Page 50 of The Cruise Club
The Mermaid Theatre, filled with guests dressed to impress, hummed with music, clinking glasses, and the sound of conversation.
Tonight, the band, in fine form, played an upbeat mix of classical and modern music that coaxed even the shyest onto the dance floor.
Captain Bellwood was in attendance and circled the room, chatting with guests and exchanging friendly words, curious to know how everyone had enjoyed the cruise.
Gold epaulettes enhanced his crisp uniform, and his presence added an elite air to the evening.
Betty had already danced with the captain and now her poor old bones seemed to find another new lease of life as she danced with Theo, her head held high, guiding him in a waltz.
At the centre of the ballroom, Debbie was having the time of her life and laughed aloud as she cavorted with Kyle, the pair playfully swirling across the floor. At the same time, Don, unimpressed with his wife, looked miserable as he stood by the bar and ordered a pint and a whisky chaser.
Colin and Neeta were doing their own thing and had leaped on the stage.
Colin’s tie was loose, and he’d unbuttoned his jacket.
Lunging forward, he offered Neeta his arm and in one smooth movement, she was in his grasp, and he spun her mid-air.
Several guests applauded, but Betty, not to be outdone, upped the ante as she glided past the stage and dipped dramatically backwards, her gown sweeping the floor.
Theo, caught off guard, managed a heroic, backbreaking save.
The number ended, and many guests returned to their seats, including Theo, who collapsed and looked as though he needed a stiff drink and several painkillers, but he raised a hand when he saw Carmen and, with a wink, gave her a thumbs up as the music began again.
Ruskin asked Carmen if she’d like to dance.
‘I’d love to,’ Carmen said, and in moments they were moving around the floor.
Ruskin held her close, his hand on her waist and, initially nervous, she was grateful for his expert moves. With her hand resting on his shoulder, their eyes met, and every smile they exchanged seemed to Carmen to carry the discovery of something new and wonderful.
‘Whoops!’ Fran called out as Sid barged into Ruskin. ‘Sorry, Sid’s got his dancing shoes on the wrong feet and has forgotten how to use them.’
‘All part of the fun.’ Ruskin smiled.
Around them, the ballroom was full of life, with couples twirling gracefully and others laughing at their missteps. As the music swelled, Ruskin leaned closer to Carmen, his voice low. ‘I think I know where the missing jewellery is,’ Ruskin whispered, ‘and I’m going to let Peter know.’
Carmen leaned back to meet his gaze. ‘So, your sleuthing mind has cracked the case?’
Ruskin pulled her closer. ‘Yes, and it’s fairly obvious if you think about it.’
‘Go on,’ Carmen urged, ‘do tell me.’
Ruskin whispered his theory. ‘Am I right?’ he asked when he’d explained.
Carmen’s eyes widened. ‘Yes, you could be.’
The dance ended, but guests stayed on the floor, and when Dicky and Melody came into the room, they were loudly applauded.
Melody smiled and, noticing Don alone, asked him to dance.
Glancing at Debbie, Don put down his pint and followed Melody to the floor.
Dicky meanwhile caught the eye of his lady friend, whose diamonds glowed in the soft lighting.
He extended his hand, and placing her walking aide to one side, she stepped forward to join him.
After several more dances, Ruskin asked Carmen if she’d like a drink, and they returned to their seats.
Sipping champagne and enjoying every moment of the evening, Carmen suddenly sat up as she saw Betty taking the arm of an elderly man.
Her mother’s poor old bones were off again as the band struck up once more.
Offering his arm to Betty with a gentlemanly flourish, Holden exuded charm. His immaculately tailored tuxedo and crisp white shirt were complemented by a stars and stripes bow tie. His tanned skin glowed with sunbathing days, and his silver hair shone.
‘They make a striking couple,’ Ruskin remarked.
Carmen slowly smiled, shaking her head. ‘And his gold watch is almost as blinding as Betty’s smug grin,’ she added.
Just then, Peter stepped onto the stage, announcing that guests wishing to view the midnight fireworks should make their way to the upper decks.
As dancers moved forward and guests rose from their seats, Betty – still holding Holden’s arm – glanced towards Carmen and gave a mischievous wink.
This time, Carmen’s smile was genuine. Her mother looked truly happy, and that was all that mattered.
Ruskin extended his arm. ‘Shall we?’ he said to Carmen.
On an upper deck, couples stood together, and guests gathered in groups, still caught up in the energy of the evening as they perched by the railings, staring up at the night sky.
A cool breeze swept across the deck, creating a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the ballroom inside.
Ruskin and Carmen found a spot, and as they waited, they heard the subtle sound of waves below.
Suddenly, a burst of light erupted, and a cascade of colour filled the sky.
A collective gasp could be heard from the cruisers, their faces illuminated by the beginning of the fireworks display.
Fiery reds mixed with brilliant blues and purples, and Fran was heard to call out that it was like stars being born.
Each explosion sent waves of colour rippling across the sky, every new burst more dazzling than before.
Guests stood in awe, their eyes wide at the sound of a rapid-fire explosion.
They cheered and applauded as a final burst of sparkling white light hung, almost suspended, before cascading diamond-like droplets that slowly melted into the water.
The silence that followed felt almost mystical, as though the magic of the Mediterranean Sea had paused to say goodbye to this cruise and wish passengers a safe onward journey.
‘This has been the best thing I’ve ever done,’ Carmen said as she stared at the starry sky. ‘It’s the perfect end to the cruise.’
Ruskin’s gaze lingered on Carmen before he gently turned her toward him. With a soft smile, as their eyes met and the world around them faded, he whispered, ‘And maybe… it’s the perfect beginning of something new.’