The Time Of Our Life Part 1 (Love and Marriage) Chapter 1

A little man with a big hammer was beating feverishly on the inside of my skull. I groaned, opened one eye and promptly closed it again as daylight stabbed me viciously in the face. I turned my head away from my tormentor and tried opening one eye again. I was marginally more successful; at least I managed to keep it half open. My mouth tasted as though I‟d swallowed the contents of an ashtray and I urgently needed to go to the toilet. Closing my eye again I tried to ignore the insistent demands of my bladder. My hand moved down to my groin, I was stiff, but only because I needed a pee. I dreamily tried to take my mind off it by imagining that Marie was with me and that it was her hand. A thought seeped sluggishly into my brain trying to avoid the little man and his hammer. “Married……. I ‟m getting married today.” My thought processes accelerated “Married!” I snatched the clock from the bedside table, focused on it with difficulty and breathed a sigh of relief. It informed me it was 8.15am on the 2nd May 1959. I sat up and wished I hadn‟t. The little man was still trying to batter his way out from behind my eyeballs. Groaning I managed to find the floor with my feet, stood up and immediately sat down again. “Jeezus I must have had a good stag do, I can‟t remember any of it.” I lurched to the bathroom, relieved myself then washed my hands whilst peering into the mirror. A tramp, red and bleary-eyed stared back at me. I put my head under the cold running water. At least it appeared to have drowned the little bugger in my head. I took a long slurp from the tap and felt almost human again. I could hear sounds coming from the kitchen. That would be my mate and old shipmate Billy Ashton or his missus. I was staying at their house overnight so that I wouldn‟t see Marie in her wedding dress (or anything else for that matter) prematurely. I thought to myself, “She could have had the pick of any man but chose a nondescript ex sailor with little income, no savings and a boring job on a production line. I owned a 12year-old rust covered car, smoked like a chimney and liked a drink or two. How many times had I staggered home from the pub after lunch, gone to sleep on the front room settee of her parents house where I lodged and woken later to see her doing the ironing humming to herself. Noticing I was awake she would give the radiant smile that could turn me to jelly. I would reach for her but she would wag her finger and say “No you don‟t mister or I‟ ll never get this lot finished”. So I would lie there drinking in the beauty of this flower that was now too become my wife……. My mind drifted back to that fateful day not long after the end of WWII that we first met. I‟d just joined the Navy and became mates with Jimmy Dinsdale who‟d joined up the same day. The first time we got leave he invited me to stay with him at his parent‟s house. He knew I had no proper home as my parents had died in the war and I ‟d lived in an orphanage. Little did I know how his act of kindness was going to change my life. Arriving at Jimmy‟s house I was introduced to Mum and Dad who immediately made me feel at home. Marie his sixteen year old sister wasn‟t home from her job as an office junior. Jimmy took me out and showed me the town and later introduced me to his girlfriend Karen, a very pretty brunette. I felt a twinge of jealousy. I‟d never been able to approach girls, being painfully shy unlike Jimmy who seemed to attract girls without even trying. We arrived back at the house as dinner was being prepared, it smelt mouth-watering. I offered to help but was told to go and sit down as everything was in hand. I heard the front door open and close and a call of “I‟m home Mum.” The living room door opened and in walked…… a vision. “Hello ugly puss.” said Jimmy. “Hello Quasimodo” she replied. They both laughed and hugged. “Good to see you Jimmy.” “And you too Marie. Oh, and I‟d like you too meet my mate James.” She turned to me with a smile that highlighted her dimples. “Hello James,” she said. Her hand was soft and warm. I forced myself to look into her eyes, she looked demurely back at me. Somehow I stammered “I‟m very pleased to meet you.” I was sure my face was the deepest red as it felt hot. She leaned forward and whispered in my ear “Can I have my hand back now Jamey?” and chuckled as I dropped it like a hot coal. I rather liked her calling me Jamey. I was saved further embarrassment when mum came through too announce dinner was ready. During the meal I couldn‟t help but keep glancing at Marie when I thought she wasn‟t looking. I thought she was an absolute stunner. I think she was aware of my glances as she would occasionally look my way, smi le and look down at her plate again. It was a Saturday and Jimmy and Karen were going to the cinema that evening. Jimmy asked me to go with them but I didn‟t want to play gooseberry and said so. “Why don‟t you ask Marie to come with us then?” asked Jimmy. I stared at him and stammered, “I-I-Should think she‟s got a b-boyfriend hasn‟t she?” I stammered. “Well if she has she‟s not mentioned him, let‟s ask her, so saying he shouted “Oi , Ugly-puss, what you doing tonight? Going out with your boyfriend then?” Marie stuck her head round the door “Not going anywhere tonight, can‟t afford it and what makes you think I‟ve got a boyfriend anyway?” “Do you want one then?” asked Jimmy. “Cheeky beggar I ‟m quite capable of getting my own thank you, anyway who you got in mind?” she replied, looking puzzled. “James of course, who else?” said Jimmy. Marie looked from him to me. I looked at the floor hoping it would swallow me up. “Would you like me to come with you Jamey?” asked Marie softly. I stared at her then said “Would you, please?” I could feel my ears burning. She smiled at me “I ‟d love too.” She replied and squeezed my arm. I thought my heart would burst with excitement it was racing so hard. In the darkness of the cinema I couldn‟t concentrate on the screen as I kept giving Marie sidelong glances, I thought she was so beautiful. The film entered what , not so long ago, I‟d have called „The sloppy bit‟ in other words a love scene. My heart seemed to beat even faster when I felt Marie‟s hand steal into mine. I was petrified that she‟d take it away again but she squeezed it to get my attention. When I turned to her she leaned across, kissed me fleetingly on the lips and turned back to watch the movie. I was so shocked I couldn‟t move but held her hand even more tightly and that‟s where it stayed until the lights went up at the end of the show. As we left the cinema she put her arm through mine and hugged it. Jimmy was walking Karen home and left Marie and me to find our own way home. We walked in silence for a whi le then Marie asked “Don‟t you like me then Jamey?” “Er, Pardon?” I replied, stunned “Of course I like you,” I paused then muttered sheepishly “I think you‟re beautiful.” “Well you didn‟t respond when I kissed you. Was I being a bit too forward?” she asked. When I told her that I was too shy and didn‟t know how to react she laughed gently and hugged my arm even more firmly. It broke the ice and for the rest of my leave we were inseparable. We were young and innocent but seemed to form an almost instant bond for no reason I could fathom, it just seemed so „right‟. She had waist-long fair and silken hair that she allowed me to brush as we sat in front of the fire in the living room of her parents‟ house. We would spend hours in each others company, walking arm in arm along the river bank, skipping stones across the water to see who could skip one the furthest. My sea duties meant that we didn‟t see each other as often as we would like, but I would spend all my shore time with her and her parents. Back aboard ship thoughts of her filled my waking hours. Every time I visited her I found she was transforming more and more from a pretty girl into a beautiful young woman and the first stirrings of adult love crept into our lives. We were both virgins and I had little idea what was happening to my body. All I knew was that when she touched me or we kissed, embarrassing things happened to me that wanted me to press myself against her because it felt so good. Her body began to take on a womanly shape and I could feel her soft burgeoning breasts against me as I pressed against her. As time passed I learned a little more of what my body was telling me by listening to my more worldly wise and experienced (Or so they said) shipmates who would take the Mickey and make coarse comments when I showed them photos of Marie. I read some of the lurid novels and magazines left lying around the messdeck and would find myself aroused by the descriptions of sexual encounters. To be honest I thought the whole sex thing a bit yuck! How wrong was I. One evening on my next leave, Marie‟s mum and dad had gone to the cinema and we were left alone too cuddle up on the settee by the fireside all warm and snug. We kissed and I tentatively tried to put into action some of the things I thought I‟d learned. I slipped my hands behind and under blouse feeling her tense and then relax as I stroked her back. Her breathing became faster as I clumsily unhooked her bra, I waited to see what she would do but she just looked at me with dreamy eyes. Emboldened I moved my hands until I cupped her warm breasts and could feel the stiffness of her nipples. Marie was slowly pulling my shirt up and was stroking my belly. I unbuttoned her blouse and leaned forward to take a nipple, like a ripe cherry, in my mouth, teasing it with little kisses and licking it. Marie‟s hand moved down, unbuckled my belt and slowly undid my trouser buttons, reached in and freed my stiff and leaking penis. She started stroking it and rubbing the wetness. I nearly lost control there and then but Marie seemed to know what to do to stop me. She grabbed the hand that was stroking her breast and moved it down inside her panties. I could feel the hot moistness as I began to ease my fingers between her legs. I began to massage her clitoris once she guided me to it, her breathing began to shorten and she groaned with pleasure as I moved my fingers inside her. We became more excited unti l Marie suddenly clamped her legs together nearly breaking my fingers as she heaved and pushed against them. I became afraid I‟d hurt her but she finally relaxed enough for me to reclaim my aching hand. She gave a trembling sigh and to my amazement bent forward a nd took my trembling penis in her mouth licking and working her tongue along its length. This was too much for me to bear and I came explosively several times before I could withdraw. I started to apologise but she put a finger to my lips and whispered “I‟ve done a bit of research myself too darling, how was it for you?” I was speechless for a moment then said “It was wonderful my love but I was afraid I‟d hurt you, did I?” “Not at all my darling I think I had an orgasm, I just couldn‟t stop myself from wanting you inside me but knew we shouldn‟t, that‟s partly why I clamped up but it was far to late to stop my climax, sorry.” “No need to be sorry my love, I found it a turn-on too.” I replied. Chapter 2 With a start I came back to the present, got dressed and went downstairs. “How‟s the head?” asked Billy, “Don‟t ask.” I replied. “Well get this lot down yer neck and you‟ll feel better .” He pointed to a fry up. I realised I was famished and soon polished it off , drank two cups of coffee then leaned back took out my cigarette case extracted one of my last few cigarettes and lit up. I took a deep drag and exhaled, my face going red and my eyes were watering as I coughed lustily. “Gawd!” I wheezed between coughs. “I oughta pack „em in afore they kills me, I‟ ll probably have too anyway after today cos I won‟t be able to afford „em. Cheers for the scran Billy-boy, just what I needed. Still coughing I went back upstairs, showered, shaved and brushed my teeth. Going into the bedroom I looked with a twinge of dismay at the suit hanging on the wardrobe door. I‟d bought it for a couple of quid from a shipmate just before I got demobbed, he was broke and needed the money. I‟d had it cleaned but it still looked a bit shabby to me. I was as skinny as a rake and it hung on me like a sack but it was the best I could do. I couldn‟t afford a new one. Anyway, I figured, I‟d only wear it once and then go back to wearing my old navy shirts and jeans or more casual wear. Fashion didn‟t figure very highly in my wardrobe. “Ah well,” I thought, “They won‟t be looking at me.” and proceeded to dress. I felt as if I was being strangled by the tie as I wasn‟t used to anything tight around my neck. “Be glad when this is over.” I thought. I looked at the clock again, it was 10.30am, the wedding was at 11.00am and we were walking to the church, „we‟ being Jimmy and I. He was to be my best man. “You ready then?” called Billy. “On my way.” I replied as I made my way down to the hallway. “What do you think then?” I said. “You‟ve forgotten your buttonhole.” said Billy. “Shit!” I exclaimed, went back upstairs, pinned it on and came down again. “How‟s that then?” I said “Come here you great tit and let‟s straighten that tie, it‟s not a bit of string you know.” Typically, Billy was behaving like a mother, as usual. He stood back and sighed “Silk purse and sow‟s ear come to mind but you‟ll do I guess.” He said, grinning. We went out into the bright spring day and made our way to the church. Marie‟s family and friends, plus the usual gaggle of people who seemed attracted to weddings, were already there. I felt self-conscious as we walked up the aisle. I was sure everyone was looking at my awful suit but when I glanced around all I saw were smi ling faces. Some of Marie‟s girlfriends had their heads together and were whispering whi lst glancing in my direction. “Wonder what they‟re saying about me.” I mused, “Probably wondering what she sees in me.” As we sat and waited for the bride I once again wondered if we were doing the right thing. I loved her with all my heart but worried that I wouldn‟t be able to support us. Where would we live and where was the money coming from? It was tempting to stay with her parents but we felt it wouldn‟t work, we needed to be on our own. How would Marie cope? She wasn‟t used to being as self sufficient as I was. Good Lord! We couldn‟t even afford a proper honeymoon. We were going off in my old car heaven knows where. We‟d not even booked a hotel room. We had discussed the future but not in great depth. We just wanted to be married and hoped that something would turn up in our rose-tinted world. I‟d proposed to Marie one evening when we were in the throes of another heavy petting session. I hadn‟t even bought an engagement ring but she laughed, patted me on the cheek and said “Don‟t worry about it baby. One day you‟ll be able to buy me the best one in the shop. Right now I‟ ll settle for you.” So saying she kissed me passionately again and I could see tears in her eyes. “Aww, what‟s the matter sweetheart? Don‟t cry my love.” “Do you really, really love me Jamey?” She asked, searching my face. “My God sweetheart, you must know spending the rest of my life with you is all I want. I love you more than words can say.” I replied sincerely. She was silent for what seemed an age before saying. ”Have you thought about us having children?” Eh… kids? You‟re not…no you-you can‟t be… I stuttered. She put a hand over my mouth. “No my hero, I‟m not with child as they say, and I don‟t believe in virgin births either. Please answer my question about having children.” I wondered where this conversation was going. “To be honest my love, chi ldren have never figured very high on my list of priorities. In fact, to be honest, I don‟t want any for very selfish reasons. I don‟t want you to finish up looking like some of the harassed young mothers who‟ve neglected themselves or haven‟t the time to make themselves attractive again and where husbands, in terms of importance, feature somewhere after the family cat.” I laughed nervously. Marie held me tightly, and said quietly with tears in her eyes. “I can‟t have children Jamey. The doctors tried to explain it to me but the plain fact is I can‟t have children.” She was now sobbing her heart out. I drew her too me and held her close until her sobs subsided then I said. “Oh sweetheart I can understand your feelings if you want kids, personally I can live without them. Perhaps you‟ll think I‟m selfish but I only want you in my life.” “So you still want to marry me then?” she asked, on the verge of tears. “Because I don‟t want kids either, I‟m not the maternal type and don‟t think I ever will be.” We cuddled up, Marie stopped her tears and we made plans for our wedding, hopefully before Mum and Dad took over, which they did as soon as we told them. The sound of the organ playing the Wedding March intruded on my reverie. We rose to our feet and I moved to the aisle. I daren‟t look round but was aware that Marie was approaching on the arm of her father. She moved to my side and I turned my head to look at her. Her face was partly hidden by her veil but I could see that she had never looked more beautiful. She was wearing an off-the-shoulder white silk dress and carrying a bouquet of red, white and pink rosebuds. Into her shoulder length hair was woven a garland of the same flowers. The fact she was in white was a true reflection of the barely restrained self-control we had managed to exert, even though we had come close with some very heavy petting. I glanced at Dad and saw that there was a hint of a tear in his eye as he looked fondly and proudly at his beautiful daughter. My knees were trembling and I was aware that her bouquet was shaking slightly. She turned her head toward me and gave me a nervous smile. I smiled back and touched her hand for a moment. The ceremony began…….. I went into automatic for the remainder of the service, not being a religious person. When we got to the „ I do‟ bit I took her hand in mine and slid the plain gold band on to her finger, noticing that she was also wearing the cheap ring I ‟d bought her a few years ago whilst abroad. I looked into her eyes for any misgivings on her part but all I could see was love, the hint of a tear and a tremble in her lips. Then came the moment when she lifted her veil to reveal her beautiful face. Then the words “You may now kiss the bride.” Our lips at first just brushed as we gazed into each other‟s eyes, then our lips met again and I crushed her to me and kissed her with passion. I whispered “You‟re my beautiful bride and I will love you forever”. She squeezed my hand and whispered “I love you too darling and I will never let you go”. The rest of the day passed in a whirl as people came to congratulate us, quite a few of them I didn‟t know except they were friends or relatives of Marie. I had no relatives living except my Grandmother who was very old and bed-ridden. Chapter 3 Late in the afternoon we stole away from the reception to change into the clothes we would wear on our journey, wherever that might be. The house was empty with everyone at the reception. We went to our separate rooms to change without a thought that we were now married. I was in the middle of changing when Marie called for me to help her with her wedding dress. She couldn‟t get the zip undone as it was caught on her bodice. I wiggled it about to no effect so finally gave it a yank. The zip came undone so quickly her dress fell around her feet before she could stop it. “Oops!” I said, “Sorry darling.” Marie turned to face me and my heart seemed to stop as I took in the sight of her in only her filmy underwear. It took my breath away and I couldn‟t stop staring at this beautiful girl, now my wife. That‟s when it hit me, “My Wife.” “I suppose you realise,” I faltered “we are now man and wife?” Marie paused for a second then came into my waiting arms. We clung together and kissed. My hands started to wander as I pushed against her but she held them still. “Please darling, I want too as much as you,” She was trembling, “but can we save it for the honeymoon sweetheart. I want it to be memorable.” What I really wanted to do was ravish her there and then but Marie was right of course. I managed, with difficulty, to contain my eagerness. Marie was aware of my need, it was all too obvious. She stroked my face giving me one of her devastating smiles. “Thank you my hero,” she said “I knew you‟d understand.” She kissed me again. I sti ll couldn‟t resist running my hands over her breasts before reluctantly leaving her to get changed. We drove back to the reception to say goodbye. When we came out again the car was covered in confetti and streamers and some joker had tied tin-cans to the back bumper so it was no secret when we drove off accompanied by shouts of „Good luck‟ and other comments that left our ears burning with embarrassment. We stopped just out of sight to get rid of the cans and streamers then drove on until we came to the next junction. “ Which way now, left or right baby?” I asked. “Toss for it,” said Marie “heads left, tails right.” I tossed a coin, it was heads. “Left it is then,” and made the turn. I drove for about ten miles leaving a trail of confetti fluttering behind us. I pulled off the road into a farmer‟s gateway on the brow of a hill. Getting out of the car we went and leaned on the gate with our arms about each other and in silence watched the sun going down, the cotton-wool clouds turning red and gold, the hi lls and valleys and the distant sea becoming misty and dark. I kissed the top of her head and gave a great sigh. “I don‟t think I shall ever be happier than I am at this moment.” I said. Marie looked at me and said “Then may this moment last forever.” We had a long lingering kiss. I stroked her face and hair and felt a great upsurge of love for my beautiful flower. We broke apart and I said “We‟d best be getting on.” Due to the parlous state of our finances we hadn‟t been able to make any honeymoon plans and it was only due to the generosity of Marie‟s mum and dad who gave us £25 from their hard earned savings, that we were able to go anywhere. We hadn‟t made any plans as to where we were going to stay overnight and were almost resigned to sleeping in the car when we spotted an old world pub with a thatched roof and a chimney with smoke curling into the still night air. Pulling into its little car park we went into the bar which was nearly empty. A few heads turned as we entered but then went back to their drinks. I ordered a couple of drinks for us and asked if they did sandwiches. As luck would have it they did so at least we wouldn‟t starve. I asked the barmaid if there were any Guest Houses nearby. “None that I know of but I‟ ll ask the landlord, he might know of somewhere.” she said and disappeared through a door at the rear of the bar. A couple of minutes later the landlord appeared. “Where are you headed?” he asked “Hadn‟t really decided” I replied “Just taking pot luck I guess” “Well whatever direction you take there‟s nowhere near here that does B&B” “Damn,” I said “Guess we‟ll have to sleep in the car. Would you mind if we used the carpark tonight? I don‟t fancy driving at night in unfamiliar territory.” The landlord looked at me and then Marie. He rubbed his chin. “Look” I said “we don‟t want to be a bother……” He held up a hand “Would I be right in thinking you‟re newlyweds?” “Shows do it?” I queried ruefully. He chuckled “You get to know the signs when you‟ve been in the trade as long as I have.” he said. Tell you what, hold on a sec whilst I have a word with management, the wife should I say.” So saying he disappeared after telling the barmaid to refill our glasses “On the house.” I returned to Marie to break the news about sleeping in the car, she was not best pleased but said “Not your fault my love, we‟ll be okay.” I gave her a hug and a kiss. “Not the best way to spend the first night of our honeymoon tho‟ is it?” She patted my hand “Not to worry, we‟ ll manage.” she said giving me a suggestive look. The landlord reappeared. “Right,” he said “I‟ve had a word with management” he smiled “She says if you like you can stay here for the night. We‟ve got a spare room we keep in case any of our kids turn up but as they‟re both abroad it‟s not likely they‟ll arrive tonight. So what d‟you say?” Marie jumped up, nearly spilling the drinks, and gave him a hug, saying “We‟ll take it and thank you very much. I wasn‟t looking forward to sleeping in the old jalopy even if it is nearly summertime.” The landlord blushed and asked us to give his wife time to get the room ready. Half an hour later he beckoned us to follow him. We climbed a narrow stairway to a room at the head of the stairs. Entering we were pleasantly surprised to see a fire blazing in the hearth making the room warm and inviting. A four -poster bed dominated the room. I dared not look at Marie as I eyed it. The landlord said “The wife lit the fire to take the chill off. I‟ll leave you too it then my dears. We shouldn‟t disturb you as we sleep at the other end of the pub.” He winked and left leaving Marie blushing and me as red as a beetroot. I collapsed onto the bed and nearly sank out of sight. “”Wow,” I exclaimed “you‟ve got to try this out.” patting the bed. Marie came over and sat next to me “Ooh! I want to take this bed with us.” she said bouncing up and down giggling. “Shush! They‟ll hear us.” I said grabbing her and pulling her down. She chuckled and then, looking at me seriously, leaned forward and brushed my lips with hers before kissing me passionately, our tongues exploring each other‟s mouth. My hands held her face away from me for a moment so that I could drink in her beauty then they moved down to the top buttons of her blouse. She held my hands and said huskily “Might be an idea to bring the cases up before we start, wouldn‟t want to get locked out.” I sighed and let her go. “Don‟t go away, I won‟t be long.” I crept down to the now dark and silent bar, unlocked the door and retrieved our cases from the car before hurrying back to our room. I whispered “I‟m back.” as I entered the room. Marie was still lying on the bed but when I approached I could see she was fast asleep. “Oh, that‟s brilliant.” I thought “Just the way to start a honeymoon.” I quietly opened my case and took out some toiletries, got undressed and headed for the bathroom. Towels and soap were provided so I was able to clean up. Heading back to the bedroom I noted that Marie was now lying clutching a pillow to her. I didn‟t want to wake her but felt she wouldn‟t thank me for letting her sleep in her clothes. I tickled her ear and then the end of her nose. She tried brushing me off like a fly. I then breathed hot air on her neck which had the effect of raising Goosebumps on her arms causing her to shiver and open her eyes. “Hello baby.” she murmured “You weren‟t long.” then “Oh! You‟re undressed, how long have I been asleep?” “Not long.” I replied “You‟ve not missed anything.” I chuckled. She climbed off the bed and I took the opportunity to slide in and lie watching her as she got her things from the case before disappeared into the bathroom. It must have been my turn to doze off because the next thing I knew I woke up to see a vision looking down on me, her hair brushing my face. She was wearing the sheerest of nightdresses, showing off her magnificent curves as the dim bedside light cast its glow through it. I shot up in bed as she stepped back. “Like what you see?” She asked coyly. “Oh brother, do I” I whispered climbing out of bed, We‟d never seen each fully naked before so I was a bit embarrassed and my excitement was all to obvious. I walked around her admiring her and stroking her through the silk. I could feel my juice oozing out at the sight of her. I pulled the bows that held the nightdress up and watched as it floated to the floor revealing her body to me. She covered herself modestly I kissed her gently on the lips, her neck and down to her nipples that were standing proud. I knelt before her kissing her smooth flat belly. She shivered in anticipation. I took her hands, kissed the palms and put them on my shoulders. I kissed the tops of her thighs before running my tongue in between her legs which parted to receive me. I eased her onto the bed where we lay just stroking each other until I sensed Marie was ready for me. I knelt between her legs, my fingers working their magic inside her unti l I could feel her hot wetness pressing against me, her hand feeling for my penis. I wanted to plunge into her but knew my bride was a virgin. I let her guide me and rub me against her, which was about as far as we‟d ever dared to go. Her legs were trembling as she held me against her before steering me into her a little way, her hips moving against me. Suddenly she gave a small cry and pulled me into her. A flicker of pain crossed her face then she urged me even deeper. I need no second bidding and we writhed and pushed unti l I could hold no longer and burst within her again and again, she slowly reached her climax as I continued to try and satisfy her. I collapsed across her and we lay still pulsing as the thrills eased off. Marie opened her eyes and stared into mine. “Okay baby?” I asked anxiously. “Oh god,” she replied, still moving against me “if I‟d known i t was going to be this good I‟m not sure we‟d have waited so long.” We both chuckled. “With any luck this was the first of many more to come, ahem, as it were.” I said. It was not long before we were pleasuring each other for the second time. This time more slowly, with Marie able to relax and enjoy the experience even more as I brought her to orgasm, gasping and making small noises as her hips rose and fell with mine until with a barely suppressed scream she came, jerking and shaking. Slowly she relaxed with a shudder but still moving gently against me. “Oh my Lord” She exclaimed softly “I didn‟t think it could get better than the first time but that was….. That wa-‟ I sealed her lips with a soft and gentle kiss and made to withdraw but she said “No, stay in, it feels so wonderful.” We lay, coupled, until sleep overcame us. Chapter 5 The following morning we were called down to a sumptuous breakfast and were glad there were no other guests. I felt sure we would have died of embarrassment. We loaded our cases into the car and Marie sat in while I went back into the pub to settle up. We were waved off by the landlord and his wife who wished us all the best for a happy marriage as we drove out of the car-park. “What a lovely couple. I can‟t believe what they charged us,” I said “it was practically a free night.” Marie agreed, nodding enthusiastically “D‟you reckon they took pity on us?” “Don‟t know,” I replied “but it‟s saved us a pretty penny and it gives me an idea. What say we go visit my Grandma? I‟m sure she‟d be pleased to see us and I‟ve not seen her for ages. You‟ll love her and it‟ll only take a couple of hours to get to Dover.” After an uneventful drive we arrived in the town, stopping at a café for lunch before making our way to Grandma‟s house. She had a private parking area outside the back entrance in a street to the rear and I able to park there. To save a walk we went to the back door and I knocked. It was opened by a pleasant faced middle- aged woman, she smiled and said, “Can I help you?” We introduced ourselves. “Oh! What a lovely surprise, please do come on in. Mary will be so pleased to see you both, she doesn‟t get many visitors apart from me, the doctor and the district nurse.” “Is she i ll?” I asked worriedly. “Not really, just one of the joys of old age as she would say.” Replied the lady whose