Liner Lady

            Awoke early and it was broad daylight, naturally, since we have traveled East three days with no time change.  Ate breakfast in the Magrodome dining-room.  Then we strolled a bit, taking pictures.  I paid Aunt Audrey’s bill, then talked to my steward John, about music.  He heard Marian Anderson way back in Albert Hall and was enthralled.  Mozart debate.

                        As I ambled around, I met C…    by the Queen’s Room next to Midships Bar and was able to get a picture of him.  He spoke of the upcoming boat drill at 10 and how one time he got trapped between two watertight doors and felt claustrophobic.  He had to leave for drill, and I turned to the lady playing the piano by the puzzle table, and asked her if she would playing in the talent show.  She offered to accompany the Mendelssohn duet, and while we sang it, Betty showed up so we did it several times.  We blend well and feel it similarly.  People passing by responded favorably.  I then sang half the Mozart and she thinks she shouldn’t do it.  Anyway it was enough to attract much attention and a ship’s officer expressed his appreciation.  Boat drill ended, and I am now on my way to rehearse for real.

            Did a quick run through of both pieces and then departed with Betty to find a folder.  Checked two out at the Social Center.

            At lunch C. came over to find out the time I was on in the show and mentioned a crew talent show rehearsal.  I am invited to attend late tonight.  Mark talked with us about his nephew and family of which he is very proud. 

            The talent show went well.  Betty and I did our duet at a slow tempo, because Lyn was too slow.  Oh well, it sounded good anyway.  My aria, “Die Hölle Räche” from Mozart’s “Magic Flute went off well and was well received.  However, the country singer was more enthusiastically received.  That being over, Aunt Audrey and I returned to the cabin to finish packing since all bags should be out by six in the evening.

            I met Mark in the dining-room at five.  We spread out the map of Devon and he pointed out places to see.  He also proudly showed me a picture of Joshua, his nephew and Godchild.  I gave him a note and tip ahead of time so it wouldn’t be noticed at dinner when I give the others.

            At present I am sitting adjacent to Queen’s Room. Almost no one is here because of the packing deadline in fifteen minutes.  Spent a long time in the cabin waiting for 7:30 and dinner.  Matthew served us our soup and suggested we do the whole bit tonight so I told him to surprise us.  He did – with sole and sherbet, then came the Beef Wellington served on a large oval silver platter with a ring of potatoes decorating the edges.  The beef was wrapped in a lovely pastry, which for lack of space in my tummy, I peeled off.  Mark was offended that we left it, so I obliged by eating most of it.  The slices were close to an inch thick and rare.  Had asparagus in hollandaise sauce too.  Dessert was a lucious chocolate soufflé with chocolate.  Coffee and petits fours ended it all.  Mark again took time to chat with us.  Matt seemed aloof. 

            C. came over to say he heard me sing and liked it very much.  Mark asked him about it and told him it was very good or something like that. I observed C … doing something strange at his waiter station.  He had taken a small bouquet of carnations from a table, and I caught him standing with the vase atop his head.  He returned to my table and left fast, after having left these carnations wrapped in foil by my place, so I put them in the center bow holder of my pink blouse, later to pin on the shoulder.  Mark again mentioned how much they like him and feel he is more a father figure than a friend.  As I write this, I am waiting for 11:30 so I can see C. and visit the Pig.  Played cards with Aunt Audrey in the card room for an hour or so after dinner.

            Near 11:30 C.  came to get me and he led me down to 2 Deck (I think) and way forward. He opened a door marked private, and in we went to an entirely different world of metal bulkheads and allleways, which opened into an area full of people smoking, drinking and chatting at high volume.  He had prepared me with news that Mark’s dad had just passed on, so when I saw him looking red-eyed I went to him and took his head in my arms and declared words of comfort and care.  His answer was that he believed in reincarnation to which I replied that whatever he believed, life is eternal and God loved everyone of his family.  He stated he wanted to be alone and left.  Meanwhile C. got me a ginger ale and a napkin, which I had requested because I needed to wipe my eyes.  Another friend of Mark’s was sitting there on the crowded bench so we talked a bit about the guys being supportive and caring, so I am glad to see Mark can be sustained from all sides.  He will have compassionate leave and goes home when we disembark in Southampton.

            C. then walked me carefully up to and through the galleys, which were empty and cleaned for the ensuing day of culinary preparations.  The floors had been hosed down so it was very slippery as we picked our way through dishwashing areas, fruit preparation area and others.  He had me take his arm for safety, and when we emerged into the back of the Columbia dining-room a startled superior officer saw us.  We three chatted a bit before going on up to the Theatre balcony to watch a crew rehearsal for a talent show next week.  There was good dancing, very dirty humor and one good impressionist.  We two talked off and on all through, enjoying each other’s company.  Then he walked me to my cabin and we parted.  Got to bed after 2 AM.  It became light by 2:40 and I couldn’t sleep till nearly four. I looked out the portholes occasionally and saw some ships.