Chapter 34 All Aboard
The Bouchard family was settling into what would be their new home for the next week. Lucas and Elizabeth had quite a roomy stateroom on the starboard side of the ship; it would serve as home base. Laura and Jack had a smaller cozy bedroom for nighttime, just across the aisleway.
Jack had indeed been quite impressed with the size of the transatlantic liner, the SS Rotterdam. He had added a few extra 'o's and an extra 'so' to describe it … "soooooo sooooo big". They would be taking a tour of the ship shortly as the crew pointed out the safety features and amenities. Lucas would be sure to emphasize safety with Jack as he knew that this was all very exciting for the curious little boy. And after the tragedy of the Titanic just a few years ago, one could not feel quite so above it all. So, he would be reviewing with Laura and Elizabeth what to do in case of an emergency… where to meet if they were separated for instance. It was a large ship, and every precaution should be taken.
They had a demonstration on locating and donning one's life jacket and how to locate your assigned lifeboat, in case an evacuation became necessary. It was all very instructive and got Jack's utmost attention. Lucas knew that his own conversation with the boy would have a good foundation after this. There was also to be an emergency drill at one point early in the journey.
They toured the dining facility and the ball room, both impressive to be sure. The giant chandeliers in the ballroom were something to behold. The first dance of the trip would be the Captain's Ball to be held the next evening. Tonight, Lucas had secured seats at the Captain's table for dinner as a special treat for Jack.
When the tour was over, they made their way back to their cabins to relax. Jack no longer always napped every day. but after the excitement he would probably nod off for a while. Lucas felt in the mood for a nap and planned to lie next to the little boy and tell him a story until they both nodded off. That would leave Elizabeth and Laura to enjoy teatime in their cabin.
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"This is so exciting," Laura said to Elizabeth as they sipped their tea at the little round table in the corner of the room. "It is like a floating palace."
"Yes, it is, and I remember my first trip to Europe with my parents. My father had business in Brussels, and we all went along with him and then did some touring about Europe during that summer. The ships weren't as luxurious as this but still quite spectacular. The journey was many days longer back then."
"Well, it will be a week almost, but so much more spacious than our train trip across Canada. Not that I am complaining," said Laura.
"Yes, let's put that out of our thoughts until we make the return journey," laughed Elizabeth.
"Laura, tomorrow remember to take out your ballgown and hang it. I am told that there will be someone who will steam your gown if you hang the red notice over the doorknob." From the looks of that ballroom, it is going to be quite the event.
"What about Jack? I should stay with him."
"Nonsense, we will take him and when he gets sleepy, we can take turns with him in your room. As long as Lucas and I get a dance or two we will be happy to play parents so you, young lady, can enjoy."
"It is all like a dream to be here and you both have been so generous. And even your parents, they made me feel like a guest and not the help."
"We told you that for the summer you are one of the family. You are such a huge help with Jack, just as a big sister might be. Lucas and I are so very grateful that you have joined us, and we want you to get so much more from this trip then just what we pay you."
"Well, it has been so much more than I ever imagined, and we aren't even there yet."
Lucas curled next to the little boy and listened to him chatter. The pace became slower and slower and soon they had both drifted away into dreams.
"Lucas, darling," he heard Elizabeth calling to him in his dream. "Lucas darling, it is time to wake up." She sat on the bed next to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"How long did we sleep?" Wondered Lucas.
"A couple of hours at least. So, it is probably best to wake now as it will soon be time to dress for dinner."
"How about you come join us in this snuggle." He reached over the sleeping boy and tugged her down next to them. She instinctively cuddled around Jack and began whispering his name to wake him gradually. She could see Lucas's smile in the semi-darkness. That look he had that said that all was good in his world. She smiled back at him and let him know she was right with him.
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The four entered the dining room and were escorted to the Captain's Table a place of honor. They were all dressed up for the occasion. The men looked dashing in their navy blazers, gray slacks and vests. Both wore the older style high neck shirt and matching ties. Elizabeth and Laura had decided to coordinate as well. Not in the same outfit but they both wore a pale pink dress with lace highlights around the shoulders and layers of flounces around the skirt. Laura sparkled in her new earrings and necklace that she had received as a gift from Helen and Martin as a memento of her visit with them.