name, she told us, was Mrs. Granite. “And please don‟t say „stone me‟ either, I‟ve heard it all before. Call me Lily.” she added with a grin. “I can see we‟re going to get on famously.” I chortled, getting a dig in the ribs from Marie for my troubles. We were ushered into a bright and cheerful looking lounge. Not at all what I expected as I‟d assumed that Grandma would have preferred a more subdued décor considering her great age. I mentioned it to Lily who said. ”Your Grandma is anything but conventional. She may be old but her mind‟s as sharp as a pin. Now you just wait here whi lst I see if she‟s ready to see you.” She disappeared into the hallway and we heard another door open and close. We could hear a murmur of voices. Within minutes Lily was back. “Come on,” she beckoned “She‟s dying to meet you.” She led us along the hall and knocked on a door. A strong voice said “Come on in my dears.” We entered and I was struck by how typically feminine the room appeared with delicate pale pink wallpaper adorned with small white flowers predominantly roses complimented with matching curtains. Grandma Mary was propped up in bed but had applied make-up and her hair was like a white fan on her pillow. She held out her arms to me. “It‟s so lovely to see you,” she said giving me a surprisingly strong hug, “and who‟s this vision you‟ve brought with you? She‟s absolutely gorgeous you lucky little devil.” “Who‟s this?” I feigned surprise “Oh her, it‟s just a bit of fluff I picked up on the way down to keep me bed warm. Wot‟s yer name again dearie?” I asked Marie. Marie didn‟t know what to do or say she just stood there blushing furiously and looking daggers at me. “You little sod.” said grandma “You don‟t change do you. Now stop embarrassing the girl.” I grinned and put my arm around Marie, kissed her and said “Sorry darling, just a little joke. Grandma may I introduce my bride and the love of my life, Marie.” Marie stepped forward, her cheeks glowing with embarrassment. Grandma said “Ignore him, it‟s his common upbringing, he can‟t help himself.” then held out her arms, drew Marie close and kissed and hugged her. Holding her at arms length she said sternly, looking at me. “You‟ll need to look after this one.” “What do you mean „this one‟?” I replied “I‟ll have you know she‟s the only woman in my life…..apart from yourself of course.” I grinned. “Flattery will get you everywhere.” She chortled. Lily, who‟d been standing in the background, said “Tea all round I think if that‟s your choice.” She waited for us to agree then said “I‟ll put the kettle on then.” and made to leave the room “A few bikkies might not go amiss Lil.” added grandma. Lily turned, grinned and said “Your wish is my command your highness.” She bowed and backed toward the door giving me a wink as she left. “Cheeky mare.” Shouted Grandma and was treated to a raspberry from the hallway. “She‟s lovely is my Lily, I‟m so lucky to have got her as my friend as well as my helper.” “It shows,” I said with a grin “and you can stop flirting with my Marie now too.” Grandma patted the side of her bed for Marie to sit. “So, tell me all about yourself. Did the wedding go as planned and what do you intend to do after the honeymoon? I‟m sorry I wasn‟t able to attend but as you can see I‟m not too mobile these days.” I gave her another hug and said “Quite understand Grandma, that‟s why we came to see you.” I dared not look at Marie as the lie tripped off my tongue. “Always been my favourite boy, even if he hasn‟t been to see me as often as he should.” She said to Marie, looking at me with mock severity. “Sorry Grandma but you know what it‟s like. It takes me all my time to look after her gorgeousness.” I put my arm around Marie and kissed her neck. “Oh! Get a room you two.” said Grandma. Which reminds me where are you stopping tonight?” “We hadn‟t thought that far ahead.” I said. “Settled then,” replied Grandma “you can stop with me until you‟re ready to move on, but not too soon I hope?” “We‟re okay until the end of next week then its back to the grind I‟m afraid. Thank you for the offer and we‟d be delighted to stay with you, wouldn‟t we doll?” I looked at Marie who nodded and gave Grandma a kiss on the cheek and said “You‟re too kind Grandma.” “Please stop calling me Grandma, „Mary‟ I will accept so‟s I don‟t feel so old.” “Old is not a word that comes immediately to mind my dear .” I said with affection squeezing her hand. “Ah! Here‟s Lily with the tea. Thank you my dear, and do you think you could make up the bed in the second best bedroom? These young lovers are going to stay for a few days.” “Oh! That‟s nice,” said Lily “be nice to have a bit of company.” “Yes and their bedroom‟s far enough away so they don‟t keep me awake.” said Mary, looking at the ceiling. Marie blushed and I stood speechless for a moment then, “Grandmother! You‟re incorrigible.” I grinned. “I know, lovely isn‟t it?” She said and daintily sipped her tea “Mmm…. Nice.” Later Lily showed us to our room which was quite big but tastefully furnished if a little too „chintzy‟ for my liking. We tested the bed and found it both soft and comfortable. I hugged Marie and asked her what she thought of my Grandma. “I think she‟s a lovely lady and definitely on our wavelength. I thought I was going to die of embarrassment when she mentioned about the noise.” “You‟ll get used to her she was only pulling your leg.” I chuckled “Talking of which, let‟s see if she can hear us.” I pushed Marie down on the bed and ran my hand up under her dress. “Get off me!” she squealed “She‟ll hear us.” “She will if you keep squealing so keep quiet.” I covered her mouth with mine and slipped my hand inside her panties and stroked between her legs. She stopped struggling and pushed my face away. “Oo that feels good but sh-” I covered her mouth again. This time she lay quietly as I caressed her. She opened her legs fractionally and I could feel her starting to move against my hand. Lily took this moment to knock on the door. We scrambled off the bed and I squeaked, “Just a sec.” We made ourselves presentable…just. “Come in.” I croaked. Lily entered saying, “I‟ve just brought you some towels and things for the bathroom which, by the way, is on the left next door. Sorry to have disturbed you,” she said with a little smile, “Dinner will be around 7pm. If you‟d care to join us I‟m sure Mary wi ll be delighted.” “We‟ll be there.” I replied Lily left the room. “Did I see her wink at you?” I asked Marie. “Might have,” she giggled “now where were we?” and lay back on the bed….. The week passed all too quickly as we toured the area around Dover venturing as far as Canterbury seeing row upon row of Hops which later in the year would be harvested by whole families from the East-end of London and other parts. This would be their summer holiday and they would probably go home at the end with a few shillings more than they started with unless they spent it in the local hostelries. Thirsty work is hop-picking. Signs of the battering sustained during the war were still much in evidence in Dover and the surrounding areas. A lot of bomb and shell damaged houses had disappeared to be replaced with „Prefab‟ bungalows and in some places newly built houses. We took Mary with us a couple of times and she said how sad it was to have seen such devastation and told of the friends she had lost before saying “Life goes on I guess, give it a few years and all this will be forgotten, you mark my words.” Saturday we left Mary with a promise to visit whenever we could afford it. “That reminds me, hang on a minute.” She said and turned to Lily. “Lily would you be a dear and get that envelope I left on the sideboard, it‟s the white one.” Lily returned and handed it to Mary who then passed it to me saying, “You‟re not to open this until you get back home okay?” Puzzled I nodded and promised her we would. With kisses and hugs all round we set off, Mary and Lily waving until we were out of sight. Chapter 6 It was quite late when we arrived back at Mum and Dad‟s house but they were still up and eager to know how the honeymoon had gone. We told them all about it and then, yawning, we made our excuses and went to bed. We were both dead tired, too tired even to make love. We just held each other , slowly drifting off to sleep. My last thought was “I wonder what‟s in Grandma‟s envelope…?” I slowly came too, Marie was still snuggled up to me but my arm which was under her was dead. I wriggled my fingers to try and get some life back but eventually I had to try and withdraw my arm from under her without disturbing her. I‟d nearly made it when she sighed and said “What on earth are you doing now?” “Sorry baby,” I replied “was just trying to get my arm back before it dies completely but didn‟t want to wake you.” She moved enough for me to free my arm which flopped about until I could shake some sort of tingling life into it. “That‟s better, can just about hold you now for a kiss.” I put my good arm around her and drew her too me. “My word dearie, you seem pleased to see me.” I chuckled “Probably because I need a pee.” Marie reached down and stroked my rigid member. “Seem‟s a shame to waste it.” So saying she thrust my penis into her moist, hot vagina. “Oh my gawd” I groaned as she moved on me. “This shouldn‟t be possible but..Oh!…Oh!” I spent myself at the same time Marie shuddered and released me. “Thought you said it wasn‟t possible when you needed a pee” she said coyly. “That‟s what I thought, how wrong can I be.” I smiled, kissed her and stroked her bare behind. “Thank you my darling for starting a perfect day but I really must go and have a pee now.” I slid out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. I noticed grandma‟s envelope on the bedside table. Picking it up I threw it to Marie saying, “Open this and see what she‟s written my lovely.” Returning from the bathroom I started to say “So what‟s she got to sa…..?” Marie‟s face was a picture, her mouth was moving but no words came. “What on earth‟s the matter my darling?” I said. Marie said nothing just waved the revealed letter at me. I took it from her and read….. My dear James and Marie, By the time you read this you’ll hopefully be safely back home again. It has been a joy to see you both and thank you for the tours it was lovely to get out and about for a short while. Marie, you’re gorgeous and kind so make sure your man appreciates you. Anyway I’ve enclosed a little something as a wedding gift and also as a thank you for the lovely time we had. Both I and Lily will miss the chatter and laughter - Yes I could hear you - this house has been to long without. Bye for now and please don’t be strangers. Your ever-loving grandma, Mary XXXXX “Aw, bless her that‟s a lovely letter.” I said. “Wait until you see this.” said Marie waving a piece of paper. I took it from her, looked at it and promptly sat, or rather collapsed, onto the bed. It was a cheque for £500. “Oh…my…gawd! That‟s a fortune.” I spluttered speechless. “Now you know what I felt.” said Marie. We stared at each other then at the cheque hardly daring to believe our eyes. Once we‟d recovered we dressed and went to break the news to mum and dad. They were delighted for us and we had a round of hugs and a few red eyes were evident. “We‟ll be able to get our own place now,” exclaimed Marie “I know just the place. I looked at it before we were married but never dreamed we‟d be able to afford the rent.” I glanced at Mum and Dad, they were both smiling. “You need to be on your own,” said Mum “but you know if it doesn‟t work out you‟ll always have a home here.” I gave her a hug and thanked them both for being there for us. “The first thing for me to do is write to Grandma and thank her for this very welcome and unexpected gift. I had thought of sending a telegram but that might give her a fright thinking something was wrong.” “Good thinking,” said Marie “but I feel like breakfast first or I‟ ll die of hunger.” “Typical” I muttered and got a dig in the ribs “Ouch!” Having written a lovely (I thought) thank you letter to Grandma Mary we went into town to post it. Marie then took me to see the Flat she‟d spotted. We phoned the landlord who met us there with the key. It was as Marie described being fully furnished and in a „nice‟ area of town. We took possession there and then and rushed home to tell Mum and Dad. That night as we prepared for bed I looked around our bedroom and thought of times past. Marie asked me what I was thinking and I told her I was thinking of the times we‟d spent in this house holding hands and talking of what might be as our love deepened and how we‟d come close to the ultimate step. “You mean like this?” breathed Marie as she slowly kissed her way down my stomach. “Exactly like this” I replied, slipping her nightdress from her shoulders and caressing her exposed nipples which hardened as I took one in my mouth sucking and rolling it between my teeth. Marie shivered with delight and moved down to kiss the end of my now stiffened manhood before taking me into her hot, wet mouth. I stiffened as she led me to the edge of ecstasy. She stopped and threw herself back on the bed, her legs spread as she dragged me onto her. She was ready for me as I gently entered her, feeling the hot moisture of her juices surrounding me. She grabbed my buttocks and forced me into her, our hips grinding together as we reached for the climax which came explosively for us both as we drove together again and again to extract the last moments of pleasure. Collapsing, we caressed each other as the waves of passion receded leaving us bathed in the warmth of our love. We moved into the Flat two weeks later. It didn‟t take long as we had very little to move, the biggest items being bedding donated by Mum from her ample store plus what Marie had accrued for her „Bottom Drawer‟. And so we cast off and headed into married life unknowing what fate, for good or ill, had in store for us………. The Time Of Our Life Part2 (A Shock and an Adventure) Chapter 1 . Our wedding gifts included pots, pans, cutlery and crockery plus (inevitably) a Toaster and electric kettle all of which was gratefully accepted. Between us we managed to write thank you notes to all who provided us with these invaluable gifts. I returned to my job at the factory and Marie obtained a secretarial post with a local solicitors. Although we were both earning, money was tight. Some of Grandma‟s gift had been spent on the down payment and advance rent for the Flat but we managed – just - once we‟d worked out a budget. I gave up smoking which after so many years was difficult and poor Marie suffered from my short fuse until the withdrawal symptoms wore off after which I noticed a definite improvement in my sense of smell, my appetite improved and I started to put on weight. It was as well, in these early days, that we preferred our own company to going out to the pub and dances, our budget didn‟t extend to such luxuries. We went to the cinema instead and in the warm darkness of the back row, relived the memories of times before we were married with all its fumblings knowing that when we got home we could give full rein to our passion. This lifestyle, despite our best efforts, found us lurching from one crisis to another to make ends meet. Costs rose as did inflation but without a similar rise in wages. The Unions were flexing their newfound muscles and threats of strike action an ever present worry. We stopped going out and began to have niggling quarrels over trivialities leading to long periods of cold silence between us something which had never happened in the past. Although I had always been a loner Marie wasn't and missed the companionship of her friends of an evening and at weekends. It was breaking my heart that I was unable to give the love of my life the things I wanted too. She constantly assured me that being together was all that mattered and that it was just a test of our commitment which we would get through. She would then kiss me with passion and we would be as one again, until the next bill dropped on the doormat. One Saturday morning, whilst Marie was at work, I was sewing up a tear in the knee of my work jeans when I heard the letterbox flap rattle as a letter dropped through it. I groaned, fearing the worst. I went and picked it up, turning it over to see who it was from. A solicitors address in Dover apparently. I didn't recognise the envelope as one of the usual 'final demands'. With some trepidation I opened it. Inside was a single sheet of paper bearing a solicitor‟s heading. “Oh Gawd, now what.” I muttered as I imagined all sorts of things, eviction, being cut off by one of the utility companies or worst of all being told I was being made redundant. My hands shook as I opened it and began to read. Dear Mr Weston. As you will no doubt have been informed your maternal Grandmother, Mary, passed away recently. I earnestly request you contact me urgently at the above address. I remain, etc. Mr K. James. Solicitor" I had to sit down as the full impact of the letter hit me. I felt numb with shock. I couldn‟t believe what I was reading. I read it again. There was no mistake, my dear grandma was dead and we‟d had no idea. A phone number was included but I would have to wait unti l Monday before I could make a phone call. Grandma Mary had died. I couldn‟t get past the words and felt the tears welling up. It seemed only yesterday we‟d waved goodbye to her and Lily at the end of our honeymoon. We had written to her but had no inkling she was even i ll. I don‟t know how long I sat there staring at the letter and it was only as I heard Marie opening the front door with a cheery “Only me” that I came back to reality. “I‟m in here” I called. Marie must have guessed by the tone of my voice that all was not well. “Whatever is the matter darling, you don‟t look at all well.” Without a word I held out the letter. Marie took and read it. “Oh no, not Grandma and just when I was getting to know her. Oh darling I‟m so sorry.” “Why didn‟t someone tell us?” I said “I would have thought Lily would have let us know. I‟d write to her but don‟t know here address. We don‟ t even know when the funeral was or even when she died. Marie sat down beside me and we both shed a few tears. We must have sat there for an age and I only realised the time as dusk began to steal into the room. I glanced at the clock. “Jeez! Is that the time?” I exclaimed, “You must be starving my love. Sit there and I‟ ll get us some tea ready.” I bustled about preparing it. At least it took my mind off our loss. After tea we spent the rest of the evening not saying much but holding each other for mutual comfort. Much earlier than normal we went to bed. I lay in the dark and was once more overcome with grief. Marie must have felt me shaking and cuddled up close kissing away the tears at the same time shedding her own. Chapter 2 On Monday morning Marie asked me what I intended to do. I said that first I was going to call my boss, explain the situation and ask for time off. “Shouldn‟t be a problem, they‟re very understanding at times like these. Then I‟ll ring that solicitor and see what's what." "Hmm," she said "where are we going to get the money for the phone call from? You know how these public phone boxes eat up money." "I ‟ve got a few bob. I was going to treat us to the pictures but I guess this is more important. We drove over to Mum and Dad‟s to break the news and explain the situation. They were very sad to hear of Grandma Mary‟s death and Dad insisted I take a handful of change for the Phone even though I protested that I could manage. "Pay me back out of your first million." He said. He was ever the joker and kindness itself although his gruff voice could be somewhat intimidating. Marie had taken the day off quoting „Woman‟s Problems‟ . We walked slowly into town and found to our annoyance that the phone box was engaged. We walked up and down outside trying to catch the occupant‟s eye to let him know we were waiting but he seemed to be in there for ages. Eventually he came out and we both made a dash for the door to find ourselves jammed in the doorway. We both laughed and I stood back so she could squeeze herself into the corner then let the door close slowly behind me. It was a tight fit and being pressed up against her I felt myself becoming aroused. She looked at me and whispered "Keep your mind on the phone call you randy devil." I blushed and said "Sorry dear, can't help it when you are around." I picked up the phone, listened for the dial tone, put a sixpence in the slot and dialled the number. After a few seconds a female voice said "Major and James, solicitors.” I pressed button A and said “This is Mr Weston and I'm ringing regarding a letter I received on Saturday. I need to speak to Mr James." There was a few seconds of silence then the same voice said "Hold on I'm putting you through.” The phone started to beep so I put another sixpence in, almost immediately a voice said "Good morning sir, Mr Weston I presume?” “It is” I answered. “Ahem! Please accept my condolences on your loss. Mary and I were good friends.” I muttered something inconsequential. “Would it be possible for you to come to this office at 11a.m. on Wednesday this week, I appreciate it‟s a long way for you to come but this matter can only be dealt with face to face. Please be assured that you will find it worth the journey, and you will most definitely not be out of pocket." All the whi le Marie was nudging me and saying "What's he saying, what's he saying?" I put my finger to my lips and whispered "Just be patient dear and I'll tell you." I then had to put another coin in the meter. Mr James gave me the address of his office and directions to find it saying he looked forward to meeting me. I put the phone down and we left the phonebox. I explained what had been said. Marie began to get excited and said "Do you think she's left you a lot of money?" "I wouldn't have thought so," I said "I don't think she had a lot except for the house, at least not that I know of but then again she did give us all that money. I wonder what he meant by me not being out of pocket.” Later I raised the subject of finding the petrol money to drive to Dover. I didn't want to ask Mum or Dad to lend me any more money. Marie said she'd be able to get time off so we could both go. After some thought I said, "Well I could pawn my wedding ring until…..." "No you‟re not." Marie interrupted with finality. "Well what am I going to do then?" I said. She was quiet for a moment and then said "I hope you won't be mad at me, but I've been saving a little money just in case there was an emergency, we can use that." I stared at her unti l she said "Well say something then." apprehensively. I moved toward her and she backed away, alarm showing on her face. I reached out for her and she flinched but all I did was pick her up, hold her tightly and kiss her until she broke away gasping for breath. "You are my angel." I said "What would I do without you." “Go begging in the streets or sell your body?” Marie laughed and dodged out of the way as I grabbed for her again. Chapter 3 We rose early on Wednesday morning just as the late May sunshine was touching the roof tops with the promise of a warm sunny day. Had a quick breakfast after which I went out to the old Ford to make sure it was ok and would start. Marie packed an overnight bag in case we got held up or, even worse, broke down.. It was a good 100 miles to Dover but fortunately we‟d be able to avoid the worst of traffic going into London during the rush hour. We set off, giving ourselves plenty of time to make the 11.a.m. appointment. We tootled along at a good 40mph, which was almost as fast as the old jalopy would go unless it was downhill with a following wind. We were lucky with the traffic around London and were soon heading toward Dover, arriving there in plenty of time for our meeting. I had a rough idea where the solicitor‟s office was and drove slowly along scanning the street signs . Marie pointed as we approached a crossroads. “Just there look, just up from that post- box.” We turned left and were able to park almost outside the solicitor‟s office It being only a quarter past ten, found a café where we nervously whiled away the time with a cup of tea and a sandwich. I glanced at my watch, “It‟s five to eleven, let‟s get it over with.” I said. The door buzzer sounded as we nervously entered the reception area of the solicitor‟s office, Marie holding my arm so tightly it was almost painful. The receptionist smiled, took my name and asked us to take a seat whilst she called Mr James. I whispered to Marie "I hope this hasn't been a waste of your valuable savings." She squeezed my hand, "Stop worrying I'm sure it will be ok." "Let's hope so." I replied. Mr James wasn't at all as I'd imagined him. I was expecting a younger man but he was a mousey little man who had a habit of clearing his throat before speaking. “Ahem!, so glad you could make it.” He said, shaking both our hands. I thought "This is going to be a waste of time." "Please come with me, if you would." he said clearing his throat again. We followed him into his office. Tables were piled high with document folders some of which were overflowing onto the floor; Volumes of law books lined the walls. "Sorry about the mess, we‟re in the process of moving to more spacious office accommodation. Please take a seat,” he said, sweeping some fi les from the chairs onto the floor, “and we' ll get straight down to business." We made ourselves comfortable. "First of all Mr Weston I must ask you too show me some form of identification." I showed him my Birth Certificate which I had had the foresight to bring. "Do you have any other form of identification?" He asked. I showed him my driving licence. He could see I was frowning. "Thank you very much Sir, I‟m sorry if you find this annoying but I have to be sure that you are who you say you are and these documents seem to bear that out.” He continued. “You Mr Weston” he studied a form “Er - James is it?” I nodded, “As her only surviving relative you are also the sole beneficiary except for some minor bequests. I won't go into details as you can peruse the content of the Will in your own time. The salient points are these," He cleared his throat again and went on. "The house, No17 in Athol Gardens including the contents is now yours to do with as you will." My heart gave such a leap I thought it would jump out of my chest and I felt my face burning. He went on, "What I have to tell you now may come as a bit of a shock. Mrs Tennant, or Mary, as I knew her, was very astute at playing the Stock Market." "Stock Market?” I exclaimed, “Well I‟ll be….. I had no idea, she just seemed like your average grandma to me." He smiled, cleared his throat again "Ahem, Mary was anything but average when it came to having an eye for a good investment." "Well, you learn something new every day." I commented. He chuckled, "That's very true so you may not be prepared for this next bit” he paused then went on. “You are now a very wealthy young man sir." I thought to myself 'Can't see how a couple of thousand pounds is going to make me that wealthy.' Mr James then dropped his bombshell. "At the time of her death Mrs Tennant had assets in stocks and shares worth in excess of £500,000, it‟s considerably more but death duties have to be paid. You can leave that part to me as Mary made provision realising you would not want the burden and also to make sure no more was paid to „The thieving sods‟ (Her words) than was absolutely necessary. He smiled. “It just remains for you to sign on the dotted line and for me too arrange transfer of the stocks and shares to you and sort out the „Thieving so and soes.” he chuckled. “I will contact you again when it‟s been done. I take it you have a bank account?” he queried. I nodded numbly and gave him my bank details. “I‟ ll see that some funds are transferred to it as soon as possible. It could take about a week.” I nodded dumbly as I tried to take it all in.* He slid a document across the desk. With a shaking hand I managed to sign it and pushed it back to him unable to speak. I looked at Marie, her face was as white as a sheet and she looked on the point of fainting. Mr James saw our predicament and, smiling, used the intercom, "Jennifer, would you be good enough to bring a pot of tea, I think our young visitors are in need of some refreshment." He gave us a huge grin saying, "I hope you will be able to cope with this sudden windfall but if you need any advice or help please don't hesitate to contact me". At this point the secretary, Jennifer, brought in the tea. I felt I needed something stronger and said so. Mr James chuckled, “Ahem! Alas that‟s something we don‟t keep on the premises but it might be an idea too, in the event this sort of situation arises in the future. Trust me Sir, it‟s not everyday this kind of thing happens.” I found myself longing for a cigarette and if anyone had offered me one I‟d have snatched their hand off. We finished our tea in silence as both Marie and I were still in shock. We just held hands, my fingers white with the grip I had on Marie‟s. I only let go when she whispered “Can I have my hand back please darling before you squash it.” Only then did I realise how firmly I was holding it. I released her hand and she started to rub some life back into it. “Oh, I‟m sorry sweetheart, didn‟t mean to hurt you” I apologised and, reaching for her injured hand kissed it. “Ah, that‟s much better now.” Marie gave me a tremulous smile but seemed on the verge of tears. “OK darling?” I asked with concern. “Y-yes I think so my love. It‟s such a shock and, and…….” She trailed off “I know how you feel,” I replied “I‟m still a bit numb myself.” *(The average weekly wage during this era was about £10 per week. A new house would cost around £4,000) We finished our tea but then I felt at a loss as to what to do next. Mr James seemed to sense our uncertainty and said "Oh!, how remiss of me, I nearly forgot” He rummaged around in a drawer and handed me an envelope and a set of keys. “Your Grandmother asked me to give you this letter and here are the keys to the property. You know how to get there?" I said it would be no problem. We shook hands. “Please remember if there‟s anyway I can help don‟t hesitate to contact me. Oh, I nearly forgot, Mrs Granite is keeping an eye on the property for you at the moment.” He kissed Marie's hand. "I‟m delighted to have made your acquaintance madam." Marie blushed prettily. "You've made a conquest there." I whispered. Chapter 4 Once outside in the sunshine we got in the car and just sat there looking at each other and then, as the impact of what had just happened hit us, we hugged each other, laughing and crying at the same time. Passers-by must have thought we were either mad, drunk or both. We were beyond caring. When we finally calmed down I remembered I still had the letter and keys in my pocket. I said "let‟s go and look at our new house.” “You sure you‟re fit to drive darling?” asked Marie. “I think I‟ve calmed down a bit now, I‟ll be Ok” I replied. I switched on and pulled the starter knob. The starter turned over but the old girl refused to start. “Sod it.” I exclaimed, got out, lifted the bonnet and fiddled with the wiring. The coil lead had worked loose. I pushed it firmly home and tried the starter again. The engine sprang into life enveloping us with smoke. I dropped the bonnet climbed back in, wiped my hands on a piece of rag and drove through the centre of town, along the sea front, turning off into the back road leading to the parking area at the rear of the house. "It‟s nice to have our own car park," I said as we got out of the car. We made our way to the back door. I tried a few keys unti l I found one that fitted. Going in the house felt cold and gloomy after the bright sunlight. It seemed to me that an air of sadness permeated the place. We went around throwing back the curtains and opening a few windows to let some light in. "This place is still much as I remember it as a child." I said. Near the front door the sun left rainbow patterns on the hall floor as it passed through the multicoloured fanlight. Once again we clung to each other. Marie said "This has got to be a dream, please tell me this is a dream." I held her to me and breathed in the heady smell of her hair. Dipping my head I gently kissed the nape of her neck. She quivered in my arms and held her face up to be kissed. I couldn't resist those soft warm lips and kissed her long and tenderly. "It's not a dream darling, it seems we really do own this place and everything in it and as for the money, it will take a while to come to terms with reality and the fact that we are rich beyond our wildest dreams." We sat down in the living room and I remembered the letter grandma had left for me. Took it from my pocket, opened it and read: Dear James and Marie. If you’re reading this then I guess I will have gone on the last great adventure. As the saying goes, 'You can't take it with you' so I am passing everything to you except for a few small bequests that my solicitor Mr James will attend too. You were always kind and loving to me even though I never saw a lot of you in recent years. I was so pleased to see you both when you visited me on your honeymoon. As my only family I hope that my bequest can help you and your lovely wife enjoy life to the full. My only regret is that we were not able to spend more time together when you were here. I think Marie is a kind and beautiful young lady. I only regret we were unable to get to know each other better. We had many happy hours when you were a child which I cherish, God bless you both, your ever-loving Grandma, Mary XXXX PS: If you look in the bottom drawer of the writing bureau there is a small wooden box. See if you can find the key. I stood with the letter in my hand, my eyes filled with tears, a few dripped onto the paper making the ink run and smudge. Folding it up I put it back in my pocket. I looked at Marie and saw that her eyes were glistening as well. I gave her a little smile and patted her bottom, "Come on gal, she wouldn't want us to be sad." I croaked. She gave me a tremulous smile and wiped away an errant tear from my face. I sniffed and wiped my nose on my sleeve. "Mucky toad." she said. "Sorry dear, I don't suppose I can do that now I'm posh" I joked. "Let's go and see what's in this mysterious box she mentioned." The writing bureau stood against the wall of the living room and had obviously been lovingly polished. The box was in the bottom drawer. I took it out and found it locked. All the keys I'd been given were nowhere near small enough to open it. I frowned and hunted in all the drawers as well as inside the roll -top desk but no key. I turned the box over and found, stuck to the bottom, a typewritten note, it read 'OVERcome your greatest fear, the way inside is hidden here. "What the hell does that mean?" I said. "Search me." said Marie. "I'd love to," I chuckled "but we'd better find this key first." I looked around the room but nothing seemed out of place. There was nothing on top of the dresser except a fine film of dust. I felt stumped as I tried to puzzle out the note. 