Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:26:49 +0200
From: Amy Redek <adultreading@gmail.com>
Subject: Francis. Part Eleven.

    This story is for persons of eighteen years or over.  All comments,
good or bad, are welcome and all will be answered.

     Part Eleven

     We were at sea again, well out of sight of land, steaming towards the
Equator. We were revived enough to do our show that night, and settled back
into our routine for the hop to Australia. I was able to compose my message
for Donald and send it off to England. "State position of lubrication of
sailor's pigtail in reverse stop Do not use name in your reply stop Love
Francis".

     The crossing of the line ceremonies went off very well and Diane and I
were able to use the flying bridge to top off our sun tans. We were at the
bar having a drink before our show started when a bell-boy brought me a
telegram from Donald. I opened it and read it there and then, and found he
could be cryptic as well.

     "Regarding query position is one quarter of silver paper knife by
sixteen ounces stop Why stop Love Donald". It took me a couple of minutes
to work this out, to read that KuOil was presently standing at five
shillings a share. The silver paper knife, which I had given to Mr Truell,
being of sterling silver and coupled with sixteen ounces meant it was in
pounds sterling, one quarter being five shillings. All I could do then was
put the cable away and give it some thought as we went and started our
evening's work of entertaining the passengers.

     Pondering on this later, I found out that we would only be in
Fremantle a few hours and not really long enough to book a call to England,
so I would send him another telegram to argue over with Mr Truell.

     "Use Bethune to buy my query stop Slowly to spread over six weeks stop
Good authority stop will speak from Melbourne love Francis". That was the
message and I chuckled at the argument that would cause between Donald and
Mr Truell, I thought.

     I had a return message the next day from Donald, terse and to the
point. "Are you crazy question mark stop Donald". I laughed and immediately
went up to the wireless room and wrote out a reply. "Insane maybe but
definitely not crazy stop What happened to love stop love Francis".

     `This is getting good,' said the young wireless operator to me, `your
telegrams are more exciting than the usual ones I get to send or receive.'

      `Let's see what he has to say to that one,' I laughed, but Donald
didn't send a reply.  It was late afternoon and we were due to dock the
next morning in Fremantle, and I was up on deck and saw boxes and boxes of
oranges and apples being thrown over the side. I scanned back along our
wake collared one of the junior officers and asked about this, and he told
me the reason. It was forbidden to take any fruit into Australia because of
certain fruit flies, and rather than take the risk of this pest arriving in
the country, all fruit must be cast overboard or we wouldn't be allowed to
enter port. I could see the logic of it, but it seemed such a waste of good
food.

     As predicted, we were not very long in Fremantle, but long enough for
my letter to be posted off to tell Donald of the events in Aden and also my
reasons for buying KuOil shares. I did not enclose copies of the photos
that I had got from the ship's photographer of me as I came aboard, covered
in blood. Though I found out later that he, the photographer, had himself
sent some off to England from Bombay and one at least was printed in some
of the English newspapers. This caused a furore back in the village when it
was seen and brought much anguish to Donald.

     This anguish was much in evidence in his letter waiting for me in
Melbourne along with a cutting from the first press release from
Reuters. "Kuwaiti, Prince Hassan al-Khoum was saved from an assassin by
British cabaret singer Francis Lyon, from the S.S.Indus, who threw herself
in front of him after two of the guards were killed. The assassin was then
shot and killed by another guard. The Prince was unharmed and said later
that he owed his life to the gallant gesture of this young woman. Miss Lyon
was allowed to return to her ship after hospital treatment for two minor
gunshot wounds." I could see that the bare bones of the press release was
enough to worry him, but more so when the picture of me was printed. Half
the gory details that were written to accompany the picture were untrue, it
was just a bit of sensationalism to add spice to the story. One paper had
the temerity to suggest that it was a romantic act to save a lover, which
didn't sit very with Donald either. Talk of The Red Shadow from Sigmund
Romberg's Desert Song.

     I got my phone call to Donald from Melbourne, and after all his
frantic questions about my health, I managed to give him my medical history
as it were, and assure him that I was alright. Then came the questions on
you-know-what, and telling me that he nearly came to blows with our
solicitor over it, but eventually won out because I had been right over
Bethune. How certain was I with this latest scheme? Was it as good etc?
They were moving cautiously in buying so as to keep the value down whilst
doing it. Eventually after lots of `missing you' with lots of love, the
connection was broken.

     Then I walked out into the glare of flash bulbs popping off and a
horde of reporters from various newspapers were firing questions at me from
all sides. Fortunately I had used the phone booth by the Purser's office,
and he and an assistant had come out of the office because of the noise and
were able to hustle me inside and shut the door.

     `You're quite a celebrity it seems Francis,' the Purser said, `and I
think it would best all round if you gave them an account of what happened,
and then maybe, they'll leave us alone.' I had to agree with him and asked
what did he think I should do. `Leave it to me. I'll get them all up to the
lounge and give them a drink while you go and freshen up, and you can talk
to them up there, in, say, fifteen minutes?' I had no choice but to agree,
so he went out, and a few minutes later, I was able to leave and go below.

     I didn't have time for a shower, but I changed my dress and Diane saw
to my make-up for me, and she came up top with me. There were about a dozen
reporters and at least six cameramen seated in chairs before the stage, I
was nervous, but used to performing in front of an audience, and that was
the only way to go about it. Diane left me, but stayed in the background as
I went forward and onto the stage to stand beside the Purser.

     `Now gentlemen, let's behave as such. You've all got a drink and Miss
Lyon will give you her account of what happened in Aden. But before I do,
let me put you in the picture.' He then gave a brief resume of the Prince
on board up until we had gone ashore. I then took up the story to say that
we'd stopped at the post office so that he could collect his mail and that
we were shot at as we had emerged. I played it down and didn't mention that
I had tripped on his flowing robe.

     `But eyewitnesses said that you threw yourself at the Prince to
protect him,' shouted out one reporter.

     `That's not quite true,' I said in reply, `it all happened so quickly
in the flurry of gunfire, seeing the two guards fall, it was just a matter
of getting out of the way of any more shots.'

     `But if you hadn't moved across the front of the Prince, the two
bullets would have hit him, surely?'

     `I cannot say one way or the other in that respect. All I can say is
that I was really the wrong person in the right place at the right time.'

     There were many questions from them like this and finally the Purser
put his hand up.

     `Gentlemen, enough is enough. Miss Lyon has answered your questions as
best she can.'

     `One more sir,' a man called out, and the Purser allowed him to speak,
`Miss Lyon, have you had any recognition of what you did from Kuwait?'

     `As of now, no, but the Prince said just before I left Aden, that at
that time, he had no gift worthy with him, but would see that I would
receive something in the near future. So please don't go and print anything
to the contrary as it would be belittling the Prince. Now thank you for
your kind attention and I hope that we can let the whole matter drop as
from now.'

     Lights had been popping while I was talking and now there was another
flurry of them as I left the stage and went into the dressing room to be
joined by Diane.

     `That was terrific out there!' she said, pouring us both out a drink,
which I needed as my legs were still trembling. `I can see the headlines,
"Reluctant Heroine". You could have quoted Greta Garbo as well,' and she
struck a pose that made me laugh as she vamped, `I want to be alone!'

     `Christ, they would've crucified me if I'd been as corny as that,' I
laughed. We both chuckled over this. Diane kept peeking out of the door to
see when the coast was clear, and eventually it was and we were able to go
back down below. Needless to say, I didn't go ashore for the three days
that we were there, though Ralph and Diane did. They went specifically to
get the different newspapers after the interview, doubling up on those that
had me in them. Some were on the front page, the others, on the inside with
more of the interview printed, but all very close to Diane's prediction of
a headline.

     We laughed over some of the crap they wrote, but overall, they were
very good and would make nice reading for Donald when I got back home. The
passengers waved many of these newspapers as we began our next show on the
night we sailed from Melbourne on our last leg to Sydney. The ship's
photographer made a mint on selling his pictures of me, and I must have
signed hundreds of them before the voyage ended. The final show was to a
packed lounge and we got an enormous ovation as we finished off with Auld
Langs Syne, and had many drinks after the show bought for us.

     So next morning, with a hangover, we had to be dressed up and at our
station to say goodbye to the passengers disembarking, and could not wait
for them to go so that we could get back to our beds. The stream never
seemed to end, but it did eventually slow to a trickle and we thankfully
said our last goodbyes and went down below to catch up on our sleep.

     Now we could relax, and I must admit I was very tired. Tired enough to
sleep the rest of the day and through the whole night. Diane had awoken,
but had let me sleep on. She brought down some sandwiches that evening just
in case I woke up and was hungry, but they weren't eaten. I even missed
having my arm dressed, but it really was getting much better, and I was
only going up to the doctor a couple of times a week now. I could cut my
food up but was not able to really lift anything with that arm as yet.

                                                           *

     Up next morning feeling much better for that extended sleep, Diane and
I went for our shower and then got dressed. Well sort of, because Diane had
to do most of the dressing of me as she had done since Aden. She asked when
was I going to stop getting an erection every time she put on my suspender
belt and fixed the stockings to it, and gave it a kiss and a quick suck as
she had every morning. With you doing that, it's never going to stop, I
laughingly told her, as she picked up the padded bra to clip it on me. Then
came my dress, followed by her putting on my make-up.

     `You know darling, I think you're starting to get some fuzz on the
face.' That was going to be my nightmare, having to be very careful of
facial hair showing. My arms only had a light down on them as did my lower
legs, fortunately, none had appeared up till then on my chest. So Diane
said that she would see about getting the waxing kit for my legs and maybe
something for my face too.

     Eventually we made it down for breakfast to be joined by Ralph, who,
through a mouthful of scrambled egg, asked where would we be thinking of
eating that night. He liked his food did Ralph.

