FOR THE LOVE OF THE SEA (19 page)

“Yes. She just said it was one less thing for her to worry about. It stopped her feeling guilty about breaking things off with him when she gets back. I must say I’m relieved. I never could quite see Polly as a Naval wife.”

Anna handed Cassie a mug of hot chocolate.

“Have you heard from James?”

“He rang to say he’d arrived in Wales safely. I thought he’d ring this evening but,” Cassie shrugged her shoulders philosophically.

“There’s still time,” Anna said glancing at the clock.

“Has he decided what he’s going to do when he finishes at the Harbour Commission?”

“No not yet. He’s got several options but can’t decide which one to take. That’s what this holiday is about - in part. He needs time to do some serious thinking without any distractions - including me.”

Anna looked questioningly at her.

“You?”

“James wants to marry me.”

“And you said?” prompted Anna.

“I’m thinking about it. He wants my answer when he gets back.”

Cassie sighed.

“I know he loves me. And I think I love him. He makes me laugh and we’re ... we’re comfortable together.”

She paused.

“It’s just my heart doesn’t miss a beat the way it used to whenever I saw Miles. And I can’t help wondering whether I love him enough.”

“Miles was a long time ago,” Anna said quietly. “You were both young. Second time around is bound to be different, but that doesn’t make it any less real. James adores you. Anybody can see that from the way he looks at you when he thinks no one else is watching.”

“The problem is I’ve been on my own for so long and what I had with Miles was so good, I dread making a mistake.”

“Are you sure Doug and the kind of life he could offer isn’t clouding your judgement?” Anna asked hesitantly.

Cassie shook her head.

“Definitely not. I like Doug a lot and the social whirl of the last few months has been fun. But you know me, I’m a home bird really.”

She looked at Anna.

“I’ve already decided that after tomorrows tournament I’m going to do a bit of back paddling as far as invitations from Doug are concerned.”

“Talking of tomorrow, I think it’s time we went to bed. We’ve got an early start.”

By lunchtime the following day it was clear that the Charity Golf Tournament was going to be a success. Good weather and an enthusiastic turn out of local business people ensured the local charities would all benefit from large donations.

Cassie watched Doug and then Anna tee off before making for the Clubs Health and Beauty rooms. She’d never been a golfer and was treating herself to a massage and a facial before returning downstairs to wait for everyone to come in for lunch.

Accepting the offer of a glass of orange juice from one of the waiters she wandered across to the terrace. A radio somewhere in the background was tuned into a local station and Cassie could hear the DJ urging everyone to “Get yourself over to the Country Club and play a round for charity.”

Lunch was a lavish buffet and as Doug, Anna and Cassie began to help themselves, the radio switched into a news bulletin. 

“And now for news of a local hero,” Cassie heard the news-reader say. “Whilst on holiday in Wales, Captain James White, a Harbour Master at one of our ports down here, has been injured while saving the life of a three year old toddler.”

As her plate silently hit the carpeted floor Cassie fought the nausea that threatened to overwhelm her, and she struggled to remain upright. Anna was at her side in an instant.

“Cassie, are you all right?”

Cassie nodded.

“Listen.”

“The three year old ran into a busy road and the Captain followed, scooping her out of the way of oncoming traffic. Captain White took the brunt of the impact from a speeding van and is now in hospital.”

As music signalled the end of the bulletin, Cassie turned to Doug.

“I must go to him. I’m sorry to leave, Doug, but…”

“Cassie I understand,” he interrupted. “I’ll get someone to take you home to collect some things first and then drive you to the station.”

Doug’s matter of fact way of handling the situation was his way of coping. He did understand. He understood she was sorry to leave, and also that their relationship had unexpectedly undergone a significant change.

“I’m sorry, Doug,” she said again.

“I know, Cassie. We’ll talk later. Go and see how James is. And remember, if there is anything I can do, ask me.”

Tom took the call from the police in the boatyard office. Fully mobile again, he was spending a lot of time with Bill, becoming increasingly involved in the family business.