'What is my greatest fear?' I pondered. Maybe the answer is in her bedroom. "Come on dear" I called. We started to climb the stairs. Marie gave a squeal and hid behind me. “What's up?" I asked, concerned. "I thought there was someone on the stairs." she said, a quiver in her voice. "It's that damned mirror." I said. I clicked my fingers and shouted "That's what she meant; it‟s got to have something to do with the mirror." I told her how as a child when I went up the stairs the mirror used to frighten me because I thought that someone was coming down to get me, just as you did a minute ago. Reaching the landing I studied the mirror. It was fixed to the wall so there was no way to look behind it. I pushed and pulled it but to no avail. I sighed and studied the note again, why the upper-case 'OVER'?” I mused. The answer struck me like a lightning bolt, “Of course!” I exclaimed. Reaching up I could just touch the top of the frame. Feeling along the top I brushed against an object which fell to the floor. Marie picked it up and exclaimed "Well done Sherlock, it's got to be the key to the box,” adding with a chuckle “This is better than Cluedo." We ran downstairs again and put the key in the box and turned it. The box sprang open. “My God!” I exclaimed, wide-eyed with astonishment. It was packed with Banknotes of all denominations from £5 to £50 including a few of the old „White‟ five pound notes. We gaped at the sight of this fortune. "There's got to be thousands here." I said. "The crafty old girl didn't want the taxman to get it." I relocked the box and returned it to the bureau. We collapsed onto the settee. Neither of us spoke as we tried to take in all that had happened today. "So, what are we going to do now?" I said. There was a long pause then Marie said "My brain's stopped working." "So's mine." I agreed. We sat there trying valiantly but failing too come to terms with our newly acquired wealth. I realised that I was ravenously hungry, turning to Marie I said " I‟m starving, fancy a bite to eat?" "Good thinking, I'm a bit peckish myself," she replied "But there‟s nothing in the house and I'm not sure if our funds will run to a ……" She stopped talking abruptly, put her hand to her mouth and said "what am I saying? Let's go buy a restaurant.” She dragged me to my feet. As we prepared to leave, the doorbell rang. We looked at each other "Who can that be,” I said “we don't know anybody around here?" I opened the door and was delighted to find Li ly Granite standing there. “Lily,” I exclaimed and held out my arms for a hug. “Come on in please.” She came in hesitantly “As long as I‟m not intruding.” she said. “Nonsense Lily, you‟re as good as family so far as I‟m concerned, especially as you looked after Grandma Mary so well.” “It‟s good to see you both again too even under such sad circumstances and I‟m so sorry I didn‟t get in touch to tell you of Mary‟s death. It all happened so quickly and what with one thing…….” She trailed off and tears came to her eyes. Marie reached out to comfort her and I patted her on the shoulder. “We know you were close to grandma so we quite understand Lily.” When she had composed herself Lily continued “Mr James, the solicitor, asked me to get the place ready in case you wanted to spend some time here. I've made up a bed with fresh linen in the master bedroom if that‟s alright but I'm afraid there‟s no food in the house at present as I didn't know when you were coming or if you were staying. Would you like me to get some in?" "We haven't made up our minds yet" I replied "but don't worry Lily, we' ll get something in if we decide to stay, in fact we were just going out for lunch." "Then I' ll leave you to it," she said "but if you need anything just give me a call, I only live a couple of doors away, my phone number is on the kitchen table." What do we owe you?" I said. "Ah bless you, don't worry about that, Mr James has arranged everything," Said Lily. With a sad smile she turned to leave. “Lily,” I said quietly “Please don‟t be a stranger. I know grandma thought the world of you. If it‟s not too painful for you perhaps you could tell us what took Mary away.” Lily said “It was just old age I guess. I went round one morning as usual and she was gone. The doctor said her heart just stopped, probably in her sleep.” I could see the memory was painful for her so I put my arms around her and said, “We‟re here for you if you want to talk Lil. We don‟t know for how long but we‟ll let you know. Perhaps you‟d like to continue as housekeeper for us, if so we‟ll pay you whatever Mary did.” “Mary was very good to me” said Lily, “She left a bit in her will for me but thank you, I‟d be pleased to „do‟ for you both assuming Marie‟s got no objections.” Marie, standing next to me said “You‟re very welcome Lily; I hate housework especially dusting, so feel free.” She smiled and gave Lily a hug. “Cheerio then, see you both later.” said Lily and left. "We'd better send Mum and Dad a telegram and let them know we're ok and tell them the good news. I'll ring the factory and tell them I won't be coming back „For family reasons‟ that way they won‟t expect me to work my notice. That goes for you too my love." I said. "Suits me" replied Marie "Never did care much for that job." Chapter 5 We found a Post Office and sent a lengthy telegram to Mum and Dad telling them of our good fortune and that we‟d see them as soon as possible. I said to Marie "The poor dears, I know they've been living from week to week, just like us. I think we should see they are set up and don't have to struggle anymore. Marie agreed with me and said "You are being very generous." "No I'm not" I said "They‟ve always been good to me and I‟ve always considered them to be my mum and dad too. Right now let‟s go get some food, I‟m starving." We found a small cafe with a sea view and had our first decent meal for a long time. "Makes a change from beans on toast or fish and chips" I said as we drank an excellent cup of real coffee as opposed to the cheap „ Instant‟ muck we usually had to drink. Paying the bill we strolled through the town and I pointed out various places I'd haunted as a street urchin before and just after the war. We finished up at the harbour and I pointed out the cross-channel ferry. "That‟ll take you to France if you fancy it sometime my lovely. Think of all those posh French dress shops." I chuckled I said. "I'd love to sail round the world and see all the exotic places we only see on postcards or at the pictures" said Marie wistfully. "Well Dorothy Lamour, you never know, we might just do that" I replied with a chuckle. "And you can be my Tarzan, but right now I fancy a paddle." she said, running onto a strip of sand. "I wouldn‟t advise it just yet. It' ll be a bit chilly this early in the year." I cautioned. "I used to practically live on the beach when I was a boy and explored all over those cliffs." pointing to the white cliffs that ran along the shore toward Folkestone. "There's a railway tunnel just beyond these sands". Marie stripped off her shoes and stockings ran down to the sea and plunged in up to her knees. "Argh!” She yelped "its freezing." and promptly ran back to me again. "I told you it was a bit chilly this time of year didn't I?" I said. "Ok clever clogs, point taken" she said trying to wipe off the sand with her hankie. She sighed “I‟ll just have to walk barefoot until they dry or you could carry me. “Dream on my dear.” I replied. “Hmph! Fine Sir Galahad you are.” she moaned, picking up her stockings, stuffing them in her pocket and carrying her shoes. “Now you wouldn‟t want me to get my nice shiny armour all rusty would you?” I chuckled We linked arms and walked back along the beach the smell of the sea lingering in our nostrils. "This brings back memories" I said. "Where you used to bring your girlfriends?" said Marie with a giggle. "Oh yes, of course." I said. Marie looked at me sideways. "I recall there was a lovely little blonde but she was older than me so it was never going to work.” I paused for effect, “I must have been all of seven years old." I laughed. “You should see your face.” I giggled, which earned me a dig in the ribs. We reached a grassy area on the edge of town, sat down and I brushed the sand from her legs and feet. I was aware she was looking down at me with a smile on her face that accentuated her dimples. "I do love you so much you know." I said, with as much feeling as I could put into words. She stroked my cheek and said "The feeling is mutual." I stood up, put my arms around her and we kissed. She said “I‟ ll not put my stockings on, just my sandals." “Allow me my Princess.” I said, kneeling down and putting her sandals on for her. “Well thank you Sir Knight.” She replied, kissing the top of my head. "It's a lovely little town" said Marie "I could live here quite happily." The sun was beginning to set and a chill breeze had sprung up as we made our way back to our new home. Fortunately Lily had made sure the electricity and gas were re-connected before we got there. The house was warm inside and must have been one of the first to have central heating. "Must say grandma liked her creature comforts," I remarked "don't blame her though it's not as if she couldn't afford it." Marie meantime was exploring the rest of the house. I sat down on the settee. It had been a long and eventful day and I suddenly felt weary. I must have dozed off when I heard a cry from upstairs. I jumped up calling out "What's the matter?" "Sorry - nothing" she said "I've just discovered this enormous bathroom, it's nearly as big as the bedroom and the bath is like a swimming pool…. well almost" she chuckled. I went upstairs to see for myself and sure enough it was the biggest bath I'd ever seen. "Don‟t recall seeing this one when we were here last. Makes you wonder what the old girl used to get up to in a bath that size." I commented. "Is there any hot water? I'm feeling a bit weary after all the driving and everything that‟s happened and could do with a good soak". I turned on the tap and almost immediately hot water gushed into the bath. I hastily put the plug in. Marie said "While you're having a soak I'll do a bit more exploring." "Ok." I said "Do you want me to save the water for you?" "Yes please," she said "If you don't leave it to mucky of course." "You‟re a cheeky hussy." I said and made a grab for her but she slipped out of the bathroom chortling. Having adjusted the temperature to my liking, I found some bath salts and poured in a liberal dose. Stripping off, I gingerly eased into the hot water, slowly leaned back, rested my head on a loofah and closed my eyes. The only sound was the lapping of the water as I breathed and Marie humming a tune as she pottered about. I must have gone to sleep because I became aware of something pressing against my leg. I tried to brush it aside but it remained obstinately pressing on me. I slowly opened my eyes and saw that Marie had crept in whilst I dozed and got in the bath with me. She looked at me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and ran her hand up my leg. I grabbed her wrist and she tried to pull away but I was to strong for her and she was slipping on the smooth surface of the bath made even more slippery by the bath salts. I drew her toward me and grabbed her other wrist as well. I raised her arms and the steamy water poured off her body running in rivulets between her breasts and dripping from her nipples. She moved her body until she was kneeling astride me. I was so aroused that I was stiff and quivering with anticipation. I let go of her wrists and slowly ran my hands over her slippery skin stroking her breasts and running my hands over their beautiful shape. Her nipples hardened as I gently caressed them and she started to make soft animal noises. Slowly she lowered herself until she was just touching the tip of my penis with her vagina, teasing me. It was becoming difficult to control myself as she moved about brushing against me then lowering herself until I was just entering her. I reached down and caressed the insides of her legs and started to massage her clitoris, gently at first and then faster and faster and more firmly. I thrust my fingers inside her and began move them in and out. She started to quiver and make more urgent noises until she suddenly tore my hands away and lunged down on me so that the full length of me entered her, our hips met and began to grind. Faster and faster we moved together, heedless of the water splashing around us. Finally I could contain myself no longer and pulled her on to me, lifting and pulling her down again until I came, driving and driving until I was spent. Marie's breasts were heaving and her eyes were tight shut and her hips were still working against me. I realised that she had yet to climax. I continued to kiss and caress her lips and nipples until I felt myself firming again. I turned her over and entered her from behind and began to drive and move from side to side. I could feel her quivering more and more until she gave a heave and stifled a scream as I gripped her waist and drove as deeply as I could into her. Giving a final quiver she collapsed beneath me becoming almost completely submerged as I came once again. Our pulsing slowly eased and I gave a great sigh. We lay panting for a while our eyes closed, only the sound of the water slopping about breaking the silence. As our breathing began to return to something like normality I made to withdraw but she held me in "No, stay in, I want to hold you a little longer," she whispered, wriggling gently. "This is the best lovemaking we've had since our honeymoon." I agreed and whispered back, my voice hoarse with emotion " I think I‟ve died and gone to heaven.” We lay for a while longer, then washed each other and rinsed off wi th a shower head. Towels were ready for us on the heated rail . Wrapping ourselves in them we went downstairs to dry off in front of the electric fire which was fitted with a revolving device that scattered slivers of red and gold light around the room. We must have slept for some time because when I woke it was past midnight. Marie was still asleep and, not wishing to wake her, I picked her up and carried her up to the bedroom, put her to bed, crept in beside her and fell asleep once again. Chapter 6 I woke to the sound of traffic in the street. The sun was streaming through a gap in the curtains giving promise of another fine day. I turned toward Marie who was still fast asleep, lifted a tendri l of hair from her eyelid and tickled her ear with it. She tried to flick it away as if swatting a fly but I just moved it to the back of her neck. She made a little grumbling noise and tried to swat it again. Her eyes opened as she heard me chuckling. I leaned over and gave her a soft and lingering kiss, feeling her warm and smooth body next to mine. She put her arms round my neck and drew me toward her and I could feel her soft warm breasts against my chest. I felt myself becoming aroused but forced myself to break away saying. "Whoa Tiger, I've got to go and drain my tank or I' ll burst." She reached down and held me saying "My word, your tap is a bit stiff.” I pulled away, threw a pillow on to her face and jumped out of bed. "You're insatiable woman." I groaned. "Aren‟t you the lucky one." she commented "I‟m not gonna argue with that." I said with a grin and went quickly to the bathroom aware that my tumescence was all to plain to see. "Mind you don't trip over lover," she giggled " I would hate for you to break it." After my ablutions I went down to the kitchen and made a pot of coffee and buttered toast and took a tray up to her as she sat up in bed brushing her hair. Her nightie was open to the waist and I couldn't help admiring the view as the movement of her arms gave an occasional tantalising view of her breasts. She saw me looking and said "Like what you see darling?" "If there's a better sight I've yet to see it." I sighed. I put the tray on the bed and took the hairbrush from her. "You have your toast and coffee and I' ll brush your hair" I said and started to brush her crowning glory, her long golden hair. "Promise me you won't get it cut," I said "It gives me such a warm and loving feeling and I never feel closer than I do when I'm brushing it." "Mamph'oo." she said, through a mouthful of toast. "Thank you" she repeated when her mouth was empty. "My pleasure." I said and kissed the top of her head. Breakfast finished we had a shower together, got dressed and went down to the living room. "I suppose we should count the money in the box and see how much is there." I suggested. Opening the box I emptied it onto the table and we began to count.... Some 30 minutes later I leaned back and blew out my cheeks. "Phew! I never thought there was that much." Marie picked up a bundle of notes and said “There's £5000 in this bundle and there are 14 bundles all together so that's, umm......................................... ," "Lots," I said, "or more precisely, £70,000 plus a few hundred.” "Oh my god!" exclaimed Marie "Where are we going to put it?" "You can put one lot in your handbag I‟ ll put some in my wallet. As for the rest, well it's been alright where it was until now so we might as well leave it there." I said. "Right gal, now‟s the time to get your coat, I feel some serious retail therapy coming on." Marie squealed with delight and jumped up to put her makeup on, not that she needed any, "Makes me feel dressed," she would say. "You men wi ll never understand." Whilst Marie was getting herself dolled up I sat and pondered on the future and how we would cope with our sudden wealth. I had heard to many stories of people who had won the Pools and finished up divorced, became drunks, gamblers or worse. I made the decision to speak to Mr James as soon as possible and get some advice. I was startled by the ringing of a telephone. "Jeez! Where the Hell‟s that coming from, it nearly gave me a heart attack?" I jumped up and looked around following the sound into the kitchen. The phone was on the wall by the kitchen cabinet. I picked it up and listened. A voice said "Hello, hello, is that Mr Weston?" It was a woman's voice. "Oh hello, Weston speaking" I answered "This is Lily. I was just calling to ask if you had settled in ok and if there was anything you needed." I assured her everything was fine. “Thank you for calling, if you hadn't I wouldn‟ t have known where the telephone was. Oh, and please call me James." We both laughed, exchanged pleasantries and I hung up. "Who was that darling?" said Marie from the hallway. "Just Li ly wanting to know if we needed anything, I said to leave it for now. Is that ok with you?" I queried. "Fine by me," she replied "I get the feeling we‟ll be eating out quite a lot.” Chapter 7 We stepped out into the late morning sun, linking arms we strolled into the town centre and spent an enjoyable time buying new clothes to replace my shabby wardrobe and a few luxuries that would have been out of the question just 24 hours previously. Marie tried on some dresses in one of the more expensive shops and looked stunning in everything she tried on. The shop assistant wasn‟t impressed and looked down her nose at us putting on a snooty accent as if to suggest we couldn't afford anything they had. She said haughti ly "Modom will appreciate that evening gown is one of our more expensive creations." Marie glanced at me with a wicked look in her eye and asked "What do you call expensive then, Miss is it?" She added snidely. Miss Snooty was not pleased with that last remark "It's £300 modom." "What” exclaimed Marie “Is that all? Oh dear me, I think we‟re in the wrong shop darling.” Marie put on a shocked expression. “You told me this was a high class couturier. I wouldn't be seen dead in something as cheap as that. Is that the best you can do?" The assistant seemed to be at a loss for words as Marie dropped the dress around her ankles and kicked it disdainfully into a corner. "We' ll see if there is a more prestigious shop in this quaint little town. Come along dear" she said to me. To add insult to injury Marie said imperiously "Oh, and as you don‟t seem very busy would you be good enough to call for a taxi, these parcels are becoming quite heavy." The assistant's face was a picture as she dialled for a cab. Barely keeping a straight face we collapsed into the back seat of the taxi and tried not to laugh until we'd pulled away from the shop then we both burst into hysterical laughter. "You know,” said Marie later "that last dress was absolutely beautiful and fitted me perfectly but I was so annoyed with her superior attitude, the stuck-up cow.” "Never mind," I replied "there are plenty of other places; in fact we're not a million miles from London." "Now you‟re talking" she said. "Before we go though I think we should trade in the old jalopy for something more in keeping with our new-found status." I suggested. "Ooer… Are we going to buy a Roller then?" she said. "Nah!, I replied "they‟re rarer than hens teeth, even second-hand ones. We'd have to wait months for a new one. Let's have a look round and see what's on offer." Buying a local paper a search of the car adverts found a year old Bentley advertised as „ In mint condition.‟ The salesman seemed a bit confused and thought we were joking when he saw what we were trading in but his jaw almost hit the ground when I produced a roll of notes big enough to choke a horse. From then on he did everything but lick our new shoes. “Ye Gods!” I exclaimed in an aside to Marie. “Isn‟t it amazing what effect flashing a few quid around can have?” The Bentley was still taxed and with a phone call insurance was arranged there and then. Giving a wave we drove away, Marie hugging a massive bouquet of flowers, compliments of the manager. As we drove away I couldn‟t help but notice the speed at which my dear old Ford was hastily pushed out of sight. My grin was even wider as I realised they couldn‟t start it. As for me well, I felt I was driving a well upholstered coach. The following day, up bright and early, we drove to London dressed in our finery. Marie was in her element going from one high class shop to another. I had to smi le as she waltzed out of Harrods followed by a flunkey carrying all her parcels to the car. "You seem to have been born to shop like this," I said "and must admit you look the part. You should see the looks you get from some of the gentry." She looked at me and patted my cheek "You're the only gentry I'm interested in but it certainly beats mooching about in Charity Shops." she said with a smile. "Can we go home now please I've had enough for today, my feet are killing me." What!," I exclaimed jokingly “Those shoes you‟ve got on cost a mint and you say your feet are killing you. We‟d better take them back then.” “In your dreams squire, you‟ll have to kill me first.” She replied. “I'm not driving back to Dover today." I said, "While you were shopping for England I booked us into the Dorchester for the night. Guess what suite?” "You haven't?" She said. "I have." I replied, smiling "Not the bridal suite?" She whispered. "That‟s the one." I said "Nothing but the best for my princess." She then said, putting on a posh accent, "If I'm a Princess then surely I should be ensconced in Buckingham Palace?" "Ah well, I tried that but they said they hadn't got a bed made up in the maid‟s room." I chuckled and dived into the car. "You cheeky devil." she squealed diving in after me much to the consternation of the flunkey who was hovering about waiting for a tip. I slipped him a ten-shilling note and we drove off. The bridal suite in the Dorchester was on the top floor and as darkness fell we looked out over London and watched the glittering limousines, all chrome and polish, wending there way through the West-end toward theatre-land. Marie collapsed into a chair and kicked off her shoes, "Ah that's better." she sighed. I knelt down and massaged her feet. “Oh! You don't know how good that feels." she said and leaned forward to kiss the top of my head. "My pleasure my Princess." I said. Calling room service I ordered some tea, sandwiches and a bottle of wine. When it arrived I put the wine in the cooler and we had the tea and sandwiches. "Don't know about you darling," I said "but I'm feeling too tired to hit the town tonight, how about you?” "Couldn't agree more." she replied snuggling up to me on the chaise. We must have dozed off as a knock on the door made me start. "Room service." said a voice. "Come in." I said. A young maid came in and said "Just come to turn down the bed Sir, Madam." Okay, go ahead" I said and watched as she bent over to pull down the coverlet. "Nice ass." I murmured and got a dig in the ribs from Marie. "Keep your eyes on me, if you don't mind." she growled. "Yes ma'am, three bags full ma'am." I fawned, which earned me another dig. After the maid left Marie got up and said "Right! Time for a fashion show." and proceeded to try on all her new clothes and show off for me. "Put that new dinner suit on and let's see if you‟re fit to be seen with a princess," she commanded. I slipped out of my clothes and put on the suit, complete with shirt and bow-tie and strutted round the room. "Ah well," she said "I guess you' ll do. You can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear." "You cheeky mare. I‟ve heard that before somewhere." I said and chased her round the bed until we both fell, laughing onto the counterpane. I rolled on top of her and held her wrists. Kneeling, I slowly leaned down and touched her lips with my tongue. Her lips parted and she wet them with her tongue so that they glistened. Our tongues met and we probed each others mouth, our eyes closed so that only the feel of our sliding tongues told us of our rising passion. I leaned back and whispered "Fancy a glass of wine or two?" "That would be lovely," she said a little breathlessly. "I' ll just go and slip into something more comfortable." Whilst she was in the bathroom I uncorked the wine and poured a couple of glasses then turned off the main light leaving only the glow of the bedside lamp creating soft shadows around the room. I stripped off my dinner suit, put on my new silk dressing gown, which felt very sensuous on my skin, and lay down on the bed, resting on one elbow. In the act of taking a sip of wine I nearly choked and caught my breath as Marie came back into the bedroom. "What do you think?" she said, striking a sexy pose. "Don't know why you bothered to put it on" I said. The light from the bathroom was behind her so that the nightdress appeared almost invisible. She approached the bed exaggerating the swaying of her hips and stood looking down at me with a faint smile on her lips. I reached up and gently traced the outline of her breasts through the diaphanous material; my finger tips circled her nipples and I watched as they became erect. I could feel her knees trembling against my legs. "Well if you don't like it I'd better take it off then." She said reaching for the bows on the shoulder straps. "Allow me, your gorgeousness" I whispered. Reaching up I drew the bows undone. The nightdress slowly slid down until it was supported only by her breasts. She wet her lips and undid the belt of my dressing gown. I slowly stood up. Marie reached up slipping it from my shoulders. We stood face to face and I cupped hers in my hands gazing into her eyes. "My God woman, you'll be the death of me." I mumbled. "What a way to go." she breathed. I eased the nightdress from her breasts and allowed it to fall to the floor with a soft rustle. I reached across for the glass of wine and held it for her to sip, some of it spilling from her lips to form a tracery of liquid from her chin to her throat and on down to her navel. I started to kiss away the moisture, working my way down to the soft triangle of hair. With a groan Marie pushed me back onto the bed and flung herself upon me. I could feel the hot moistness as she felt for me with her body. We joined and I felt the hot ecstasy of sliding into the moistness. We made love as if it were our last day on earth, frantically at first and then more slowly, touching, stroking and exploring each other then, in the calm aftermath we lay, still conjoined and slept……… Chapter 8 I was woken by a knock on the door and a voice saying "Room service, I have your breakfast sir, madam." “Just a moment" I said. Marie scuttled into the bathroom and I tried to cover myself with a sheet. "Okay, come in" I said. A maid entered with a trolley laden with food, the smell of which made my mouth water. "Thank you Miss" I said and gave her a pound note from the bedside table. "Oh Sir" she said "That's far too generous most people will give no more than five shillings." "Take it" I said "I know what it's like to be broke." "Then thank you sir and congratulations." "Congratulations?" I queried "Yes sir, on your marriage. I hope you will be very happy together." "Thank you my dear I'm sure we wi ll be.” I replied not wishing to embarrass her. The maid left and Marie came back into the bedroom chortling, "Oh sir, you are very generous." "Watch it, or I'll cut off your allowance." I said with a grin. "Don't think so" she said, whipped the sheet off me and leapt on top of me. Her body was cool against me after standing in the bathroom and she started to wriggle on top of me to get me going. I put my arms around her and turned her over until she was under me. "No… No… unhand me sir, how can you treat a poor working girl so." She giggled and lifted her bottom to try and push against my stiffness. We collapsed in a giggling heap. "First things first," I said, "I'm starving and the smell of bacon and eggs is driving me nuts." We rolled apart and set to with a will eating everything on the trolley. With a sigh of contentment we lay back. I rubbed my distinctly distended stomach and said "That went down a treat." "I' ll say." said Marie as she snuggled down under the covers. We lay there, not talking, just savouring the moment. Finally I heaved a great sigh, "What was that for?" Marie asked. I turned to face her and gazed into her eyes. "I want us to always be as happy as we are at this moment." I said. "You‟ll always be beautiful to me but I will always love you for the person you are, your placid nature and your kindness, always ready to help where you are needed. You are my life, without you I wouldn't wa nt to live, my world would be empty." "That's a bit profound for first thing in the morning," said Marie "but it gives me a lovely warm glow to hear you say it and I will love you until my last breath, beyond that even, if there is anything beyond this life." "Now who's being profound?" I asked, wrapping my arms around her and squeezing her tightly to me. She offered her face and I kissed both her eyelids, the tip of her nose and then her luscious full lips, as soft as crushed strawberries. We let the moment carry us along and made tender and gentle love. Afterwards, my voice thick with emotion I whispered. "I'm the luckiest man in the world to have such a woman as you; there will never be anyone else in my life." Marie stroked my face and said "And I' ll be yours always no matter what fate throws at us." Once again we drifted off to sleep in each others arms. When we woke it was late afternoon. I slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom. Returning I looked out of the window. I was surprised to see it was raining quite hard and the city was barely visible through the murk. "That puts paid to that then." I murmured. "What does?" said Marie from the bed. "The rain" I said "I was going to suggest a walk in Hyde Park but the rain's put paid to that." "Oh dear!" remarked Marie coyly "whatever will we find to do then?" "I'm sure we' ll think of something and I‟ve brought my book." I replied. I was unable to avoid the pillow that smacked me in the head. As the day wore on we became increasingly restless as the rain showed no sign of stopping. Finally Marie said "Let's go out somewhere and have some fun. We can take a taxi can‟t we?" "Now that‟s a good idea my lovely." I replied "Perhaps we can get in to see a show." I rang down to reception who said they would ring around the Box Offices to see what seats, if any, were available. Within twenty minutes our phone rang. It was the receptionist to say that she‟d managed to get us seats for „Oklahoma‟ but needed our ok. She also said that everywhere was booked up, „probably due to the rain.