Read Online FOR THE LOVE OF THE SEA by Jennifer Bohnet - Free Book Online Page B

to help with all the preparations necessary to get Polly and Clotted Cream ready for their big adventure.
    As Cassie told James over dinner at The Seafarers on Saturday evening, she found it hard to believe how quickly the race date was approaching - and how much work was involved.
    “Honestly James there are far more regulations these days compared with twenty years ago. And the amount of paperwork is unbelievable.”
    “A lot more people are involved, I suppose,” James said. “Like everything else, it’s big business these days too.” He glanced at her.
    “How did Polly cope with her sea trials? Clotted Cream’s a big boat to manage single-handed.”
    “Fine. Polly is very determined. She feels if Ellen MacArthur can race Open 60s, so can she!”
    They were eating dessert when James turned the conversation.
    “Well Cassie what was the question you wanted to ask me?”
    Cassie put her spoon down and took a deep breath.
    “You once asked me to go sailing with you.”
    James nodded.
    “Yes, I remember. The invitation still stands.”
    “In that case, will you please take me sailing as soon as possible?” There, the words were spoken.
    “Of course. Monday afternoon OK?”
    “Thank you.” Cassie smiled.
    “Can I ask what brought on the change of mind?”
    Cassie was reluctant to tell him the truth – that she had some ghosts to lay. She didn’t want him to think she was using him.
    “Oh, I just wanted to find out if I still remembered how to do it after all this time,” she said instead.
    To her ears the reason seemed shallow, but James appeared to accept it.
    “I don’t think you ever forget,” he said simply, placing his hand over hers in a comforting gesture that felt to Cassie suddenly too intimate.
    To her relief, an attentive waiter appeared with the offer of coffee and she was able to reclaim her hand without undue fuss. As much as she liked James she wasn’t ready for any complications in their relationship.
    “My social life suddenly seems to be taking off,” she said brightly.
    “I haven’t been so busy in years. Here I am tonight with you, we’re going sailing next week and tomorrow it’s the ‘open boat’ party. Are you going?”
    “Yes. Not really my sort of thing but I have to make an appearance. Doug Hampshire seems nice enough.”
    “Rufus says his boat is amazing - the last word in luxury. He reckons it should be moored in St.Tropez rather than here!”
     
    Cassie was inclined to agree with her brother the next evening as she, Polly and Anna went on board Megabyte .
    “Now we know how he made his money,” Polly observed. “Computers.”
    “Wow!” Anna exclaimed, “It’s a floating palace. Perhaps you ought to talk to him about some sponsorship for Clotted Cream .”
    “Come on,” Cassie said to Polly, “I’ll introduce you.” The three women moved across the thick cream carpet of the main saloon towards Doug who was standing by an ornate dining table laden with food and drink, talking to Mai, Dexter and James.
    “No sign of Mrs Hampshire is there?” Anna whispered.
    Cassie, looking round at the opulent furnishings, the original paintings on the walls, the priceless ornaments placed strategically, had to keep telling herself that she was on board a boat. It felt more like a very expensive and exclusive hotel.
    But Anna was right. With nothing personal or feminine on display, one couldn’t help wondering about the existence of a Mrs Hampshire.
    “All ready for your big adventure, Polly?” Doug asked, after the introductions had been made.
    She nodded.
    “I can’t wait. There’s the trip to Plymouth tomorrow, ten days’ final sorting out and then it’s all go.”
    “Are you going to Plymouth, too?” Doug asked Cassie.
    “I’m planning on being there for the start of the race,” Cassie said. “I’d hate to miss that. Otherwise, work here calls.”
    “I’ve organised a berth down there for Megabyte for the weekend of the race start. I hope you’ll