‘We’ve had a brilliant time,’ Harriet said, ‘and in a way it’s been good that you and Jack have been going off together. It’s given me and Anna a chance to get to know each other again. Sort out a few things from the old days. We’ve had fun, haven’t we, Anna?’
Anna nudged me. ‘Absolutely, I think it’s been great. By the way, Lizzie, did you know you’ve got a big wine stain on the front of your dress?’
‘Trust you to notice,’ I said, and we grinned at each other.
* * *
The gala dinner was a long, drawn-out business where we were treated to four courses of traditional Croatian food. And although we didn’t recognise what some of the things were, it was all delicious, so maybe Anjelica had decided to make one last effort for us after all.
Then as we sat around with our espressos and some tiny Kliflice sugar cookies, Bernardo came to give us a speech.
‘Lovely people, thank you. Nicer people than ever I have known.’
‘I think that’s his way of saying so much better than last week,’ Anna murmured.
‘Our captain Rocco wishes to say a few words.’
Bernardo started clapping and we all joined in, and Rocco, not in a rather baggy sweatshirt and cargo trousers as we had come to expect but in his best white uniform, stepped forwards.
‘We have had a lovely week and made good friends, I am sure. On behalf of the whole crew, I would like to say thank you. There are envelopes in your cabins should you wish to leave a tip for people who have served you well. And before I say farewell, I wish to say a special thank you for someone who has done so much this week, probably without you even knowing.’
Rocco reached underneath a table next to him and pulled out an enormous bouquet of flowers wrapped in purple tissue paper and tied with a ribbon.
‘My wonderful, beautiful wife, Anjelica. Not only is she a talented musician, and a wonderful chef, she has been working behind the scenes all week. I am sure you wish to say thank you.’
Anjelica, dressed in a sleek, black evening gown, her dark hair swept up into a sophisticated chignon which changed her completely from the angry, often food-splattered person we had become used to, came out from the kitchen doors and graciously accepted the flowers. Rocco kissed her on the cheek, and she giggled rather girlishly. And then, overcome with emotion, Rocco took her in his arms, dipped her backwards and gave her a long, passionate kiss and everyone stood up applauding and cheering.
‘I suppose that’s just how they roll,’ I said.
‘Someone once said that life is a car journey and passion is the fuel,’ Marjorie said, and she took a tissue out of her patchwork bag and dabbed at her eyes.
It was nearly ten thirty and I was thinking about going to bed, but instead I was swept up by my friends back onto the top deck. Everyone wanted to say farewell to the beautiful Dalmatian islands and remember the lovely places we had seen.
I looked across at Jack, who was listening politely to Roy going on about financial planning. Not by one word or gesture did he betray what he was probably thinking – that Roy was rather tedious and inclined to repeat himself endlessly when he ran out of ideas.
I went over to Jack and slipped an arm through his. He looked down at me with a smile, and just a little relief in his expression.
‘Well, don’t forget what I said,’ Roy said, handing over a business card. ‘The best thing money can buy is freedom. Or failing that, an Aston Martin DBX 707. Make sure you look me up when you’re next in Ashby de la Zouch.’
* * *
What a splendid man Jack was. And he was the three things that my mother had once said were vital. He was clean, kind and handsome too. And the thought suddenly struck me that I would regret it if my own timidity allowed him to slip away. And if I was eventually proved wrong and he did have a secret gambling habit, refused to put the bins out on the right day, or squeezed the toothpaste tube wrong, then nothing was really lost.
‘I’m going to miss this,’ I said.
We had both been admiring the lights from the town, glowing out across the still water, the illuminated walls of the castle, the peace of the evening after the noise and chatter of the dining room downstairs where I was afraid Dawn’s absence had been noted and much discussed despite Don’s reassurance.
‘Which bit will you miss the most?’ he said.
‘All of it. The feeling of seeing something different each day. Life can be a bit predictable sometimes. So what is your evaluation of the boat going to be? Positive?’
‘Oh, I think so,’ he said, ‘and the things that went wrong were usually no one’s fault. Just mishaps, and the crew did their best. They were marvellous.’
‘That’s good to hear,’ I said. ‘I’ve enjoyed it.’
He reached out and took my hand. ‘I’ve enjoyed it too. I’ve especially liked getting to know you.’
‘Perhaps you will rent that house on Rab, and maybe I will come and visit,’ I said, feeling very bold.