‟ “That‟s great.” I said “We‟ll take „em. What time does it start?” “7.30 sir.” she said. “You should be able to make it in time. Would you like me to order a taxi Sir?” I looked at my watch. It was ten past six. “Yes please, for half past six if you would, thank you.” “Right my beautiful girl we‟ve got twenty minutes to get ready. We‟re off to the theatre.” Dressed in our new finery we were ready when the taxi arrived to take us 'Up West'. The rain had stopped and the pavements glistened with reflected light from the theatre fronts along Shaftesbury Avenue. Arriving in plenty of time we headed to the bar for a drink. I said in a whisper. "The drinks are a bit pricey. It‟s a good job we‟re not doing this on our old wages. We‟d probably need to take out a mortgage. It makes me appreciate how lucky we are." "In that case I' ll have another cocktail," Marie said with a grin waggling her empty glass. I was about to order but was saved by the bell signalling us to take our seats. I hastily ordered drinks for the interval before leaving the bar. We took our seats which fortunately just missed being behind a supporting pillar. The lights went down and the show began………. At the interval we went back to the bar retrieved our drinks and got into conversation with another young couple who agreed that it was a marvellous production. The young man's name was Eric and his wife‟s Audrey, a vivacious blonde with a ready smile who immediately hit it off with Marie. They soon had their heads together and were giggling and glancing in our direction. "My real name is Enrico," said Eric. "My mother had a thing for an Italian tenor, but I prefer Eric, I can‟t sing either." He added. "Pleased to meet you Eric," I replied " I‟m James and that‟s my lovely wife Marie." We shook hands and made small talk. "What are you doing after the show?" Eric asked. "We hadn't really thought about it." I said "Probably go back to the Dorchester for a drink before bed we‟re not really night-owls." "Dorchester eh? Sounds a bit boring old chap," said Eric "Why don't you come with us, we're going to a little private club I know to see if I can recoup some of my losses, or not, depending on my luck." "Sounds interesting. I‟m always up for a card game but I‟ll have to see what Marie says.” I replied and put it to her. She was as excited at the idea, as me so we arranged to meet in the foyer after the show. Eric and Audrey were waiting for us as we left the auditorium at the end of the show. "Right," said Eric "Are we all ready then?" He stepped outside and hailed a cab. Climbing aboard we set off. We hadn't gone far when the taxi pulled up in an alleyway and we all got out. I was a bit concerned as the alleyway was barely lit. I kept one hand on Marie and one on the taxi door, just in case. Eric said, smiling "Don't look so worried James we‟re here." Some steps led up to a door set in the wall. Eric went up and knocked on the door which, after a pause, opened slightly and a gravelly voice said "Wot you want?" "Come on Stan" said Eric " It‟s me, Eric, let us in, I've brought some fresh blood." Stan grunted and opened the door wider eyeing us suspiciously as he did so. "Oo's this lot then?" he said to Eric. They're friends of mine Stan, they‟re on their first night out in The Smoke and fancy a bit of excitement." Eric replied. "Ok then go on through but I‟m keepin‟ me eye on yer" said Stan grudgingly. Eric whispered in my ear "Don't take any notice of Stan he's only doing his job trying to keep out undesirables…. like the police." he chuckled. "Gambling is frowned upon in these unenlightened times. In other words, it's illegal but if you‟ve got the money all doors are open and a blind eye turned. Seeing my worried frown Eric said "Don't worry James, the police don't bother us unless there's trouble caused by a sore loser who thinks he's been cheated. Apart from that it might embarrass them if they caught a Chief Constable or a Judge in their net. Have no fear, the tables are straight otherwise I wouldn't have brought you." ============================================ Chapter 9 An inner door opened and I blinked at the sudden brightness. As my eyes became accustomed to the light I could see the room was a lot bigger than I thought it would be and was full of card tables and a roulette wheel. Most of the patrons were dressed in dinner suits and evening gowns. "Don't see any slot machines." I said. "You won't, they make to much noise and they're too easy to „fix‟. This isn‟t bloody Vegas." Eric explained with a chuckle. "Hmm, Marie won't think much to that, she liked to play them when we went to the seaside." I said. "We‟ll have to introduce her to Blackjack then or perhaps the roulette wheel." He went over to Audrey and said something I couldn't hear. Audrey spoke to Marie and they drifted off arm in arm to a bar in the corner. Eric said "What do you like to play then?" "Rather partial to a game of Brag or Poker" I replied. "What on earth‟s Brag?” “Sort of poor man‟s Poker.” I explained. “Ah, Poker, now you‟re talking” exclaimed Eric and led me to a table where a game was in progress. I watched the players closely. Two of the players seemed to have most of the money between them. The other pair didn‟t look at all happy and when one of them lost yet another hand threw his cards on the table and stood up. ”Come on Charles” he said to his mate. We‟d better go whi le I‟ve still got enough for the taxi fare.” He grinned at the other two and said “See you again sometime gents.” “Don‟t forget to bring your money then.” replied one of the others and in an aside to his mate said “Lambs to the slaughter.” They both laughed as their victims left the room. "Mind if we sit in?" asked Eric. "Hello Eric mate. Yeah park your bums" said one of them "Haven‟t seen you in here for a while. You took a bit of an 'ammering last time." "Can't win 'em all," sighed Eric "Better luck this time eh?" I was introduced to the two men and we settled down to play. "Any limit?” I asked. “Only what you have in your wallet." one of them grinned. I played several hands cautiously. I had no luck but was more interested in noting their style of play. Eric I discounted as he was losing heavily, mainly because he didn't seem to know when to throw his hand in. The other two were more canny and delighted in taking Eric‟s money. It didn‟t take me long to figure they were working together to drive up the pot. I played hesitantly to give them the impression I was another goose asking to be plucked. What they didn't know was that during my years in the navy I‟d learned a few tricks myself. I glanced around the room until I spotted Marie. She was at the roulette wheel with Audrey and I saw her face light up and clapped her hands when she won. I returned my gaze to the game in hand and thought 'Time for a little strategy.' I bet heavily on an Ace high, hoping that one of them had at least a pair. I pretended to be disappointed when I was beaten. I continued in this vein, sometimes winning but mostly not. Finally a hand was dealt that gave me a chance, a pair of aces. At the draw I drew three cards and had a job to keep a straight face as two more aces appeared. The pile of money before us grew larger with no one willing to drop out. The word got round that a big pot was being played for. I tried to get Eric to drop out before he got hurt to much but he didn't seem to get the message. Even I was getting a little worried. The kitty was now over ten thousand pounds and I became aware that Marie was standing behind me with her hand on my shoulder. Finally Eric threw his hand down in exasperation and said, "This is getting too rich for my blood I'm going for a drink." so saying he left the table. I was starting to run out of cash too as I'd not envisaged being in this position when we left the hotel. I asked one of the players if a cheque would be acceptable. He looked at me long and hard. “You‟d better be good for it but be warned if it bounces you'd better order a wheelchair before I catch up with you." I laughed and replied “Why would I need a wheelchair when I‟ve got a Bentley?” This remark caused him to raise an eyebrow. His mate dropped out as the kitty reached fifty thousand. My opponent was starting to get a bit twitchy and staring at my cards as if trying to see what I'd got. "Right" he said I've got no more cash on me and I don't write cheques as they have a habit of attracting attention to me. I've got a boat down in Poole Harbour and that's easily worth more than is on the table, How about I call you for that?" "How do I know it's worth it?" I asked." "Listen smartarse," he growled leaning across the table "If I say it's worth it, it is. I've got a reputation to keep and I've never welched on a bet yet." "Neither have I." I said with equal fervour. "Right, let's see what you got." he said. I slowly turned over three of the aces and looked at him. A look of triumph crossed his face and he slammed down a full house. "Gotcha." he said. "Don't think so." I answered with a grin, and laid down the other ace. His face was a picture as he stared at the four aces. I thought he was going to thump me but he just glared at me for what seemed ages and then his face broke into a grin and he reached over to slap me on the shoulder. “You crafty sod, well played matey. Never liked that boat anyway, I won it in a bet and I‟m no sailor either, only used the bleedin‟ thing as ground bait, if you get my meaning.” He said giving me a nudge and a wink. “Give me your name and tell us where you‟re staying and I' ll get the boat papers transferred to you." His eyebrows lifted when I mentioned the Dorchester. "But we' ll probably be booking out tomorrow sometime late morning" I told him. "No problem" he replied "You' ll have 'em first thing. Anyway I gotta go or me fancy piece will give me earache, Cheers! been nice meeting you…I think.” He smiled ruefully, emptied his glass and left with his mate. "Don‟t think I care much for him. I reckon he could be a nasty piece of work, I hope he‟s straight," I said "or I'm out a lot of dosh and a boat." I scooped up my winnings stuffed them in my pocket and went to the bar arm in arm with my lady and consoled Eric on his losses. "Don't know why I gamble" he said "I'm always losing." "More money than sense, some people" said Audrey "Get us a Babycham my lover," she said to Eric waggling her glass. He raised a finger to the barmaid. Before we left I tried to give Eric some pointers on how to play Poker but I doubted he‟d take any heed. The following morning, true to his word, the ownership papers to the boat arrived by courier. I showed them to Marie who said "We just don't seem to be able to do anything wrong now do we?" "Well they do say money makes money and don't forget the 50 plus grand that was on the table will you." I said. She put her hand to her mouth in shock "Oh my god, I'd forgotten about that." She gasped. I picked her up swung her round and gave her a long lingering kiss. We're on our way," I said "Don't know where but we're definitely on our way." I was sitting up in bed having had breakfast and was drinking my coffee. Until now the thought of owning any sort of boat had never crossed my mind. “It might be a good idea to actually see the boat before deciding what to do with it, could be a pile of junk” I mused. I still wasn‟t sure if I trusted the previous owner and thought the best idea thing to do was to see the - I checked the paperwork - Ariadne. Hmm, nice name, a princess, hope she lives up to it.‟ I muttered. Summer was coming on and the weather should, for the most part, be kind to us. I was well aware that the Channel weather can be unpredictable and cut up rough even in summer. “If this craft's anything like seaworthy we could perhaps sail it back to Dover. It could be a pleasant cruise, weather permitting with no need to worry about hotels or car parking. Mind you, mooring fees can be pricey.” I mused. The more I thought about it the more attractive I found the idea. "Penny for them." said Marie, I came back to the present with a start, nearly spilling my coffee. "Was just thinking." I said, and told her my idea. "Tell you what," I said "Let's pop down to Poole and have a look at her then decide what to do." "Never been to Poole." she said. "That's two of us then." I chuckled. We settled our bill and waited whilst the car was loaded with our luggage. Chapter 10 The clouds had cleared and the sun was warm as we made our way south and west. Arriving in Poole we stopped and asked the way to the yacht basin, finally arriving there mid-afternoon. I looked through the boat‟s papers for its berth number. First mistake, it didn‟ t have one. “Oh great” I said explosively. “Good start.” We found the Harbourmaster in his office. “I‟m looking for Ariadne” I said “but can‟t find her berth.” “Let‟s have a look at her papers then” he said. He looked them over and checked the yacht mooring plan then said “Nope, nothing on here.” I was getting very annoyed and muttered to myself “That‟s Fifty bloody grand down the tubes.” “Pardon sir, were you talking to me?” asked the Harbourmaster. “Oh…no, not at all boss” I apologised “I‟m mad at myself for falling for his tale.” “And that would be who sir?” I told him my story and he commiserated with me then said “Let‟s have another look at them papers.” He ran a finger down the first page until he came to the original owners name then said, “Ah, of course, it all makes sense now. You‟re in the wrong place sir. Just follow the jetty around to the white gate it‟s got a sign saying „Private‟ on it. You‟ll need to get past the watchman as it‟s a private dock.” I thanked him and drove on until we reached the „Private‟ sign. After showing the watchman the boat papers he opened the gate and directed us to Ariadne‟s moorings which, fortunately was alongside the jetty and not out in the basin. As soon as I saw it I had to look at the name again to be sure I'd got the right one. "Jeezus!" I exclaimed "Would you look at that." The word 'boat' hardly described this masterpiece of craftsmanship. We stepped aboard and a man appeared from below. "Can I help?” He asked. "Hope so. We're the new owners of this beauty, I‟m James and this is Marie my wife.” I produced the ownership papers. "No need for them" he smiled "already had word from the boss, or should I say, ex boss." He muttered something I didn‟t catch. "And you are?" I enquired. "Steve, Steve Charlton, at your service sir. I usually skipper Ariadne but the last owner didn't go anywhere and only used it for entertaining, if you get my meaning.” He raised an eyebrow. “So she‟s been sitting on a growing mound of empty bottles and beer cans." "Let‟s to see if we can't put that right then." I said. We shook hands. I instinctively took a liking to Steve even though I got the feeling there was more to him than he let on. I told him of my plans. “At least I'll get to earn my keep….." his voice tailed off, "That‟s, if you want me to stay on as skipper." "Of course I do. You know the boat and it's a while since I was at sea." I said. "Oh, you a seafaring man then sir?" he asked. "Well I was, but it was a whi le ago so will be grateful for your help." I replied ruefully. "What are the chances of spending a night onboard?" I asked. "No problem Sir, always have the bunks – although they‟re proper beds really - made up in case of visitors." said Steve, giving me a wink. “I‟d appreciate it if you‟d help my wife adjust to life onboard. She‟s not a sailor but is eager to learn. Please make sure she‟s safe but no need to mollycoddle her, she‟s not that fragile.” "Consider It done sir. Wi ll there be anything else?” "Not today, we'll have a talk in the morning and decide what to do and where to go. I'd not realised this was an ocean going cruiser until I saw her." I commented. "Go anywhere in the world she wi ll, and handles well in any sort of sea.” replied Steve with obvious pride. “I‟ll see you in the morning then Sir. I‟ve got an apartment near the docks so if you need me just call this number." He handed me a card with a phone number on it. I watched him go as he strode down the gangplank and off into the distance. I still felt there was something he wasn‟t telling me. I shrugged it off and turned to Marie. “So what do you think to our new skipper then?” I asked her. “He‟s quite dishy, with lady-killer looks.” She replied. “I‟d better get rid of him then, don‟t want you being led astray.” I said with a grin. “Well that‟s typical, just when I thought I‟d have a bit on the side.” She giggled and then squealed as I made a move toward her. “I‟ll give you bit on the side - and the back - and the front, madam,” chasing her laughing down below into the saloon. “My word,” I said, looking around in surprise at the gleaming brass and polished woodwork. There was just the faintest hint of tobacco smoke. “Proper little Gin Palace.” “Don‟t know about „ little‟,” breathed Marie “It‟s gorgeous.” We explored the Ariadne from end to end. The living quarters were roomy and comfortable. Whoever‟s had it built certainly liked his or her creature comforts. Steve had kept everything clean and in good repair. Later, getting ready for bed, I said "I think the coast trip is off.” "Oh but why?” enquired Marie disappointment showing in her face. “I was looking forward to a trip up the coast, waving to all the peasants." "I was thinking more of sailing into the sunset." I said adding “Around the world?” Looking puzzled she said "Do you mean what I think you mean?" "You got it. Let's leave the rat-race behind and sail as far as the money will take us" I said, and added "about three times round the world I reckon." "But – but - but," she spluttered, ”wha - when is this going to happen?" “Whoa, hold on baby,” I said, hugging her. “I‟ve only just thought of it. We can‟t just take off there‟s a lot of planning to do first. Let‟s sleep on it now and discuss it in the morning. “Oh, well done.” grumbled Marie “what makes you think I‟ll sleep after springing this on me?” “Come here baby,” I said “I‟m sure we can find something to take your mind off it.” I drew her too me, my hands already busy. Chapter 11 We slept remarkably well, which was probably more to do with our bedroom gymnastics than anything else. Steve arrived onboard mid-morning to see if there was anything we needed. I broached the subject of a proposed round-the-world cruise. I thought he‟d laugh at the whole idea but, after some thought said. “I don‟t see why not. The Ariadne is more than capable of such a venture. The engines are in good condition and the hull is sound but she‟ll need her bottom scraping before we go anywhere.” He looked at me before going on. “It all comes down too money really.” “Ok Steve I hear you. Let‟s just say I‟m pretty sure money won‟t be a problem. Can you put together a plan that could see us on the move by say – Hmm - end of July?” “Don‟t see why not” said Steve, We‟ll probably need at least one more crew member, two would be better.” “I‟ll leave it to you then Steve.” I replied “Just let me know what you‟ll need and I‟ll supply the funds. Just as an incentive, the more you save me the bigger your bonus, Fair enough?” “More than fair” replied Steve “I‟ ll make a start then.” So saying he shook my hand and left us. We now had to make our own arrangements. We went down to the saloon, I poured us both a beer and we sat down to thrash out a plan. “First thing, we‟ll have to get our passports which shouldn‟t take to long, then there‟s the house.” I said “What are we going to do with it?” “Well we don‟t want to sell i t” said Marie “I love it and we‟ll be back some day. I thought for a while then said “How about this then. We'll ask your mum and dad if they‟ll give up their council house and come and live in ours. It‟ll be a big step for them but they‟re both retired and I‟m sure they‟d love it in Dover with all the fresh air. Our house is plenty big enough so we don't get in each others way when we come back. What do you say?" "Let's go ask them then and if they agree we can get it all sorted while we wait for the passports to arrive which won't be for a fortnight or so" Marie said excitedly "I won't be sad to see the back of this dreary bombed out country." "Me either" I said. That night as we lay in our gently rocking bed, the harbour lights reflecting like a kaleidoscope on the bulkhead, I listened to the gentle lapping of the water against the hull and Marie's quiet breathing as she slept I pondered on what we proposed to do. I felt a thrill of excitement tinged with fear of the unknown and the size of our undertaking. I settled down. Marie stirred, mumbled something unintelligible and snuggled up closer to me one arm flung across my chest. I gazed lovingly toward where I thought her face was and gently stroked her hair. The following morning, after a quick breakfast, I rang Steve to tell him where we were going and said I‟d ring him again when we got back, In the meantime I charged him with making sure the Ariadne was made ready as soon as possible. If he needed any funds, to contact me by telegram or phone if we were at Dover. I left contact details on a card in the saloon. We drove north arriving at Mum and Dad's late that afternoon. They looked pleased to see us and were impressed by the Bentley, as were half the neighbourhood, and listened eagerly as we told them more about our new boat. I waited until the initial excitement dissipated. We then asked them what they would think to them moving to our house. Dad immediately went on the defensive saying "I've never taken charity from anyone and I'm not starting now." I said "Look Dad, we know it‟s been a struggle for you and Mum since you retired. We‟ll always be grateful for the ways you‟ve helped us when times were hard and we want to take this opportunity to share our good fortune with you both." I explained what our „Good Fortune‟ actually meant and that we had more wealth than we could possibly spend in our lifetime. He grudgingly agreed that what I said made sense but I could see he was unhappy. "Look" I said "We're not asking you to live rent free. We want you to look after the house while we are away. Let's say you wi ll be acting as housekeepers for us. We are already paying someone else to do it so why shouldn't it be you two?" "Hmm," said Dad "What do you think mother?" "Be glad to get away from all the worry and put our feet up for a change" said Mum, ever the realist. "Right, that's settled then" I said "When can you move down." "Hang on, we haven't agreed to anything yet" said Dad. "Oh yes we have," said Mum forcefully, "so stop being so stubborn, swallow your pride and give the Council notice that were leaving this dead-and-alive hole.” It was agreed we would take them down to see the house before they finally made up their mind and if they liked what they saw they would move down as soon as they could. I told Dad that I would pay for the move. He started to protest until Mum gave him the evil eye. We stayed overnight in our old flat and the following day gave up the lease and made arrangements for our bits and pieces to be shipped south with Mum and Dad's. We filled in the forms - complete with photos - for our passports using our Dover address for the reply and posted them off. "Didn't realise how much there is to do before we can get going." said Marie. Chapter 12 We drove back to Dover the following day taking Mum and Dad with us. Mum was over the moon when she saw the house remarking on how big it was. I introduced them to Lily when she popped round. They hit it off almost immediately I was pleased to note. As Lily left she asked. "Does this mean you won't need me anymore when your Mum and Dad arrive, assuming they do?” "We would like you to stay with us if you will, shall we say, on a retainer so that you can help them to settle in and show them the town but I would appreciate it if you said nothing of our arrangement.” It' ll be our little secret" she said "how long do you think you'll be gone?" "No idea" I said "but we'll use Mr James to keep you posted and pay your retainer as usual." We showed Mum and Dad around the town which they seemed to like. Later I put it to them. “So what‟s it to be then, fancy living here do you?” They looked at each other for a moment then Mum said. “Well I don‟t know about him but I‟m moving in as soon as possible.” Dad just shrugged, sighed and said “Seems like it‟s a done deal then.” Mum hugged him saying “I knew you‟d see the sense of it. We made an appointment and went to see Mr James the following morning, explained about our decision and asked his advice. He said "That's quite an adventure you have planned and I wish you both well but, not wishing to put a damper on things, accidents do happen. Have you by any chance made Wills?” "Oh erm, hadn't thought about it." I replied sheepishly looking at Marie. “Thought not," he said with a smile "You youngsters think you‟re going to live forever. Just tell me what you would like to happen to your estate if the worst happens and I'll draw up a Will for you to approve." "I hadn't even thought about a Will." I said to Marie as we walked to the car "Nor Me." she replied "So that's something else to sort out before we go. I‟m getting fed up with it all, I really am." She said crossly. I gave her a hug and a kiss. “Don‟t give up it‟ll soon be all done my sweet then we‟ll be away from it all. Just think of that entire new wardrobe you‟ll need for different parts of the world.” Marie kissed me. “You know just how to cheer a poor girl up.” “Dunno about poor but I‟m sure you‟ll do your very best to achieve it.” This of course earned me another sore rib. We took Mum and Dad back to their place to start things moving then drove back home again. By the middle of July we‟d managed to sort out everything, including our Wi lls and were just waiting for the passports to arrive. Mum and Dad arrived a week later. They‟d decided to put their furniture in storage whi lst they sorted out what they needed to keep and what to sell on. When our passports finally arrived I phoned Steve to see how ready Ariadne was. “Ready when you are boss.” He assured us, which was the answer I wanted. I told him we'd be down at the weekend and hoped to set sail on Sunday evening if the tide and weather were right. Saturday arrived and we bade goodbye to Mum and Lily. Dad was coming with us to drive the Bentley back to Dover which made his day. Hands were shook, hugs shared and tears shed. We drove off with Marie waving for all she was worth unti l they disappeared from view. Marie's eyes were glistening, I took my hand from the wheel, squeezed her hand saying "It's not the end of the world you know darling, we' ll be back again some day." “I know, I‟m just being silly,” she said and hugged my arm. Chapter 13 The air was still and the water was like a mirror. The diesels exhausts burbled away as we cast off, waving goodbye to Dad we slowly made our way between the other boats to reach open water. The sun was beginning to set as we headed west to clear the Isle of Wight before turning southward. The sky had just a hint of cloud in it reminding me of islands floating in the sky. As the sun sank, the sky changed from blue to orange then red, finally becoming deep violet before taking on the colour of night. Stars burned brightly as we left the haze of the land. I took the wheel for a while to get a feel for the boat and watched the bow rising and falling as we cut through the almost imperceptible swell. Marie stood beside me with Steve keeping an eye on things the other side. The light from the binnacle shone softly on our faces. I glanced at Marie whose eyes shone with excitement as she gazed through the windscreen at the twinkling stars. She gripped my arm and whispered, "I've never seen the stars look so bri lliant." "There‟s far too much light pollution on land, a lot of the beauty is hidden." I replied. Later, turning the wheel over to Steve I went below to our cabin to turn in. Marie had turned in earlier pleading tiredness after the hectic day we‟d had. I found her in bed but awake and reading by the light of her bedside lamp. “Thought you‟d be asleep my lovely. You feel ok?” I asked her. “I‟m fine my love” she replied “Just settling down.” I said "I'll be up at 4am to take a turn on the wheel to help out the watch-keepers. It's only fair I take my turn. I' ll try not to wake you princess." Marie snorted, “A likely tale. You just want to play with our new toy.” “Can‟t fool you can I.” I sighed and lay on the bed fully clothed. I couldn‟t see the point of undressing when I was going to be up again shortly. I kissed and hugged Marie goodnight and drifted off to sleep. I was woken by a hand shaking my shoulder. A voice whispered “It‟s ten to four sir.” It was time for my watch. Groaning slightly I swung my feet to the deck and immediately became aware that the pitching of the boat had increased and a roll had developed. I splashed water on my face in the basin and made my way to the wheelhouse, holding on as best I could as I made my way up. A new face, Bob, the only other crew member, was at the helm. We‟d decided we only needed one extra crew member as I and Marie would muck in with running the boat. "Course is 200 and we're doing about 15 knots," said Bob. "A couple of ships ahead but bearing away from us, keep an eye on them though, we don't want to be run down this early in the cruise" he chuckled. I grinned and nodded as he made his way below. I checked the chart and noted how far we had sailed. We were making good time and were heading around the Bay of Biscay to avoid running into its notoriously unpredictable weather. I was feeling a bit queasy due to the motion of the boat, made worse by the fug of cigarette smoke. I opened the door to blow it away, making a mental note to tell Steve to keep the smoking to the upper deck, I breathed deeply the salty tang of the sea, or rather ocean, as we were now in the Atlantic. Steve arrived in the wheelhouse at 8am and took over the wheel. "Should arrive in Gibraltar tomorrow, weather permitting" he said „Wonder if Gib‟s changed much since I was there?