A shipmate introduced the captain to those at his table. Jack stood at attention and saluted as he had seen Nathan do so many times. The captain chuckled and saluted back and then shook the little boy's hand.
"Well, hello there young man, would you like to sit next to me?"
"Yes, sir. Can Papa sit next to me?"
"Certainly." He motioned for the rearrangement to be made and then everyone sat in their places. Dinner was an extravagant affair, served in five courses. The company was quite entertaining as the captain explained to Jack all about the ship and his experiences. He was quite taken with Jack's explanation of how a steam engine worked. Lucas looked on proudly as his son explained it. Lucas added that they had just taken a train across Canada and had visited the engine room. Not to be outdone the captain proclaimed "well then you must come to the bridge and visit me; I will get my second mate to take you on a tour of the boiler room. You will only be able to peak in, but I think you will find it quite exciting young man."
"Papa, can we?"
"Of course, we may. Sir just tell us what day and time works for you and we will be there."
"I will consult with my second mate and have a note delivered to your room. I think we may be able to do it before lunch tomorrow."
"Thank you so much." Replied Lucas. "You will find you have the most enraptured audience. But be prepared for many questions. It amazes me how many a four-year-old boy can come up with."
"Well, I promise to try to answer each and every one."
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They tucked Jack in for the night. "Good night, Mama, good night, Papa," said the little one barely able to keep his eyes open. Despite his nap, the excitement and late hour had put him straight into dreams this night.
"Good night, Laura," said Lucas, "don't hesitate to knock if you need anything… anything at all."
"We will be fine, but I will if I need to. Hopefully he is out until morning."
Elizabeth gave her a hug, "good night, Laura, may you have sweet dreams."
They made their way back to their own cabin and Lucas escorted Elizabeth to the loveseat and went to pour them each glass of brandy. They sipped it as he held her close. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?"
"Perhaps a time or two. But a woman can never receive too many compliments from her lover."
"Well, you do look quite beautiful. And that dress reminds me of cotton candy. You look good enough to eat even though I just ate a five-course meal."
She gave him a poke with her elbow. "Well, I refuse to compete with that scrumptious meal. That dessert rivaled Gustave's best but don't tell him I said so."
"Well give me a few moments more to digest that dessert and then I think we should have another first." He gave her a wink to give her a hint.
"How can we possibly have a first left, Romeo?"
He took her glass from her and set it on the side table to join his, and then he pulled her into his lap. "Well, we have never made love at sea before," he whispered. I think I am inspired by that thought and my wife in that confection of a dress."
"Well let's see what inspiration you feel when you see what I am wearing beneath this confection," she teased as she stroked his beard and smiled up into his eyes, which got noticeably bigger. She then grabbed a fistful of his luxurious mane and brought him down into a kiss that told him all he needed to know.
He deepened the kiss until they were breathless, and he whispered hoarsely to her, "Elizabeth ma cherie, would you let me unfasten your dress and then perhaps you would like to show me what sort of confection you are wearing beneath it." She rose from his lap and turned so he could help unfasten the dress. Once he had tackled that he leaned back as she stepped away from him and let the dress fall. His mouth fell with it; there she stood in a bustier, panties and garters all of lace in a delicate shade of pink. Her silky white stocking and high heeled pumps completed the package. She made a twirl and his head spun. "Oh, my goodness, Elizabeth, you look every bit like dessert." She smiled as she walked towards him and began to remove his tie and then worked on his shirt. He reached into her hair and undid the hairpins until the lovely mass of curls came tumbling down. She kissed his neck and tugged on his ear. "And you smell yummy," she said as she breathed in his musky scent. She stood and grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet where she promptly helped him out of his shirt while pulling him to the bed.
"Time for another first," she said as she crawled up onto the bed and brought him down to her. "Love on the high seas... I feel inspired." And with that all he could say was….."Elizabeth…." and proceeded to share with her their next first.
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