FOR THE LOVE OF THE SEA

by Jennifer Bohnet

  Involuntarily Cassie found herself letting a deep breath go. Polly was safely past the Azores. The dreaded anniversary of Mile’s fatal accident had come and gone with nothing untoward to mark it. She could relax slightly.

  “I think I’ll take Solo for a quick walk before dinner. Honestly it’s years since I’ve had so much exercise. It must be good for me I suppose.”

  “If you’re going along the river path, could you pop into River View and pick up some CD’s for me?” Tom asked.

  “I keep forgetting to ask Mai. The key’s on my bedside table. Thanks.”

  “And don’t worry, I’ll listen to them on my headphones. I won’t blast the place with noise!”

  When she got back to the house, Tom and Mai were deep in conversation with an excited Anna.

  “They’ve finally accepted my offer for Glebe House. Two months and it will be mine,” she told Cassie.

  “I’m so pleased for you,” Cassie said. “We’ll miss having you here but it’s going to make a lovely home for you. Besides it’s not far away.”

  “There are a couple of auctions coming up next month. Will you come with me when you get back?” Anna asked.

  “Oh it’s going to be such fun decorating and furnishing.” Anna smiled happily.

  The next ten days were busy ones for Cassie. In between giving sailing lessons she had to organise things for when she was away and - a major problem - find enough clothes for her holiday.

  Anna was a great help, not only offering to drive her to the station, but raiding her own wardrobe and lending Cassie a few choice items.

  Finally, everything was done. Cassie’s suitcase was packed, with the exception of her evening dress, which would go in after tonight’s concert with James.

  Gazing critically at her reflection in the full-length mirror, Cassie thought she looked reasonably presentable, if a trifle boring.

  She was about to fix her pearl stud earrings in place, when she stopped and went through to Polly’s bedroom. Polly often borrowed bits and pieces from her and Cassie knew she wouldn’t mind her rummaging through her more modern jewellery.

  The dangly silver earrings she found were perfect. With the addition of a scarlet pashmina, the whole outfit was transformed. Finally satisfied with her appearance, Cassie made her way downstairs. She had a proposition to put to Tom and Mai before James arrived.

  “You look great Mum,” Tom said.

  “Thanks,” Cassie smiled.

  “I want to ask you two to think about something while I’m away, and there won’t be time in the morning.”

  Tom and Mai looked at her puzzled.

  “How would you feel about swapping houses with me?” She held a hand up to silence them before they could say anything.

  “No, hear me out. You’re going to be living here for the next couple of months anyway, until Tom is out of the wheelchair. And when the baby arrives, River View will be too small. It makes much more sense for you to make this place your permanent home.”

  “But why would you want to go and live on your own in River View?” Mai asked.

  “Because I’m nearly fifty years old and I’ve never lived on my own. I just feel it’s about time for me to take charge of my life. Living in River View would be the first step. You’re going to need more room with the baby, and this place will be Toms eventually anyway.”

  As Cassie heard James’s car drive into the yard she picked up her bag.

  “Promise me you’ll think about it while I’m away. We can have a proper discussion when I get back.”

  The concert James had tickets for was being held in the grounds of a nearby stately home. The advertising posters promised an ‘evening of music and romance in the spirit of yesteryear’.

  Parking the car James and Cassie joined the crowds that were walking towards the wide expanse of lawn where the stage had been set. Huge torch candles lit the way, while smaller ones set amongst the trees shimmered in the twilight like fireflies.

  “It’s as if we are stepping back in time,” Cassie whispered. “All these people in period costume - I feel as though I’m an extra in some historical film.”

  “Cassie, the way you look tonight, you’re the star,” James said, his expression one of genuine admiration.

  As the sun finally set, throwing golden streaks across the darkening sky behind the Manor House, a solo flautist began to slowly play, gradually teasing the other orchestra instruments into life. Cassie closed her eyes and allowed herself to float with the music.

