FOR THE LOVE OF THE SEA

by Jennifer Bohnet

  Cassie sighed inwardly. Polly would be even more determined now.

  “Has anybody spoken to Tom about all this?” Liz asked. “Clotted Cream is his boat.”

  “I mentioned it this morning,” Polly admitted. “He promised he’d think about it.”

  “I’m not sure there is time for that,” Dexter said. “I really need to take the balance of the entrance fee and the replacement skipper details with me when I leave tomorrow - otherwise you’ll miss the deadline.”

  Bill took a deep breath.

  “So we have to take a decision today, without Tom. Like Dexter, I have reservations, but I think Polly should be given the chance.”

  “Gramps thank you,” a delighted Polly leapt to her feet and hugged her grandfather. “I won’t let you or Tom down I promise.”

  Dexter left early Monday morning, taking Polly’s application form and a cheque for the outstanding entry fee with him.

  “When d’you think we’ll hear from the race committee?” Cassie asked.

  “Well, it’s under five weeks to the race, so they’ll have to respond quickly. You need all the time to fine tune things and to get the boat to Plymouth a fortnight before the start date. I think you should hear by the weekend.”

  He turned to Polly. “You’ve got my mobile number. If you need any advice, give me a ring. If I can help, I will. Otherwise, I’ll see you in Plymouth in three weeks. Good luck.”

  He kissed Cassie on the cheek. “Thanks for letting me stay. Tell Tom I’ll see him soon. Bye.”

  As they turned to go back into the house, Polly looked at her mother. “Are you still angry with me?”

  “I was never angry with you, just afraid. I’ve always known you’d want to follow in your dad’s footsteps and be a sailor. I understand you see this as your chance to prove yourself, but I can’t stop worrying about you - the same as I worry about Tom when he’s away. And you must remember, I’ve already lost someone who meant the world to me.”

  Polly didn’t say anything. The unexpected bear hug in which she enveloped her mother was more expressive than any words.

  The next few days passed in a blur for Cassie. There was so much to do. Normal office work for the boatyard had to take a back seat as she gave all her attention to organising the logistics of a round the world sail.

  She was very grateful when Liz appeared in the office early Tuesday morning and offered to take over the boatyard accounts again.

  “Just until things get back to normal,” she said.

  Cassie e-mailed all the sponsors officially informing them of Tom’s accident and telling them about Polly. She hoped they’d continue to offer Polly the same level of support as they had her brother.

  There was good news from Daedalion Technological Sails. They’d finally agreed to supply Clotted Cream with the new sails she desperately needed. And they weren’t worried about the change of skipper.

  But then Liz took a phone call from Mr Hollis at the bank. He wanted Cassie to make an appointment to see him.

  “She’s very busy. Couldn’t she telephone you?”

  “I’d prefer to explain the position face to face,” Mr Hollis said.

  Cassie groaned when her mother reported the conversation.

  “It doesn’t sound too good. I was positive the bank was going to sponsor us. We really do need their money.”

  Bookings were also starting to arrive for the newly advertised sailing lessons and enquiring about accommodation on the barge. Cassie simply put those letters on one side. Mai would have to deal with them once Tom was home.

  Anna put her house hunting on hold and took over the work on the barge. Mai helped her for a couple of hours every morning but her days were mainly taken up visiting Tom.

  James rang, asking Cassie to have dinner with him on Friday evening.

  “I’m sorry but I can’t this week. I’m so busy. Anna and I are working until eight or nine every evening and then we all just collapse with supper on a tray. And Friday evening I’d earmarked to convert the sitting room into a bedroom, ready for Tom coming home.”

  “How about I bring a take away and a bottle of wine for you all. I’ll come up by boat so everything should stay warm. And then I’ll give you a hand moving furniture.”

  “What a lovely idea. Although I warn you changing the sitting room around is going to be hard work. Thanks James. See you Friday.”