‟ I thought to myself. Leaving the wheelhouse I mentioned to Steve about no smoking below deck or in the wheelhouse. “Fair enough skipper.” was his only comment. Marie came on deck soon afterwards and showed no sign of being affected by the movement of the boat. "Getting warmer" she said "It‟ll soon be bikini weather" "That'll give the lads a thrill" I replied. "Not you then?" she asked with a grin. "Seen you in less than that haven't I?" I said with a leer. "We should reach Gibraltar tomorrow." I added. Chapter 14 WE passed between the moles at Gibraltar and made our way to the yacht pens, originally known as the Destroyer pens. “Times have certainly changed.“ I commented to Steve. “Not necessarily for the better sir.” Steve grunted. We made our way through customs and walked into the town proper, "It's very busy" said Marie "Always was,” I replied "More cars than people or so it seems." We dodged out of the way of drivers who banged on the side of the car doors to attract our attentio n. "What they doing that for?" Marie asked. “You're not allowed to sound your car horn on Gib. don't ask me why though." We went into one of the many bars. Most of them I‟d known intimately back in the day. As I looked around for a table Marie asked “See anyone you know?” with a grin. “Only got eyes for you my beauty” I replied “Anyway it‟s too early for the floor show. Ow! That hurts,” I exclaimed in response to the dig in the ribs. “Jeez woman, you been sharpening those elbows?” rubbing my painful side. “Then just watch it sailor.” She warned “or more will follow.” then whispered “I‟ll kiss it better later ok?” “Can‟t wait” I replied ruefully. We found a table and ordered a couple of beers. “It‟s thirsty work this sightseeing,” said Marie “perhaps we‟ll visit some more of your old watering holes.” “Not if I‟m going to get attacked every time I say summat.” I said with a grin. We explored the town and Marie was surprised at the strange mix of „English, Asian and Spanish influence. “They‟re probably more British than we are,” I said “and jealously guard against any interference from Spain, which is surprising considering the number of Spanish workers that depend on the Rock for their livelihood.” We stopped at a shop selling trinkets which was owned, not unusually, by an Indian gentleman. Marie asked the price of a bracelet and when told reached for her purse. “Whoa! Sweetheart,” I whispered “You‟re not in England now. This bloke will expect to haggle. Offer him a quarter of the asking price then reluctantly work your way up to a price you both agree on. If he won‟t shift, walk away, chances are he„ll come after you, haggling is half the fun.” Watching Marie arguing and fluttering her eyelashes was watching a master at work. She came away with her purchase, bought at a third of the asking price and leaving the seller wondering what had happened. “Well, I‟m impressed” I said “Think I‟ ll leave any future purchases to you. You‟re a natural. Tucking her arm through mine we sauntered off. “It‟s a gift.” She smirked. “And there was me thinking gifts were free.” I said, moving swiftly to one side to avoid another bruise. That evening I got to wear my posh suit again as we were to dine at the Rock Hotel. A taxi deposited us outside and as we walked up the steps to the entrance I said "I‟ve often wondered what it looked like inside, us lowly matelots couldn't afford to go there, it was only for officers and posh people." We had an excellent meal and some very superior wine, once the staff realised we hadn‟t just wandered in off the street and would probably leave a good tip. I did notice a few heads turn as Marie made her way to the Ladies too freshen up. I felt so proud to have this beautiful rose as my wife. The following day I took her up to the top of the rock to see the apes but forgot to tell her to be careful of them, so it was no surprise when one of them darted forward and grabbed her silk headscarf and made off with it. "Oops! You've seen the last of that" I chuckled. "Good job it didn't grab your handbag." Marie was not best pleased to lose her scarf. “D‟you realise how much that cost?” “I‟m sure its new owner will look just as gorgeous with it on.” I chortled, moving swiftly sideways for obvious reasons. Over the next couple of days we just about exhausted all the delights of this, one of the last bastions of the British Empire. We visited the museums, gazed through the gates of the Governors residence and exploring some of the many caves that riddled the Rock before making our way back to the cruiser to prepare for sailing. The following morning, after topping up with fuel and water, we made our way out into Gibraltar Bay before heading eastwards. The sun grew hotter and the sea was calm as a millpond. We sunbathed in a screened off area of the deck, Marie looking very desirable in her skimpy bikini. "Fancy a swim?" I asked. "What here, now?" "Yes why not?” I replied. "It's a bit deep isn't it, and what about sharks" she said nervously "There‟s unlikely to be any round this area, although there might be some porpoises or the odd dolphin." “Unlikely?” Marie squeaked “What do you mean „unlikely‟? “Well let‟s just say I‟ve never known any to be seen around here.” I said reassuringly “Trust me baby, I‟d never put you in any danger now would I?” I asked Steve to stop the engines for a spell so we could have a swim. We were far enough away from Spanish territorial waters to be safe from patrolling gunboats just itching to catch the unwary unintentionally crossing the line into their territory. With the engines stopped it was si lent except for the odd plop of wavelets hitting the hull. We lowered the ladder so we could climb aboard again and dove into the sea. "Oo! it's lovely and warm." cried Marie in delight." "Let's see if you can touch bottom." I said grabbing her shoulders and pushing her under. We sank down and down unti l, short of breath we shot to the surface red faced and giggling like a pair of teenagers. I approached her again. "Oh no you don't." she said and headed for the ladder climbing onto it before I could grab her. I climbed aboard and looked around but couldn't see her but she gave herself away by trying to stifle a giggle. She was hiding behind the dory and as I approached she jumped up and ran toward the side squealing and laughing. I chased after her. The next few moments seemed to pass in slow motion. She slipped on the wet deck, landed on her back and I heard her head hit the deck with a crack before she slid through guardrail and disappearing with a splash into the sea. I was paralysed for a second or two then rushed to the side and looked wildly around. She was nowhere to be seen. I shouted for Steve who shot into view. I raced for the side shouting what had happened. Diving in I searched frantically under the boat but could see nothing. I surfaced for air then dove down again. Suddenly I caught a flash of light below and headed for it. Marie was slowly sinking apparently lifeless. My lungs were bursting but I managed to grab her hair which was floating around her like a halo. Another shape shot past me and grabbed her arms. Reaching the surface and I saw it was Bob who had helped to bring her up. Steve reached down, dragged her aboard and laid her on the warm deck. I struggled up the ladder gasping for breath and threw myself to her side. She was deathly pale and her lips were blue Steve started to give her artificial respiration. But there was no response. He turned her over on to her stomach then jerked her up by her by her midriff. Suddenly she coughed and a stream of water gushed from her mouth and she took a long shuddering breath. He turned her over again and continued pressing down until she expelled all the water from her lungs. She still showed no sign of consciousness. Her lips had lost some of the blueness but her skin was still deathly white. I wrapped her in a blanket even though the sun was hot and carried her below to our cabin. She seemed to be breathing normally giving the occasional shudder. I told Steve to head back to Gib as fast as he could and radio ahead for an ambulance. I went back to Marie and held her to me, rocking back and forth and crying "Come on baby, come back to me, come on darling give me a sign you are ok." She gave no response. I could see the massive bump on the back of her head and applied a cold compress to it hoping against hope that it wasn't anything more serious. The deck was canted at an angle as the boat sped through the sea, the engines roaring away. Steve was giving it all he could to get back to Gib. I sat beside Marie, stroking her hand and whispering anything that came into my head. Suddenly she gave a sigh and her eyelids fluttered. She tried to raise her head but winced in pain. "Lay sti ll darling, don't try to move, you've had a nasty bang on the head." ('Among other things' I thought to myself.) “What happened, where am I, what's all that noise?” she mumbled. "We're heading back to Gib to get you checked over" I said "I' ll be alright, no need to go to all that trouble." she said trying to struggle upright. "But you‟re delusional now baby, you think you‟re a doctor. I said trying to humour her. I looked down but she had gone to sleep, at least I hoped she had. Suddenly I remembered you're supposed to keep people awake if they've had a head injury, at least I thought so. I shook her gently and said "Speak to me baby, it's rude to go to sleep when I'm talking to you." She half opened her eyes and said "I need a cuddle, give me a cuddle." I eased her up, wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head, then her forehead, her eyelids and finally her lips. She tasted salty but sighed "Mmm! that's all the medicine I need." I smiled in relief that she was able to make sense of what I was saying. I continued to hold her hand realising that what I had seen flashing in the darkness was the ring I‟d given her all those years ago. There was a knock on the door and Steve poked his head in. “We'll be alongside in about a quarter of an hour sir." He said. "Thanks Steve" I replied " I think she‟ll be ok. You've both done a grand job.” The ambulance was waiting for us when we docked and whisked Marie and me to the hospital. They kept me hanging about in reception while they did some tests. In the meantime they wanted my insurance details so they'd have someone to bill if necessary. I thanked my lucky stars that we had taken out health insurance before we left England. It was so easy to forget that not all countries had a free(ish) national health service. After what seemed hours I was allowed to go and see her. She was in a private room and sitting up drinking tea. "Huh! Hope you've saved a cup for me. I've had nothing for hours ." I moaned. "Poor dear," she said "come and let mummy give you a big kiss den." "You're obviously feeling better." I said after a cuddle "What did the doc say?" "Clean bill of health as far as they can tell, no fractures and no water in my lungs but they want to keep me in overnight to be sure I haven‟t contracted anything nasty from the water I swallowed and to be sure my thick skull‟s not damaged. They were going to x-ray my brain. I told them I‟d not got one but they went ahead anyway, I've been very lucky." "You' ll never know how lucky." I mumbled. "What do you mean, what really happened? I can't remember a thing." I told her everything that had happened. She put her hand to her mouth as I explained how I had found her by the flash of light on her sparkly ring, how Bob came to the rescue in the nick of time and Steve had revived her. Her hand started to shake as the import of her ordeal hit home; she burst into tears and sobbed in my arms as I held her close. "To think I nearly lost you." I said "We are so lucky." She nodded her agreement and wiped her face on the bedsheet. "It was my fault really; I should have warned you the deck was slippery.” I said. "Don't blame yourself it was just an unfortunate accident and I should have known better than to run on a wet deck." She replied, giving my hand a squeeze. "I'm just going to have a word with the doc to see what he‟s got to say.” I gave her a kiss and said "Be back soon." The doctor said they had found no lasting damage but would like to keep her in overnight to be sure her head was alright. “After all, she had a really nasty bang and its best to sure plus some water got into her lungs which could lead to pneumonia. We‟ve given her antibiotics just in case. All-in-all though she‟s been a very lucky girl.” I went back to Marie's room and told her what the doc had said. She pulled a face "Ugh! Don't tell me I've got to eat hospital food 'til tomorrow." "This aint the NHS." I said "They'll treat you like the lady of leisure you are. I‟ve got some things to sign and I want to let the crew know you‟re ok but I' ll be back first thing. Please try and get some sleep my darling and it'll be morning before you know it." Giving her a kiss and a hug I left , went to reception, signed some forms for the doctors, then called for a taxi to take me back to the boat. Steve was waiting for my news and was visibly relieved that all seemed well. "Where's Bob" I asked. "Think he's in the wheelhouse, anything wrong?" Steve asked "Not a thing" I said "I just want to thank him for helping to save my wife's life" I climbed up to the wheelhouse to find Bob reading a book. He looked up as I entered. "How is madam?" he asked "going to be alright I hope." "Thanks to you and Steve she' ll be fine or so the doc says, and should be back with us tomorrow." I told him. "I'm very pleased to hear it sir" Bob said shyly. "Look Bob" I said "If it hadn't been for your prompt action I would have lost her, in fact I might have drowned myself as well. We' ll always be in your debt, and I certainly won‟t forget it as you‟ll find in your wage packet." Bob reddened in embarrassment and stammered that he didn't want any reward for doing something that anyone would have done. “That may be so but it wasn‟t „anyone‟ it was you.” I said. “Now I‟ll leave you in peace to read your book, Goodnight Bob. I went back to Steve and asked if we needed anything more whi lst we were here. "Only need to top off the fuel tanks again after that mad dash here, it certainly drinks up the diesel, but she was a joy to drive, more like a powerboat than a cruiser." "I' ll leave it with you then Steve and thanks for getting us here so quickly. Oh one more thing. It was your prompt action that probably saved Marie‟s life as much as Bob‟s quick thinking. As I said to Bob my gratitude will be reflected in your wages.” Steve took much the same line as Bob but I would brook no argument, wished him goodnight and retired to my cabin. I picked up Marie the following afternoon and headed back to the boat. She assured she felt fine except for a bit of a cough and headache. The doc had given her some medication in case the cough got any worse. Arriving alongside the Ariadne we were greeted by Steve and Bob both looking pleased to see Marie apparently none the worse for her ordeal. Marie went up to Steve and gave him a hug and thanking him for looking after us. She turned to Bob but instead of just hugging him she gave him a big kiss full on the lips. Bob‟s reaction to this was to turn bright red and rush down below. “Strange fellow” she murmured. “But I‟ ll be forever in his debt and yours Steve.” Steve blushed and looked away,” I think you‟ve just made his day,” I told her “And have acquired a slave for life,” nodding toward the hatchway Bob had disappeared down.” I chuckled. Chapter 15 Over the following weeks we cruised across the Mediterranean, docking wherever the fancy took us, Cannes, Monaco, San Tropez, they all showed us how the glitterati lived and I couldn‟t believe the cost of living. Even though we were as rich as some we baulked at paying the exorbitant prices asked, even for the most mundane items. We passed through the Suez Canal and into Red Sea the days becoming ever hotter. Too hot to stay on deck except in the shade and even that gave little respite. Our eventual goal was the South Seas, mainly because it sounded romantic and partly – if we cared to admit it - under the influence of postcards and the movies. We docked in Ceylon to take on fuel and supplies and post letters home to say we were ok. Steve suggested we took Ariadne out of the water and got her bottom scraped again as the warmer waters encouraged barnacles and other marine growth, all of which slowed us down making us use more fuel than necessary. I agreed and Steve arranged it for the following morning. This gave us the opportunity to explore some of the island. Marie and I were asked by one of the locals if we'd like to take part in giving the elephants a bath. “Can we?” asked Marie excitedly. “Why not,” I replied “Not the sort of thing you do every day is it.” We were helped aboard an elephant each which is not as easy as it sounds but eventually made it without falling off and set off toward the river. The elephants needed no urging to enter the water as they‟d obviously done it many times before. Once in the river my elephant, without any warning, decided to kneel down. Marie squealed in delight as my beast tipped me into the river and I came up gasping and coughing water much to the amusement of the handlers. Marie was laughing so much at my predicament she was unprepared when it was her turn to be tipped in. She surfaced red faced and spluttering as much as I had. Because I was laughing she then proceeded to splash me. I waded over to her aware that the water had made her top virtually see-though. I upended her expecting her to come up again but the crafty minx stayed under the water, grabbed me by the ankles and pulled me under as well, putting her hand between my legs and rubbing me before surfacing again. We set to giving the elephants a good scrub down with stiff bristled brooms which they seemed to enjoy.. It was a good thing the water was muddy because every time I reached around Marie she would wriggle her bum against my front knowing the effect it would have. Then she'd move away running her tongue over her lips seductively at me. We moved around the other side of the elephants away from the gaze of the handlers and where the water was clearer, the next time she rubbed up against me I pretended to stumble, went under the water pulled down her bikini bottom and stuck my finger in her vagina. Coming up for air her face was a picture, her cheeks bright red she scrubbed furiously at the elephant's back, not daring to look at me or pull her pants up. She waggled her bottom at me again not realising I'd dropped my shorts, and only gave a soft „Oo!‟ as my erection slipped into her. I felt her tense a little then leant forward as if stroking the elephant's side. I was moving my hips from side to side then in and out whilst holding on to her. She started to gasp and moan quietly, at the same time furiously scrubbing away. Suddenly my feet shot out from under me and I sat down hard dragging Marie down with me. The feeling as I was driven into her was too much and I heaved and came. Marie croaked “OhmyGawd-OhmyGawd! On a rising note as she pushed down on me and climaxed. I quickly withdrew, looking around to see if anyone had seen us. We were still hidden by the elephant‟s bulk. Rising shakily to our feet we hauled up our pants and carried on with our task as if nothing had happened. Calming down we worked our way around the beasts again then left them to wallow and blow water over anyone nearby. Did I imagine it? I‟m sure „my‟ elephant winked at me. We had booked a room but it was really more like a bamboo hut with modern fittings. The heat was a little oppressive but became less so after the sun went down. We walked along the shore our arms around each other beneath a full moon. Taking off our sandals we strolled along the waters edge, the surf tickling as it pushed and pulled at our feet. I said softly "Pinch me sweetheart I‟m sure this must be a dream" She rested her head on my shoulder and said " I feel the same my love. I just hope we don‟t wake up.” We sank down onto the still warm sand and just sat there, arms about each other looking at the stars and listening to the muted roar of the surf. I kissed her below her ear and she turned to face me, held my face and gave me a long lingering kiss. She sighed "I needed that. How about we go and wash another elephant." She giggled, got up and ran back toward the hut chortling with me in hot pursuit. Chapter 16 With Ariadne‟s bottom scraped and a fresh coat of anti-fouling paint we were ready to leave. Two days later we sailed from Ceylon and headed north-eastwards towards Sumatra. This would be quite a long voyage, about 700 miles with nothing in between. We carried extra fuel and water in drums lashed to the deck and kept to our most economical speed. The weather, once again, was kind to us with just the occasional rain squalls during which we were able to strip off and have a good all- over shower in the cooling rain. The ocean was a deep blue and we were escorted by families of porpoises that swam just in front of our bows, leaping out of the water and keeping up with us easily. Occasionally we would find flying fish trapped on the deck in the mornings, a welcome addition to our diet. We would watch them suddenly leaping out of the water and flapping their way across the ocean, probably to escape one of the many predators of the deep. We saw the odd shark who would circle the boat several times before disappearing into the depths. During this time the porpoises would disappear, only to return later. Since the start of the voyage Marie had taken a keen interest in the workings of the Ariadne, much to my delight and had learned to steer a course and read the charts, she knew how to start the engines and check the oil levels. This was a great help as she was able to take over and do a four hour stint at the wheel which took some load off the rest of us. We passed north of Sumatra and then headed southeast through the Malacca Straits finally arriving at Singapore. We were glad to be able to go ashore and stretch our legs, taking in the sights. We even had a meal at the famous Raffles Hotel now back to normal after the rigours of the Japanese occupation. "That' ll be something to tell the girls when we get back," said Marie. Having replenished our fuel and food stocks we sailed once again, heading eastwards toward the Philippines before bearing north toward the Chinese mainland and our destination, Hong Kong. We tied up in Kowloon harbour. Marie was excited but also a little sad because, she told me, one of her relations, whom she never known was buried there. He‟d been a government official there when the Japs invaded and was kept in a labour camp, beaten for the slightest infringement and half starved. He died from Beriberi in 1944. We found where he was buried and Marie laid a wreath of white roses against his headstone, muttered a prayer and wiped away a tear. This sad occasion cast a cloud over us for the rest of the day. Steve asked me if we could stay there for a couple more days so that the engines, which had not missed a beat, could be serviced before we moved on, saying there would be few facilities until we got to Australia. I agreed which allowed Marie and I to stroll around the colony and take a ride in a rickshaw which made us feel like a king and queen driving among our subjects. The whole area was heaving with people with shanty towns spreading all over the hillsides as refugees flooded in from neighbouring Communist China. The whole hillside area would become a quagmire in the rainy season with landslides and consequent loss of life. It was hard to believe that so much squalor could live side by side with such opulence. As the time drew near for us to sail Steve took me to one side and, making sure we were alone, said " It might be a good idea to buy some guns before we leave boss." I looked at him in some alarm. "Bloody hell Steve!,” I exclaimed “what on earth for, thinking of going in to the gun- running business?" I asked, with an attempt at humour. "The South China seas are a happy hunting ground for pirates who would love to take this boat away from us not to mention what could happen to us. Marie would be a choice prize." he said seriously. "Pirates," I exclaimed, horrified. "Thought they went out in the eighteenth century?" "Don't you believe it" Said Steve "It's a very lucrative not to mention lethal trade in these parts." "You've got me worried now Steve, are we really in that much danger? I don't want any of us to come too any harm." Steve chuckled "We'll be alright as long as we make a show of strength if any boat comes near, hence the suggestion about getting some guns." "Where the hell would we get guns?" I said "Don't you need a licence or something?" “Let me worry about that," said Steve "I've got some contacts here who „know‟ people who can help. Just you and the wife be somewhere else when I come aboard next time, shall we say around 4pm." I didn't tell Marie of Steve‟s warning and suggestion, I knew she hated guns and I didn't want to worry her unnecessarily so I took her ashore ostensibly for one last stroll before we sailed. We walked arm in arm through the city. I had a suit made for a fraction of the cost in the UK. Amazingly it only took an hour for it to be ready not including fitting. Marie was able to buy some rolls of silk for a pittance and some sparkly jewellery. We returned to the boat in the early evening. Steve had made ready to cast off. I glanced in his direction and he gave the faintest of nods. We made our way slowly out of the harbour. Once clear we picked up speed, heading into a stiff breeze. We soon started to pitch and roll as we cleared the land with waves breaking over the bows. Steve adjusted speed so as to lessen the stress on the fore-ends; even so we would occasionally crash through a wave that was out of step with all the others. I started to feel a bit queasy but Marie and the rest of the crew were fine. "Think I'll go below for a bit 'til I get my sea-legs back again." “You call yourself a sailor?" said Marie. "Har Har." I moaned heading for the side. Going below I lay on my bunk but feeling even more nauseous I went on deck again, thinking to keep busy and take my mind off the sickness. I made my way carefully forward to check on the anchor cable. I didn‟t want it to slacken and let the anchor bash a hole in the side. As I checked the tension Ariadne crashed down and I was startled to hear a cry from the forepeak, a small space where the anchor cable is stored. I stuck my head into the fore-peak hatch but it was too dark to see anything. “I must have imagined it.” I muttered to myself and started back toward the wheelhouse. I hung on as bows crashed down again and this time I was sure I heard a cry. I Shouted and waved my arm to get Steve‟s attention, signalling for him to slow down. Leaving Bob on the wheel he came forward. “Have we got a problem boss?” he asked. “I‟m sure I heard somebody in the fore-peak” I replied “Get me a torch will you? Oh and make its a heavy one.” Ariadne was rolling a lot as we lost way but I heard no more sounds. Steve returned with a heavy duty torch. “Want me to have a look boss?” he asked. “Nah, it‟s okay I‟ll do it, you just stand by in case.” I opened the hatch and nervously stuck my head in peering into the gloom prepared to whack anyone who came at me,. Switching on the torch I could see the anchor cable swaying and rattling in time with the roll but nothing else except for a pile of rags. Lowering myself into the forepeak a distinctly human smell assailed my nostrils. After what Steve had said about pirates I looked around for a more substantial weapon to use and unclipped a small hand axe from the bulkhead. "Right, show yourself! I know you're in here." I commanded sternly. I stepped back fearfully as the bundle of rags resolved itself into a human shape. "Ok I‟m coming, please don't hit me." called a plaintive and very feminine voice. "Just come out where I can see you then." I ordered, backing out of the forepeak. I breathed a sigh of relief as I saw it was a young and strikingly pretty young girl about twenty years old I guessed. She was clutching a duffle bag as she staggered out onto the deck and immediately collapsed in a heap. We carried her below and laid her on the saloon sofa. She had a nasty bruise to the side of her face and a split lip. "She probably got that from being thrown around in the forepeak." I said “I‟ll get Marie to look after her. She‟ll calm her down when she comes too. When Marie arrived she bent over her saying “Poor thing, she has been in the wars hasn‟t she.” She got a flannel and some water and bathed her face and then covered her with a blanket. “Thank you.” said our unexpected guest and promptly fell asleep again. We left her alone, locking the cabin door behind us. "Keep