  James held her hand in his, their fingers entwined, letting go only occasionally to applaud the musicians.

  The concert came to an end far too soon for Cassie. Turning to James she sighed.

  “Thank you so much James. That was a truly magical experience.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the cheek. “The evening’s not over yet,” he said. “I’ve booked a table for supper. So if m’Lady will accompany me?” He took hold of her hand again.

  Together, they followed a footman down a path that wove its way through gardens before finishing at the foot of the flight of grand stone steps leading up to the huge oak doors of the house.

  Within minutes they were seated at a table for two under the huge candle-burning chandelier of the Tudor dining room.

  “I feel as if I’ve been transported back to the 16th century,” Cassie whispered, looking around her at the tapestries and costumes.

  “I can scarcely believe that tomorrow I’m getting on a plane and jetting off to South Africa. This world seems so real.”

  High up in the minstrel’s galley a trio was softly playing and already there was a couple swaying gently together on the small area of dance-floor at the far end of the room.

  “Shall we join them?” James asked.

  As his arms went around her and they began to move in time to the slow old-fashioned music, Cassie felt a twinge of misgiving. She hoped that James wasn’t going to try and take their relationship beyond friendship. She’d only just come to terms with the fact that she’d been letting life pass her by. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she had to find out what she really wanted, before becoming involved in a serious relationship with anyone.

  James’s next words confirmed her fears.

  “Cassie, I know you are only going away for a week and I haven’t forgotten that you once told me it was just friendship you were looking for, but I wanted this to be a special evening,” he paused.

  “The first of many for us. I want to be more than your friend. Will you think about us whilst you’re away?”

  James drew her firmly towards him, his lips gently caressing her cheek.

  “I’ve fallen in love with you Cassie.”

  Chapter Eight

  EXTRACT FROM POLLY’S JOURNAL.

  Saturday 1st.

  At 3.0.a.m. yesterday Clotted Cream and I were bathed in moonlight as we crossed the Equator. I am very proud of myself - I managed to set the video and capture my celebrations on tape.

  It feels really good to have covered this distance although it is getting harder with each day.

  My hands aren’t helping. They’re a mass of tiny salt blisters, which are very painful.

  The Equator is renowned for being a temperamental place to sail in and I’ve been trying to keep as far to the west as possible, hoping to pick up a steadier breeze. For the last few days that ploy has worked, but now the winds are getting stronger and the waves bigger.

  The autopilot was struggling as Clotted Cream hurtled down, riding the waves, so I’ve spent a lot of time on the helm – wonderfully exhilarating!

  Unfortunately, one of the results of all these strong winds and fast sailing has been a broken batten in the sail.

  When the wind finally abated and the rain came, the only way round it was to lower the mainsail and replace the batten. It took me ten minutes to re-hoist the sail, but eventually it was up and we were sailing again after a delay of nearly two hours. It could have been worse.

&nb
sp; Rewarded myself for all the hard work with the last of my caramel chocolate bars. They’re top of my shopping list for Cape Town. The rest of my food supplies seem to be holding out well, though I’m looking forward to some fresh fruit and veggies. As we’re in flying fish territory I could easily have fresh fish every mealtime but I feel so sorry for them I can’t eat them.

  And don’t they make a noise when they hit the deck. Most of them land unhurt and the din as they desperately slap their tails and flap their wings trying to find their way back to the ocean is unbelievable.

  I seem to be forever going out on deck and throwing them back into the sea. I’m sure too I’ve thrown some of them back two or three times during the course of a day.

  After my daily chat with Race HQ this morning I typed my weekly bulletin for the newspaper and e-mailed it. With a bit of luck I’ll be doing the next one from a berth in Cape Town.

  Can’t believe that I’m still in second place. Hopefully I can hang on to it. Don’t think there is much chance of me catching up with Colin on ‘Flight of the Seagull’. He’s nearly 200 miles in front.