“Sergeant Winston here. We’ve got the results from the forensic department and there’s enough evidence to charge the three suspects with burglary and arson.”

“That’s great news. Thanks for letting us know Sergeant.”

Bill looked at him as he replaced the receiver.

“Finally doing something, are they? Good. Don’t suppose the courts will give ‘em more than community service but there you are. Won’t bring back what the fire damaged either.”

“No,” Tom agreed, “but it could have been a lot worse. At least the insurance have finally agreed a figure so we can start replacing tools, get back into the boat maintenance business and try to re-croup the business we’ve lost over the last few weeks.”

He glanced at his grandfather.

“I’ve had an idea about that too.”

Bill held up his hands in mock horror.

“Here we go again. You and your modern ideas. What now?” he asked good-naturedly.

“Why don’t we set up a website to attract more business into the yard?” Tom said.

“Beats me how a website can attract new business. In my day it was a question of building up a reputation for good work,” Bill grumbled. “But you go ahead if you think it’s what’s needed.

Watch the expense side of it, mind. Need to talk to your mother about available funds when she gets back from Wales.”

Tom glanced at his grandfather.

“Gramps, what d’you make of Mum rushing off like that?”

“I reckon it’s a good sign.”

“Sign of what?”

“That your Mum is finally getting a life of her own,” Bill said looking at Tom.

“I thought she had a life of her own. She always seems happy, and she’s got a busy social life, too, these days. And I know she’s looking forward to being a grandmother.”

Bill nodded.

“All that’s true. But it’s been a long time since there was anyone special in her life. Now it looks as though James might be about to fill the void.”

“Things change,” he added, giving his grandson a sympathetic look. “Your Dad will always be her first love, but your Gran and I always hoped he wouldn’t be her last.”

Walking down the hospital corridor, Cassie felt unsure of herself and full of fear, despite the reassurances the Ward Sister had given her over the telephone.

“Captain White doesn’t have any life threatening injuries. He’s very bruised, he’s sprained an ankle and a couple of his ribs are broken. We kept him in overnight for observation and he’ll be discharged sometime today.”

“It was a brave thing he did. He’s lucky to have got off so lightly.”

As she pushed open the swing door of the hospital ward, Cassie prepared herself for an emotional meeting.

At first, she couldn’t see James. Then her heart skipped a beat when she finally spotted him sitting talking to an elderly man.

It was his companion who nudged him and pointed Cassie out to James.

“You’ve got a visitor.”

As James turned, a smile of sheer delight crossed his face and he struggled to stand up.

“No, no, James be careful,” Cassie said, kissing him gently.

“What am I going to do with you? I let you out of my sight for a day and you play Superman.”

“He’s a real hero,” James’s companion said, standing up to shake Cassie’s hand.

“I’m Ivor, grandfather of the toddler he saved. I can’t tell you how grateful the family are. We’ll always be in the Captain’s debt.”

James looked embarrassed.

“Well, now that your wife’s here now I’ll say goodbye. Thank you once again,” Ivor said.

James looked at Cassie apologetically.

“Oh Cassie’s not…” he started to explain. Then he saw the look on her face and stopped mid-sentence.

“Goodbye Ivor. Take care of that granddaughter of yours. She’s very precious,” James said, still looking at Cassie in amazement.

Before either of them could say anything, the ward sister bustled up.

“How are you feeling? The doctor’s on his way to discharge you Captain White.”

“I never felt better,” James said reaching out for Cassie’s hand and holding it tightly.

“Never better.”

It was nine o’clock that evening before Cassie rang Boatyard House.

Mai had gone up for an early night and it was Tom who answered.

“Hi Mum. How are things? Is James going to be okay?”

“He’s bruised and battered, but otherwise fine. How’s Mai?”

“Bit tired. She’s finding moving around difficult.”

“Give her my love.”

“I will.”

“Listen, Tom, we’re going to stay up here for a couple of days. James’s still got his hotel booking and they’ve found a room for me. The idea is for James to have a bit of a rest, give the bruises time to fade, and then I’ll drive him home.”