     `Italian or Chinese?' Diane asked.

     `No Kuwaiti restaurants?' Ralph slyly asked grinning.

     As it happened, I didn't have to answer that as a bell-boy stopped at
our table and passed me a note. I smiled my thanks at him and opened it and
read what it said to the others.

     `It's from the Kuwaiti consulate asking me to dinner tonight,' I said.

     `Well you've found a Kuwaiti restaurant after all,' said Ralph.

     `But I'm not going!'

     `Why not?' from Diane.

     `We were talking of going out to dinner together, and together we'll
go out. End of story!' That finished the conversation at breakfast.

     Afterwards, I went up to the Purser's office and asked if I could
telephone the Kuwaiti consulate, explaining the note I had been
passed. That was okay and I was allowed to phone them. I got through and
was put on hold till somebody asked who I was and to whom did I wish to
speak to. Just the mention of my name was enough, because I could hear some
hurried whisperings before the receiver was obviously passed to someone
else.

     `Ah Miss Francis, how delightful to hear from you. This is the
vice-consul speaking, did you get our note?'

     `Yes thank you, and it is about that that I'm phoning you. You see, I
cannot dine with you because I have already planned to eat out with my two
partners who are with me in our shows.'

     `Bring them with you,' was the immediate response, interrupting me.

     `Are you sure that's alright?' I asked.

     `Positively. I shall have a car waiting for you at the ship, say at
seven thirty?' This I agreed to and the conversation ended.

     `Well that's dinner sorted out for tonight,' I told them, `we are all
dining at the Kuwaiti Consulate and a car will pick us up at seven thirty.'

    `Good job I've got a bow tie and dinner jacket eh?' Ralph said.

     `What'll we wear?' Diane asked me.

     `Our best bib and tucker,' I answered, `because we may well be asked
to sing for our supper.'

     We did on both counts. Diane and I spent over an hour getting ready,
most of that time spent in getting my make-up right, then to add a final
touch, a clean white sling for my arm. The car, a black shiny Rolls Royce
was waiting for us and it was a first for all of us to be driven in such a
luxurious car. This was a car I definitely wanted to have, and on the
journey to the consulate, thought about this for when I got home, because I
could now afford one.

     The car stopped at the Kuwaiti consulate at exactly eight o'clock. It
was really a very large house in the prosperous business section of Sydney
and several of the houses sported their national flags from poles suspended
from first or second floor balconies. The Kuwaiti flag hung limply from its
flagstaff as we passed below it and up the steps and in through the open
door.

     A major-domo or whatever he was, greeted us and ushered us through a
large domed hallway that had a lovely wide circular staircase rising up to
the upper floors. We were shown through a large door on one side that had
opened to reveal a large pleasant lounge where three men were waiting for
us.

     `Welcome Miss Lyon,' a middle aged man with greying hair and dark
brown eyes said, stepping forward from the others. `I am Kasim al-Tarqi,
consul for the Royal Kingdom of Kuwait, and on behalf of our small country,
I welcome you and your friends onto our soil.' He shook my left hand and
then raised it to his lips. He did the same with Diane, using the right
hand this time, but simply shook Ralph's. He then introduced us to the
others whose names I didn't catch, not only being long, but one's I could
even begin to pronounce.

     A waiter appeared with drinks on a tray, already poured out.

     `Gin and tonics,' the consul chuckled, `I have spoken with Prince
Hassan over the radio. He asked as I do, how is your arm? Is it healing?
Are you in any way discomfited?' I liked the old way he had of saying that.

     `I'm perfectly fine thank you in all respects, and I only wear the
sling because towards the end of the day it does ache slightly. Other than
that, it's coming along very well.'

     He went on to say about reading the newspapers from Melbourne and this
was the first time that the ship had stopped long enough for me to be
available for them to show some appreciation of what I did in Aden. With
all the pleasantries out of the way, we then went into another room that
was quite long with a table that almost filled it, ready laid for dinner.

     We sat at one end, all six of us and we had a marvellous meal, and the
first time we'd ever eaten kangaroo steaks. The Australian wines were very
good too, both the red and the white. After a wonderful meal and company,
we said our farewells and were driven back to the ship in the Rolls.

     `I'm going to get one of these cars,' I said to Diane.

     `You could afford a fleet of them now,' she said, `but where will you
keep it?'

     `That's what I'm thinking about,' I answered, `but no doubt I'll come
up with an answer by the time we get home.'

                                                           *

     A couple of days later, I was in the lounge practising on the piano,
trying to get the fingers on my right hand working properly, when the Staff
Commander came in and approached me.

     `Francis, I've had a request from a Mr Phillip Dashwood from one of
Sydney's radio stations. He asked if there were any contractual problems
with the company with you and the others being released for a day to appear
on a radio show.' My heart skipped a few beats at these words as he
continued, `I said that as far as I or the company were concerned, we'd
only be too happy to as long as the ship and company were mentioned over
the air. But I also told him that the final decision would be yours. Well?
Would you like to have a shot at being on the radio?'

     `Personally speaking, I would like to have a go,' trying to keep the
excitement out of my voice, `but I would have to ask the others first if I
may?'

     `Certainly. But don't leave it too late to let me know the answer as I
have got to ring him back this afternoon with an answer. There was also one
other thing I would like you three to talk over. As you've probably heard,
the Andaman, our newest ship has been fitted out and about to start its sea
trials. Its maiden voyage will be a cruise of about three weeks to the
Caribbean from Southampton and due to sail about a week after we get back
to Tilbury. I am to be the Staff Commander and I am asking if you, Diane
and Ralph would like to be the cabaret show on that ship?'

     `Well, I...I'm extremely flattered that you should ask.'

     `It's no less than you deserve. Now go down and talk to the others,
and I would be very happy if the answer was yes.'

     `To both questions?'

     `Oh course,' he laughed, as he made his way out of the lounge.

     I closed the lid of the piano and almost ran down below. Diane was
painting her nails and I told her to fetch Ralph as I had some important
news for them. She went out flapping her hands to dry the varnish and I
poured out three large drinks for us.

     `I've just had a conversation with the Staff Commander,' I said, when
they were both back in the cabin with a drink in their hands, and I told
them of his second request first. `It would mean cutting our leave short,
but what do you think?' they could see that I was excited and that my
answer would be yes, and they too agreed, excited themselves, so that was
one answer. Then I told them of the first question. Whoops of joy they gave
out at the prospect of being on the radio gave me their answer to that one
too. Then I had a good idea!

     `Right, I'll go and tell him it's yes to both, but first I've got to
phone England.' They looked puzzled, but I didn't stop to explain. I went
up to the Purser's office and made a telephone call to Donald. I was lucky
and only had an hour to wait before the connection was made.

     `Donald,' I said to him after our pleasantries were spoken and my
state of health had been discussed. `Donald, have you asked the Bishop
about some leave yet?'

     `As it happens, I have.'

     `Well?' I demanded. `What did he say? Oh come on Donald, don't tease
me!'

     `Yes I can,' Donald laughed, `just give him a couple of weeks notice
and he'll have somebody to stand in for me.'

     `Great news! Now here's my other news. I'm transferring to another
ship when we get home. A maiden voyage cruise to the Caribbean for about
three weeks. It's the Andaman. The latest ship of the fleet. Now will you
ring up the company office in London to find out the date of sailing and
fix your holiday for that time, because I'm going to get you on that
cruise.' Donald tried to argue with me but I won out in the end, so with
lots of loves and kisses, we ended the phone talk. I thanked the Assistant
Purser and knew that I was going to have a hefty phone bill when we got
back to England, probably my whole pay for the voyage, but I didn't
care. To have enough money so as not to rely on wages gives one a great
sense of security, it relieves the mind of the anxieties that the lack of
money can cause.

     Now to tackle the Staff Commander was my thought as I went up to the
officers' domain and knocked on his door. I was invited in and offered a
chair. He asked if we had talked over about the radio show and his proposal
for joining the new ship. I told him yes to the show and yes to the new
ship, and that we thanked him for asking us to join it, but I now had a
question, or rather a request to make of him.

     `I don't really know how to ask this, because when I first ran it
through my mind it sounded as if I was trying a little blackmail, but it
certainly isn't sir.'

     `Well if I can help, I will, though you make it sound very mysterious
I must say.'

     `Maybe if I tell you a little bit of history first, you will
understand my request better. When I was very small, my parents were killed
and I raised by my aunts. The other person who helped to raise and guide me
was the vicar. Now I didn't know until about two years ago, that he was to
be my guardian in respect of my inheritance, until I was of age. Now he
hasn't had a holiday for over seventeen years and I wondered if there would
still be a stateroom on the ship for the maiden voyage that I can book to
say thank you to him for his seventeen years of devotion to me?'

      `Yes I can now see your hesitance in asking. But do you realise how
much a stateroom would cost, it would be hundreds of pounds?'

     `I said it in an oblique way I know, but I can afford it. I'm not
asking for it to be given to me, or even for a reduction in price. Just
that if there is one still vacant, I would like to have it placed at his
disposal for that cruise. You have almost instant contact with Head Office,
so if you could see your way to finding out, I would be only too happy to
see that it is paid for as soon as we get to England.'

     `Francis! Consider it done. I'll put in a call tonight to see if there
is a stateroom available. Now if you would care to stay for another few
minutes, I'll talk to this radio producer and say yes to your appearing on
this radio show, and I'll be able to give you the details right away.' He
got onto this man and they talked and as he repeated the questions he
looked at me to either nod or shake my head, and finally it was agreed.

     `Well that's it,' he said, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied
look on his face, `day after tomorrow, a car will pick you up at three o'
clock for the show, which is being aired at eight. Any questions?'

     `No sir, and thank you very much for all that you've done,' I said,
getting up and leaving his cabin to go below to tell the others.

