Chapter 31

Benjamin

"There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change." ― Euripides

Benjamin lay on his berth staring at the ornate decorations on the ceiling. The call had gone out some time ago for "all ashore who are going ashore", and soon, the ship would begin its journey across the Atlantic. He supposed he should be going out on the main deck to watch England's shore recede from view, but he could not find the strength to do so. He was bone-deep weary.

He closed his eyes, wanting to drift into the blessed nothingness of sleep. The gentle rocking of the ship told him they were finally on their way. He was going home. There was some comfort to be found in that thought. Darkness swirled around him as sleep claimed him, if only for a short time.

A sharp set of knocks on his cabin door jolted him out of his slumber. Who could be disturbing him at this time? Perhaps if he ignored whoever it was, they would go away. A pause. He reposed and began to float away into reverie once more. Another sharp knock. Good God, was there no peace to be had? Thoroughly disgruntled, he came to his feet and, rubbing his eyes angrily, went to open his cabin door.

A steward stood outside, holding a folded sheet of paper in his hand.

"What is it?" asked Benjamin curtly.

"Sir, I have a message for you from a Mr Ambrose Cranshaw. He said I was to make sure you received it straight away." So saying, the steward handed the folded sheet to him.

Baffled, Benjamin took it, thanking the steward absently before shutting the door. What on earth could this mean? He unfolded the sheet and cast his eyes on the brief note.

Benjamin,

Both Sarah and I are aboard the ship. All will be explained shortly if you make your way to cabin number 288.

Ambrose Cranshaw

Benjamin could not believe it. He rubbed his eyes and read the note again. His heart jolted. This could not be true. Sarah was on the ship? Why? How? It was beyond belief. Crumpling the note in his hand, he opened his cabin door and hurried down the long corridor, reading the numbers on the doors until he reached 288. There, he gave three sharp knocks.

The cabin door opened instantly, and there before him stood Ambrose Cranshaw, unbelievable as it was. Benjamin narrowed his eyes and barked, "Ambrose, what is this? Where is Sarah?"

Ambrose smiled and pulled the cabin door back. "Do come inside," he said softly, "as I do not wish the entire deck of this ship to listen to our discourse."

Benjamin strode inside and turned to face him. "Now answer me, please," he demanded.

Ambrose inclined his head. "It is simple really. Sarah read the letter you left for her and decided she had to come find you. And as it is not quite the thing for a gently bred lady to go gallivanting after a man, I of course accompanied her, as was only proper. I think for the rest, it is best if she explains herself to you." He pointed towards an internal door. "She is waiting in the adjoining cabin."

Benjamin was already striding towards the door, but was arrested by Ambrose's next words. "Benjamin! Stop a moment."

At Benjamin's impatient look, Ambrose continued, giving him a meaningful look, "Please do not be too long alone. And though I will give you some time for private discourse, do remember that I am here, on the other side of the door."

Benjamin nodded in acquiescence, only half listening, for by now, he had opened the door and was staring at the wondrous sight of Sarah standing mere feet away from him.