“Sounds like a good idea. Solo’s fine by the way. Taken to sleeping on the floor of the nursery. And Mum,” Tom hesitated before adding, “- you know we all like James don’t you?”

Cassie tried to keep the laughter of her voice as she said, “Good, I’m glad you told me that, Tom. I like him too.”

She was still laughing when she rejoined James in the hotel lounge.

“For some reason, completely out of the blue, my son has just told me that they all like you.”

“That’s a relief,” James said. “I shan’t have any troubles with the in laws then.”

“Do you think they’ve guessed about us?”

“I would think your mercy dash to my side gave them a fair indication of the way things are.” James smiled at her.

“I still can’t quite believe you’re here,” he added catching hold of her hand. “I was sure I was going to lose you to Doug. He has so much more to offer you - a lifestyle that I couldn’t possibly begin to compete with.”

Cassie leaned forward and placed a finger against his lips.

“Shh. You’re the one I want to be with. Now, I think, considering your condition you should be tucked up in bed recuperating. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

The customary fireworks and bottles of champagne were popping as Polly arrived in Brazil.

The official boat took her in tow and they headed towards a berth in the marina where Polly looked out for Dexter. For a heart stopping moment she couldn’t find him in the crowd, but at last she saw him standing on the quay waiting for her, just as he’d promised.

As
Clotted Cream
was tied into in her position he leaped on board and hugged her to him the tension visibly leaving his body.

“Well done Little Polly,” he exclaimed and she could clearly hear the relief in his voice.  

Once the official side of things was over, Dexter walked Polly to her hotel, his arm protectively around her shoulders.

“It’s so good to have you here safe and sound. You had me really worried for a while.”

“I’m sorry,” Polly said quietly. “Forgive me?”

“Of course. I’ll see you for supper. I have some news for you, but first you need to rest.”

Three hours later, Polly was sitting next to Dexter in a small café on the waterfront.

“Come on Dexter, you said you had some news,” Polly said impatiently.

Dexter looked at her thoughtfully as he crumbled his bread roll.

“The first thing is, I’ve heard unofficially you are about to be offered a sponsorship package in your own name – not as Tom’s little sister, or as a stand-in skipper. This deal is for you, Polly Lewis. You’ve impressed a lot of people during this race.”

When he told her the name of the sponsor and the huge amount of money they were proposing, Polly was stunned. Her dream of being a professional yacht skipper was about to come true.

“Secondly, the finish of this race in Plymouth will also signal the end of my involvement with the organisation of yacht races. I’ve decided I want to do more sailing and take part in some of the smaller competitions again.” He took a breath.

“I’ve also decided to join Dad on the farm.”

“That’s great, Dexter. You’ll have the best of both worlds – sailing for pleasure and building up a business you enjoy.”

“There is a third thing,” Dexter said, looking at her. “I had hoped you and I could get together. But the timing is all wrong, isn’t it? You’re about to get your big chance and set the yachting world alight, racing around the globe for the next few years. I’m going to be working equally hard in the heart of the English countryside with the occasional Round Britain yacht race to look forward to.”

“We can still see each other, though, can’t we? Your family farm isn’t that far from Devon and I won’t be on the high seas all the time,” Polly said fearfully.

Dexter took her hand in his.

“Sure, we can try, Little Polly, but I have a feeling it isn’t going to be that easy. I don’t believe absence always makes the heart grow fonder.” He paused before continuing.

“Sometimes, people get so busy with their individual lives they just drift apart, with regrets on both sides for what might have been.”

Chapter Fourteen

Cassie knew that if it hadn’t been for his sprained ankle, James would have insisted on driving. As it was he’d no option but to let her get behind the wheel of his precious sports car to drive them home.

It was the first time Cassie had ever driven such a fun car and she found herself making the most of it.

“I thought we’d stop for lunch in Bath? I know it’s a bit of a detour but there’s a nice convenient restaurant in the city centre.” James smiled enigmatically, refusing to be drawn further.

Traffic was heavy and it was well after one o’clock before Cassie pulled into a car-park.