want you all to enjoy the celebrations and eat and drink your fill, but first I ask you to leave those things from your mind while our good Reverend blesses the new vessel.’

  At those words, Ralph, who was sitting at one end of a row, got to his feet and escorted the clergyman on to the platform. As he took his position Ralph hastened to his seat again.

  ‘This new vessel results from the hard labours of many and now carries the hopes of more, for her future can determine the future of many of you here. Ultimately that depends on those who sail in her, so may they handle her well and may she sail the oceans proudly and safely - a consummate example of Whitby’s ability to build stout ships. May God bestow on us all His blessing, especially those whose lives will depend upon this ship.’ He drew a small bottle of Holy Water from his pocket. ‘May He bless this craft and keep her safe on the far-flung oceans of the world,’ he added, splashing the water on the bow of the ship.

  As he walked back to the steps Ralph sprang to his feet to meet him and escort him to his seat. A buzz started again amongst the crowd.

  Lena watched her brother with eager anticipation. The time was here; the moment she so desired. In commemoration of their father, a signal that she could be an active part of the firm.

  James gave a signal. The drum rolled again and silence fell across the assembly.

  ‘The launching of the John Carnforth,’ he called in a strong voice. ‘It is my pleasure to ask Miss Olivia Nash to perform the ceremony!’

  There were some gasps of surprise but those of Lena and Olivia were completely different. Lena was shattered. So the brooch was a sop! Olivia was breathless, shaking, and with her heart racing for joy because James had chosen her. This was better than a brooch! She sat dumbfounded until she became aware of Ralph standing in front of her.

  ‘Miss Nash, may I escort you on to the platform?’

  She was too moved to speak but rose to her feet, glad of the support of his proffered arm. She was unaware of anyone or anything else as she walked towards the steps. It was only as she mounted them that she heard the applause and saw a smiling James holding out his hand to her at the top of the steps.

  ‘What do I do?’ she asked in alarm.

  ‘Come with me.’ He led her to a small table beside the towering bow. ‘I have written down something for you to say, and then you smash this bottle of whisky on the bow.’

  ‘Oh, but . . .’ Her voice trailed away in confusion.

  ‘You’ll manage. Speak out - or shout if you’d rather. Take the bottle.’ She picked it up while he took the paper and moved her so she was in a position to hit the bow with the bottle. He sensed the air of expectancy hanging over the hushed crowd. ‘Now,’ he whispered.

  She swallowed hard, licked her lips and unknowingly shouted as she read the boldly executed words: ‘I name this ship the John Carnforth. May God bless her and all who sail in her.’

  ‘Smash it!’

  The word from James galvanised her. She swung the bottle. It broke, sending whisky running down the bow and splashing into the air. Automatically she ducked to avoid it then, as she felt James’s grip on her hand, she straightened up and joyful laughter burst from her lips.

  ‘There, that wasn’t so bad, was it?’ He didn’t expect an answer. The joy on her face told it all.

  ‘It’s moving,’ she gasped.

  The keelblocks and other supports had been removed earlier and at the moment of the launch the restraining triggers had been removed. Now everyone watched anxiously as the John Carnforth slid down the slipway. The band struck up with ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave’ and great cheers rang out when the vessel touched the water and settled comfortably into her new and rightful home.

  James’s face was alight with joy. He saw the excitement in Olivia’s eyes too. They became aware that their arms were around each other’s waist. He pulled her closer and above the cacophony of sound shouted, ‘Marry me? Olivia, marry me!’

  For one moment she stared, unable to believe her ears. This was not the way she had dreamed his proposal would be, but what did that matter? This was more exciting!

  ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ And laughter pealed from her lips.

  He silenced it with a long and passionate kiss, oblivious to any attention they might be receiving - he knew everyone was caught up in the excitement of the immediate aftermath of the launching.

  But one person watched. Lena, shocked by his choice of Olivia to launch the ship, felt even more shut out from the life she had hoped would be hers. Her eyes burned with hatred, a feeling she had never expected to feel towards the two people on the platform. The hope that had died in her heart was replaced by a desire for revenge on them.

  In those moments her decision was made.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Amid all the exhilaration around her Lena watched James and Olivia come quickly down the steps and sensed something different about them. The laughter on their faces was intensified by the sharp light of joy in their eyes.

  ‘James has just proposed,’ Olivia announced, ‘and I’ve said yes.’ She turned to her father. ‘Thank you for approving when he asked you yesterday.’

  ‘I was pleased to do so,’ said Albert. ‘May you both be very happy.’