an eye on her darling," I said "Although I don't think she's a danger to us." I climbed up to the wheelhouse and put Steve and Bob in the picture. "So, what's the plan then?" asked Steve. "We'll just carry on and put her off at our next port of call . I don‟t think she‟s badly hurt" I said. " It‟ ll be interesting to hear what she's got to say for herself." With all the excitement I had completely forgotten my seasickness and felt as fit as a flea again. We picked up speed and butted our way eastwards again. Chapter 17 There‟s something thrilling about being on the wheel of a boat and watching the bows lift and then crash down again creating clouds of spray and feeling the boat shudder, only to repeat the process over and over. I never tired of it. The following morning, the wind having eased and the sea calmer, we were able to increase speed. Our stowaway was allowed out of the cabin and brought to the saloon to explain herself. Her story was, she had missed the ship that would have taken her home to Australia where she was to be married in a couple of months. She had heard a rumour we were going to call at Darwin to refuel. She‟d crept aboard whilst we were ashore and had fallen asleep in the forepeak, only to be woken by being thrown all over the place as we ploughed through the waves. "Are you going to take me back to Hong Kong?" she asked "No," I replied "It would take too much fuel and I don't suppose you've got enough money to pay for it, have you?" "All my luggage is on the ship" she said "Including my passport and most of my money. I've only got about £50 in my duffle and I'll need that to get to Sydney from where the ship is docking." She started to cry. I patted her on the shoulder and Marie put her arm around her. "Ok, turn off the waterworks; I guess you' ll just have to work your passage. We don't carry any passengers on this ship." Then I grinned and said "Except the wife of course." "You cheeky sod." said Marie, "I'll give you passenger." and took a swipe at my ear, I dodged out of the way chuckling. “Do you have a name then?" I asked. "It's Stella" she replied. I introduced her to everyone. It transpired she was quite capable of fitting in as a crew member as her father had a boat similar to ours and she‟d often crewed for him on trips up to the Great Barrier Reef as a charter boat for tourists. That night as I was dozing in our cabin there was a tap on the door "Come" I said and Steve poked his head round the door. He glanced at Marie who was asleep. "A word sir, please." He said quietly, pointing upwards. I rose quietly and made my way to the wheelhouse. Steve pointed "See that flashing light toward the north sir?" I waited for my eyes to become accustomed to the dark and stared toward the light. "Yes, it looks like a light-house. What's the problem Steve?" "Look about 10 degrees to the left of it. What do you see?" I strained to see what was bothering him and suddenly saw the glow of green phosphorescence. I reached for the binoculars and focused on the darker patch above the glimmer. It was a cruiser similar to our own and was closing the distance between us slowly but steadily. Steve then grabbed my arm, swinging me around to the other side. Clearly outlined in the moon's path another boat was also heading in our direction. Steve said "I don‟t like the way they‟re edging toward us. The one we can see is hoping we‟ll turn toward the other one, thinking we've not spotted it, that‟s my guess. We'd better be prepared just in case." He turned to Bob. "I' ll take the wheel; you go and get the guns." Bob scooted below and reappeared carrying a semi-automatic rifle, a shot gun and a pistol. He was also carrying a large axe. He saw me staring at it and said "Not to worry boss, it's to cut any grapnel ropes they try and use to board us." "Christ! I hope they're not going to get that close." I said to Steve in alarm. ”Surely we can outrun them?" "Hopefully but not a certainty, we can but try.” He replied “The moon going to go behind that cloud in a minute, when it does we' ll slow down and hope the one we can't see doesn't notice and pulls ahead. If it works we' ll put the hammer down, cut behind him and then shoot ahead. It‟ ll be us that are hard to see then. We've just got to hope they're not faster than us. I'm glad we had the bottom scraped, that should give us a few extra knots." With all that was going on we hadn't noticed that Marie and Stella had both arrived and were standing behind us. "What's going on, where did all these guns come from and why?" demanded Marie, fearfully surveying all the weaponry “You know I hate guns.” I quickly explained the situation to them both and tried to reassure them by saying "They might just be fishing boats; we're just not taking any chances." In the meantime, the moon went behind the cloud and Steve let the speed drop off until we were just idling along. Sure enough the other boat started to draw ahead. "Right!" said Steve "Hold on to something. To Marie he said, “Please go below until we call you out again, just in case.” Marie started to object but I gave her an imploring look and she took the hint and took herself below. I turned to Stella and showed her the pistol. "You know how to use one of these?" I asked. "Course I do" she replied, "Yer needs one when yer in the middle of a load of crocs." "Good, well take this one and go below. Let's call it insurance." She took it and stuffed it in her waistband before disappearing below. "All set?” asked Steve. I nodded and grabbed hold of a guard rail stanchion. Steve rammed the throttle to fully open. A cloud of black smoke enveloped the stern as fuel poured into the cylinders. We surged forward and I hung on as Steve spun the wheel causing the boat to heel over as we picked up speed. The engines were roaring and the whole boat was shaking. The bow rose until we seemed to be aiming for the sky. We cut across the stern of the other boat about 200 yards away and headed toward the darkness of the landward side. We rapidly left the other boats behind until they disappeared from view, not slowing down for fifteen minutes or so. Finally Steve brought the power down until we were coasting along. We kept a sharp lookout behind but the other craft, whoever they were, had disappeared. A group of small islands appeared over the horizon directly ahead. Hopefully we‟d be able to play hide and seek among them if the other boats showed up again. Chapter 18 A sea mist had settled around us toward dawn and the early morning sun was slowly burning it off but we could still only see the higher parts of the islets. By mid-morning the mist had completely disappeared. Scanning the horizon, we appeared to have the sea to ourselves. Approaching one of the larger islets it appeared deserted. We could see it had a sandy beach that shelved steeply enough for us to anchor quite close to shore. The girls were full of excitement after the previous night's scare and were chattering away nineteen to the dozen as they prepared a picnic hamper to take ashore with us. We were going to spend the day doing nothing but sunbathe and have a drink or two. The sun got warmer as the day wore on and we decided to go for a swim. Marie loaned Stella one of her bikinis and our eyes nearly popped out of our heads as they emerged on deck. They looked absolutely gorgeous. The sun had bronzed their bodies to a golden brown and bleached their hair to the colour of straw. Steve volunteered to take the hamper ashore in the dory but would return aboard again “I‟m too old for all this exercise,” he said “So I ‟ll be able to keep an eye on the Ariadne and make sure we‟re not given any more nasty surprises.” We dived from the side and swam leisurely toward the shore. I dived down and came up under Marie giving her belly a kiss before surfacing again. She did the same to me but with the added bonus of trailing her hand up between my legs and giving me a squeeze. I nearly choked; she surfaced beside me, giving me a smouldering look as she did so. Reaching the shore we threw ourselves down on the sandy shore to get our breath back. Stella and Bob decided to do a bit of exploring and wandered off along the shore leaving us to lie soaking up the sun. I propped myself on one elbow and looked down at my lovely girl. Her eyes were closed, one hand shielding them from the sun. Her hair fanned out like a golden halo. I thought how lucky I was to have such a loving wife who was, to me, the most beautiful girl in the world as well. I became aware that she had opened her eyes and was looking at me with a smile on her lips. I dipped my head and brushed her lips with mine, then kissed her with all the feeling I could muster. She opened her mouth and our tongues writhed and probed each others mouth. I reached down and slowly worked my hand under her bikini top, stroking and kneading her breast, feeling her nipple harden under my hand as I stroked it. I freed it and took it in my mouth, sucked it then caught it lightly between my teeth, teasing it with the tip of my tongue. She gave a small cry and reached down to put her hand inside my trunks, holding and caressing my hardness. I reached down and ran my hand over her thigh finally easing it inside her bikini bottom to stroke her until I could feel her becoming moist. I started to kiss her, starting with her throat and working my way down until I could probe her moistness with my tongue. She was making little animal noises and starting to quiver as she responded to my attentions. She started to undo the bows on her bikini bottom. Suddenly we sprang apart as we heard the sound of a shot. Bob and Stella came charging toward us screaming. “GET BACK TO THE BOAT! GO! GO! GO NOW!” The fear in their voices was enough to spur us into action. Hand in hand we raced for the sea and diving in swam frantically for Ariadne with Bob and Stella right behind us. I heard a double CRACK! and two spouts of water jumped up near us. "O my god!, we're being fired at." I wanted to look back but could see Marie was close by. Between breaths I screamed to Marie "Dive down and swim underwater to the boat if you can and climb aboard the other side.” Several more shots zipped off the water near us. I heard the distinctive sound of the semi-automatic rifle as Steve fired back, spacing his shots to keep our attacker's head down. Climbing aboard I was relieved to see Marie aboard and crouching behind the wheelhouse. I quickly followed. Marie was tearful and shaking like a leaf. Only later did she realise - much to her embarrassment and my amusement – that she‟d lost her bikini bottom in the mad panic to get away. Stella was close behind me and ran to be with Marie. I crept slowly around to the rear of the wheelhouse and climbed the ladder keeping below the window. The smell of cordite was in the air as Steve fired toward the shore, his face grim as he muttered, "Bastard, bastard, bastard." I could see our attacker through a split in the canvas windbreak. "Steve!" I called "Chuck the rifle to me, I can see the sod from here." "You any good with a rifle" He shouted. "Good enough." I said. He passed the rifle to me. I checked the sight, drew in a breath and released half as I lined up the target, I squeezed the trigger and rocked back as it kicked me. I saw a spurt of sand about a foot to one side but level with the enemy. A bullet howled off the guardrail as the shooter fired back and a couple more thudded into the wheelhouse knocking splinters from the chart table. I tried to remain calm but was becoming more and more irate at the thought of what damage the sod was causing to my beautiful Ariadne I adjusted my aim to allow for drift and squeezed the trigger again. This time my opponent staggered to his feet clutching his throat, slowly sank to kneeling position then collapsed onto his face remaining still. We waited for a minute or two in case he moved or there were any more of them but all was quiet again. Steve slowly rose to his feet and looked toward the shore. I wondered what he was looking at and went to stand by his side. It soon became apparent what held his gaze. Bob was floating face down with a rapidly spreading stain of blood surrounding him. “Oh no” I cried and dived in. "Hold on Bob I've got you, your safe now mate." I called. Reaching him I rolled him onto his back. The side of his head and half his face were gone. I nearly threw up but was able to control myself. When I‟d recovered I towed him back to the boat where Steve helped me get Bob on deck and place him gently onto a sunbed. Marie and Stella were in floods of tears. Steve had a face like thunder but couldn't hide the tears in his eyes. I felt not only rage but a great sadness. This was the man who had saved my wife from drowning, only to be cut down by some unknown killer, “And for what?” I asked myself. After I‟d shot and presumably killed our assailant I was overcome by shock, horror and guilt. Seeing poor Bob, any remorse I had felt turned to fury and I could have easily gone ashore and put several more bullets into him. We motored slowly away from the island until we were sure that we were safe from any more surprise attacks. The killer himself could rot where he lay as far as I was concerned. Keeping Bob onboard until we reached any authorities was not an option. A body doesn't keep long in the tropics and we didn‟t have a cold store big enough. Marie and Stella sewed him a shroud from some of the silk Marie had bought in Kowloon and tucked a photo of his family that I‟d found in his cabin, into his pocket. Using some spare anchor cable links for weight we slowly lowered Bob to his final resting place, saying a few prayers for his soul. I made a note of our position on the chart. Chapter 19 We were all in sombre mood that night. Steve wanted to be alone and went to the wheelhouse nursing a bottle of rum and the rifle, saying he‟d keep watch. We three sat in the saloon talking and quietly reminiscing. Marie was still a bit tearful and I suggested she went to bed. I led her to our cabin and settled her down. I made to leave but she clung to me. "I might have known it would be too good to last. It‟s not fair." I held her close rocking her back and forth muttering platitudes until she fell into an exhausted sleep. I crept out and returned to the saloon. Stella was sitting nursing a large brandy and more than a little drunk. I asked how they came to be chased by the gunman. “We were strolling along the shore just chatting and probably walked further than intended. Suddenly we rounded a big rock and there he was. He‟d dug a hole in the sand and was about to put something in or take something out – I don‟t know. He looked up, saw us, grabbed his gun, pointed it at us and fired. He missed but it was as good as a starting pistol for us. We took off like a pair of rockets. The rest you know.” She paused and I could see she was reliving the experience in her mind. She continued. "We were having such a lovely walk on the island. Bob told me about his family. Did you know his wife was dead?” She asked. I confessed that apart from being a crew member I knew nothing of his personal life. "All I know is, he was a good worker and the man who saved Marie's life. Did he have any children do you know?" I queried. "Yes" she said "a five year old boy and girl of seven and they both live with his sister." "Then I shall see that his money gets to them plus a bonus. I should think Steve‟ll know where they live.” We sat for a while immersed in our own thoughts. Looking up I could see Stella's lips quivering and tears running down her cheeks. I went to her and held her while she sobbed on my chest, her shoulders shaking as she let out her grief. Slowly the shaking subsided and using my handkerchief I gently dried her tears. She stared into my eye and brought her face closer to mine. I bent to kiss her on the forehead but she grabbed my face and kissed me full on the lips. I pulled away and moved to the other side of the table. She gave me a tremulous smile and said "I'm sorry Mr Weston I didn't mean anything by it; after all I'm soon to be a married lady." I smiled and patted her hand, said goodnight and made my way to the wheelhouse. Steve was leaning on the wheel picking at a bullet splinter, the rum bottle dangling from his hand. I noted that he had hardly touched it. "Thought I'd best stay sober." he said "There's only the two of us to manage the boat until the girls get over the killing and we‟re not out of the woods yet." "They're a tough pair." I said "They' ll be ok once they've had a good sleep. Do you really think we'll have any more trouble then?" "To be honest, I don‟t know boss. Matey may have been on that island alone but we don‟t know for sure. If he does have any mates they‟ll maybe come looking for him and, If they find him, knowing we can defend ourselves might make them think twice before trying it on with us." Steve replied. I told him what Stella had said about surprising the gunman as he was digging up or burying something. “It might be an idea to go take a look. It must be something of value if it‟s worth killing for.” I suggested. “Hmm… Let‟s wait unti l morning and if the coast is clear we‟ll nip back and have a look” replied Steve “In the meantime you go and get your head down boss, I'll keep watch for now, I ‟ll not be able to sleep anyway." I bade him goodnight and went below, snuggled up to Marie and drifted off into a troubled sleep. I was woken in the early hours. Steve was shaking my shoulder. "What's up?" I said. "It's ok boss." he said, "Just thought we'd best get underway again. The sun‟s up and it looks all clear for a quick shufti at what matey was up to. As you said, It must be valuable for him to kill for it.” I woke the girls up and told them of our plan “You‟re going to what?” Marie was not happy. “We‟ll only be there for half an hour at most,” I assured her. “Oh well, that‟s alright then. So if his mates turn up you‟re going to kill them too, yes?” she said sarcastically then put her hand to her mouth as she saw my expression. “I - I‟m sorry darling, I didn‟t mean it like that .” She said apologetically. “Look baby, the slightest sign of trouble and we‟ll scarper double-quick. I‟m just curious to know what it is that was worth killing for.” “Ok darling but promise me you‟ll make it quick.” She said. I promised I would, giving her a reassuring hug. Chapter 20 Arriving back at the islet we slowly circled it, being prepared to leg it if we saw anything untoward. We couldn‟t anchor where the killer had been digging as it was too rocky to land the dory. “Tell you what Steve, Just stop, I‟ll swim ashore here, you motor round to the beach we landed on and I‟ll cut across the island and meet you there. That way you can keep an eye out for any trouble.” Steve wasn‟t happy but I was the boss so he didn‟t have a lot of say. Marie was not so easily swayed saying, “I‟m going with you whether you like it or not.” In a voice that brooked no argument despite my protest. Steve just smiled, shook his slowly and said “You‟re both mad.” “Pardon?” I asked him. “Your both mad…..Sir.” “That‟s better.” I replied with a grin. We made ready and dived over the side. The water was barely deep enough for swimming and we were able to almost wade ashore. I looked behind to see Ariadne motoring out of sight toward the landing beach. I looked around but saw nothing untoward but saw no signs of digging either. “You sure this is the right place?” asked Marie, looking around fearfully. “Let‟s look over there,” I said pointing to a small outcrop “Stella mentioned a big rock, maybe it‟s the other side.” We crept to the rock and I made Marie stay behind me as I peered carefully around it. Sure enough there was a hole and next to it an oblong waterproofed package about two feet by one foot in size. Lying nearby was a spade. “Well it doesn‟t look as if anyone‟s been here since yesterday, does it.” I said. Let‟s see what was worth Bob‟s life. I took my knife and cut through the packaging. It became evident what was in the package when I inadvertently cut into the contents. White powder dribbled out. “What is it?” Marie asked. “Can‟t be sure sweetheart but my guess is it‟s drugs, cocaine probably, but I‟ve never tried it or even seen any before today.” I picked the whole lot up and said to Marie “Come on babe we‟ll ask Steve perhaps he‟ll know what it is.” We followed the shoreline and eventually reached our original landing place. Steve had already arrived and had just launched the dory. The unopened hamper still sat where we‟d left it. “Stay here for a minute please sweetheart. You don‟t need to see this.” I pointed to the crumpled body lying at the foot of a tree about fifty feet from our position. The body, when I reached it, was not very big and was already starting to bloat. Flies were clustered around the head. It was lying face down but I just had to see the face of Bob‟s killer. Carefully I rolled it over and wished I hadn‟t. My bullet had ricocheted from the sand and passed through the throat taking part of the lower jaw with it. The greater shock was that it was a woman. She was Chinese or Chinese looking and probably pretty in life. She looked to be in her mid twenties but it was hard to tell. I left her there and returned to where Marie was waiting. “Ok baby?” she asked concerned. “You‟re looking a bit white.” I told her what I‟d found. She put her arms around me. “I‟m so sorry darling, you must feel awful.” “I did when I first saw her but then I thought of Bob and his now fatherless children. ” I said angrily. “She killed an unarmed and defenceless man so I‟m glad I put her where she belongs, in hell with a bit of luck.” I added vehemently. By this time Steve had arrived. “Ok boss?” he asked. I pointed to the package “What do you think that is Steve?” He knelt down, sniffed at the powder and wetting a finger touched and tasted it. “It‟s cocaine, pure I ‟d say.” “And you know this because?” I enquired Steve chuckled “Don‟t worry boss. My previous master wasn‟t averse to the odd „line‟ during his parties. I‟ ll admit I did try it….once but I felt so ill after it I never tried it again. So, what are we going to do with it then boss?” “I know what I‟d like to do with it.” I replied savagely “I‟d take it and stuff it up her………” I paused, remembering that Marie could hear me. “Well you know what I‟m saying Steve.” Steve just looked at me and nodded “My sentiments precisely sir so what are we going to do with it?” “Bob paid for it with his life so I think he should have it, don‟t you?” I said. “You‟re a mind reader boss.” Steve said. He picked up the package and threw it into the dory. Once back aboard we lost no time in getting underway again. I guided us back to the position we‟d buried Bob. Stopping engines we gathered by the guard rail, grabbed a handful each of the Cocaine and threw it overboard. I took the remainder and poured it over the side and watched as the ocean slowly swallowed it. Within minutes there was no sign that it had ever existed. Steve sighed and said ruefully “That was quite a few thousand pounds worth of prime Coke.” “Bloody good riddance,” I replied “At least it‟ll not ruin anyone else‟s life. Right Steve let‟s get the show on the road.” So saying I took the wheel and pushed the throttles forward. Ariadne shuddered as the screws bit and we moved away gathering speed as evening descended. Chapter 21 Dawn found far enough away from the islands to feel relatively safe. I heard a noise and turned to see Steve tapping the barometer and frowning. “What‟s up Steve, forgot to wind it up?” I joked “It‟s dropping. I think we‟re in for a blow so we‟d better secure everything. I‟ ll check up here if you‟ll ask the ladies to secure the best china.” I went below to break the good news. Marie took it stoically as ever and she and Stella set about their chores. I went up top again and scanned the horizon. Some dark clouds were bui lding up under which lightning could be seen flickering occasionally. As the day wore on I noted that the Ariadne was rolling and pitching a bit more. Although it was Steve‟s watch I made my way to the upper deck. Clouds were scurrying to fill the sky. Thunder was growling in the distance and coming ever closer, a stiff breeze had sprung up. We set course to the south east . Fortunately this took us more or less straight into the wind and away from land so we should be well clear of Indonesia. Through the night the waves continued to get steeper and the wind stronger unti l it was blowing a full gale. We seemed to spend as much time under the water as on it. Cooking was out of the question as the boat was rolling and corkscrewing sluggishly more or less southwards. As time passed the storm got even worse. The barometer needle kept falling. The wind was screaming through what little rigging we carried, whipping the tops from the enormous waves creating a fog of water. I looked at Steve but he gave no sign of being worried even though he frowned occasionally. I swallowed my own fears and concentrated on keeping the boat headed in the right direction. The night was even more terrifying as we could not see what was happening. We only knew that the Ariadne was being tossed around like a cork. We had taken to wearing lifejackets and attaching a lifeline whi lst on the upper deck. If anyone had been swept overboard that would be the end of him, or her. We lost track of time as the storm gave no sign of abating. We just concentrated on keeping afloat. We were becoming exhausted from battling our way around the boat and sleep was almost impossible. Worryingly, the engines started to stutter and misfire. "Might be water in the fuel." shouted Steve, above the screaming wind. "I' ll go and have a look." I said, and made my way below to the engine room. When I switched the light on I was horrified to see that water was nearly up to the engines sumps. I tried to start the electric pump but water had got into the electrics and shorted it. I grabbed the hand pump and started pumping furiously. It didn't seem to make any difference to the water level which was sloshing back and forth sometimes up to my waist. I left the engine room to report what I'd found. "Thought the old girl seemed a bit sluggish" Steve said "I put it down to the wind and waves. We'll get Stella and Marie up here while you and I see what's what below." With the girls taking it in turn to keep the boat pointing into the wind we went to check on the pump. We took turns pumping furiously to try and lower the water level but after an hour of pumping we had made no impression on the water level, in fact it seemed to be getting higher. "There must be a big leak somewhere." said Steve "Could be a prop shaft seal." He disappeared aft occasionally shining his waterproof torch around. I saw him hold his breath and duck under the turgid water his torch moving about below the surface. When he finally surfaced I could see by the expression on his face we were in trouble. “We've got a serious problem Boss." He said. "What sort of problem" I asked. "I‟m afraid its a terminal one.” he said ominously. “Some of those shots from the shore went through the side, ricocheted off the engines and through the bottom. Because they were small holes we wouldn‟t have noticed them. I blame myself, I should have checked for damage at the time. There's no way we can seal them. With upward pressure from the waves it‟s like a fountain under the engines and we just can‟t get to them not in this weather. We might stay afloat another 6 hours, that's if the weather doesn't worsen. I get the feeling we are caught in a typhoon which could last another day, maybe more.” I couldn't speak as the full import of our predicament sank in. "What do you suggest we do then Cap'n?" I said eventually, deferring to his greater knowledge. "All we can do is be as prepared as we can be which means getting the life rafts ready and stocked with as much water and food as we can manage but mainly water as that is the most important of all." We had no idea of our position only that we were being blown further and further into the Philippine Sea. We broke the news to the girls who, after the initial shock remained calm and made themselves busy stocking up the rafts. The movement of Ariadne became more and more sluggish. Waves were starting to crash down on the stern and the bow was almost out of the water. The storm seemed to increase in ferocity. Then the engines finally gave up the ghost, leaving us at the mercy of the wind and sea. "Time to leave folks." said Steve, "Boss, you take Marie in one raft me and Stella will take the other. We'll both try and tow a spare raft but if it breaks loose don't try to save it, you could drown trying." With those comforting words we shook hands gave hugs all round and launched the rafts as the sea came level with the deck. I clambered into the raft as it came level, Holding out my arms I caught Marie as she jumped aboard and flopped into the bottom of the raft. I made sure the spare raft was secured and held on to the raft sides as it gyrated like a rollercoaster on the monstrous waves. We watched as the Ariadne settled lower and lower until she tiredly slipped backwards under the waves, just the bows pointing into the air, hovering for a moment before sliding beneath the waves. I couldn't stifle a sob as she disappeared. She'd taken us halfway round the world in comfort behaving like a perfect lady in any sort of sea. I swore to myself that if we survived I'd have her replaced by an identical boat. Marie reached up to hold my hand and give it a squeeze. No words passed between us, none were needed. Steve and Stella's raft was drifting away from us downwind. I got the paddle out and tried to narrow the gap but the wind and waves was to strong and we gradually drifted apart until I could no longer see them. We were alone on a raging sea being tossed about and having little or no control over our fate. Chapter 22 We were blown ever westwards with no idea where we were. Our distress beacon was sending out a signal, but if anyone heard it I doubt they would have been able to find us. After three days we were feeling miserable, cold and soaked to the skin. Sal twater sores began to appear where our bodies rubbed against the raft sides. We drank water in small doses as we didn't know how long we were going to drift before or if we were found. We lived on Spam and cold baked beans with the occasional chocolate bar to give us the strength to bale out the raft which we had to do often. On the fourth day the wind started to drop and the ocean became calmer. The sun broke through and raised our spirits as it warmed us. When it became calm enough I stood up and looked around. There was nothing as far as the eye could see. By the following morning the ocean was as calm as a millpond although the occasional rain squall passed over us. We took this opportunity to strip off and wash ourselves off in the rain. For once our nakedness caused no thoughts of sex, which must have been a first for us. The water was clear and we could observe the fish as the sunlight reflected from the silver of their bodies. Ominously a pair of sharks appeared and started to circle the raft , maybe attracted by its shape or bright orange colour. One became brave and nudged the side causing the raft to tilt alarmingly. Marie raised an oar as if to smack it on the nose but I grabbed the oar and said "Don't hit it, it might think we are attacking it and take a bite out of the raft.” It was already losing some of its buoyancy. We sat quietly until, with one last nudge which set us spinning, they disappeared as rapidly as they had appeared. We dozed in the shade of the canopy until the sun began to set. At one stage we thought we heard the sound of an aircraft. I grabbed the signal flare-gun and fired a bright red flare into the air; it arced over, trailing smoke for about fifteen seconds, to fall spluttering into the water. The sound died away and once again we were enveloped in silence except for the lapping of the sea against the sides. "We can't be a million miles from land." I said. "How can you know?" said Marie, listlessly. "If you look over there,” I pointed to the horizon “you can just about see some clouds which usually appear above a landmass as the hot air rises from it. The only problem is, we don't know if we are drifting toward or away from it." "To think we always dreamed of a desert island with just the two of us on it. Now we seem doomed to die in the middle of the ocean." She said mournfully. "Oh, come on sweetheart," I said, putting my arms around her, "They're sure to find us soon. The beacon is sti ll transmitting for them to get a fix on" I bent forward and gave her a gentle kiss, wincing as my cracked lips touched the saltiness of her skin. She snuggled up to me and rested her head on my chest. I stroked her hair, which felt dry and stiff from the salt water, until she drifted off to sleep. As darkness fell I pondered on our predicament but had no idea what we could do except conserve our food and water as much as possible and hope rescue came before it ran out. The thought of my lovely girl dying of thirst or starvation was almost too much to bear. I blamed myself for putting her in this position and could feel tears of regret running down my face. I buried my face in my arms. “I‟m so sorry my darling.