                                                           *

     At three o'clock on that day, a car turned up for us, and we were
dressed and ready for our debut on radio. We were taken to the station and
introduced to so many people that I cannot even begin to start to name
them. They were all wonderful and treated us like royalty. The producer had
us run through some of our repertoire for him to pick out what would go out
on air. When he had selected the three he wanted, a solo from me, a duet
that would be of Diane and me and one of all three of us.

     Then he told us how it all worked and where to stand before the
microphone, making us make a few noises to get our positions right and
chalk marks were put on the floor so that we would know where to stand when
the time came. Diane whispered in his ear and he smiled and said that a lot
of performers were the same, and took us to the complimentary bar where we
were glad of a large gin and tonic.

     Just before the show was due to start, we went back into the studio,
being told to be careful of all the cables. This was going to be strange
for us by not performing in front of an audience, and having to wear
headphones to cut out any extraneous noises. The orchestra was off to one
side and we were on the other. In the middle was Robert Davis whose show it
was and would do the introductions. Many people scurried around wearing the
same headphones and we had one man placed in front of to give us our cue.

     A sign lit up the word silence, and the sudden hush was most admirable
considering the previous noise level that had been before the word
appeared. One man in front of Robert started to count down by waving his
outstretched arm, closing one finger each time into his palm, then another
sign lit up announcing that we were on air.

     The orchestra began playing the introduction that opened the show. We
had a wonderful introduction by Robert, keeping his promise to the Staff
Commander to mention the company, twice and the ship, three times until he
gave us an enormous build up and then we were cued. With Ralph at the
piano, Diane and I sang our duet, and I could see the sweat on Diane's
forehead as we started and I suppose I looked the same, well we were really
sweating by the time we finished it. Then the orchestra had their turn
before Ralph joined us. This went down well and after another break it was
time for my solo, being the finale of the half hour show. I sang Judy
Garland's song from The Wizard of Oz, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I like to
think that because of my singing that song after the newspapers from
Melbourne wrote about me in Aden, they adopted the name Oz as their
shortened version of their homeland, Australia. But that is open to doubt.

     After the signs went dark, the studio noise burst out again and the
producer was quickly across the studio to shake our hands. He tried to
usher us out to the bar, but I insisted on thanking the orchestra leader
and Robert Davis for being so charming and helpful. It didn't take long to
do, but I think that you shouldn't just walk away from people that have
helped you without thanking them.

     I lost count of the number of adjectives that Phillip Dashwood used in
his praise of our performance as we had another drink at the bar. After
thirty minutes of almost non-stop talking, a young girl came in and handed
him a sheet of paper, which he quickly scanned.

     `Great!' he shouted out, `the phone calls nearly doubled themselves
and most were for a good show put out. Well done everybody!' and he called
for another round of drinks. He then went on to explain that a show's
success was rated on the number of phone calls that came in after the show,
whether they were good or bad.

     So after signing some papers, we were paid, pretty good considering,
and we said our farewells and went out and into a car to take us back to
the ship. To our surprise, we were greeted by many of the officers and
crew, clapping and cheering us as we made our way up the gangplank. It
seemed that the show had been put out over the tannoy for everybody to hear
and were now showing their appreciation for what we did. The Staff
Commander being at the top of the gangway to shake our hands on a wonderful
public relations exercise on behalf of the company. He even took us up to
the bar and bought us all a drink, which he signed for, and no doubt would
charge it to expenses. He praised our first appearance on radio and very
much let everyone know that he had set it all up.

     But we didn't care. We had been heard on one of Australia's top radio
programmes and heard by possibly a million people, that was our
triumph. The rest of our stay, albeit only one more day, was peaceful and
quiet and we were glad of it. Especially glad we'd had the rest because we
were overwhelmed when the passengers joined the following day. They must
have all heard the programme because they seemed to make a bee-line for us
as soon as they got on board. We were run of our feet, and even though I
was now used to wearing high heels, my legs, the calves especially, ached
is if they belonged to somebody else.

     No one was more grateful than I when they were all aboard and we could
go down to our cabins and put our feet up. I massaged Diane's feet as best
I could whilst she did mine as we sat and had a drink as the ship left
Sydney, before having an afternoon nap so that we would be fit for the
cocktail party.

     We didn't aim or try to upstage the Captain, and I apologised in the
lull between the two sets of meal times, but he laughed it off, saying it
made a change not to be constantly pressed as he normally was. Still, if
was a relief when that was over too. From there on, we fell into our normal
role of doing our entertaining in the evening shows.

                                                           *

     By the time we left Melbourne on our way home, I was getting a strong
need for a man again, and we were in the Australian Bight. With difficulty,
I managed to rig up the blackout on the overhead light and invited George
into the dressing room after the evening show. I asked him if he would like
some sex, the same way as before so that I wouldn't get pregnant. He
obviously wanted to, judging by the front of his trousers. I turned off the
mirror lights leaving us in almost total darkness and lifted my skirt for
him. He was soon behind me and in, giving me the satisfaction of having a
hard erection working out the wrinkles of my insides. I actually came
myself as he held me tight against him as he jerked and came into me. The
hardness was what I needed to quell the fire that was within me, reaming
and smoothing me out as he shafted me, and I was thankful to him, though I
didn't tell him so. He was satisfied enough to be able to fuck the most
desirable woman on the ship.

     Diane wasn't too happy with me doing it with George, but as I said she
couldn't help me in that department, she therefore had no say in the
matter, which stopped the objections.

     Time seemed to pass slowly, yet we arrived and left Colombo, crossed
the line and soon entered the Suez Canal. Port Said would be our last stop
before home, and then we were in the English Channel, where you see the
grey-green water that is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. Next
morning we docked in Tilbury. I'd already had words with the Staff about
our costumes and the like. We had four trunks full now, but he said that he
would see to them being taken down to the Andaman in Southampton as we only
had six days leave. Then there was the nudge about the stateroom reserved
for Donald on the new ship, and I assured him that the money would be in
his hands before we sailed.

                                                           *

     Ralph and Diane were packed and ready to leave and we agreed to meet
on board our new ship without rehearsals at home this trip, much to the
villagers' disappointment when they found out. There was another
disappointed person who knocked at the cabin door just as they were
leaving, Eddie.

     `Hello Eddie, I'm just ready,' as I let him pick up my suitcase and we
went down to the saloon to sign off.

     `There's someone on the quay waiting for you,' he said in a flat voice
as we stood in the queue of crew signing off and getting their pay.

     `Who?' I asked brightly.

     `The vicar.'

     `Donald! How wonderful,' and then I saw the look on Eddie's face, `Oh
Eddie. That means no bonus for you doesn't it. I'm so sorry.' Then I
thought of next week, us going to Southampton. I couldn't tell him that
just then, I would leave it till later.

     `There are some reporters on the quay too, but I've parked at the aft
gangway, so we can slip ashore there if you want to.'

     `Thanks Eddie, that's what we'll do.'

     I signed off and collected my papers but no money, or very
little. Most of my pay had gone on telephone calls and telegrams to
England, but I had enough cash on me to pay Eddie and still get lunch.

     We went aft and got off the ship unnoticed and there, waiting in the
car was Donald. We hugged and kissed in the back seat while Eddie put my
case in the trunk.

     `You look wonderful Donald,' I said breathlessly.

     `I was just going to say the same to you,' he laughed, `and you look
extremely well considering your ordeal. How is your arm?'I showed him the
bullet scar that had healed on the lower forearm and the other had a small
strip bandage round it. It wasn't really necessary but I thought it would
look good for Donald to see before he saw the actual scar.

     `It doesn't hurt, really it doesn't. It's going to take a little while
for me to get the muscles in the arm working properly again.'

     As Eddie drove off towards London, I told Donald all the gory details
and didn't finish till we were nearly at Oxford. I even talked through
lunch in a café for Eddie to fill up his stomach as well as put petrol
in the car. Then Donald told me of the happenings in the village, which
wasn't a lot. All the households had their money delivered by Donald on my
behalf. Mrs Coggins had died, she'd fallen asleep in her chair and never
woke up. The fifty pounds was still there in its envelope, which she never
got to enjoy. She was buried in the churchyard and the whole village had
turned out. A nephew had been down and asked if he could move in, but
Donald had said no. The house had been rented and it was returned to the
holding company, so he took out what he wanted and said that I could either
leave the rest in the house or distribute it around the neighbours.

     This gave me food for thought, but I would save it till we got
home. Then I told Eddie about not wanting him for the next trip and he was
crestfallen, but accepted it stoically as we continued on to the
village. Driving down the lane, I was struck at how drab it seemed with
dirty verges and unkempt hedges and this stuck in my mind for something
else that must be seen to.

      I paid off Eddie and gave him a kiss on the cheek, telling him that I
would keep his number and when I was next sailing out of Tilbury, I would
give him a ring. He then drove off and I went up the path to be greeted by
Flora and Beatrice. As I went up the stairs with Donald following with my
suitcase, I heard Beatrice say goodbye to her mother, leaving Flora to see
to our dinner alone.

     I was in Donald's arms as soon as we got inside my bedroom door. We
kissed for a long time before we let each other go. I desperately wanted
him, but decided that if I had him there and then, we wouldn't have the fun
of it when we went to bed that night. I knew he had an erection, feeling it
hard inside his trousers as he had held me, and I couldn't help but stroke
the outside of his clothes before we went downstairs again.

     `Minx,' he muttered under his breath behind me as we entered the
parlour. He poured out the drinks and we sat on the settee and he held my
hand as we waited for Flora to finish preparing dinner.

     `Now Donald, there's so much we've got to talk about. You don't know
how excited I was when you cabled me about the Bethune shares. What was the
leak that caused the price to go up, because I didn't know what it was
going to be?'

     `It was about an oral contraceptive for women...'

     `What!' I interrupted him. `A woman can't get pregnant by swallowing a
man's sperm, can she?'