  Everyday saw an improvement in Tom’s general condition, but his spirits were low. He was finding it difficult to come to terms with the fact that it would be months before he was on his feet again.

  For a few days, he couldn’t even face Polly, which upset her greatly. Eventually, though, he rang her to apologise and promised to give her all the help he could.

  “Not that I’ll be much use, stuck in a wheelchair,” he added bitterly.

  “Once you’re home, I thought you could become my Operations Director,” Polly suggested tentatively. “I really do need your expert knowledge. That way too, you’d still be involved.”

  “It’s hardly the same sis, you know that. But I’ll do it for you. Just make sure you look after my boat.”

  As promised, James arrived on Friday evening, bearing wine and fish and chips for everyone.

  Supper was almost finished when the telephone rang.

  “I’ll get it,” Polly offered jumping to her feet.

  “Cassie I need to talk to you,” James said quietly, choosing his moment.

  “Why? What’s wrong?”

  “It’s about the barge. Since Tom’s accident, The Harbour Commission have become concerned about your proposed sailing school,” he paused.

  “They’re going to refuse you a licence until the Health and Safety have inspected it and passed the barge as safe to have the public on board.”

  “But it’s already got a Health and Safety Certificate,” Cassie protested. “Tom’s accident was just that - a stupid accident because he was so tired. The barge itself is perfectly safe.”

  “The fact that a handrail came away is what worries them. They want reassurance that everything is as it should be before they grant the licence. They’ve asked for another inspection.”

  He placed an envelope on the table. “I’ve had to write you an official letter to that effect.”

  He looked at Cassie. “I didn’t want to post it. Please believe me, Cassie, when I say I tried to stop them taking this action. I know the barge is as safe as anything else on this river but they refused to listen.”

  “When will the Health and Safety visit?”

  James shook his head. “I don’t know. They’ll be writing to inform you.”

  He glanced across the room as Polly put the telephone down and came back to them, her face serious.

  “That was Dexter.”

  Cassie waited. What now?

  “He’s just posted the letter informing me that my entry has been accepted by the race committee.” She let out a whoop of joy.

  “I’m now the official skipper of Clotted Cream,” she added excitedly.

  “Oh well done Polly,” James and Anna said together.

  Cassie got up and put her arms around her. “Yes. Congratulations Polly.”

  “What were you and James looking so serious about?”

  “We have a problem with the barge.” Cassie filled Polly in on the latest developments.

  “That’s the official letter,” she said indicating to the unopened envelope on the table. Cassie looked at everyone, suddenly feeling very tired.

  “I wish to goodness we’d never bought that blasted barge. Tom wouldn’t be in hospital and we wouldn’t be in this mess. And you,” she looked at Polly. “Wouldn’t be thinking about sailing alone around the world.”

  Chapter Four

  The day before Tom came home from hospital was also the moment the media woke up to the fact that Polly was to take his place in the round the world race.

  The phone rang constantly and one or two reporters even turned up at the boatyard. With Polly
out on the river it was Cassie who had to deal with it all - on top of everything else.

  When the telephone rang for the sixth time in as many minutes she sighed as she picked it up. Thankfully, however, it was Dexter.

  “Hi! How’s Tom?”

  “He’s coming home tomorrow,” Cassie replied.

  “That’s great news,” Dexter sounded pleased. “And how’s the work progressing on Clotted Cream?” he went on.

  “I think it’s all going to plan,” Cassie said. “But you’d really need to talk to Polly or Bill about that. My main problem at the moment is trying to deal with reporters.”

  “From their point of view it’s a good story,” Dexter pointed out. “And your sponsors will be pleased with all the publicity.”

  “Yes of course. It’s just the time it’s taking up.” Cassie sounded exhausted. “And there are still so many other things that have to be done.”

  “I can probably help out with the Press, but I need to talk to Polly first. Is she around?” Dexter asked.

  “She’s working on Clotted Cream, but she’s got her mobile with her.”

  “Great! I’ll give her a buzz right now. Talk to you later.”