‟ I whispered. I must have fallen asleep because I awoke with a start. I could hear a roaring sound and could feel the raft pitching and tossing. The wind had risen slightly but surely not enough to have caused us to move about as much as we were. I reached for the torch and shone it on Marie. She was rousing up. "What's happening?" she asked. "I don't know" I said. Pulling myself up I sat on the side of the raft and shone the torch around. The first thing I noticed was that the rope attaching us to the spare raft had badly frayed. With all the jerking around we were in danger of losing it. That would have been a disaster as a lot of our stores were in it. I reached over to haul it in as the roaring got louder. Letting go of the rope I stood up carefully and looked over the sun canopy. I was horrified to see a frothing line of white water rushing toward us. I screamed for Marie to hang on. The rope holding the other raft was hanging by a thread. I made a grab for it and hung on trying to pull it toward me but as I hauled on the rope, our raft jerked and I was thrown into the water still hanging on to the rope. The very thing Steve had warned me not to do. The roaring of the water became deafening and I was tossed about and rolled end over end. It was difficult to get a breath as I was struggling to stay afloat. The rope finally broke. My last sight was of being surrounded by white water and hearing Marie's scream which was cut off as the raft was overturned and disappeared from view. I drew a breath to shout “Marie!” but swallowed a mouthful of ocean instead. I thought “I‟m drowning” as I was dragged under again. I felt a sharp pain in my leg. “That‟s all I need, a shark bite. I mused. A strange tranquillity seemed to take over and I stopped struggling. I felt myself lifted up and thrown forward. My head must have struck something but all I saw was a flash of light then nothing but blackness as I lost consciousness. Chapter 23 Marie was tickling my ear with something. I tried to brush it away but she just moved to a different area. I grumbled "Not now darling, I'm too tired and it's too hot." The tickling continued so I swung my arm to grab hold of her only to meet empty air. Memory came flooding back and I sat up groggily. The tickling had been a small crab which scuttled off. I looked wi ldly around but I was alone. The morning sun made me screw up my eyes and the pain in my head and leg came back. I felt the top of my head which had a bruise the size of an egg and some smears of blood covered my hand. My leg had a big blue bruise and a scrape on it but seemed undamaged apart from that. I breathed a sigh of relief; at least nothing seemed to be broken. I climbed to my feet and nearly fell down again as dizziness caught me out. I staggered a bit then promptly fell down again, my head spinning. I must have passed out and only came round when I felt the sea washing over my legs. As my head cleared thoughts of the previous night raced through my mind. I looked up and down the shoreline expecting to see Marie but there was nothing to be seen. I looked out into the lagoon into which I had been cast and saw an upturned life-raft floating about fifty yards away. "Ohmygod!" I cried and shouted "Marie! Marie! Darling where are you? I raced, or rather hobbled into the lagoon and struggled to the raft. I dreaded what I might find, I dived under it, nothing. Towing it to the shore I turned it over. It was the spare raft with most of our supplies still lashed in place. Painfully I dragged the raft above the high water mark, found a bottle of water and drank deeply as my throat was parched. I opened a small tin of corned beef using its key; silently thanking whoever's idea it was to include one and scooping out the contents with my fingers. Feeling refreshed but worried to death about the whereabouts of my darling wife, I started to search the shoreline. There were a lot of coral outcrops with hollows and caves that could trap a person. All I found were a few bits and pieces from our raft, but of the raft itself there was no trace. I lifted my gaze to the white water surging over the coral, protecting the lagoon, in the hope of catching a glimpse of orange but there was nothing to be seen. Trudging back to the sand I collapsed to my knees. The tears came as I rocked back and forth. I couldn't believe that the love of my life could be taken from me so suddenly. I blamed myself for embarking on this stupid adventure and putting her at risk. I grabbed handfuls of my hair and tore at it, oblivious to the pain from my wound. I cried out to the heavens "Why us?, why me? What god-damned right have you to take away the only thing I ever cared for. I must have ranted and raved for hours, running up and down the shoreline shouting her name. The sun had begun to set when I finally came to my senses. Exhausted I climbed into the raft and fell asleep. In the blackness of the night I suddenly awoke and shot upright. I was sure I heard her voice calling me and could still, in my fuddled state hear the echo ringing in my ears. I sat stock-still straining to hear her again but all I could hear was the distant roar of the surf beyond the lagoon. I slumped down again, tears starting once more. I wrapped my arms about myself and pretended that it was she that was holding me. Once again I fell asleep only to be haunted by her face. She was reaching out for me and I would awaken, my arms outstretched to hold her, only to feel the cold fabric of the raft. As the sun rose I woke feeling as though I‟d not slept. Wearily I made an effort and laid out the supplies from the raft to dry out. The little solid fuel stove and its little blocks of fuel were intact and the matches were dry in their sealed container. I found a metal pot, got the stove to light and boiled some bottled water. The packet of tea was dry and I shook some into the water. I wasn't keen on tea with no sugar or milk but it tasted like nectar. We'd not had a hot drink for days. Finding a bar of chocolate I wolfed it down, only then realising how hungry I was. I needed to explore the island, if such it was. I could see that the land rose steeply from the shore which was black sand, obviously of volcanic origin. The peak of what was hopefully an extinct volcano. - „With my luck it won‟t be‟ I muttered self pityingly, - was only about two hundred feet high which meant it was probably quite old and weathered. Palm trees surrounded it and some of the bushes and grasses were quite dense, in places more like jungle. I picked my way by the easiest route and began to climb. It wasn't particularly steep but by the time I reached the rim I was sweating heavily. I sat down to get my breath before looking down and studying the landscape. It was indeed an island, maybe uncharted. Looking around the horizon I could see no sign of any other islands. I started to search along the shore for signs of life and my eye was caught by a twinkle of light flashing on and off among some rocks which would have been invisible from the beach I was cast upon. I made my way carefully down to where I had seen the light flashing, searching among the rocks I climbed on top of one of the higher ones to get a better view. Looking around I once again saw the twinkling light. I jumped down and went into the sea to make my way around the rock. My heart stopped and my hand flew to my mouth as I stifled a cry. My mind raced back to the time I‟d seen my Marie‟s ring flashing as she sank after banging her head Heart pounding I edged toward the hollow in the overhang. I saw a dead white hand moving to a wave‟s motion as if waving to me. The twinkling I had seen was a ring's stones catching the sun as the dead white hand moved to and fro. I reached forward and took hold of it. A mixture of relief and sorrow were inextricably mixed and no words could describe what I felt as I gazed at my find……… Poor Stella would never get to her wedding. The engagement ring she‟d so proudly shown us was what he guided me to her. How do you feel both sorrow and elation at the same time? These were the emotions running through my mind. I gently eased Stella's body from where it was trapped among the rocks. Crabs had made a mess of her naked body but mercifully had been unable to get at her face. I carried her to the sandy shore and laid her there. Even in death her face had the look of serene beauty. I hoped she hadn't suffered. I dug a grave using a piece of driftwood I found. I had nothing to wrap her in so lowered her gently to the bottom of the grave and covered her beautiful face with a scrap of blouse that had also become entangled among the rocks. I removed her engagement ring so that I could, at least, return something to her family if I ever got off the island and assuming I could trace them. I prayed to whatever fates ruled us to look after her and slowly filled in the grave. I marked the spot in the event I should be rescued. I made my way sadly back to what I called 'My' beach and threw myself down on the raft. A black despair overcame me 'This wasn‟t how it was supposed to end.' Marie and I had always fantasized about being castaways on a desert island but this scenario had not been envisaged. I looked around; taking in the deep blue sea with its white ruff of coral beyond the lagoon, the pale green of the lagoon itself so clear you could see the bottom 10-15 feet below at its deepest wi th its myriad different colours of coral and fish creating a kaleidoscope of colour. My gaze shifted to the trees behind me their fronds waving gently in the warm breeze and further inland vegetation vying with the palms for space. The only discordant note was the black sand which was a far cry from the golden sands we had dreamed of. I heaved a sigh and sat up again. 'Better sort this food and stuff out and see what we've got or should I say I‟ve got.' Again a lump came to my throat and I couldn‟t stem the sudden flow of tears. It was some time before I could compose myself again and get back to my inventory. Fortunately a lot of the food was tinned and the rest was in waterproof packaging. I had about 20 gallons of water so would have to be careful with it, not knowing how long we'd be stuck here. I caught myself saying 'we' again which sent me off on another round of self pity. "For fu-“ I paused not wishing to say the word, “Pull yourself together” I shouted. A little crab scuttled away and hid under a rock at my outburst and I gave a half smile "Sorry mate, didn't mean to scare you" I apologised. As if understanding, the crab stuck its claw out and waved it about as if to say "That's ok" "Christ" I muttered "I' ll be as mad as Ben Gunn at this rate." I carried my stores up beyond the tree-line in case another storm blew up. I found a big clasp-knife in a canvas bag along with a couple of spoons, knives and forks, matches and a torch which worked by squeezing a handle on its side. I set about building a fire using kindling I found near the tree-line I didn‟t want to use up the firelighters, I might need them if it got too wet to light a fire naturally. Once it was blazing merrily I put on half pint of water to first heat a tin of soup and then use the water to make some tea. I was pleased to find some dried milk powder and some sugar. By the time I'd finished my meal the sun was rushing to the horizon- as it tends to do so near the equator- turning the ocean to burnished gold. Night comes quickly after sundown. I sat staring into the fire conjuring up pictures in the flickering flames. I piled on some more driftwood before settling down to sleep. I tossed and turned but sleep would not come. I got up and wandered up and down the shore aimlessly, my head full of thoughts of Marie and what had happened to her. I tried to shut out all thoughts of the horrible things that could have befallen her. Exhausted with my wandering I slumped down by the fire and nodded off, only to wake again with the echo of her voice calling my name. I stared wi ldly about but finally admitted to myself that it was a nightmare. Chapter 24 I woke with the sun in my eyes. I felt as though I'd not slept at all. I piled some more driftwood on the still smouldering embers and blew on them unti l they burst into flames. I made some tea and found some biscuits to go with it. I decided to try and go right round the island following the shoreline. I wouldn‟t rest until I‟d explored every possible place my Marie might be. I gathered together some food and water in the canvas bag and set off. I returned very late in the day having managed to go completely round the island. I was very dispirited having found nothing to suggest anyone else was here. The only bright spot was the discovery of a stream of fresh water on the other side of the island. At least I wouldn't die from thirst. There was also a variety of fruits and coconuts, I even found some Yams which would make a good substitute for potatoes. As darkness fell, I sat by the fire my head in my hands; tears were trickling down and dripping onto the sand to instantly disappear leaving no trace. "Just like my beloved Marie" I whispered. The night passed slowly as I tried to sleep but only managed to doze fitfully. Rising I walked to the lagoon's edge. Dawn was approaching as, throwing off my shorts I waded naked into the warm water until it was too deep to walk. I started to swim slowly toward the reef. Many thoughts crossed my mind. Perhaps I should try to cross the reef and continue to swim until fatigue overcame me and I could give myself up to the all embracing ocean. The more I thought about it, the more inviting the idea became. I stopped swimming and trod water for a while as the enormity of what I proposed sank in. I had lost everything that mattered to me. Without my beloved Marie my life was over anyway. I put my head down again and continued to swim toward the reef. I heard a seagull's cry above the thunder of the waves. "You' ll not change my mind” I shouted looking around for the gull but it was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly it struck me; I hadn't seen any gulls since I landed on the island. I shook my head, "Must have dreamed it" I muttered and swam nearer to the reef. The cry came again, nearer this time but it sounded more human. I quickened my pace until I was being lifted up and down as the ocean swept over the reef. Luckily it was nowhere near as violent as the last time I'd been cast ashore. Carefully I approached the sharp coral and as the water lifted me up I managed to climb onto a shelf and hold on as the ocean tried to drag me off again. Timing my movements I was able to clamber out of reach of the ocean. It was nearly full daylight, even though the sun had yet to rise. I climbed to the ocean side of the reef. Nothing was visible except the white froth, like soapsuds, unable to escape from the coral outcrop which was shaped like a crescent with the two horns facing the ocean. I cupped my hands around my mouth and shouted "ANYONE THERE?" not really expecting an answer. I nearly had a heart attack as a voice, seemingly under my feet cried "Help me." I looked wildly around but could see no one. Then the voice came again, only weaker "Please help me. I'm stuck here and can't move. Is tha….?" The voice broke off as another wave thundered against the reef. Waiting for it to start receding I approached the edge. "Where are you? I called. "I'm underneath the coral just below you" It was the voice of my Marie and all I could say was "Ohmygod! Ohmygod! Ohmygod! You're alive. Oh my darling, you're alive. Hang on I'm coming to get you" I inched forward until I could see over the projection. I could see the bright orange raft which seemed stuck fast. Marie was in it but unable to move as the underside of the overhang narrowed, gripping the raft. How she had survived was a miracle, getting her out would need another one. I shouted "Look darling, I'm going to have to go and get some rope and anything else I can lay my hands on." "NO! NO! please don‟t leave me, please darling.” she cried pitifully. "I won't be long sweetheart, I promise but I can‟t get to you without a rope. Please be brave and hold on, I'll be back before you know it.” "Oh Ok darling I'm not going anywhere.” She said, with an attempt at humour, “But hurry please." "That's my brave girl. Back soon." So saying I made my way to the lagoon side and dived in. I must have set a record for the speed with which I made the shore. I grabbed the rope, threw in the knife and the canvas bag, hauled the raft to the water and pushed off; fortunately the paddle had stayed attached to the raft by its lanyard so I was able to make good time back to the reef. Securing the raft to a projecting knob of coral I took the spare rope and knife and climbed over to the overhang. That was the easy bit. "I'm back doll" I called. The tide had gone out a bit further so there was no danger of being washed away. I tied the rope to a close by knob of coral and gingerly eased my way down to Marie‟s raft. Once I got a foothold, Marie reached for me and clung on like a limpet. "I thought I was going to die here. Why didn‟t you come, why?" she cried hysterically, tears coursing their way through the salt encrusting her face. "I called and called but you didn‟t come." I told her of my waking in the night thinking I had dreamed of her calling me. "Why did you take so long to find me?" she queried tearfully. I told her of my search of the island, leaving out the bit about Stella. I then told her of my decision to swim out into the ocean because I wanted to die. "It's a good job you did or I'd have died here." she replied as her sobs subsided. "And if you hadn't got stuck here and shouted when you did I would probably have drowned." I said "The thing is, how am I going to get you out of here?" I noted that the rope was still attached to her raft but hanging down into the water. I hauled it in and said. "If I join this rope to the one I climbed down with, I might be able to free the raft and draw it back far enough for you to climb out." I tied the ropes together and climbed back to the overhang. I started to pull on the rope and the raft started to ease back, but before she could climb out a wave pushed the raft back in again. "Hmm, looks like we're gonna have to time this right. When the next wave starts to recede I'll give it all I've got, Ok?" I waited for the next wave and as it ebbed I hauled on the rope as hard as I could. The raft popped out of the crevasse like a cork out of a bottle and Marie was able to sit more upright. She looked deathly pale and her skin was wrinkled like a prune after its long submersion. "Do you think you can climb the rope darling" I called "I'm sorry pet, I've gotten so weak stuck in here I can barely lift my arms" she said "Never mind doll" I said "Tie the rope around you and I' ll try to pull you up, Just be careful of the coral it's very sharp" At the cost of a scrape and a few cuts I managed to get her onto the overhang where she collapsed into my arms shivering. I gave her the water bottle. She drank thirstily but I made her stop. "You' ll get terrible stomach cramps if you drink too much to soon and we're not out of the woods yet.” I gave her a few minutes to work some of the stiffness out of her limbs. "Do you think you can jump from here to the lagoon" I asked. She looked down nervously. "Will we have to swim to the shore? I don't think I can do it." "No dear, I' ll get you into the other raft and paddle us back. First though I want to see if I can rescue the raft you were in before it gets washed away." I went back down and unloaded the stores from it putting a bit at a time into the canvas bag. Marie, by this time recovered a little, was able to haul it up and empty it ready for the next load. A wave came in and nearly washed me off into the sea. Reminding me the tide was coming in again. Fortunately by this time all the stores were unloaded. I climbed back up and hauled on the rope. Now that it was empty I was able to pull the raft on to the overhang with no great effort and launch it into the lagoon. "Right darling, you jump in when you feel ready, and hold the raft steady while I throw the stuff into it, think you can manage that ok?" “I‟ll give it a go.” she replied and dived cleanly into the lagoon. It was only as she dived in that I noticed that she was virtually naked except for a few shreds of blouse and a bikini bottom but it didn't stop me admiring the way she dived gracefully into the lagoon to surface and push the raft as close as she could get. I quickly threw everything into it, and what missed floated toward the shore on the rising tide. The waves were starting to break over into the lagoon as I dived back in. I helped Marie to get onto the raft and then got behind it and pushed it as I swam. Reaching the shore, Marie rolled out and on hands and knees helped to pull both rafts above the high water mark. Only then did we collapse into each others arms, cling to each other and cry our eyes out. Finally breaking apart I built up fire again and made some soup for us both, dipping some ships biscuits into it to soften them. Afterwards we walked hand in hand to the tree-line, lay down in the shade and for the first time in what seemed an eternity we slept, wrapped in each others arms. The fact we were almost naked was forgotten as we slept for hours. Only the coolness of evening woke us up and we returned to the fire and made a dinner of tinned bacon and baked beans with wafer biscuits spread with tinned soft cheese. A strong cup of tea rounded off this banquet. We lay back, resting against an upturned raft and I sighed contentedly. "To think this morning I was going to end it all and now I'm the happiest man in the world again" "And I'm the happiest woman." said Marie. She wriggled around until my head was resting in her lap and toyed with a lock of my hair. "Thank you my darling for saving my life. That's the second time." She bent over and kissed me, wincing as her cracked lips pressed mine. "Without you I'd be as good as dead too so we are quits now." I smiled and squeezed her hand tightly. Chapter 25 As night enfolded us I made the fire up and damped it down with green palm leaves so as to keep it in through the night. Once again we settled down to sleep first having smeared some Vaseline on my poor darling‟s cracked and spli t lips and also on her shoulders which were almost raw from the sun and incessant buffeting of the waves. We huddled together like spoons and once again drifted off to sleep. The sun was trying to force its way under my eyelids when I awoke and I became all too aware that nature, and the nearness of my love, was having its affect on me. I started to inch away so as not to disturb her but a hand stole down between my legs and gently held me. I quivered to her touch. Even more so as she slid her topmost leg over mine and guided me into her. We began to move in unison until I could no longer contain myself and came with long shuddering spasms. Moving my hand between her legs I stimulated her clitoris until with little throaty noises she too reached orgasm, her legs jerking and quivering against mine. As the intensity of our lovemaking declined I reached round to gently stroke her breasts and run my hands over her belly. She shivered with delight and despite her sore lips disengaged from me and rolled over on top of me to give me a lingering kiss. Her breasts hung down above my face, I licked her nipples and sucked on them in turn until they hardened and her breathing became heavier. I lifted her up and kissed my way down her belly then lowered her again. Once more I slid into her. She caught her breath then began to move up and down wriggling from side to side. I think we reached the peak at the same time as I groaned with the ecstasy of it and she gave a strangled Ooooohh!! Collapsing onto me, both of us wet from each others juices. We hugged each other as if the world was about to end. We remained conjoined for some time then parted, rolled onto our sides facing each other, staring into each others eyes with such love and tenderness that it brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. No words were exchanged, the eyes said it all. Eventually we rose from our sandy bed of palm leaves, stripped off what little clothing we had and plunged into the warm waters of the lagoon, cavorting like children, pulling each other under to rise laughing and coughing, only to repeat the process until, worn out, we ran back, replaced our bed with fresh leaves and lay down to dry off. Later I got up to get something to eat and drink, In this instance a tin of peaches, drinking the juice from the can. We didn't bother to get dressed, what was the point; there was no one to object to our nakedness. Practically of course I had to wear something to protect my assets, so cut and fashioned my shorts until they resembled a thong. Marie seemed quite happy to stay as nature intended. She would worry about 'That Time of the Month' when it happened. Ever the inventor, She fashioned sun hats from palm fronds for us to wear, wide enough to protect our shoulders from the fierce sun, Weaving then cleverly together they had the added bonus of keeping our heads cool too. Marie seemed to have made a remarkable recovery from her ordeal and was eager to explore 'our' island. We gathered some food and water together and set off hand in hand along the shore. As she trotted ahead of me I was so engrossed in the fluid movement of her body that it caught me unawares when she suddenly stopped and put her hand over her mouth. "What's up my love?" I said, puzzled, and then noticed the marker I'd placed on Stella's grave. "Who put that there?" she asked I reached out and put my arms around her. "I'm so sorry darling, I said "I meant to tell you about it but was waiting for the right time." "You put it there?" she asked "I'm afraid so " I replied "Who is it, anyway?" she queried "It's Stella I'm afraid" I said as softly as I could, and explained how I had found her leaving out the more gruesome parts of my discovery. When Marie stopped crying she said. "I'm so glad you found her and gave her a decent burial. Poor lass, she'd hardly started her life and was so looking forward to her wedding". So saying she burst into tears again and buried her head in my shoulder. I stroked her hair, murmuring platitudes and stroking her back until her sobbing subsided. "I'm alright now, let's carry on with the safari" she said giving me a watery smile. I led her up to the rim of the volcano where she looked nervously around before saying "You sure this is safe?" "As sure as I can be" I replied "Not felt any rumbles and there's no sign of smoke or smell of sulphur" We stood there and admired our tropical paradise. I showed her the fresh water stream which ran down the volcano side to form a large pool in a leafy glade; standing on the edge of an outcrop we could see that it was quite deep. I said "You'll never know how glad I was to find this fresh water. Of course that was before I decided to end it all." I gave her a hug and a big sloppy kiss, being careful not to press to hard on her still sore lips. We decided to follow the stream down to the Pool and upon arriving found that the pool emptied out into another stream that disappeared into the jungle. As the jungle was not too thick we worked our way down until we arrived at the seashore again. The stream had carved itself another pool before emerging from the foliage to drain into the sea. As we stood by this second pool we were enthralled by its setting. Surrounded by a riot of varicoloured flowers its depths crystal clear, it was as if we had been transported to a fairy grotto. I dipped a toe into the water and was pleasantly surprised to feel it cool rather than cold. We had been immersed in nothing but seawater since our shipwreck so our bodies were dry and itchy from the salt. "Come on sweetheart let‟s have a decent wash in fresh water. When we need to collect fresh water we can get some from the stream where it runs into this pool". Hand in hand we waded into the water until it was up to our shoulders. We washed each others back where we couldn't reach, then started to splash each other just for fun. Marie started to say something but nearly choked as she got a face full of water. "That's not playing fair you rotter" she complained and started to back away into the deeper part of the pool. I advanced toward her with my hands cupped, ready to throw more water at her but as backed away she suddenly gave a squeal and disappeared under the water her hair fanning out like a golden halo. She rose again coughing and spluttering, treading water. She laughed at her own mistake. The next moment all I could see was her shapely bottom as she dived under again. Then I suddenly found myself under the water. She had grabbed my legs and pulled them out from under me. I coughed and spluttered my way to the surface sneezing as the water went up my nose. Marie stood laughing at me, having regained a shallower foothold. I recovered my breath and joined in the laughter. We waded toward each other and embraced, well aware that we were nude, our bodies crushed together and we exchanged a long drawn out hug and gentle kiss then walked from the water out into the warm dappled sunlight beneath the trees. Emerging onto the shore into the full glare of the sun we soon dried out, grateful that the itching from the saltwater had stopped. Retrieving our headwear and donning our scraps of clothing we had a snack and continued our exploration. "I wonder what happened to Steve" I mused "I can only assume he drowned but on the other side of the reef. Poor old Steve, he was a great bloke and became a good friend. We shall miss him." Marie nodded and agreed that it was a sad loss. "Suppose there's always the chance he survived as we've only got two rafts and there were four." As we moved around the island we would occasionally climb higher up to get a better view. It was during one of these climbs we discovered