     `No you silly goose. It was something to do with the hormones. It's
supposed to stop the woman from ovation. Dropping the egg so to speak.'

     `Oh,' was all I could say, not really understanding it.

     `Well it made the share price shoot up to nearly two pound ten before
it stopped rising. We could have held out a bit longer, but that's in
hindsight.'

     `So what's the price of KuOil now?'

     `Seven and six and still slowly rising. We've bought just over ninety
thousand shares so far. Now tell me exactly what's going to happen with
them.'

     `Well anytime now, KuOil are going to announce that they will be using
their own tankers in the future. The Prince bought six and it's going to
make the shares leap when they do. How high, I don't know. That's what
we've got to watch for and sell at the right time. So Mr. Truell gave you a
hard time over this?'

     `Yes, but I think he's come round to your way of thinking now. The
Bethune business was a very persuasive argument.'

     `Dinner's ready Lady Francis, vicar,' said Flora coming into the
parlour.

     `Thank you Flora,' I said, getting up and going to the table whilst
Donald opened a bottle of wine before he joined me. A pate followed by a
roast was served and I gave Flora two little wrapped presents. `One
each. It doesn't matter which because they are both the same.' She thanked
me before going home with the perfumes that I'd bought for them.

     `Now tell me if it's all set with a stand-in vicar for your holiday.'

     `Yes. He arrives on Wednesday and I'm getting very excited about
it. How did you fix it? I phoned the shipping line a few days ago and they
said I was booked on it, sailing next week.'

     `I'll tell you later. It's my early birthday present to you,' I said,
covering his hand with mine. `Donald?'

     `Yes?'

     `Can we skip dessert and go to bed please?' I said softly.

     We left the table and went upstairs hand in hand and into my
bedroom. We kissed and slowly undressed each other until we rubbed
erections against each other. How he constrained himself I don't know,
because he took a long time stroking my body before he rolled me over onto
my stomach. Then he slowly pulled me up onto my knees and without moving
his body, kept pulling me backwards, the head of his cock gently easing
inside me as he did so. Then still pulling me back onto him, fully slid
inside me, fitting me like a finger in a glove. I drooled with the pleasure
of him filling me, feeling every inch of him as he became fully embedded
inside, our body's pressed tight together. Then he began moving in a
rocking motion, sliding in and out, thrilling me with every stroke as he
slowly fucked me.

     How I loved this man behind me, holding me with his gentle hands as
his rhythm got faster, hearing his breath quicken as did his strokes. Then
to feel him crush me to him as his cock throbbed and beat inside me as he
came, shooting out a long stored supply of sperm. Then he sighed and his
weight became heavy on my back and I slid face down on the bed with him
still inside me. His hot breath brushed my neck as he breathed, almost
panting as he lay on top of me. I was happy.

     He washed himself and then he moved down the bed and took me into his
mouth and sucked on me till I came, and then we kissed, sharing my juice
between us. Then we just kissed and cuddled till we fell asleep.

                                                           *

     As we had gone to bed early, we were up and having breakfast when
Beatrice arrived. She thanked me for her present and then went on to clean
up. I had so much to talk to Donald about, I just didn't know where to
start. It was obvious we couldn't do anything of a financial matter because
it was a Saturday, but I could start laying down the groundwork.

     But first it was to find out if everybody had been thanked and
rewarded for their help in respect of buying the Bethune shares? Yes they
had, and they were also helping now in buying the KuOil shares in the same
way.

     `When I was in Melbourne, I was swamped by reporters.'

     `Yes I know,' interrupted Donald, `we got reports of your interviews
here in the papers, also pictures from Aden. It looked as though you'd been
in a war. Beatrice!' he called out, `Where did you put the newspapers we
were saving for Miss Francis?'

     `I kept them safe Mr Donald,' said Beatrice hurrying into the room and
going to a cupboard, bringing out quite a heap of them, dumping them on the
table. The pictures of me looked ghastly, and I said so.

     `Now you can see why how worried we were,' Donald said.

     `I certainly can,' I said, looking at me, bloody and looking
distraught as I was entering the ship. I looked half dead. So we spent half
an hour talking that over again.

     `Well to get back to what I started to say when you interrupted
me. After Melbourne, in Sydney, I went, with the others to the Kuwaiti
consulate, by car. A Rolls Royce! Well I've never been in car so fine as
that, and I want one.' I said, sitting back with my arms folded looking as
determined as I could.

     `A Rolls Royce? Do you know how much they cost?' Donald expostulated.

     `Yes!' I said defiantly, `and we can afford it, so don't to try to
throw at me that I can't. It can come out of the Wiltshire Pride Holdings
and be tax deductible at the same time.'

     `But you don't drive and neither do I,' said Donald.

     `Allen does,' came from Beatrice, who was in the room for the last
couple of minutes, `he can drive.'

     `Who's Allen?' I asked.

     `Oh, sorry Beatrice`, said Donald. `I forgot to tell you
Francis. Beatrice and Allen are engaged and want to get married, but want
you to be there, so it has been fixed for the Saturday after the
cruise. The first banns are being read this Sunday.'

     `Oh Beatrice, how wonderful! Why didn't you tell me?' I asked, jumping
up and giving her a hug and a kiss. She smiled shyly at me saying that it
wasn't as important as my own homecoming.

     `Nonsense,' I told her, `we'll make it a marriage that they'll
remember here,' I said to Donald.

     `Well it will be, because there hasn't been a marriage in this village
since I've been here,' he said with a laugh.

     `And who is this Allen? Do I know him? Is he local? Come on tell me
all. Sit for a minute Beatrice and tell me.'

     She sat down hesitantly and told me of her love affair, if it could be
called that. Allen Farthing, and I'm not joking, that is his name, and I
did recollect that that was the name of the farmer who had the first farm
as you entered the village. He was the second son and since his return from
doing his National Service, he'd been courting Beatrice. After nearly two
years, they wanted to get married. I couldn't recollect him, but I must
have seen him around if not in the hall, in the pub.

     `And you say he can drive?' I asked.

     `Yes, he can, even a tank.'

     `Thank you Beatrice. Can you ask him to see us in the pub at lunch
time?'

      `Yes Lady Francis,' she said, getting up and carrying on with her
duties.

     `What do you know of this Allen?' I asked Donald.

     `You've probably seen him about. He came out of the army about two
years ago and is the second son of George Farthing whose farm you've seen
with the Penny Farthing bicycle hanging up. He sometimes drives the
tractor, but there isn't much work for him on the farm except at harvest
time. He does odd jobs around, like he helps Archie at the pub when the
draymen arrive, things like that. When he and Beatrice came to discuss
about the wedding, I thought of old Mrs Coggins place. That's why I
wouldn't let the nephew move in. I thought you might let them have it
instead.' He grinned at me as he said this, knowing that I would agree to
it, to which I did and thought it was a good idea. Let's keep the village
for the villagers and not have outsiders coming in.

     `How has Old Simon been coping with the churchyard? The garden looked
fine,' I said.

     `Old Simon is getting on in years and really is Old Simon now. He's
only just managing and I'm afraid he won't be with us much longer the way
he has been looking lately,' Donald answered.

     `Well let's go out and pick some flowers for my visits and we can talk
further on this outside and let Beatrice finish in here.' So we went out
into the garden, Donald carrying the trug for me while I picked the flowers
I wanted to lay on the graves.

     `I want to buy this Rolls Royce Donald, I mean it,' I said, cutting
some flowers and dead-heading some others. `When we were in Sydney, we were
driven to the Kuwaiti...'

     `Oh dear,' he interrupted me. `I completely forgot,' he said, fishing
about in his jacket inside pocket, pulling out an envelope. `From the
Kuwait Embassy, see the seal? I should have given it to you earlier, but
forgot about it.' He showed me the envelope with its impressive seal on the
back.

     `You open it, my fingers are stained.' He opened it and took out an
embossed card and quickly scanned it.

     `Bless my soul! They are holding a banquet in your honour on, on
Tuesday, next week. Formal dress, seven p.m. with guest. R.S.V.P. Well I
never,' he exclaimed.

     `Well that sorts out next week then. Monday with Truell. Tuesday at
the embassy. Wednesday is when your stand-in arrives. Thursday I have to
report to the ship, and Friday you join us and we sail. Busy week what?' I
said, straightening up and then sorting the flowers out for their
respective placements on the graves. `Let me see to these and then we'll go
up to the pub and talk up there in the garden.' We walked through to the
cemetery and there he left me for me to say my little prayers at each grave
as I laid the flowers on them.

                                                           *

     We then went into his house for me to wash my hands and see that my
hair was okay before we walked up the lane to the pub. I pointed out how
drab the roadside was and how badly the hedges needed trimming and that was
one of the things I was going to talk about over a drink.

     `Welcome Lady Francis, you too vicar,' was the booming greeting from
Dave, his hands still occupied by polishing a glass with a cloth. `The
heroine of the desert! Saviour of Prince's...'

     `Cut it out Dave,' Donald said, `she's had enough of that already and
you should stop before you run out of adjectives. Pull me a pint please,
and a gin and tonic for our Lady of the Manor,' he grinned at me.

     `We're all proud of you m'lady and so is he,' he cocked his head at
Donald. `Couldn't show us the newspapers quick enough.' Donald had the
decency to blush at this.

     `I just happened to be passing,' he protested.

     `Just passing!' Dave snorted. `All the way up from the church and he
was just passing, and happened to have about twenty newspapers under his
arm. Anything to eat with this?'

     `Give us half an hour and we would like a ploughman's please Dave, and
thank you for the welcome.' He smiled at me as we took our drinks out into
the garden.

     `Now about the Rolls,' I began as soon as I had sat down.

     `Okay okay Francis,' Donald said laughing, holding up his hands. `I
give in, but you've got to face Mr Truell yourself on that one.'