  ‘We will be,’ she said and revelled in the congratulations showered on them.

  Lena stiffened; though this union had always been expected, coming as it did at this t
ime it seemed to be closing the door against her hopes even more. But she should keep herself under control. There was the rest of the day to get through and then the celebrations at home, celebrations that would be even more poignant now. She would not be able to put the decision she had made into operation until tomorrow, but her resolve to do so was even stronger now.

  ‘James, Olivia, I’m so happy for you.’ Lena took their hands. ‘I know you will have a wonderful life together.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Olivia, her eyes damp with a happiness now sealed by the approval of her long-time friend. ‘It will be marvellous to have you as my sister-in-law. It will be a natural extension to a friendsip I have treasured so long.’

  ‘As have I,’ replied Lena. The pleasure she displayed was genuine enough. Olivia would make the perfect wife for James; content to let him provide while she enhanced their station in the community through her looks and charm, which she would skilfully display in social gatherings, both private and public.

  ‘James, Dr MacBride is waving at us,’ said Olivia. ‘I think he wants us to meet someone he is talking to.’

  ‘Oh, yes! You go to them, Olivia, I’ll be with you in a moment. I want a quick word with Lena.’

  Olivia left them. When James faced his sister his expression was contrite and serious. ‘Lena, I hope you weren’t offended that I didn’t ask you to perform the launching ceremony? I thought asking Olivia would make the day extra-special, by linking the new ship and our engagement. That is why I did not mention it beforehand. I wanted it to be a complete surprise to her.’

  Lena knew James. In his own euphoric state of mind, he would not notice that her smile was cold as she said, ‘Think nothing of it. Oh, I would have liked to have performed the ceremony, but I can see it made sense to combine it with your proposal. Of course I understand.’

  He kissed her on the cheek. ‘Thank you. What have I done to deserve such a wonderful sister?’ Then he glanced in the direction of his uncle. ‘Oh, I must go.’ He stopped and turned back. ‘It would give me great pleasure to see you engaged to Alistair. We four must always remain close.’ He hurried away then towards the group awaiting him.

  Lena remained where she was. Her eyes narrowed as she watched her brother. How much credence should she put in his last remark? After all, she already knew that James valued his own feelings above anybody else’s.

  ‘Walk with me?’

  She was startled to hear the words spoken close to her ear. ‘Alistair! I didn’t notice you.’

  ‘You were miles away. Where were you?’

  She gave a wan smile at that. ‘Only I need know.’

  Alistair thought he sensed a rebuke in her tone but ignored it. He took hold of her arm and said, ‘Let’s take a closer look at the ship.’ He shifted his grip to her hand and started towards it.

  Lena felt ill at ease with what she assumed was going to happen. She looked back as if seeking help in her dilemma. From whom? Who could help her? Where was Peter? But he could not interfere. She would have to deal with this herself. Then she saw him talking to Avril. Their eyes met. His jealous glance towards Alistair also pleaded for an answer to his proposal. Her gaze took in Avril then and Lena received a jolt. Her cousin was staring at Alistair with an expression that was very revealing. Avril had known Alistair a long time but Lena had never suspected that her cousin had any other feelings towards him than friendship. It seemed she had been wrong about that.

  Unsuspecting, Alistair led her on. Finding a quieter place he stopped.

  Lena felt ill at ease. ‘I didn’t know you were interested in . . .’

  He placed a finger on her lips to stop her. ‘It was an excuse to get you away from everyone.’ His eyes had taken on an intensity that struck at her heart. ‘Lena, let’s make this a double celebration. Marry me!’

  The words thundered in her mind, words that at one time she would have been overjoyed to hear but had anticipated more doubtfully since Peter had entered her life. She had hoped Alistair would not propose before she could implement the decision she had made when Olivia climbed the steps to launch the John Carnforth. It would have been easier for her not to face this moment that had been thrust upon her now.

  ‘Alistair.’ Lena’s voice was scarcely above a whisper. She hesitated, her eyes damp.

  ‘Say yes,’ he prompted.

  ‘I can’t, not at the moment.’ She gave a little shake of her head as if to dismiss the question. ‘So much has happened, I need time . . .’

  He looked astonished that her answer had not been an instantaneous yes. ‘But I thought you and I always had an understanding?’

  ‘Please, Alistair, don’t press me now.’

  ‘But . . . ’

  ‘Please.’ Lena turned and walked away.

