Stay with Me (25 page)

Lena nodded and, as he moved away, turned to her cousin. ‘Well, what do you want to know, Robbie?'

He swallowed hard as if plucking up courage. ‘You know Dundee is an important port? Well, it has got into my blood. I want to gain experience of the mercantile world. I've seen how James has managed and what he has done, Do you think he would give me a job down here, so I could learn more about it?'

‘I am very surprised, Robbie,' said Lena, not disguising her astonishment. ‘I thought you would follow in your father's footsteps.'

‘So did he. He expressed opposition at first but quickly realised he was wrong to take that attitude. If my heart wasn't in it, I would not make a good doctor. I am fortunate in having understanding parents who realise that I am more likely to succeed in what I really want to do.'

‘So they know and approve?'

‘Yes.'

‘And they know you are thinking of asking James?'

‘Yes, but I thought if you had a word with him first, you might soften him up for me.'

Lena laughed. ‘You think I'm that influential?'

‘Oh, yes! You know a lot about what goes on in that world. Look how your father involved you, and I am sure James relies on your judgement.'

She held back from telling him the true situation and said instead, ‘I'll have a word with him, but I may not get the opportunity to do so until later today or even tomorrow.'

Robbie's face lit up with a broad smile as if in these few moments his future had been assured.

Lena's thoughts were turning over and over. Here was a young man eager to join the world she loved, a world from which she was feeling shut out. But might something happen today to make that change for the better?

When they reached the shipyard on the west bank of the river, upstream from the bridge, they stopped to gaze in admiration at the new vessel resting on its launching cradle. Though Lena had seen it grow from individual timbers, she was still in awe of its beautiful lines and stout appearance. Oblivious to all the activity in the vicinity of the yard and of the people around her, she let her eyes run over its every line and allowed them to rest high amongst the rigging. Her imagination took her aboard the ship as, with white sails filled by the wind, she skimmed through the sea, sending foam streaming behind her. The horizon lay ahead and beyond it . . . who knew?

‘Good morning, Miss Carnforth.' She started, brought back to reality by Ralph's voice.

‘Oh! Ralph, I was miles away.'

‘You certainly were, miss. On board the
John Carnforth
?' He already knew the answer.

‘Father would have been proud of her.'

‘Indeed he would. Now, miss, if your party would follow me?'

Lena called to them and they followed Ralph to seats at the foot of a platform that had been erected close to the bow of the ship.

‘James?' she asked of Ralph, as her party started to seat themselves.

‘He won't require a seat; he'll be up there,' he replied, indicating the platform.

She nodded and said she wanted her uncle and aunt to sit on one side of her and Olivia on the other. Alistair looked askance at this, but getting no response from Lena he took a seat next to his sister. As he sat down Avril came to sit beside him.

Some of the seats were already occupied by several of the town's dignitaries who rose and came to exchange a quick word with Lena.

‘James has put a lot of thought into this arrangement,' observed Olivia.

Apart from the area in which they were sitting there was a space roped off for all who had worked on the ship or been involved in supplying it, for the employees of Carnforth's and for those engaged in domestic work at the house in New Buildings. All of these people were separated from the public area where many others from the town were gathering to watch the launch and wish the
John Carnforth
well when she was baptised. The tempting smell of roasting oxen drifted on the sea air from two sites: one for the guests, the other for the general public.

Eyeing it all, Lena remarked, ‘He certainly has and he never breathed a word about what he was planning.' There was a little touch of criticism in her voice but it was lost on Olivia who was enthralled by the atmosphere of gaiety.

‘I've been admiring your brooch. I noticed it when we came out of the house but didn't get a chance . . .'

‘James gave it to me at breakfast,' broke in Lena, ‘a memento of a very special occasion.'

Olivia hid her jealousy; James had not given her a present by which to remember today.

The seats were filling up. Work along the quays had stopped; other shipyards were silent; shops were closed. Everyone was anxious to see a new ship take to its rightful place and join the fleet of Whitby vessels.

Lena looked round, searching the faces of people being directed to seats by Ralph who had also enlisted the help of Ben and Jude. Where was he? Then she wondered why she was feeling so concerned. She glanced past Olivia and saw Alistair deep in conversation with Avril. She frowned, then just as quickly chided herself for the thought that had crept into her head. She gave herself a little shake, stiffened her resolve and fell into polite conversation with her uncle and aunt. But her eyes still moved restlessly over the new arrivals.

Her uncle pulled a watch from his waistcoat pocket, flicked it open, noted the time and, as he returned it to his pocket, said, ‘Only a few minutes to go.'

Lena made no reply. Where was Peter? Had further news of his father's illness taken him back to Hull? Or had something she'd said on the day of his arrival sent him away? Why did she feel so anxious? Why would it be a relief if she saw him? She swept her gaze over Alistair and Avril again. They were enjoying laughing together.

Then her confused thoughts were stilled. He was here, standing before them, his smile just for her. Peter.

‘Miss Carnforth. A delight to see you again.' He swept his hat from his head and pressed her hand to his lips as he bowed.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw her uncle's gaze settle on the young man. ‘I'm so pleased you are here, Mr Hustwick. Please meet my uncle and aunt from Dundee.' The introduction quickly over, Lena added, ‘And my dear friend Miss Nash who lives a few streets away. Of course, you already know Alistair from our time at Weaver Hall.'

Peter bowed to Olivia, shook hands with Alistair, and had to leave any further introductions until later, forced to take his seat as James was mounting the steps to the platform.

Lena just had time to whisper an explanation to her uncle whom she knew was dying of curiosity. ‘He's the son of the owner of a firm of merchants in Hull. They have hired the
John Carnforth
for her maiden voyage.' Martin gave a little nod, satisfied with the explanation of how his niece knew this young man.