     `I've thought of that. We get him a car as well.'

     `A Rolls?' Donald said aghast.

     `Of course not a Rolls silly. An ordinary car, not like the battered
old heap he drives now. We give him a car, paid for from the estate and...'

     `It's tax deductible,' he finished for me with a smile.

     `Good. Now as to the driver, I'd like us to take on Beatrice's
fiancée if he is presentable enough.'

     `But you're only home a couple of months in a year!'

     `Donald darling, it's for you to use too. You have calls to make and
you do go into Trowbridge quite a few times, now I won't accept any
argument on this. Now back to Allen. I would like the village holding
company to employ him as chauffeur to us and when not driving, to assist
Old Simon in, not only my garden and yours, but to do something with the
state of the lanes. Clean up the roadside, plant flowers and the like. Trim
the hedges, make sure the drainage ditch is kept clear. You know what I'm
driving at. The village looked dirty when I came in this time and I would
like him and others to take pride in the village and smarten it up for
us. Do you understand what I'm saying Donald?'

     `Perfectly Francis, and it's a good idea. The village does need
cleaning up. Being here all the time, you don't notice the decline.'

     `And when he and Beatrice get married, they can have Mrs Coggins
house, rent free...'

     `Rent free?' Donald interrupted.

     `Yes. Rent free whilst in employment with the company. If he decides
to find work elsewhere, that's his prerogative, but then he would have to
pay full rent, not the half rent that Mrs Coggins was paying.'

     `Well that's fair. Hello? Here's our lunch,' he said as Dave brought
out our platter of bread, cheese and pickle, and without asking, another
two drinks for us both. We enjoyed that fresh bread and lovely cheese.

     `Ah, er, excuse me, vicar, Lady Francis. You wanted to see me.' I
turned and saw a young man, fresh faced, standing there in farming clothes,
boots and all, twisting a cap in his hands.

     `You must be Allen,' I said.

     `Yes ma-am,' he replied, touching his fingers to his hair.

     `Do you mind moving round a bit, the sun's in my eyes.'

     `Sorry Lady Francis,' he said, moving to one side so that I could see
him properly.

     `Do you love Beatrice?' I asked abruptly.

     `I...yes, I do, very much,' he stammered, looking a bit askance at my
sudden question. Even Donald looked surprised at my choice of a first
question. But his tone of voice and the obvious sincerity at the way he
answered was enough for me.

     I then told him what the job would be in all its aspects, omitting to
mention the house at this stage. When he wholeheartedly wanted the job, he
was then told about the house for him and Beatrice when he was married. He
was almost hopping about, waiting to race off and tell Beatrice and his
family.

     `I'm sure you will enjoy everything, including marriage,' I smiled at
him, offering him my hand. He quickly took it and kissed it, thanking me
profusely before leaving us.

     `How do you do it? How on earth can you get everybody who comes in
contact with you, do exactly as you want without any effort. You twisted
him round your little finger and he is now your obedient slave.' Donald was
leaning back on the bench, his arms outstretched with his palms flat upon
the table, a look of amazement on his face.

     `If you don't know Donald, then I cannot explain it,' I said with a
sweet smile on my face.

     `You bewitched him! That's what it was.'

     `Donald, you've bewitched me since ever I can remember. I can only
have learnt it from you.'

     `You little minx,' he smiled at me, `you can twist words better than
the bishop,' he laughed, `and I love you for it.'

     `Then let's go home and you can prove it,' I laughed with him. I could
have waltzed down the lane; Donald was on my arm and my frock swirled about
in the breeze that also tickled me where I wasn't wearing any panties. We
went up to his bedroom and there I had the pleasure of giving him pleasure
by laying back with my legs in the air, letting him put himself inside me
again.

     I watched his stomach muscles tighten and relax as he moved in and out
of me, his hard flesh working its magic inside me. My own stomach was
cramped in this position with my legs high up against his shoulders, but I
loved the sensations that rippled all through me. His smile was beautiful
as he slowly fucked me, letting me feel every inch of his wonderful cock as
it throbbed and pounded within my very being. He held my upper thighs tight
as he came, using short sharp stabs at me, spending himself and soothing me
at the same time, his smile was out of this world. Then later, he let me
mount him from behind, deriving as much pleasure from the act as I did,
receiving my love as much as I loved giving mine.

     After a little more loving and playing with each other in the bath,
soaking the floor in the process, we finally dried each other off and got
redressed, Donald clipping the strap of my bra because I still couldn't do
it properly. I left Donald watching television and I went over to help, and
talk to Flora.

     She was surprised, but couldn't stop me from helping her with the
vegetables. I told her I was delighted with the news I'd heard and asked
what she thought on the forth coming marriage of her daughter. She was
happy with it, and was even more so when I told her what I'd offered
Allen. She couldn't thank me enough, and when I told her that I would foot
the bill, she almost went down on her knees with her thanks.

      I then told her we wouldn't be dining on the Tuesday night and that
the new vicar would be with us on Wednesday, and that Donald and I would be
leaving on Thursday. Also would she and Beatrice look after the new man
till we got back, the same as she did for Mr Donald when I was away? This
was only a Monday to Friday arrangement as Donald saw to himself over the
weekend. While sorting this out, Donald had come over, I went into the
parlour where, even though it was not quite June, he'd lit the fire and we
had some drinks while dinner was cooking and we talked about the
forthcoming cruise.

     After dinner, we sat by the fire again, kissing and fondling each
other till we were in such a state of arousal that we went up to bed and
made love again to each other. I fell asleep nestled into Donald's lap
while he was still inside me and didn't wake when he pulled out and got up
to wash before rejoining me in bed.

                                                           *

     It was a glorious summer's morning, the sun up high and bright in a
clear sky. Why is it that in the country, Sunday still seems quieter than
any other day of the week? It's always quiet down our lane, every day of
the week, so it shouldn't really be any different, but it is. We'd been up,
had breakfast and Donald was over in the vicarage writing his sermon before
Beatrice turned up. She was thrilled at the news of the house and couldn't
stop babbling about it while she cleared away the table with the wedding
only five weeks away. I had to go for a walk, just to escape from her
constant thanks every few words, but returned to get ready for church.

     The service went well with a better turn out than before, but it still
seemed a bit cold inside and that, I was determined to get sorted out
before Christmas. After the service, I telephoned the Ritz Hotel in London
and reserved a room for the Tuesday night, but didn't tell Donald that it
was only one room. We had a light lunch and lazed away the afternoon till
evensong and then had supper and went to bed early because we were going to
busy for the rest of the week.

     A car had been ordered for eighty thirty in the morning and it was on
time to take us to Trowbridge. I had it drop us off at the car showroom
there and we went in and picked out a car for Mr Truell. I also asked about
the purchase of a Rolls Royce and the man said that it would have to be
ordered. It wasn't the kind of car that could be picked straight out of a
showroom like we had just done. He drove us over to the office of Mr Truell
so that I could get some money to pay for it.

     That took some doing, the car salesman sitting quiet like in the outer
office, while we three argued, but eventually I won and Mr. Truell got out
a cheque book which I noted had the village holding company's name on the
cover. He wrote out a cheque to cover the cost which I then went out and
handed it over to that patient man, who then gave me the keys of the car
before leaving the office.

     `Thank you for that Mr Truell, and now to thank you for all that
you've done for me so far,' I said on returning, and gave him the keys to
the car. That started another argument. It lasted all day, taking in the
Rolls Royce, the employing of Allen Farthing, the repairs and heating to
the church and a myriad of other little things that I wanted for the
village. The hardest was getting cash out of him for Donald's ticket and
some spending money for clothes. Donald went to the bank for this before it
closed while I kept on arguing for the other things that I had listed.

     I was like a wet rag when we finally left Mr Truell and I don't think
he felt any better than me, though he had a new car to drive home in, we
had to get a taxi.

     `Well it took all day, but you got what you wanted,' Donald said as we
were driven home.

     `Donald,' I said wearily, my head fully back on the car's back
headrest, `if he doesn't do as he's told, please use your influence as my
guardian to make him toe the line or be fired. After all, it's us that
employs him.

     `Don't be so harsh on him Francis. He's only protecting your
interests.'

     `Harsh! I've more than quadrupled the original and he's trying to deny
me the right to spend something that I have earned above what was left to
me. He's made me very tired today Donald, but he's not going to do it
again. Please speak to him later and point out to him that, if he wants to
obstruct me anymore, I'll revert the trust back to the original for him to
look after. Then I'll get somebody else to look after the profits that we
have already made and what is still yet to come with KuOil.'

     `I understand what you are saying and I will sort him out after the
cruise darling, now rest until we get home.' He took my hand and stroked it
till we got to the village, letting me unwind on the journey.

     I had to have a shower and a change of clothes after that day's hectic
haggling with Truell, managing to put on a light make-up before going
downstairs for my drink with Donald. I stopped in the kitchen first and
asked Flora just to clip up my bra and zip up the back of my dress. It was
brazen I know, but I think it displayed my femininity to her.

     I needed the drink that Donald poured out for me and drank it straight
down and held out the glass for a refill.

     `Darling,' I said, taking the fresh glass and sitting down, `do you
think I'm being too pushy?'

     `Francis, I never knew your father or how he made his money. But the
expression, like father springs to mind. When I went off to the bank this
afternoon, I picked up a paper and there was a small piece in there that
might be of interest to you. It just said that KuOil had just purchased six
tankers for their own fleet. Tomorrow will tell the tale when the Stock
Exchange opens, but I feel it in my water that the shares will rise
dramatically. You must have your father's touch and if what you call being
pushy is to know what is right and steam full ahead to achieve it, then
it's really called business acumen.'

