Page 14 of Hearts Aweigh
V IOLIN MUSIC GREETED THE S HIPPERS as they walked through the entrance of the most exclusive restaurant on the ship.
When the ma?tre d’ attempted to seat them in a booth, they politely declined and headed for a table near the window.
It provided a clear view of the action, no matter where Abby and Norville sat on their date.
Emily studied the unfamiliar setup. Though they lived full-time on the ship, they rarely visited its Trafalgar, which boasted an expensive menu. Unlike other dining options, it cost over and above the price of their fare.
“Swanky.” Gerry pushed away three forks from the elaborate place setting, then adjusted the window shade to block the sunset’s blinding light.
Emily slid her purse under the leather seat. “No wonder they charge extra to eat here.”
Althea patted Daisy’s hand before picking up the menu. “How ’bout we share something?”
Daisy murmured her assent, and Emily and Gerry decided to split a dish as well. The Shippers placed their orders with the waiter, then watched the entrance for the happy couple.
Daisy spread her napkin on her lap. “Was Abby pleased when she met Norville?”
“Very much so.” Emily tapped her fingertips together. “Her smile reached almost to her hairline.”
“I noticed one person who wasn’t smiling.” Gerry chuckled. “He appeared none too pleased at our interruption.”
“I caught that too,” said Althea. “Methinks somebody has a crush on our Abby. Somebody related to you.” She jiggled her roommate’s leg.
“Spencer?” Daisy’s brow wrinkled. “You must be mistaken.”
“No,” Gerry said. “He was not happy when Abby met the minister.”
Althea leaned closer. “What do you say, Daisy? Sure you don’t want Abby for a daughter-in-law?”
Daisy crumpled her napkin. “And subject her to the entire Masterson clan? When you marry into our family, you get ten generations of Southern aristocrat baggage as a bonus. No, ladies. Cross Spencer off your list.” She tossed the cloth on the table and stood.
“I’m sorry, Althea, but one of my headaches is coming on.
Do you mind eating the dish we ordered alone? ”
“No, baby. Go rest your head.”
Daisy gathered her purse and left the restaurant.
Emily had said nothing during the exchange.
She waited until Daisy was out of earshot before facing the other two.
“She’s right, girls. We all witnessed the chemistry between Abby and Spencer, but marriage is about more than two people.
There’s a whole array of friends and family who come with the deal.
If Daisy is against it, then that’s that. End of discussion.”
Gerry placed a hand to her heart in pretend shock. “Who are you, and what have you done with our full-speed-ahead leader?”
Emily shook her head. “I know I’m usually the first one to steamroll over anybody’s objections, but Daisy has a say-so in who joins her family. Our pursuit of true love can’t hurt one of our own.”
“No biggie,” said Althea. “We got plenty of other candidates.”
Gerry took a drink from her water glass, Althea waved at a waitress she recognized, and Emily prayed silently. She suspected Daisy was bothered by more than her son’s sudden arrival.
Lord, would it be helping or meddling? Am I opening a can of worms?
Without waiting for heaven’s response, she dove in. “Tell me, Althea. Is Daisy acting strange of late?”
“Ever since her son arrived, she’s been as twitchy as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockin’ chairs.”
“I don’t mean Spencer. Something else is worrying her. I’m wondering if it had anything to do with that black envelope she received.”
“Black envelope?” Gerry set the glass down. “I haven’t heard about this.”
“Me neither,” Althea said. “When did it come?”
“Magda delivered it the day we left port. You were all standing there.”
“Now that you mention it”—Althea scratched her chin—“I recall Daisy reading a card as I came out of the bathroom this morning. When she saw me, she slipped it under her pillow.”
“Why didn’t you ask about it?” Emily said.
“A body has a right to a few secrets. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.”
Chair leather squeaked as Emily scooted forward. “Has Daisy ever mentioned any … indiscretions in her family?”
A somber expression settled in her friend’s dark eyes. “I reckon that’s her business.”
“But we should help—”
“Full-speed-ahead Emily is reemerging.” Gerry smirked.
A cloud passing over her usual sunny countenance, Althea placed a hand on Emily’s arm. “Drop it, baby. If Daisy wants us to know, she’ll tell us in good time. We can’t let our curiosity cause her pain.”
A guilty twinge like the unpleasant pressure of a flu shot pricked Emily. She twisted the cloth napkin on her lap. Was Althea correct? Emily couldn’t deny she loved a good mystery. Did she truly wish to help Daisy, or was she just looking for a new thrill?
Gerry tapped the table. “They’re here.”
Abby and Norville stood at the entrance. Their complementary heights and corresponding smiles lent them the air of newlyweds on their honeymoon. The three Shippers turned their chairs for a better look at their latest match.