  My biggest worry is the third place boat, ‘World Wanderer’. She’s only about 70 miles behind me. I could easily drop a place in the next week if I don’t keep pushing hard.

  The generator is on, charging all the electrics. Seems to be extra noisy tonight for some reason (must check that with Tom).

  Anna, driving Cassie to the station to catch the train to the airport, glanced at her friend.

  “Everything OK? You look a bit strained.”

  Cassie nodded. “I’m fine. Bit nervous. Never did like flying much and this is the first time I’ve ever flown on my own.”

  “You’ll have a marvellous time in Cape Town. Don’t worry about anything back here. Just concentrate on enjoying the time with Polly.”

  Cassie tried to follow Anna’s advice, but by the time the flight to Cape Town boarded, thoughts of home were still occupying her mind. She could only hope she’d done everything necessary to keep the place ticking over for the week she was away.

  As the air-hostess arrived with her meal tray, Cassie remembered last night’s supper with James - and their conversation after he’d confessed he’d fallen in love with her.

  James was a lovely man, a very dear friend, but Cassie wasn’t ready for anything more.

  Once back at their table, she’d steeled herself to tell him the truth.

  “I’ve had a wonderful evening, James, and it will always be a special memory for me.”

  She paused before continuing.

  “You know I like you a lot. And I look upon you as a good friend - the best. But I’m not sure about love.”

  James was silent for some time, then he sighed.

  “Cassie your friendship is very precious to me and I don’t want to lose it. I had hoped it might be growing into more on your part but I’ve clearly spoken too soon. Let’s not spoil what, as you say, has been a special evening, through my foolishness.”

  He reached across the table and gently stroked her hand.

  “I just want you to know I do love you, and if you ever feel you can love me in return, I’ll be waiting.”

  Now, as she looked out at the floor of clouds beneath the plane as they sped towards the Cape, Cassie’s thoughts returned to the present. She was determined to enjoy this holiday. Hopefully when she returned home she’d be fighting fit and ready to get her life in order.

  Twelve hours later, as an exhausted Cassie walked into the arrivals lounge of Cape Town International Airport, she was surprised to see Dexter waiting for her.

  “This is a lovely surprise, Dexter. I didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow.”

  “I thought a friendly face might be appreciated - and a helping hand to get you to your hotel. I’ll have to leave you then for a few hours. I’ve got some organising to do for tomorrow. The first boat is due to cross the line in about twenty-four hours.”

  He shook his head in answer to Cassie’s unspoken question.

  “No, sorry. It’s not Polly, but last I heard she was still in second place. Now come on, let’s find a taxi and get you into Cape Town.”

  The hotel Polly had booked her into was in the recently renovated Victoria and Alfred Waterfront development.

  “I’ve reserved a table for dinner,” Dexter told her. “I’ll see you later.” He headed off, leaving the porter to show her to her room.

  Situated on the top floor of the spacious and airy hotel, the twin bedded room had a view out over the harbour. There was a magnificent arrangement of flowers on a low table at the foot of one of the beds.

  It wasn’t until after she’d had a hot, energy reviving shower, that Cassie noticed the card nestling in between the tight red buds of the roses.

  ‘Have a wonderful time. Looking forward to our dinner on your return. Regards Doug.’

  Thoughtfully Cassie put the card in her bag - a reminder to say thank you when she got home.

  Refreshed by the shower and a couple of hours sleep, she made her way down to the foyer to wait for Dexter.

  Outside, the quay was preparing for the evening’s entertainment. Neon lights were flashing on and off, table candles were lit at various harbour side restaurants and music was beginning to infiltrate the night air.

  A schooner moored at the far end of the harbour, was dressed from stern to bow with flags and small lights that added their reflections to others in the rippling water as the boat tugged gently at its anchor.

  Above it all, the silhouette of Table Mountain could be seen against the darkening night sky. Wisps of gossamer thin mist teased Cassie’s view of it.

  “It’s a view you will never ever forget seeing,” Dexter said as he appeared at her side. “Shall we go?”