     `Oh it's happening Donald,' I said, giving him a kiss, `KuOil is going
to take off!' I bounced about, my tiredness temporarily forgotten. `Just
wait and see, and I'd love to see Truell's face tomorrow when he sees the
result. But we've got other plans, haven't we,' I said, cuddling up closer
to him, my legs tucked up under me on the settee. `We must get you some new
clothes,' fingering his coat collar. `Tell me, can a vicar wearing evening
dress or does he have to wear his collar all the time?'

     `I don't really know?' he gave a laugh, `the question has never arisen
before.'

     `We'll have to ask tomorrow. I also need a new dress and some new
shoes and you could do with a haircut. Oh it's going to be nice going
shopping with you in London. I've booked us into the Ritz Hotel for the
night after the embassy.'

     `The Ritz? We can't afford that!'

     `Yes we can, that's why I asked for that extra money today. For
shopping and the hotel. Tomorrow is going to be a day for us to remember
and not ruin it by rushing to catch a late night train. The car will be
here at nine, so let's eat and get to bed early, I'm feeling a bit drained
now.'

     So we had our evening meal and as soon as we'd finished, we went to
bed. I was so tired, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

                                                           *

     Breakfast over and we were ready to go to London. I made sure that
Donald had half the money from Mr Truell in his pocket before we set off. I
had the car drop us off in Bond Street, and then we went shopping for
clothes for Donald. Saville Row would have been better, but we didn't have
time for having them made to measure, so it would have to be off the
peg. They even had clerical vests, so we bought them too, plus new shoes
and lots of other little things. Paying in cash, they were only too
delighted to deliver them to the Ritz for us instead of us carrying them
around with us when we went for my clothes.

     Then I had the fun of shopping for myself. I bought three dresses, the
one for that evening was a lovely cream creation that went well with my sun
tan, and gloves that came to the elbow, and shoes to match and lots of new
underwear. These too were paid for in cash and sent to the hotel. We had a
late light lunch before hailing a taxi to take us to the Ritz. The taxi
pulled into the circular drive and the door was opened for us by a
doorman. I had pressed a pound note into Donald's hand to tip the man as we
stepped out and into the hotel.

     `You have a reservation for us I believe? The name is Sinclair,'
Donald said to the desk clerk.

     `Ah yes,' the clerk replied, `the Reverend Donald Sinclair and Lady
Francis Sinclair. Yes sir, if you would be so kind as to sign the
register.' I must admit, I was proud of Donald for not turning a hair when
he heard me described as Lady Francis Sinclair. I had a job keeping a
straight face, because I know I had smiled when I told them my name over
the phone.

     `Have some purchases been delivered for us?' I asked as imperiously as
I could, standing up proud next to Donald.

     `Yes Lady Francis, and they have already been put into your room.'

     `Could you also please book the following for us too. A car for half
past six for the Kuwaiti Embassy, an appointment at the hairdresser's for
four o'clock for myself and see that a barber is available for my
husband. Can you let me know in our room when this is confirmed?'

     `Certainly Lady Francis.'

     `Excuse me Lady Francis,' I turned and saw a well dressed man in
impeccable morning dress, `I am the hotel's assistant manager. I overheard
you mention the Kuwaiti Embassy. You wouldn't be Lady Francis Lyon by any
chance, recently from Aden?'

     `That is my maiden name yes.'

     `Then we are very honoured to have you staying in our hotel,' he
beamed. `The Prince often stays here when in London and we are most
grateful that you, er, have given us the privilege of having yourself stay
here. As regards to your requests, considering them booked.' Smug bastard,
I thought, but he knows his job.

     `One other thing,' I said, indicating my arm, `I do have a little
difficulty in seeing to my make-up. Could you arrange for a beautician to
see me in my room after the hairdresser's?'

     `Certainly ma-am,' he said, giving me a bow as we made our way to the
lifts, following a bell boy. I pressed another pound into Donald's hand for
the boy when he delivered us to our room.

     When alone in the room, I burst out laughing and quickly hugged and
kissed Donald.

     `You little minx,' he said, laughing himself, `I expected us to have
two rooms. Lady Francis Sinclair! I couldn't believe my ears when the clerk
said that, and making me sign the register that way too. I'm sure he knew
it was wrong.'

     `Of course he didn't! And did you see the way that manager simply
fawned over us, oh it was wonderful!' I said, twirling my way out of
Donald's arms and spinning myself around the room to flop onto the large
double bed. `And look at this glorious big bed for us to make love in
tonight.' I held out my arms and Donald came across the room and into them
and lay on top of me as we kissed. I felt him start to get hard as our
tongues played with each other as we kissed. I wanted him to take me there
and then, but time was getting short and I would rather have it nice and
slow later, so I pushed him off. I went into the bathroom, twice the size
of mine at home, and started to run the water, pouring in some of the
perfume that was adorning the shelf.

     Bathed and smelling sweet, I put on some of my new underwear, Donald
fixing the clip at my back, then helped me into one of the new frocks. He
would have his bath whilst I was in the hairdressers and then seek out the
barber afterwards.

     With my hair done, I was back up in our room and changed into the
dress I would be wearing that evening, but had to leave the back undone
till the beautician arrived. She kindly did up the buttons for me and then
set out her equipment and did my make-up for me. Twice really, because she
was a bit heavy handed the first time and I wasn't satisfied till it was
done more lightly. Donald had returned whilst I was being done, and managed
to get changed himself before she had finished with me. I gave her a tip
having the cost of her work being put on the hotel bill.

     `How do I look?' I asked Donald, slowly turning round for him to see
all of me.

     `Absolutely ravishing. I've never seen you look so beautiful and
desirable,' he said, taking my hands and giving me a peck on the cheek, not
wanting to smudge my make-up.

     `You too look good enough to eat,' I said, holding him at arm's length
and looking him up and down in his new suit, his white collar very
distinctive above the black front. `What time is it?' I asked.

     `Time we were going,' Donald said, looking at his watch, and taking
his arm, we left the room and went down to find that the manager was there
as well as the assistant to see us to our car. We were then swept off to
the Kuwaiti Embassy and we entered the doors at the time requested. A
footman took my wrap and Donald's top coat and passed us onto another
footman who took us along a wide hall and into a drawing room that
contained about thirty people, standing around, turning when we were
announced.

     `Welcome Miss Lyon and welcome to you too sir,' a swarthy middle aged
man said, moving towards us, his hand outstretched. I gave him mine, over
which be bent and kissed before shaking hands with Donald. `Let me
introduce myself. I am Abdul al-Tarqi, Ambassador to Britain on behalf of
the Emir of Kuwait, and it is in his name that I welcome you to our humble
home.' Shades of Hong Kong and Lee Chen and his humble home. I was standing
on a priceless Persian carpet and I was sure that the object d'art and
pictures around the room would be worth a king's ransom. `Let me introduce
you to the others.' He took Donald and I round the room, shaking hands with
everyone, missing most of the names except, Sir Reginald Fairweather,
Clement's father, there on behalf of the shipping company. Prince Fouaz
al-Khoum, brother of Prince Hassan and Pietro Leopardi, brother of
Carlo. These were the only names to stick in my mind as my hand was kissed
by each and Donald's shook.

     With the introductions over, servants circulated the room, offering
drinks from silver trays. First the ambassador thanked me for saving the
life of Prince Hassan, and then Prince Fouaz said the same thing, almost
making me embarrassed. Like I was a few minutes later.

      A servant came round collecting our empty glasses and I wasn't aware
of what was happening in the movement of people around the room until a
voice boomed out.

     `My lady, your Royal Highness and gentlemen! Please to attend His
Excellency, the Ambassador of Kuwait!' I turned, as did Donald to the
speaker. It was a major-domo beside the ambassador who had spoken, and was
now moving out of the way for the ambassador, who had a flunkey either side
of him, holding a cushion each in their hands, to speak.

     `Your Royal Highness and gentlemen. We are gathered here this evening
at the direction of the Emir of Kuwait to bestow an award on a person not
of our own country. This in itself is not unusual, but it is when it
involves the person offering their own life for that of one of our own.' I
felt my face going red and I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable
because I knew he was talking about me.

     `Furthermore,' he continued, `our country has never before awarded a
decoration to a female. This caused us much consternation, but which we
have happily resolved. A new order has been created that will forever be
awarded to women who, for whatever reason, have done a service or deed of
outstanding valour on behalf of Kuwait and its people. It has been decreed
that this award will be known as The Order of The Desert Flower, and only
to be awarded to women, and Lady Francis Lyon is to be the first recipient
of this order. For the act of bravery and heroism in the affair of which
she threw herself in front of an assassin's bullet to protect the life of
one of our Royal household, I wish to present her with this token of our
sincere thanks.'

     He beckoned me forward and I felt a small push in the back from
Donald. I went forward through the path that opened up before me until I
was in front of the Ambassador. I curtsied and stood up straight in front
of him. He turned to one flunky who proffered the cushion he was
holding. Upon it was a silk ribbon, in the colours of Kuwait, it had three
bands of green, white and red with a thin black line running down the
middle of the white one. At the end was a gold emblem of a flower that
looked very much like a rose. He picked up the ribbon and motioning me
closer, placed it over my head so the gold figure rested my breast.

     `Along with this order goes the freedom of Kuwait, which basically
means you are now of a diplomatic status and will not be hindered in any
way if ever you wish to visit our kingdom.'

     `Thank you,' I said in almost a whisper, curtseying again.

     `That is not all,' he boomed out, turning to the other flunkey and
taking a box off of the cushion. `This is from Prince Hassan with his most
heartfelt thanks for the service you have given him.' I smirked at this
last remark, but with my head still bowed, it went unnoticed. He opened the
box and took out a beautiful brooch, which he pinned alongside my leopard
and Chinese sign. It was like a small palm tree, the leaves being emeralds
and the trunk made up of diamonds. It must have cost a small fortune and I
liked the way it sparkled in the lights of the room.