  Cassie had just begun to tackle the mountain of paperwork on her desk when Polly walked into the office.

  “Don’t talk to any more reporters Mum.”

  Cassie looked surprised.

  “Why not?”

  “Dexter has just suggested that I sell my story to one paper. Not only will it bring in some more money, it’ll make things easier for you, too. He’s got a contact in London. Hopefully they’ll be in touch today.”

  As if on cue her mobile rang.

  “Great. Thanks Dexter. I know Mum will be pleased. Talk to you soon.”

  Polly turned to Cassie. “Sorted. Somebody will arrive tomorrow to interview me and take some photos, with Tom, too if possible. They’ve also suggested I do a regular report from the boat. For another fee of course.”

  “Oh, before I forget, Gramps wants to know if there is any news on when we can expect the self-steering gear back?”

  “Not yet. Tell him not to be so impatient. It’s only been gone five days and they did say it would take about eight. I’ll start to chase tomorrow.”

  “By the way, have you told Sebastian you’re doing the race yet?” Cassie asked, as Polly was about to head off.

  “No. I was going to e-mail him last night but I was too tired,” Polly said.

  “If you don’t tell him soon he’ll read it in the newspaper and that won’t go down very well,” Cassie pointed out.

  “You’re right, Mum. I’ll do it this evening.”

  As Polly closed the door behind her the phone rang again. This time it was Rule of Thumb Technology, confirming one of their technicians would be available to be part of the shore crew that would meet Polly in all the mandatory ports of call.

  The first of these would be Cape Town, a mere thirty days after the start if all went well. In the meantime the technician was on his way to Devon to help prepare the boat for the start.

  Cassie felt relieved. The more experienced hands there were to ensure the safety of Polly and Clotted Cream the happier she felt.

  Later that morning Cassie made her way down to the barge to find Anna clearing up the mess made by the workmen repairing the companionway rail broken in Tom’s accident.

  “It’s looking good,” Anna said. “I’m sure the Health and Safety visit won’t be a problem.”

  She glanced at her friend, remembering how Cassie had reacted the night James had told her about the Harbour Commission calling in the Health and Safety, how tired and depressed she’d looked.

  “I hope not,” Cassie said now. “There were more enquiries in today’s post about booking lessons and accommodation. Once Tom’s home, he and Mai will be able to start organising that side of things at least.” She sighed.

  “The trouble is, I keep feeling that we’ve taken on too much with the barge. Teaching people to sail is fine, but doing the catering for them as well means a lot more work.”

  “Everything will settle down into a routine once Tom’s home and all the race preparations are finished. You’ll be able to concentrate on things here then,” Anna said. “And I’ll help whenever I can. Do you know what time Tom will be home tomorrow?” she asked.

  “Around mid-day,” Cassie replied. “At least the sitting room is ready for him.”

  James had been as good as his word, helping them to rearrange sofas and beds. He’d even dragged a large desk in from the storeroom to take all the equipment Tom would need if he were to take on the role of Polly’s Operations Director.

  Cassie had already put some of the files on the table, along with a fax machine, copier, telephone and all the wires and modems ready for the brand new computer the technician from Rule of Thumb would be bringing.

  She wanted Tom to know that his new role of Operations Director was crucial, that he was still important to the success of Clotted Cream even if he wasn’t at the tiller. Polly needed his experienced input.

  It was unfortunate that Tom arrived within minutes of the reporter the next morning and what should have been a happy homecoming turned into a confrontation.

  Nobody had remembered to tell Tom about the deal Polly had made with the newspaper and he objected to being photographed as he was lifted out of the ambulance by what he thought was an opportunist cameraman.

  Sharply telling the photographer to “Put that bloody camera away,” he totally refused to even think about having his picture taken. And rudely told everyone to “Go away.”

  In the end Cassie suggested Polly take the reporter out to Clotted Cream.

  “They’ll want some photographs of you on the boat so you might as well do the interview out there. When you get back, hopefully Tom will have found his manners again,” Cassie said grimly.

