Rapture's Rendezvous Read Free

the flooring of the ship, settling around her. “If only we could have afforded a cabin. What if we're even washed over-board?”
    The ship continued to heave and pitch, and the wailing of the wind matched that of the many others who were also seeking a new way of life in America. Alberto lifted a corner of the blanket, to search his eyes around him, seeing once again the jammed upper deck of the crude ship called the Dolphin. As far as the eyes could see through the blur of the rain and the seawater's haze, bunks were lined up, filling the empty spaces of the upper deck, and on these bunks were members of families, huddled, sharing what had suddenly become a nightmare for all.
    Feeling a sick ache at the pit of his stomach, Alberto pulled the blanket back down, a barrier being used toseparate him and his sister from what mounting fear that he could … a fear that seemed to increase with each added lurch of the ship. He placed his arm around Maria and pulled her closer to him.
    â€œIt'll be all right, Maria,” he said thickly. “You'll see. It'll be all right.”
    Maria reached for her violin case and placed it on her lap. “My poor violin,” she cried. “It will be warped for sure. Then how can I pull beautiful notes from it? How, Alberto?”
    â€œIf anything happens to your violin, we shall purchase you another one when we reach America. I promise you that.”
    â€œBut I only want this one.”
    â€œWe shall take care of it as best as we can,” Alberto said, helping to hold the case, pulling it to rest partially on his lap.
    â€œAnd the animals on this ship stink so,” Maria blurted, wrinkling her nose. “I thought the rains would at least wash the decks free of that stench. But it only seems to have worsened.”
    â€œI sure hadn't expected to share our boat trip with horses, mules and sheep,” Alberto grumbled. “But we do have to, and the smell is one thing you'll have to learn to tolerate, Maria.”
    The ship rose, fell and rolled some more, making the timbers creak in an almost weary-sounding fashion.
    â€œWhen ever shall it end?” Maria sobbed. Her stomach ached both from the tossing of the ship and the lack of food, and her feet and fingers had grown numb from the continuing wet, cold dampness.
    â€œPlease quit fretting so, Maria,” Alberto said. “That won't make things any better.”
    Maria chewed her lower lip. “Alberto?” she said softly. “Yes?”
    â€œWhen the storm is over, can I please take these wet clothes off and put on a dress?”
    He answered immediately and gruffly. “No. You cannot wear a dress,” he argued. “You know the dangers of that.”
    â€œI still don't understand.”
    â€œTo wear a dress would be to show this ship's crew that you are a woman. You do know the dangers of that.”
    â€œNo, I do not,” she said angrily.
    â€œI've told you. Over and over again.”
    â€œI think you are wrong, Alberto,” she persisted. “I am not beautiful. No man would .. . did you call it… seduce me. You are funny, Alberto.”
    Tensing, Alberto glared at Maria. “Maria, if you flaunt your .. . shall I say . . . your curves to these women-hungry seamen, you are asking for trouble. And, yes, my sister, you arc quite beautiful. Even a brother knows the beauty of a sister.”
    â€œBut to wear this ugly chimney sweep outfit for even another day almost breaks my heart,” she moaned. “I thought that once we left Italy behind, it would also mean to leave dingy ways of dressing behind. I so long to wear long, pretty dresses. The one Aunt Helena gave me is so lovely with its lace and bows. Please let me wear it?”
    â€œNo, Maria,” Alberto stormed. “I am to see to your safety and, damn it, you shall wear what I say. And please be sure to keep your hair hidden beneath that hat. That alone would give away the fact that you