     Then I heard the clapping of everybody at this little ceremony, and I
felt very flushed as I turned round and acknowledged their applause by
curtseying deeply to them all, Donald clapping the loudest of them all.
Drinks were again served around and I gratefully accepted mine and quickly
finished it, Donald quick to take my empty glass and pass me his. It didn't
go unnoticed, for a servant soon offered him another. I took Donald's arm
as a kind of self-protection as I was paraded round the room accepting the
congratulations of those present.

     I had to pose several times for official photographs, one of which was
released through their press office for publication in the next day's
newspapers, along with a rehash of my exploits in Aden.

     `You were magnificent,' Donald whispered in my ear as we circled.

     `You look so too in your new clothes Donald,' I replied, smiling up
and loving him for being there with me. Then Pietro Leopardi approached us
and shook hands with Donald and kissed my hand.

     `Carlo was remiss in his description of you Signorina. You are far
more beautiful than he led me to believe, and you sir are a most fortunate
man to be her consort.' We both thanked him for his words, but he hadn't
finished. `You are about to take ship to the Caribbean I am led to believe,
is this not so?' I acknowledged the fact, and he carried on speaking, `I,
er, no, er, we would be very pleased if you could do us a small service on
this cruise. We have some papers that we would like you to deliver to a
friend of ours in Nassau.' I looked sharply at Donald as he looked at me.

     `Please Miss Francis. It is nothing illegal. No way would we think of
putting you in any dilemma in this respect. It is just some very sensitive
papers that we would not like to trust to the postal services.' I trusted
and believed him, so with a glance at Donald, I nodded.

     `Thank you,' he said. `A handbag will be delivered to you on Friday,
before the ship sails. You will have left it in a restaurant the night
before, the clasp is broken and will need repair. Take it to a shop just
off the main street of Nassau, Sheffield Place, and the name of the shop is
Garibaldi's. Take it there as soon as you can, telling him of the broken
clasp. He will address you as Miss Francis and take it from you. Later, it
will be returned to you on the ship to bring back to England. Please
believe me that all the bag contains are papers and nothing else. You will
do this for the family?'

     `Of course I will Pietro, and please give my regards to Carlo when you
see him next.'

     `Of that you may be certain Miss Francis,' he smiled, `and once again,
my congratulations and our family's thanks.' He bowed to us both and kissed
my hand before shaking Donald's.

     `Are you sure you know what you are doing?' Donald hissed at me.

     `Absolutely! Let's talk about this later, please, not here, not now.'
He acquiesced and we continued to mingle until dinner was announced.

     It was a banquet! A massive long table with all kinds of silver and
glass, candelabra and flowers along the whole length of this polished piece
of furniture. I was seated in the place of honour at the top, with Donald
on one side and the ambassador on the other. There were seven courses, each
surpassing the preceding one, getting better as they went along. The wines
superb and complimenting each course as we ate and talked. Too soon it
finished and we retired back to the drawing room for coffee and for the
men, who wanted to, to smoke and enjoy a brandy.

     It must have been after eleven when the party started to break up, and
not wanting to be last, it wasn't long before we made our farewells. That
taking up quite some time before I collected my wrap and Donald, his
coat. A Rolls Royce was waiting outside for us, and this took us to the
Ritz Hotel, and while in the car, I pointed out to Donald that this was why
I wanted one. He smiled and kissed me and said that now he understood why I
wanted one such as this as we were smoothly driven along.

     The fluttering flag of Kuwait on the car caused a flurry at the
hotel's entrance as we stopped, for there were many photographers' there,
taking pictures as we stepped out onto the carpet. Not only them, but many
reporters shouting questions about our visit to the embassy. Notice was
taken of the award, which hung round my neck, and they followed us into the
hotel lobby, which is huge and easily accommodated everyone there. Here the
management showed their expertise by shepherding these people into some
sort of order so that I was given a clear field.

     So it was an impromptu interview, but they were more concerned at the
award I had been given. The first woman to receive a decoration from an
Arab state, one being especially created for me, and possibly others at a
later date. That alone was sufficient news for them and a blow for women's
rights in the Islamic world. After a rehash of what went on in Aden and
many photos taken of me with my decoration, we were finally allowed to
proceed up to our room.

     There were flowers in the room in profusion. From the Kuwait embassy
as well as from the hotel, and even one big floral display from the British
Foreign Office. I kissed and hugged Donald, weeping as I did so. He
carefully wiped away my tears as he gently kissed me back, undoing the
buttons on the back of my dress. We undressed each other, kissing with the
removal of each piece of clothing till we were naked, pressing our bodies
together in our embrace.

      Then with one sweep of his arms, he lifted me up and carried me over
to the bed and laid me down and joined me. My erection was painful and it
was hurting me, so he relieved me by sucking on me till I came in blessed
relief, coming in copious streams of semen which he swallowed and sucked on
me for more. Then he held me tight, his erection, hard and strong, beating
a heavy throb against my stomach wall. I couldn't wait any longer for him,
so I rolled over and raised myself up ready for him. Such was his need, he
didn't use cream, but pushed himself quickly into me, the harsh roughness
of the entry was as welcome as it was painful. The pain I welcomed as much
as his firm flesh as he expanded my entrance with what I desired more than
the trinkets I had been given. His love and flesh was what I needed more
than anything else in the world. My love, my life, my Donald was inside me,
my legs were spread as wide as I could manage to take in as much as I could
of him.

     The wide bed was a luxury and I used it to move about on, making
Donald move to stay with me, his hard flesh working away at my insides as
he held on to me to stay inside. The sensations playing havoc with my
emotions at the movements we made together, his contortions changing the
shape of my canal as we moved about the bed. I revelled in the sudden stabs
of pain and then the soothing slide of his flesh within me as he kept
riding me from behind as we fucked. He wrestled me down to the bed covers,
pinning me down with his weight as he began to pant and really force
himself into me. I loved it when Donald got really ardent and took his
pummelling into me with great relish as he heaved and strained and felt him
throb and send his seed up deep inside me. I squeezed my buttocks together
as tight as I could, to take as much out of him as was possible.

     It was lovely to feel that throbbing shaft inside me, spending itself,
filling me with a deep glow of satisfaction as he came. His weight was of
no consequence atop of me as he tried to regain his breath, the hairs on
his chest rasping my back with each intake. Then it was over, and he was
finished, and he slowly slid out of me to my cries at the loss and
deprivation I felt.

     He quickly washed and was back beside me, cuddling me, not really
understanding why I cried every time he pulled out of me, mistakenly
thinking that he had hurt me. It was just something that I could never
really explain to him, to have him inside me one moment and then the
feeling I had when he withdrew. I just couldn't put it into words to help
him, so I just accepted his kisses and cuddles as part of the course of our
making love.

     I loved this large bed with Donald beside me and resolved that we
would have new beds as soon as I could get them ordered. We played with
each other until we fell asleep, but I was able to wake him by taking him
in my mouth in the morning and bringing him round with my sucking and
licking of him till he came.

     We went down to breakfast in the hotel dining room and instructed the
desk clerk to purchase a suitcase on my behalf and see that our things were
packed and ready for us to leave after our meal. It was a wonderful
breakfast, far better than anything I had ever been able to produce. After
several cups of coffee as well, I was ready to face the world again, as
well as the desk clerk to pay our bill. For one night plus the extras, it
was really expensive, and Donald blanched at the total, but was able to
withhold himself and pay the outrageous cost from the money he had in his
pocket.

     We took the courtesy car to the station, and we were soon on our way
back to home and Trowbridge. Donald had bought a paper at the station and
there was a picture of us both at the hotel. It wasn't on the front page,
but enough news to warrant an inside story. We both laughed at the picture
and the way that the story got distorted every time we read it.

                                                           *

     We detrained, sorry, military talk. We got off the train at Trowbridge
and saw a friendly face at the cab rank, which whisked us off to our
village. It had been a lovely day, but it was still nice to get home. Of
course the newspaper had been seen in the village and they seemed to have
been warned that we were approaching, because there were a lot of people at
the top of the lane to wave and welcome us home.

     I asked the driver to stop, and I got out of my bag the award I had
been given and put it round my neck. I was already wearing my three
brooches on one of my new dresses, and I asked the driver to drop our
things off at the house. He knew which one it was because he'd driven us a
few times and I paid him, with tip there and then as Donald and I got out
to see the villagers.

     There were lots of well dones and welcomes shouted out and I looked at
Donald's watch and saw that there was still an hour to go before the pub
closed. So I invited them all in and bought each and everyone a drink and
it was a merry hour for a Wednesday afternoon. I found out that it was the
station master at Trowbridge who had phoned to the pub when we had arrived
on the train. Everyone had a look and touch of the award and they oohed and
aahed over the expensive palm tree and several asked me to sign my picture
in the newspaper that they carried.

     Then it was closing time for the pub, so we went off down the lane,
remembering that the stand-in for Donald was due any time now. Beatrice had
aired out the second bedroom in the vicarage and lit a small fire as well
as putting fresh linen on the bed.

     I was over at my house when he arrived at about half past five. I was
changing into something more suitable for the evening service and I left
them alone for Donald to run through what little happens in our village. I
had a drink, sitting in the window seat and watched as they both made their
way to the church, and quite a few of the villagers were making the same
journey to the church for their first glimpse of this new vicar.

     I finished my drink and joined them in the church. I sat in my usual
seat and waited for the service to begin, which was only a few
minutes. They both came out of the vestry and Donald didn't have to raise
his hand, as the congregation became silent for him to speak.

     `Friends, and it is nice to see so many of you here on a Wednesday
evening. I'd like to introduce you to a young man who will be taking the
services over the next few weeks for me to have a well earned rest. Would
you believe that I haven't spent more than one day away from this village
in the past seventeen and a half years? His name is Peter Blake, and I ask
you to please take him into your hearts as you did with me.'