  Tom had the decency to look ashamed and muttered something that Cassie took to be an apology.

  “Right,” she said, “let’s get you in doors and settled.”

  Between them, Cassie and Mai re-arranged pillows, made Tom some lunch and generally tried to make him comfortable.

  “The reporter will want to talk to you as well as Polly - and take your photograph with her. That was part of the deal,” Mai said eventually. “Do you feel up to it this afternoon? Or shall I ask him to come back tomorrow?”

  Tom sighed.

  “Quite honestly, I feel exhausted. If I could have a bit of a sleep before I see him, that would help. I promise to be good.” He glanced at Cassie as he said this.

  “I’m sorry I was rude earlier. I know it’s no excuse but I’m finding it hard to accept the fact I’m going to be out of action for so long. And Polly taking my place just seems to be rubbing it in.”

  “I’m sorry you feel like that,” Cassie said. “But it’s the way it is. And, remember, it’s stopping Clotted Cream from being a drain on the boatyard finances whilst you’re laid up.”

  Tom was still asleep when Polly brought the reporter back to the house, so it was mid-afternoon before he got the photograph he wanted of Tom and Polly together.

  Tom chatted politely for a few minutes, but it was soon clear that he was still exhausted and needed to rest.

  Once the reporter had left, and Polly had gone back to finish some work on the boat, Anna insisted that Cassie went for a walk with her.

  “Mai’s here for Tom. Some exercise and fresh air will perk you up.”

  They set out companionably along the riverbank path. “Have you made an appointment to see any houses yet?” Cassie asked.

  “I’ve viewed a couple of totally unsuitable ones, but I’ve two more promising places lined up for next week. One’s in Castle Gardens and the other’s the one in town I showed you the details of.” Anna paused before continuing.

  “James has asked me to stay in town and have dinner with him afterwards.” She glanced apprehensively at Cassie as if unsure of her reaction to this news.


  “That’s nice for you. He’s good company and you’ll enjoy The Riverside Café,” Cassie said, assuming that James would take Anna to his favourite local restaurant. “The food’s really good there.”

  “You don’t mind?” Anna asked.

  “No. Why on earth should I?” Cassie said. “James is a free agent. Come on, let’s make for that willow and then turn back. I’m glad you talked me into this walk. I’m really enjoying it.”

  Increasing her pace to keep up with her friend, Anna didn’t have the breath to enlighten her that James had suggested The Seafarers Restaurant at the Country Club for dinner - a far more expensive and exotic location than the Riverside Cafe.

  Early that evening, Polly sat in her room, staring at her computer screen She was trying to compose an e-mail to Sebastian and it wasn’t going well.

  “Dear Sebastian,” she typed. That was the easy bit. She knew he was going to be furious about her taking Tom’s place in the race, no matter how she broke the news.

  She glanced across at the red velvet ring box sitting on her dressing table. Sebastian had been upset when she hadn’t immediately accepted his proposal. She’d promised to think about it whilst he was away.

  He’d insisted on giving her his ring.

  “Next time we see each other, I hope you’ll be wearing it,” he’d said, sounding confident that this indeed would be the case.

  It was a beautiful ring - a large ruby surrounded by diamonds - the sort of ring anybody would be proud to wear. As yet though, she hadn’t even tried it on.

  Polly sighed. What on earth was her problem? She loved Sebastian. So why was she so afraid of committing herself to marrying him?

  She took a deep breath and started to type again.

  “I hope the exercise is going well. Tom’s home, but he’s finding it difficult to cope with the thought of being out of action for so long.”

  Sebastian didn’t like receiving long e-mails. He said the whole point of e-mails was that they were short and to the point. Perhaps she should come straight out with it.

  “Also, he’s a bit jealous I’ve got the go ahead to race Clotted Cream in his place. But he has agreed to be my Operations Director. I’m so sorry for Tom but pleased I’ve got the chance to prove myself.