Death's Prelude by David S. Pederson

Author:David S. Pederson [Pederson, David S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635557879
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2020-12-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Tuesday Afternoon, September 14, 1937

Approaching Southampton

“How long before we reach Southampton?” I said as the tender disappeared from view and we began picking up steam.

“About five hours, maybe less,” Simon said.

“We should go back to our cabins to finish packing,” Verbina said. “We also have to give our tips to our steward and stewardess and freshen up before tea at four.”

“I suppose,” I said, turning to look at her, her cheeks rosy from the wind that was now rather brisk again. “I feel rather melancholy about it all, though, I must say.”

“That’s natural. One almost always does at the end of a crossing. At the end of anything, actually. But remember, an end is also a beginning,” Auntie said.

“To what?”

“That remains to be seen,” Simon said, and I swear he had a twinkle in his eye that made my heart thump.

“That sounds promising,” I said. “And hopeful.”

“One must always have hope. Now, I should get my pearls from the purser’s safe before the lines get too long,” Auntie said. “And I want to exchange that franc Mr. Chevrolet gave me.”

“Why don’t you take care of that, then, and I’ll meet you back in the cabins? I just want to get a little more fresh air.”

“All right, dear, see you soon. Ta ta, Simon. Will we see you before we disembark?”

“Possibly, Mrs. Partridge, but if not, I’ll see you on Friday at Heatherwick. I’ll pick you up at the station in Brockenhurst.”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to that, we both are. See you downstairs, Heath.” Simon and I tipped our hats, and Verbina headed to the purser’s office on A deck.

I checked my pocket watch, noting it was a quarter of three. “Just over an hour until teatime,” I said. “Would you like to join us?”

Simon shook his head. “Thank you, that’s very kind, but I’m having drinks with Billy Haines and his friend in their suite this afternoon, and then we’re all having a light early dinner together.”

“You know Mr. Haines? The movie actor?” I said.

“We’re acquainted. He’s a nice man, talented in many respects. They both are.”

“And Mr. Haines is devilishly handsome,” I said. “I’ve seen all his pictures.”

“Well, yes,” Simon said quietly, glancing about and nodding at an old biddy standing nearby, watching us. “You shouldn’t say things like that out loud in public, Heath. You never know who’s listening.”

“Sorry,” I said, as the old biddy turned and moved slowly on down the deck. “What’s he like?”

“What’s Billy like? Strong, brilliant, talented. I admire him. Did you know he thumbed his nose at Louis B. Mayer and up and quit when the old man wanted him to marry a starlet to quash rumors that were circulating about him?”

“Gosh, I heard he was fired.”

“They didn’t fire him, he quit. He has more guts than I’ll ever have. And now he has reinvented himself as a decorator and is doing fabulously well for himself.”

“I’m glad.”

“Me too. He didn’t let the bastards win for once.”

“I wish I could meet him.”

“I’d bring you along, but I can’t invite a guest to someone else’s party.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.