     He turned and said a few words to him and then came and sat down
beside me, surprising me by his action. `I thought I'd throw him in at the
deep end and start straight away,' he whispered to me.

     Young Peter Blake was very good. He didn't fluster with Donald sitting
in the congregation and delivered a fine sermon in a clear voice and also
sung quite well. At the end of the service, Donald rose up and they both
went up the aisle together to say farewells to all that had attended that
evening. I lingered to be the last and was soon shaking hands and being
introduced to him. I judged him to be about twenty six and though his hand
shake was strong, I still felt that there was a slight effeminacy about
him.

     `You wouldn't have a brother by the name of Sexton would you?' A
question I had been dying to ask since I first heard his name. Both he and
Donald gave out a groan and eyeballs were rolled.

     `I wish I had a pound for every time I get asked that question, and
then I would be a rich man,' he smiled, his white teeth nice and straight
between slightly over ripe lips.

     `Well it's one way of breaking the ice so to speak,' I smiled back
knowing my teeth were as white and straight as his were but with better
kissable lips.

     `Yes it certainly does that,' he laughed, `and I must say that it is a
pleasure to meet you. Even today you were in the newspaper which I avidly
read, but now I don't know what to believe. The picture didn't do you
justice and you certainly do not look the type to tackle a gunman.'

     `I'll tell you about that over dinner, now come on over, it's
waiting.' I then took his arm and Donald's on the other side, and we went
to the house for dinner. I poured out some drinks while they took off their
vestments, finding out that he drank gin and tonic too.

     Peter was an animated speaker and also a very good listener, which is
prerequisite for a man of the cloth. His eyes never left my face while I
told him the story of Aden, I didn't catch him looking at his plate once as
he ate.

     After the meal he said he hoped that he could get a parish with a cook
as good as Flora there. He'd been floating round now for four years and
laughingly said that it was a matter of dead man's shoes and that Donald
looked too healthy for him to get this parish. We talked for awhile as we
drank our coffee and I saw that time was getting on.

     `Please excuse me Peter, but I'm rather tired and I've still got a lot
of my packing to do. We leave tomorrow for Southampton and the car will be
here at nine.'

     `Oh I'm sorry Francis, I didn't think. I'll be getting off to bed
myself,' and he looked over at Donald who started to rise.

     `Donald? Could you stay for a little while, I need a suitcase from the
loft?'

     `Of course Francis. You know the way Peter. Help yourself to tea or
coffee, I won't be long.'

     `It's very dark and dusty up there Donald. I haven't seen that
suitcase for years and it's probably buried under a load of junk, so it
might take some time. We should have got it down a long time ago and not
have left it to the last minute. Well goodnight Peter, see you in the
morning,' and I went upstairs with Donald following me.

     We went into my bedroom, and as soon as the door was shut, I was in
his arms, kissing him while I slipped the dress off my shoulders. Then we
broke apart and the dress fell to the floor revealing my erection.

     `What about the suitcase you wanted?'

     `I didn't want the suitcase Donald. I wanted you, here, now.' I said,
pulling him to the bed and then undoing his trousers.

     `Please Donald, make love to me now. I need you so much.'

     His trousers were down and he too was sporting a nice erection. I
quickly dabbed it with cream and bent over the bed and was thrilled as his
hands ran up my naked thighs above my stocking tops before grasping my hips
and plunging himself into me. I cried out at the swiftness of his entry,
his hardness filling me as he rammed his thighs up tight to mine. He seared
my insides as he quickly worked himself in and out of me, really grinding
his pelvic bone against me at every upward thrust of his hips. Then when he
held me close, I could feel him throb and pulsate as he came, shooting hard
into me, his semen soothing the heat within.

     He pulled out to my sobs and I fell to my knees and started jerking
myself off as he washed. When the wet cloth touched my bum, I came, sending
my built up force out onto the floor beneath the bed. I then got up and
kissed him and helped him with his trousers knowing that it would be a few
days before we could do it again.

     He kissed me goodnight and then he went home to the vicarage, and I
hoped into his own bed and not that of Peter's. At least he wouldn't have
the strength now to do it to Peter even if he wanted to. I chided myself as
I took off my underwear for those thoughts on just a mere suspicion that he
might be like me. I cuddled my pillow between my legs as I dreamed of
Donald and I being shipwrecked on this cruise and then spending our days on
a deserted island, just the two of us. Sleep was welcome because it took
the dream further and made it more erotic, and during it, I soiled the
pillow.

                                                           *

     I had showered and was dressed when I heard Beatrice come into the
house. I called her upstairs and got her to clip my bra beneath my dress
and asked her to brush my hair for me. When she had done, I asked if she
would boil me an egg for breakfast while I did my make-up. While I ate, I
told Beatrice to look after the vicarage as well as she did here, and that
I looked forward to being home for her wedding to Allen. Then Donald walked
in and saw to my suitcase and took it down to the gate and put it with his
two bags. Peter came down from the house as the car turned into the lane.

     `Goodbye Peter. Look after both houses, the Lord's and Donald's
please.'

     `That I will do Francis,' he said, shaking my hand, `take care of
Donald and may both of you have a good cruise and come back safely.'

     I got into the car while the driver loaded the bags into the trunk at
the rear. Donald said goodbye to Peter and joined me in the car and we were
off to Southampton. It had originally been the idea for Donald to go down
on sailing day, but I thought it would be nicer if we went together and for
him to spend the night in an hotel. We got there at lunch time and I
instructed the driver to take us to the best hotel, and there, Donald
booked in for the one night. We left the bags with the porter and went into
the hotel's dining room and had lunch together, this being our last meal
together for a few weeks.

     Too soon it was over and it was time I was leaving to join my new ship
in the docks. I took the money off him to pay for his passage, and with a
quick kiss, I was off in a taxi to join the Andaman for its maiden cruise.

     I went and signed on first and was told where my cabin was. Diane and
Ralph were already aboard I was told, but I went up to find the Purser's
office first. There I explained about the cabin for Donald, though I called
him the Right Reverend Donald Sinclair, and paid over the cost of the
cabin. Phew! It's not an experience that the working class can afford. I
was assured that the Staff Commander would be told that the cabin was paid
for by myself as agreed several months ago.

     With that done, I made my way down below on this new ship and was
pleased with what I had seen so far. I tried three cabins before I found
Diane, and been propositioned in one of those that I had tried.

     `Francis!' Diane screamed as I opened the door and was quickly
enveloped in her arms, being kissed. You'd have thought we'd been apart for
months instead of just over a week.

     `You found it then?'

     `The ship or the cabin?' I asked with a smile. `The ship was easier to
find.'

     `Well! What do you think of this cabin compared to our last one?' I
looked at it properly now and was pleased to see that we had separate
wooden bunks now instead of the upper and lower metal framed thing of the
Indus. The deck space was bigger as was the dressing table and mirror and
it actually had two portholes. Diane had already taken the inboard berth
leaving me the one below one of the portholes.

     `I thought we could do a change round halfway if you wanted to,' but I
was quite happy as it was because I would get more of a breeze when the
port was open at sea.

     `You're famous again,' Diane said, pouring out two drinks and handing
me one. She somehow had the knack of being able to find a bottle of gin and
tonics where ever we were to which I was grateful, as I needed that
drink. `I read about your visit to the Kuwaiti embassy. Tell me all about
it?' she asked, her eyes wide as she sat down, not giving me a chance to
unpack. So I mentally shrugged my shoulders and sat down and told her. She
bounced about excited as I told her of the award and the gift of the brooch
and wouldn't sit still till I got it out from my bag for her to see.

     `Wow!' she exclaimed over the palm tree, turning it this way and that,
delighting in the scintillating flickers of green and white flashes of
light. `It must be worth a small fortune,' she whispered.

     `I can assure you it is,' I said. Then she fingered the gold emblem at
the end of its ribbon and was pleased to see that there wasn't a spark of
jealousy in her speech or actions.

     Well I told her of my short leave and she told of hers, which was
frankly quite boring. With her parents all day and a couple of nights out
at their local pub and that was it. What about Ralph, I asked, but she
didn't know that he was aboard, and we didn't find him till we went down to
dinner. There we were reunited, and when finished, went and sought out the
Staff Commander to see about our trunks of costumes. He was pleased to see
us and to hear that I'd paid for the cabin on A deck for my guardian. He
got a junior deck officer to take us down to where the lounge and dressing
room were so that we could check over our things.

     The lounge was huge and could seat about three hundred people at one
go, and the stage was twice the size of that of the Indus. The dressing
room too was almost double the size and there in the middle were our
trunks. It was late when we had finished checking and hanging up our things
and knew we would have to get out an iron before we could wear some of the
items. Diane with her nose for foraging had found us some gin and tonics
and glasses, and we had a final drink before calling it a night and going
down to our beds. We made him show us his cabin so that we could find it if
we needed to, and then we showed him where we were. He was impressed with
ours because he was still in an up and over metal bunk, though this time he
had managed to claim the lower berth.

     Next day was sailing day, and at breakfast, we pored over the interior
plan of the ship that we had been given, trying to familiarise ourselves to
be able to answer questions and actually lead the privileged passengers to
their cabins or suites. I noted where Donald's would be on A deck. It
wasn't the biggest and best, but it was all that the Staff could get
considering that most had been booked at least a year before today, but it
was still impressive enough for my Donald.

     We went back to our cabin and there did some last touching up to our
faces before we took up our stations to welcome the passengers aboard. I
was surprised when a man hurried up the gangway and spoke to the deck
officer there who pointed at me. It was only when I saw him carrying a
black handbag reminded me of what Pietro Leopardi had asked of me. The man
came over and passed me the bag, which I took into the Purser's office for
safe keeping until I was off duty and could take it below.

                                                           *

                                             To be continued.