The Captain's Daughter Read Free Page A

there would be seven nights to endure, she thought with a sigh. She hoped she could hold on until Wednesday.
    Later that evening Joe was pacing up and down the little cabin, impatient. ‘Why do you huddle in here like a hermit crab when there’s so much to explore? There’s a piano playing, and singing, we can listen to the orchestra, have a bite to eat. I’ve never seen so many choices on the menu: pies, pastries, salads. We should fill up our bellies while we can,’ he advised.
    ‘You go on,’ May replied, groaning from her bunk. ‘My stomach’s not up to it. I don’t fancy moving about. It’s thronged with people now. We don’t know anyone and half the people I’ve seen don’t speak a word of English since we picked up that lot at Cherbourg. What a racket they make.’
    ‘We’re all in the same boat, love,’ Joe smiled. ‘Everyone’s wanting to make a fresh start in the New World. Don’t begrudge them their chances.’
    ‘I’m not, it’s just I feel safe here. I can’t explain it but I just feel safe with all my things around me.’
    ‘No one’s going to steal anything.’
    ‘You never know.’
    ‘Oh, May, you are funny. Here we are on the high seas – where would they run to? And what have we got to be stolen?’
    ‘There’s those lovely sheets I was given,’ she argued, knowing she was being a worry guts.
    ‘With our initials on them? Don’t be daft! They probably have far nicer ones of their own. Come on, let’s give Ellen some fresh air before we turn in for the night.’
    ‘I’ve had this funny feeling in the pit of my belly ever since I saw the size of the Titanic ,’ May argued. ‘I can’t shift it. You go and let me rest.’
    ‘Now you’re being morbid; that’s not like you,’ Joe replied. ‘Fresh air will do you good.’
    ‘I suppose you’re right, lying here won’t change anything, but I wish I didn’t feel so worried.’ May put on her woollen jacket and muffler and pinned on her beret with the pompom on the top, tying Ellen into her plaid shawl.
    ‘That’s better. Let’s go and see the stars and make a wish.’ Joe took her hand.
    May smiled up at her husband. She must trust in Joe’s good common sense. He was the sort of man that was handed nothing but blows in life, no parents, no money, no education. Now he was going to make something of himself, no matter what. How could she not love a man like that?
    Despite her misgivings May slept well on that first night out at sea. The meals in the dining room were delicious and settled her stomach. It was such a treat to be cooked for and waited on, and it gave her and Joe a chance to wander round on deck and let Ellen toddle between them. After they docked in Ireland, there’d be nothing but the grey open sea between them and their final destination. She must try to relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
    It was cold and she was glad of her thick jacket and Joe’s overcoat. Ellen had layers of knitted wool with a felted coat, bonnet and firm leather boots given to her by a neighbour for when she started to walk properly. It was strange to think she’d spend her first birthday thousands of miles away from the place where she had been born.
    May looked up with wonder at the stars stretched across the sky. Where would they be this time next week? ‘Do you think we’re doing the right thing?’
    Joe nodded and smiled, dismissing her edginess. ‘It’s been a smooth ride so far. We’re in safe hands.’ He pointed up where the captain, with his distinctive white beard, strode on deck inspecting his crew, then watching over them from his perch. ‘He’s the best captain or he wouldn’t be steering this ship on its maiden voyage, now, would he? Enjoy it, we won’t be doing this again in our lifetime, will we?’

4
    Celestine looked up through her black veil at the ship that would be taking her back to America. Her shoes felt like lead as she stepped along the First Class gangway, her brother storming