a cave which was probably an old vent in the side of the volcano. It ran back for about thirty feet, the floor was smooth and sandy and, except for some debris and guano, was dry and faced away from the prevailing wind. We thought that this would make an ideal shelter in the event of bad weather. We decided to move our stuff to the tree-line below it once we had finished exploring. It was as we had nearly completed circuit of the island that we noticed a break in the reef. We had thought we were completely surrounded until then. We made our way down to the shoreline and looked around for signs of anything washed ashore. But it wasn't until we retuned to the tree-line that we found one of the rafts, tangled in the roots of a tree. It contained only a few food tins and packets. I said to Marie "This must have been the raft that Steve and Stella were towing. We searched around the area and found some more tins and packets most of which were in good condition. Of Steve there was no sign, not even footprints. We came to the conclusion that we were alone on this beautiful island. As the sun was starting to slide toward the horizon we made our way back to our camp. We made ourselves a hot meal and cups of tea and, having eaten and drunk our fill, sat in companionable silence as the sky darkened and the stars blazed in all their glory. We lay back holding hands, gazing into space and lulled to sleep by the distant rumble of the surf against the reef. Chapter 26 I woke, shivering, before dawn and got up to build up the fire until its heat warmed me up again. I went down to the sea to relieve myself. When I returned, Marie had moved closer to the fire. I lay down beside her and snuggled up again. "Mmmm." She mumbled and rolled over to face me. I kissed her eyelids and the tip of her nose. She pressed herself closer to me and kissed my neck, which made me shiver in delight. I moved down until I could kiss her breasts which tasted a little salty from the night air. I ran my tongue around her nipples until they became erect then took each one gently between my lips and pulled slowly on it. Marie started to move against me her fingernails running down my chest. I turned around and knelt behind her head and, starting at her throat, moved down, kissing her breasts and then her belly. I leaned over unti l I could kiss the base of her belly then the inside of her thighs. I ran my tongue up the inside of her thighs until I was able to massage her clitoris with it, occasionally stabbing it into her until she was wet. Suddenly I became aware of a delicious feeling on my wet and quivering penis. She had taken me in her mouth and was running her tongue over and around it. I almost came there and then but managed to control myself for long enough to reverse my position and slide gloriously into her wet warmth. We both moved rapidly to climax and lay panting and spent but still joined. Once again we slept ................. After breakfast we decided to move all our gear nearer the cave. This took up most of the day and we were only too glad to make our way to the nearby freshwater pool to wash away the sweat and sand. Afterwards I searched for firewood along the seashore. Marie, meantime, had lit the fire and made us a hot meal followed by some tinned fruit. As the sun sank below the horizon we sat and watched the glory of a tropical sunset and mused on our efforts of the day before falling asleep huddled together for warmth.. The following morning we climbed the volcano and searched the horizon for any sign of a ship or aircraft but nothing could be seen apart from the occasional lone albatross and some flying fish flittering across the ocean. My gaze was drawn to the gap in the reef. I said to Marie "I suppose we should be careful in this part of the lagoon in case a shark should decide to pay us a visit." We scanned the lagoon - The sandy bottom of which incongruously changed from black to white toward the reef - and although it was possible to see the bottom for some way out, nothing we saw suggested that a shark or any other type of fish big enough to threaten us had crossed the reef line. I was puzzled by what seemed to be a small pointed rock just to seaward of the gap. Something didn't seem to be right about it but I couldn't put my finger on it. "Marie,” I said, pointing, "does that rock look strange to you?" She stared at it for some time and I watched her frown then shield her eyes from the sun's glare. After a while she said "It might be my imagination but it seems to me that the swell is not covering it at all, no matter how big it is. It's as if the rock was moving up and down with it." I too stared at the rock, after a whi le I said "You know darling, I think your right. It might be worth a closer look?" We made our way back to the camp and dragged a raft to the lagoon, climbed in and paddled toward the gap in the reef. The tide was going out so we were able to make good time crossing the hundred yards of lagoon. The closer we got the more it became obvious that what we had seen was not a rock. Something about it seemed vaguely familiar. The raft was now rising and falling on the swell and I was a bit worried that we might be carried out to sea on the ebb tide. From previous observations we knew that the tide would turn shortly so perhaps I was worrying over nothing. I glanced at Marie but she was paddling with a will and showed no sign of tiring. I thought to myself "What a woman." and smiled. "What you grinning at?" said Marie. "I was just thinking what a lucky man I am to have an Amazon for a wife." "Hmm! don't know if that's a compliment or not." she said ruefully. "Trust me," I replied "It's a compliment." leaned forward and kissed her. "Just pay attention to the paddling, time for snogging later ." she said, with mock severity. "I' ll hold you to that." I said enthusiastically. "Oh my gawd, don't you ever think of anything else?" Marie sighed. “I‟m married to a sex maniac.” "Yeah, great isn‟t it. Not my fault if my wife is the most beautiful and sexiest woman in the world." I replied. "Can't argue with that." she said with a smirk. "And modest too." I replied. By this time we were close to the object and stopped paddling to get a better look. Almost together we shouted "It's the Ariadne" "But it can't be" I cried "I saw her sink "We both did" said Marie, her voice dying away as we came alongside it. The name 'Ariadne' was clearly visible below the water and what we had seen was the bows section pointing vertically upwards. I tied a rope around my waist and gave the end to Marie to hold. "I'm going to dive down and see what state she's in." I said "I'm coming with you" said Marie tying the rope to the raft. "No!, Please stay on board darling I want you to keep watch just be sure there‟s no sharks about. In the unlikely event of one turning up haul me in pronto.” Mollified, she saw the wisdom of this and settled down. I slipped over the side, took several deep breaths and dived down using the Ariadne's guardrail to help me. The stern of the boat was missing, complete with the engines, propellors, shafts and fuel tanks. The weight of the engines must have torn the stern off as she slid backwards leaving the forward two third standing on end supported by the air trapped in the fore ends. A small but steady stream of bubbles gave notice that she wouldn't stay afloat much longer. I returned to the surface and told Marie what I'd seen. "Can we tow her into the lagoon?" asked Marie "We might be able too at high water" I replied "She's just about on the bottom at the moment." From the position of the sun I figured it would be mid afternoon before the tide was high enough for the hull to clear the reef. We paddled back to shore and decided to rest unti l just before high water, making our way to the shade of the trees we settled down to snooze the time away. I woke to find Marie shaking me. "Come on lazy bones, time to go." she said, kissing me on top of my head. I groaned as I climbed stiffly to my feet. . "No peace for the wicked." "Oh stop whinging and let's get the raft back out to the reef.” she ordered. "Bossy boots" I muttered, following her to the raft. Paddling in the hot sun soon eased any of my stiffness and we soon arrived alongside the Ariadne. She had not sunk much deeper and when I dived down I could see she was clear of the bottom by a good two feet but was held captive by some rope or cable that had snagged on the coral. "Think this is a job for both of us my love," I said when I surfaced "I can't hold the rope, or whatever it is, and cut it away as well." "What about sharks? Who's going to keep an eye out for them?” Marie asked. "We've not seen any yet so we can risk it I think. It shouldn't take to long." I replied. I tucked the knife in a bit of rope wrapped round my waist and prepared to dive again. Marie slipped into the water beside me after a last look round. We filled our lungs and dived down, again using the guardrail to help us. I pointed to where the boat was snagged and she held the rope as I sawed away for what seemed ages. Unable to hold my breath any longer, I pointed upwards and we rose to the surface, gasping as we got our breath back again. It took us several dives to eventually free the remains of the Ariadne. The bonus being, she rode higher out of the water than before and would easily clear the reef. We climbed back into the raft after tying a rope to a mooring ring on the bows of the Ariadne and started to try and pull her toward us, but only succeeded in pulling us to her. "Daft beggar." I mumbled "Who, me?” asked Marie indignantly. "No me." I hastened to add. “We' ll have to secure the raft on the lagoon side of the reef otherwise we'll never move her." "Can't we try and row the raft and tow her in?" queried Marie "Hmm, we could give it a go but she might be a bit to much for us." I said. We rested for a minute or two and then started to row for all we were worth. The sweat stood out on us as we strained against the dead weight of Ariadne. Slowly but surely we edged her into the lagoon. Once clear of the reef we collapsed, panting and gasping after our efforts. "Right, that'll do for now " I said. "She shouldn't drift out again now. We' ll wait until the tide starts to come in again and that should help push her nearer the shore" We made our way back to our camp and threw ourselves down to recover from our efforts. For the next few hours we threw leaves into the lagoon to see which way they moved. It wasn't until about an hour before dark that we could see movement of the leaves toward shore. We then paddled out to the boat and towed her inshore until she grounded again. "Well, that's it for tonight." I said "Either she' ll stay there or she won't. There's not a lot we can do until daylight.” We made our way to the pool and swam lazily about to clean off the sweat and salt. Occasionally our hands would touch and we would smi le at each other. I dived down but could barely see the bottom as the sun touched the horizon. I looked up and could make out Marie's body as she swam overhead. I rose up until I was beside her. "Just like a beautiful mermaid." I said "Thank you my darling." she replied, floating on her back. I could see that the cool water was making her nipples erect. "Wish you were a mermaid then I could eat your bottom half. I fancy a bit of fish." I said cheekily. "Well you can always practice on me if you like" Marie said coyly opening her legs as she floated. I swam gently round until I was between her legs. Standi ng on the bottom I supported her bottom and lowered my head to the soft triangle of hair. Lifting my head I whispered, "Where shall I start?" "Anywhere you like." Marie replied with a tremble in her voice. I lowered my head again and sucked gently at her clitoris, running my tongue just inside her. Marie's legs began to quiver as I increased the tempo of my sucking and probing. She began to make small sounds as excitement began to overcome her. Then, unable to contain herself any longer she flung herself forward and wrapped her arms around my neck and wrapped her legs around me, feeling for me until I entered her. Her heels dug into my back as she thrust herself against. At the same time I was caressing her breasts and nipples. Our lips met and our tongues probed each other. Our body movements became more frantic as we aimed to give the maximum pleasure to each other. I could contain myself no longer and thrust savagely into her. Marie began to Oh! and Ah! Her cries becoming louder until, with a shudder and a long drawn out Aaahh! She became still except for the occasional tremble as she clung to me, her legs still around me. I waded to the water's edge and laid her down on the soft, warm carpet of palm leaves where we finally disengaged. I lay beside her propped up on one elbow and gazed lovingly into her eyes, stroking her face and moving tendrils of hair away from her eyes. She gazed back at me and I saw a twinkle in her eye as she said, "Did you enjoy your nice bit of fish. What's for afters?" "Well I think strawberries would be nice" I said nibbling on her still erect nipples "and cream." I made a play of suckling like a baby "What about me then." she wailed. "How about a nice lolly?" I asked "Where am I going to get a lol…?? Oh! I might have known." she said, made a grab for me and missed. "Oh dear," I said "Look it‟s started to melt ." I jumped up and dived into the pool again to clean off. Marie followed soon after. We played like a couple of kids for a time, but as darkness came ever closer we went back to the fire to make some supper. "Weyhey!" I said "I've found a tin of salmon." "Not fish again?" complained Marie. "Oh!, I thought you were a bit partial to it." I said with a grin. "Mmm, but you can have too much of a good thing." she said "‟Twas good then, was it?" I said, looking smug. "Don't get to big a head or you' ll not be able to get inside Ariadne tomorrow.” "Christ! I exclaimed "I forgot to check on her." I rummaged around unti l I found the torch and shone it out across the lagoon. I breathed a sigh of relief as I could see Ariadne was more or less where we had left her, in fact she seemed a little closer to the shore. "Either she'll stay there or she won't. There's not a lot we can do about it 'til morning.” Chapter 27 The rumble of big guns grew ever louder. I could see the flashes followed by the crash of shells close by showering me with spray the blast shaking me. The dream dissolved as I came too. A hand was shaking my shoulder. "Wake up! Wake up! Or we'll drown here." The shaking became more violent and I came fully awake as a brilliant flash made me wince followed by a deafening crash. "Wha ......... ???" I started to say; now aware I was soaking wet. Marie was leaning over me, her hair matted and dripping onto my face. "Gawd help us," She shouted above the roar of the wind. "You don't half take some waking up." Now fully awake I could see that where we‟d been sleeping was taking on the appearance of a small lake. It was thundering and lightning almost continuously as we gathered up a few things and headed for the cave. Arriving there we threw ourselves onto the piles of palm fronds we'd stored there for bedding. "Phew" I said "That was a bit unexpected" The cave still retained some warmth from the day but we were still shivering and soaking wet. I held out my arms and Marie crept into them. We huddled together until the warmth of our bodies took effect. Despite the noise of the storm we managed to go to sleep again. Waking to the call of a full bladder I found the storm had passed. The air smelt fresh and clean. The wind had dropped but it was still a little breezy causing me to give an involuntary shudder as I passed water, thinking wryly „ I wonder by how much the sea level wi ll rise?‟ giving a little chortle. Looking across the lagoon I could see the waves breaking against the reef, shooting high into the air, surging through the gap to rush up the sand almost to the tree-line. Much to my delight the Ariadne had been forced almost onto the shore and now lay on its side swaying from side to side as the waves came and went. The gaping hole where the engines had been was now easily accessible. Marie joined me at the waters edge and surveyed the scene "Wonder if there's anything inside worth salvaging?" she mused. "We'll have a look when the tide goes out, should be high and dry then" I replied. As the tide receded we were able to have a look inside Ariadne using the torch to probe the darker recesses. We had to be careful not to get snagged on the sharp and jagged pieces of wood and metal. We were keenly aware that any injury could turn septic and create serious problems. Working our way carefully toward the inside of the bows we were able to rescue a couple of mattresses that had become trapped by the debris. They would soon dry out in the hot sunshine. Forcing open a locker I was immediately drenched as trapped water gushed out bringing with it a pile of clothing. "Wow," squealed Marie "at last, something to wear other than palm leaves." I nodded agreement but said, ruefully " It‟s not all good news then, just when I was getting used to the view." Marie gave a groan saying, "Huh! I might have known. Behave yourself.” A dig in the ribs followed. "Ouch," I said, pretending to be hurt, "You'll have to kiss it better now. Shame you didn't aim a bit lower." Shining the torch on my face I gave her a leer. “One track mind, you," she muttered then added "But I like it." We continued our search and another locker, also giving me a soaking, yielded up some sleeping bags and a pup tent. "Gets better and better" I chortled. We worked steadily deeper inside the hull, piling up what we found onto the shore. Among our more valuable finds were, the first-aid kit, my diver‟s watch which, surprisingly, was still working and was quickly rewound, our wet-suits, snorkelling masks and spears and a semi-automatic rifle which was hanging from its chain and secured to the bulkhead with a lock. (I had to force the lock to free it.) A couple of hundred rounds of ammunition, fortunately sti ll in their waxed boxes, were in the locker next to it along with some oil and a cleaning rod and patches. I made a mental note to clean the rifle as a priority. Salt water would soon rust it if left in the open air. We also found a quantity of tinned food and some bottles of wine and spirits. The last place we searched was the cable locker where I‟d had found Stella. With difficulty and some muttered curses from me we managed to rescue a quantity of rope and a small anchor complete with chain. Moving it took all our energy but was worth the effort as we could use it to anchor what was left of the Ariadne and stop her being swept into deeper water. With the tide on the turn again we abandoned our salvage operation for the time being and spent the rest of the day sorting through our 'treasures.' picking up the rifle I headed to the pool and threw it in. "That was clever." snorted Marie "After going to all the trouble of rescuing it." "There‟s method in my madness." I explained. "The fresh water will clean it better than anything we've got. It'll be fine there until tomorrow." We had a meal and a drink and started to sort through our booty. The food was either tinned or in waterproof packages and contained a variety of meats, fish and fruits both tinned and dried as well as biscuits. Some salt and pepper had also miraculously survived and was a welcome addition. I had hoped to find some flour but what we did find was spoiled by seawater and unusable. Added to what we already had, if we were careful and supplemented it with anything we could catch or find in the jungle, we had enough to keep us going for 6 months maybe longer if we were careful. I didn‟t want to think that far ahead really. We stored it all at the back of the cave where it was coolest and the temperature remained fairly constant. Another good find was some more cutlery and a few tin cups and plates. We even rescued two saucepans, minus lids, that had somehow got trapped in a crevasse between two lockers. The mattresses and the clothing we would wash out in fresh water the following day. I rinsed off the watch in fresh water and strapped it on. Looking at the time and comparing it with the height of the sun I was pretty sure that it was accurate but had to allow at least an hour in case I'd not altered it when we passed through a new time zone. It was all a bit irrelevant really as our day was ruled by the amount of daylight available. The date said it was 24th Sept so we had been marooned for, I thought, four days, or was it five? After all that had happened it was impossible to be sure. That evening, sat in the entrance to the cave with the fire causing our shadows to dance and caper on the walls, we felt pleased with our days work as we ate our supper using our new found plates and forks and drinking some wine from the tin cups. As the wine bottle emptied we felt pleasantly light-headed and at peace with the world after our recent experiences. Marie's hand stole into mine and with her head on my shoulder we watched the twilight disappear to be replaced by the stars covering the heavens in a blaze of twinkling points of light. I awoke in the middle of the night, sensing that Marie was not beside me. Worried, I quickly looked around and saw she was sitting by the fire. Getting up and wincing as the effects of the wine jolted my brain. I moved to the warmth of the fire and sat down beside her. She was staring into the glowing embers and I could see that something was troubling her. I put my arm around her and asked, "What's the matter my love?" She nestled up to me and I could hear the tremble in her voice as, near to tears, she replied "What's going to happen to us? Our fami ly will be wondering where we are and worrying. We've neither seen nor heard an aircraft or ship since we got here and now I‟ve got stomach cramps and think my period is starting." I hugged her to me, stroked her hair and kissed her gently above her ear. "Jeez, that‟s all you need right now. Have you got anything for - you know?” “Yes love, I cut up a bit of the bedsheet we rescued, it‟ll do.” “They're sure to start a search as soon as they realise we're overdue reporting in.” I said, changing the subject. “Don't forget, we had the emergency beacon broadcasting as soon as we abandoned the Ariadne. We've got plenty of food and water. I'm sure we'll be ok." I said with more conviction than I felt. Even as I spoke I was worried that the beacon's signal had not got through the atmospherics during the storm that wrecked us. I also feared that it may have been smashed on the coral. The last time I had seen its flashing light it was heading that way. I kept this bit of information to myself as no useful purpose would be served by sharing my fears. "Come on sweetheart, try and get some sleep. Things will seem different when the sun comes up." I led her to where we slept and we lay down together. Holding her close and stroking her beautiful hair. Eventually her breathing steadied and she drifted off to sleep. I lay awake mulling over all that had happened to us and what we could do to be rescued. Dawn was not far away when I finally dozed off, my questions still unanswered. Chapter 28 I awoke hardly having slept as the sun lifted above the horizon into a cloudless sky, its heat already noticeable. I made my way bleari ly to the pool, stepped out of what passed for my shorts and plunged in. I caught my breath as the unexpected coldness hit me but soon got used to it as I swam vigorously back and forth. Breathing heavily I swam slowly to the overhang of the waterfall and let it cascade over me. I only became aware of Marie's presence when her arms were round my neck and she was pressing her nakedness against me. "Water's a bit cool today." I remarked. "I can tell." she replied, reaching down for me. "Feeling better now then?" I said, as we kissed. "Much better darling thank you." She replied. This was the same Marie that but a short time ago had been so withdrawn and near to tears. "Glad you‟re feeling more your old self.” I said. "It was probably the stress of all that's happened.” she replied. "I‟m sure things will work out ok. "I'll try not to hold anything back from you in the future" said Marie with a smile, "Now come and wash my back." I did so with all the gentleness I could muster and finished off by kissing the nape of her neck. She gave a shiver and said "Think we'd better stop right there seeing as it‟s „that time‟. I don‟t want you to get worked up for nothing." “Not stopped me in the past as you know.” I said, reaching for her….. “Are you sure?” Marie reached down for me, stroking my hardness and rubbing herself against me unti l I lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around me and I slipped into her. She threw her head back as she pressed against me working her hips against mine. I leaned forward kissing her between her breasts and suckling each nipple. I could hold off no longer and with a strangled groan of ecstasy I came and came again. “Ye gods woman, that was wonderful, thank you.” “Well if you don‟t mind when I‟m like this I sure don‟t .” she smiled and worked herself against me unti l she gave an Ooh! Jerking as she reached her climax. Reluctantly we disentangled and washed ourselves off. "Not sure I want rescuing if we can be this happy. Do you remember we used to dream of being marooned on a desert island? I never dreamed it would come true though." Later, after a breakfast of tinned fruit, I suggested we explore the island a little more thoroughly. "If you don't mind dear I don't feel like it at the moment. Let's give it a few days 'til I feel stronger and I can stop wearing these bits of rag." said Marie. "No problem" I replied "I should have thought. Let me know when you feel ready. We' ll just laze about 'til then." The days passed, during which we sorted out our 'treasures' and put the food and water in some sort of order. We decided to refill the water bottles as we used them in case our supply dried up. We saw no sign of a ship although once we thought we heard the sound of an aircraft engine and, with Marie feeling better, hurriedly climbed up to the top of the volcano to get a better view. We scanned the horizon in the direction we thought we'd heard it but nothing materialised. "I wonder if they were looking for us.” I mused. "Could be," said Marie "but maybe it was just en route to somewhere else." It wasn't an entirely wasted climb though, as we could see dark clouds building and spreading in our direction. A slight breeze began to swirl and tug at our scanty clothing. "Think we'd better get down again and move into the cave before that lot gets here." I suggested. Back at the camp we hurriedly began moving everything into the cave. The sun disappeared behind the towering clouds and lightning rippled across the sky followed by what seemed a never-ending roll of thunder. A few drops of rain pattered down and we moved further back from the entrance to the cave. Suddenly, as if orchestrated, there was a brilliant flash of lightning followed immediately by a crash of thunder. The heavens opened and the rain came down like a waterfall. Unable to be heard above the noise of the storm we huddled together as the temperature dropped and we could feel the dampness in the air against our skin. Finally, after what seemed hours, the rain eased off and the sky began to lighten again. The sun broke through as the clouds scurried away and the vegetation began to steam as the moisture was burned off, The heat and humidity became oppressive during this time and we almost wished for the cooling rain to return. Wee made our way to 'our' pool, stripped and plunged into its cooling depths. The waterfall was in full spate which nearly knocked us over as we stood beneath it feeling it wash away the sweat. We allowed it to push us away as we floated on our backs toward the middle of the pool where the water was a little warmer. I felt the old familiar stirring as I admired Marie's body and the twin peaks of her breasts breaking the surface. I caught her hand and pulled her toward me. Our legs dropped down, I put my arms around her and drew her to me, feeling the length of her body against mine as I kissed her. We sank beneath the water still kissing as I felt myself becoming aroused. We broke surface again gasping for air and gazed into each others eyes. We drifted until we were able to stand on the bottom then stroked and kissed each others face, our hands caressing and stroking each others bodies beneath the water. Marie slowly manoeuvred us until the water barely covered our thighs. She kissed me and said "Close your eyes and don't move." "What for?" I asked, puzzled. "I've got a present for you," she breathed "for being so understanding." and moved away. I closed my eyes trying to imagine what 'present' she could have found on the island, at the same time feeling a bit self -conscious of my erection. Her hands moved slowly down my back and I was aware of her damp hair brushing my chest and belly. Her hands gripped my buttocks and I gasped with the shock as she took my erection in her mouth and caressed it with her tongue, her teeth gently nibbling the most sensitive part of me. I reached down and fondled the hair on her head gripping it as I became more and more excited. My hips began to move and I urged her head back and forth as I became more and more aroused. I could bear it no longer and with a groan reached the point of no return as I came. My knees trembling I sank down as she released me. I kissed her passionately dipping my head under the water to nibble and caress her breasts and nipples. Picking her up I waded to the shore and laid her down on the soft grass. Kneeling over her I kissed and stroked my way down her body until I reach the soft triangle of hair then lifted her hips until I could kiss the inside of her thighs. I ran my tongue up into her vagina, stimulating her clitoris, probing deep inside her until I could feel her legs trembling and gripping my head. She whispered hoarsely "Oh my god! oh my god! take me now! I want you inside me now" She was pulling at my hair, forcing me upward until she could hold my once again rigid penis and guide me into her then wrapped her legs around me and pulled me deeply inside her until our hips met. I moved my hips frantically in and out and sideways faster and faster until, with a subdued scream she gripped me with her legs her body jerking against mine again and again as she reached orgasm. I gave a final push as I came with a long shuddering groan then collapsed on top of her. We lay there for some time, bodies entwined unti l post coital sleep overcame us. I awoke to find us sti ll conjoined but I had shrivelled until I was barely being held by Marie. She was awake and looked at me with a smile. I lowered my head to give her a gentle kiss which was returned with passion as she ran the tips of her fingers down my back and stroked my testicles. This had the immediate effect on me and I felt myself growing again. I tried to move away but she held me to her all the while caressing me until I was hard again. She rolled us over until she was on top.. Kneeling above me she kissed the tip of my penis then lowered herself gently unti l I entered her again. Her hands on my shoulders she rocked back and forth moving her hips in circles. I could do nothing but lift my head and nibble her nipples, my hands kneading her breasts. I started to pant as Marie began to push urgently against me. This time we reached orgasm together.

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