James reached centre platform with the bow of the ship towering behind him. The buzz of excitement began to wane and then was silenced completely by the roll of a drum from the band that had gathered to one side of the platform. A hush hung in the air.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all here today to witness what is an important day for Carnforth's - the launching of the
John Carnforth,
named after my father, the founder of the firm. Through his enterprise and foresight it has grown to what it is today. I hope this ship will help us build on the foundation he laid down. I know you don't want long speeches, and I want you all to enjoy the celebrations and eat and drink your fill, but first I ask you to leave those things from your mind while our good Reverend blesses the new vessel.'

At those words, Ralph, who was sitting at one end of a row, got to his feet and escorted the clergyman on to the platform. As he took his position Ralph hastened to his seat again.

‘This new vessel results from the hard labours of many and now carries the hopes of more, for her future can determine the future of many of you here. Ultimately that depends on those who sail in her, so may they handle her well and may she sail the oceans proudly and safely - a consummate example of Whitby's ability to build stout ships. May God bestow on us all His blessing, especially those whose lives will depend upon this ship.' He drew a small bottle of Holy Water from his pocket. ‘May He bless this craft and keep her safe on the far-flung oceans of the world,' he added, splashing the water on the bow of the ship.

As he walked back to the steps Ralph sprang to his feet to meet him and escort him to his seat. A buzz started again amongst the crowd.

Lena watched her brother with eager anticipation. The time was here; the moment she so desired. In commemoration of their father, a signal that she could be an active part of the firm.

James gave a signal. The drum rolled again and silence fell across the assembly.

‘The launching of the
John Carnforth,
' he called in a strong voice. ‘It is my pleasure to ask Miss Olivia Nash to perform the ceremony!'

There were some gasps of surprise but those of Lena and Olivia were completely different. Lena was shattered. So the brooch was a sop! Olivia was breathless, shaking, and with her heart racing for joy because James had chosen her. This was better than a brooch! She sat dumbfounded until she became aware of Ralph standing in front of her.

‘Miss Nash, may I escort you on to the platform?'

She was too moved to speak but rose to her feet, glad of the support of his proffered arm. She was unaware of anyone or anything else as she walked towards the steps. It was only as she mounted them that she heard the applause and saw a smiling James holding out his hand to her at the top of the steps.

‘What do I do?' she asked in alarm.

‘Come with me.' He led her to a small table beside the towering bow. ‘I have written down something for you to say, and then you smash this bottle of whisky on the bow.'

‘Oh, but . . .' Her voice trailed away in confusion.

‘You'll manage. Speak out - or shout if you'd rather. Take the bottle.' She picked it up while he took the paper and moved her so she was in a position to hit the bow with the bottle. He sensed the air of expectancy hanging over the hushed crowd. ‘Now,' he whispered.

She swallowed hard, licked her lips and unknowingly shouted as she read the boldly executed words: ‘I name this ship the
John Carnforth.
May God bless her and all who sail in her.'

‘Smash it!'

The word from James galvanised her. She swung the bottle. It broke, sending whisky running down the bow and splashing into the air. Automatically she ducked to avoid it then, as she felt James's grip on her hand, she straightened up and joyful laughter burst from her lips.

‘There, that wasn't so bad, was it?' He didn't expect an answer. The joy on her face told it all.

‘It's moving,' she gasped.

The keelblocks and other supports had been removed earlier and at the moment of the launch the restraining triggers had been removed. Now everyone watched anxiously as the
John Carnforth
slid down the slipway. The band struck up with ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave' and great cheers rang out when the vessel touched the water and settled comfortably into her new and rightful home.

James's face was alight with joy. He saw the excitement in Olivia's eyes too. They became aware that their arms were around each other's waist. He pulled her closer and above the cacophony of sound shouted, ‘Marry me? Olivia, marry me!'

For one moment she stared, unable to believe her ears. This was not the way she had dreamed his proposal would be, but what did that matter? This was more exciting!

‘Yes! Yes! Yes!' And laughter pealed from her lips.

He silenced it with a long and passionate kiss, oblivious to any attention they might be receiving - he knew everyone was caught up in the excitement of the immediate aftermath of the launching.

But one person watched. Lena, shocked by his choice of Olivia to launch the ship, felt even more shut out from the life she had hoped would be hers. Her eyes burned with hatred, a feeling she had never expected to feel towards the two people on the platform. The hope that had died in her heart was replaced by a desire for revenge on them.

In those moments her decision was made.

Amid all the exhilaration around her Lena watched James and Olivia come quickly down the steps and sensed something different about them. The laughter on their faces was intensified by the sharp light of joy in their eyes.

‘James has just proposed,' Olivia announced, ‘and I've said yes.' She turned to her father. ‘Thank you for approving when he asked you yesterday.'

‘I was pleased to do so,' said Albert. ‘May you both be very happy.'

‘We will be,' she said and revelled in the congratulations showered on them.

Lena stiffened; though this union had always been expected, coming as it did at this time it seemed to be closing the door against her hopes even more. But she should keep herself under control. There was the rest of the day to get through and then the celebrations at home, celebrations that would be even more poignant now. She would not be able to put the decision she had made into operation until tomorrow, but her resolve to do so was even stronger now.

‘James, Olivia, I'm so happy for you.' Lena took their hands. ‘I know you will have a wonderful life together.'

‘Thank you,' said Olivia, her eyes damp with a happiness now sealed by the approval of her long-time friend. ‘It will be marvellous to have you as my sister-in-law. It will be a natural extension to a friendsip I have treasured so long.'

‘As have I,' replied Lena. The pleasure she displayed was genuine enough. Olivia would make the perfect wife for James; content to let him provide while she enhanced their station in the community through her looks and charm, which she would skilfully display in social gatherings, both private and public.