  Astounded and puzzled, he watched her go. What had upset her? What held her back? He knew it had been a trying time for her since her parents were killed, but he thought she’d got over it and was now coping well. Maybe today had brought back too many memories? He should have waited; had misjudged his moment. Annoyed with himself, he strolled back in the direction of the crowds. He would have to face Lena again at tonight’s party; he would make sure he did not mishandle that meeting.

  Not fully aware of where he had walked, he was suddenly conscious of someone standing in his way. ‘Oh, Avril.’

  ‘You were looking so thoughtful. A penny for them, Alistair?’

  He smiled. ‘They would not be worth that to you.’

  She gave a little shrug of her shoulders and said, ‘Ah, well, they can remain yours. Come and have something to eat?’

  ‘That’s not a bad idea,’ he agreed, grateful for a distraction from thoughts of Lena.

  As she picked her way through the crowds Lena searched for Peter but saw no sign of him. She became even more exasperated as the day wore on and he was still nowhere to be seen. Her emotions became even more strained when she kept seeing Alistair and Avril who were, to her mind, enjoying each other’s company. People wanted to chat with her. Though she tried to respond, she did not sparkle as she usually did. The attempt to do so began to tell on her and she realised she would not be able to face the evening ahead if she did not escape for a while. She sought out James and told him she was going home in order to see that everything was ready for the evening party.

  ‘But Mrs Campion will be seeing to that,’ he protested. ‘Stay.’

  ‘I’d rather make sure. After all, it is now an extra-special occasion,’ she pointed out.

  ‘You are thoughtful. Thanks, Lena.’

  She shrugged her shoulders dismissively, thinking, More than you are to me. But she bit her tongue and only said, ‘Be happy, James.’

  ‘I will. Let me get someone to see you home, I can’t leave now.’

  ‘I know. I’ll be quite safe.’

  ‘Let me ask Ralph.’ He glanced in his manager’s direction.

  ‘No need. He’s talking to some of the town officials, no doubt putting in a good word for the firm.’

  ‘Let me find Alistair then.’

  ‘No, no.’ Lena realised she’d been a little quick with her refusal. ‘He’s talking to Avril.’ She glanced in their direction. ‘Don’t disturb them.’ Then she added in a jocular tone, ‘It’s not as if I don’t know my way.’

  As she left the shipyard and celebrations behind a familiar voice brought Lena to a halt. ‘Leaving already?’ At the same moment someone stepped out of the shadows ahead.

  ‘Peter!’

  He inclined his head. ‘Miss Carnforth. Or will it be Mrs Nash?’

  She stiffened. ‘You ask a strange question.’

  ‘I saw you today with Alistair.’

  ‘And thought you could predict the outcome?’

  ‘I . . .’

  ‘You should never presume to do that where I am concerned.’

  ‘Then tell me why was there anger and hurt in your eyes when Miss Nash climbed on to the platform to launch the ship? I take it you had assumed it would be you w
ho performed the ceremony?’

  She nodded, relieved to find that one person at least understood her feelings.

  ‘You are leaving the celebrations early?’

  ‘Things to see to for this evening.’

  ‘May I walk you home?’

  ‘You may.’

  ‘My arm, Miss Carnforth.’

  As she took it their eyes met and she saw hope rekindled in his. ‘Thank you, Mr Hustwick. How formal we are of a sudden.’ Then she astonished him by saying, ‘I think we can drop this formality. I have my answer to the question you put to me two days ago.’

  Peter stopped walking and turned her to him quickly so that he could look straight into her eyes and discover what she truly meant. ‘You’ll marry me then?’ His eyes were blazing with hope.

  ‘Yes, I’ll marry you, Peter. I’ll marry you!’

  There was no resisting that promise. He swept Lena into his arms and kissed her.

  ‘Come on, let’s tell everyone now.’ Holding her hand, he started to return to the shipyard but she held him back.

  ‘No, Peter! We must do this my way. When do you leave for Hull?’

  ‘I’d intended going tomorrow, but will delay my departure as long as you wish.’

  ‘Tomorrow will be ideal. I’ll be ready then.’

  ‘You’ll come with me?’ He was astounded by the speed of events.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘But . . .’

  Lena started walking and he matched his pace to hers as she explained what she wanted. ‘No one must know about this; there must be not one hint. I require no one’s blessing on my marriage.’

  ‘But as you have no father, shouldn’t I seek permission from your brother?’

  ‘No!’ she replied emphatically. ‘It is my own decision, requiring no one’s approval. I am of age, after all.’

  ‘Whatever you say.’

  Though he knew that her relatives and close friends would be shocked by such an abrupt departure, Peter was too intent on securing Lena for his wife to worry unduly about their reaction. They would come round from their disappointment, in time.