  Companionably, they walked along the waterfront. The restaurant he’d chosen was well placed for watching the comings and goings of both boats and people and Cassie was soon soaking up Cape Town’s unique harbour side atmosphere.

  The next day after a good night’s sleep, Cassie set out for the yacht club. Dexter had told her ‘Flight of the Seagull’ should cross the finish line sometime in the afternoon and given her a pass that would get her into the reception area without any problems.

  Now, hesitantly, with her pass in her hand, Cassie stood inside the Yacht Club. She could feel the buzz of excitement already in the air. Smart yachty types in navy blazers and white slacks bustled importantly about. As she stood there uncertainly, searching for Dexter in the crowd, one of them came over and glanced at her pass.

  “Ah, Mrs Lewis - Little Polly’s Mother.” He smiled at her.

  “Welcome. I think your team are out on the terrace.” He turned clearly expecting her to follow him through the Club House.

  Team? In the midst of all the excitement, Cassie had forgotten that the shore crew would be in Cape Town waiting for Polly. In fact, they’d be following her all around the world.

  At the finish of every leg they’d go over the yacht and get her ready for the next part of the voyage.

  “What’s the latest news of Polly?” she asked.

  It was the Rule of Thumb technician who answered her.

  “She’s still in second place about twelve hours behind Colin but she’s got a problem with her generator which may have slowed her down. Still with luck she should be here in the early hours.”

  “There’s nothing seriously wrong is there? You would tell me, wouldn’t you?” Cassie asked anxiously.

  “I’ve spoken to her and so has Tom. She’s fine. Just wants this leg of the race over.”

  Cassie accepted the offer of a cup of coffee from a passing waiter. A few more hours and she could breathe a sigh of relief, Polly would be here.

  “Cassie? Cassie Lewis?”

  Hearing her name, Cassie turned, her eyes widening in disbelief.

  “Becky?”

  When the two women finally disentangled themselves from their spontaneous hug, they stood back and looked at each in amazement
.

  For Cassie it was like turning the clock back twenty years. Becky, wife of Miles’s best friend and rival Trevor Thomas, was as tall and glamorous as ever.

  Once upon time, she and Becky had been great friends and had spent a lot of time together in various harbours whilst their husbands were off sailing. After Miles’s death, however, Cassie had deliberately lost touch with the couple. Becky and Trevor were too painful a reminder of what she’d lost.

  Now she looked at her old friend with affection and regretted those lost years.

  “What are you doing here?” Cassie asked.

  “We live here. It’s been about seven years now - ever since Trev gave up racing professionally. He runs his own charter business, but still gets involved with yacht racing whenever he can. He’s skippering the official boat out to meet Colin.”

  Becky looked across at the growing crowd of spectators lining the quay, the small boats setting off to escort a triumphant ‘Flight of the Seagull’ to her temporary berth.

  “I can’t believe Polly is grown up enough to be taking part,” she went on.

  “When I saw her name on the competitors’ list I promised myself I would meet her. I didn’t dare hope you’d be here to welcome her ashore.” Becky sighed contentedly.

  “Promise me we won’t lose touch again? Oh Cassie, we’ve got so much to catch up with. Come on, let’s find a seat and talk about the old days, before the place erupts with champagne for the winner.”

  “Anna and I are going to walk Solo. Will you be OK for a while?” Mai asked.

  Tom nodded, concentrating on the computer screen.

  “I’m trying to find some more info for Polly. She’s still having problems with the generator.”

  “OK. We’ll leave you to it,” and Mai took Solo’s lead off its peg.

  As she and Anna made their way down through the yard, Mai glanced across at the barge now secure on its mooring in the river.

  So far everything was going well with this new venture despite the initial problems. Justin, the Megabyte crew-member Doug had lent them had turned out to be a good instructor.

  “How’s the morning sickness?” Anna asked as Mai let Solo off her lead. The dog bounded away to sniff her way along the path.