Chapter 11
After I hang up from Rox, there’s a knock on the cabin door. Sabrina comes in, rolling a trolley offering a truly decadent breakfast in bed.
‘Good morning, Aubrey. I trust you slept well.’
‘I did, thank you. Didn’t hear a peep, although that might be because of all the wine I drank. I want to blame Princess, but there are certain gaps to my memory.’
Sabrina laughs. ‘Well, you’re on holiday, so you can take your time and enjoy breakfast in bed.’
She lifts the cloche and presents me with a range of delicious morsels. Fresh fruit, crispy bacon, eggs, thick sourdough slices, petit fours, a beaker of yoghurt and gourmet chocolate truffles.
I snatch a truffle and take a bite. ‘Ooh, you have to try these,’ I say.
Sabrina takes a chocolate praline and sits on the edge of the bed.
I had the option of breakfasting in the dining carriage, but figured I’d try room service since it’s all inclusive and a rare treat.
And OK, I’m avoiding smouldering hot guy Jasper.
Last night, under the influence of too much Jingle Juice, my interest in him only heightened most likely due to Princess picking up on the vibe between he and I and steering conversation to matters of the heart.
And that’s a not a road I want to travel down.
Actually… Don’t I have to dwell on what went wrong with my ‘wedding that wasn’t’ to make sure I don’t make that same mistake again? And without hearing from Miles himself, it’s impossible to move on. I’m stuck treading water, waiting for answers. Gah. I’m a mess.
‘You look a little more comfortable this morning, Sabrina.’ Today she’s wearing a traditional uniform, a single-breasted navy-blue suit with gold buttons. The only nod to Christmas is a pair of candy cane earrings. ‘No festive costume today?’
‘Not this morning. Later I’ll be wearing some hideous thing, I’m sure. Have you got much planned for today?’ Sabrina asks, stifling a yawn. Her usual verve is missing, as if she hasn’t slept well. I feel for her, having to always be ‘on’ around passengers at all hours of the day and night.
I motion to the generous breakfast, and Sabrina takes a bunch of grapes to nibble. ‘Princess and I are going to do some sightseeing, not exactly sure what yet. I take it that she’s Miss Moneybags?’
Sabrina claps. ‘Yes, she is indeed! Isn’t she hilarious? I’ve met her before when I worked in a five-star hotel in London. Princess can’t help but bring the party atmosphere. Where she goes, fun follows.’ The world of luxury travel is small, so it’s not a surprise their paths have crossed.
‘Yeah, she had everyone in stitches last night with her bawdy humour.’
There’s another knock at the door. Princess peers in, her make-up expertly applied, her eyes bright, even though last night she sank enough champagne to fell an elephant. How does she do it?
‘Speak of the devil,’ I say with a smile.
‘And she shall appear! How are you, my darlings?’
‘Tired,’ Sabrina says. ‘I wish I could skip today, to be honest.’
‘Why don’t you make up my room?’ Princess says. ‘And instead of doing anything, take a nap? No one will ever find out!’
That brings the sparkle back to Sabrina’s eyes. ‘Don’t tempt me, Princess. I’ll be all right once I’ve mainlined some caffeine. Now, can I get you ladies anything before I head off to help at breakfast service?’
‘Actually, darling, yes. Can we bring Aubrey’s breakfast to the dining carriage, please?
I’d never miss breakfast in the dining room unless my life was falling apart – too much gossip to eavesdrop on, and too many handsome men that need staring at.
And I happen to know a thing or two about grief, and eating alone is a slippery slope into the depths of despair.
Next she’ll be wearing an ankle-length Victorian nightgown and roaming the halls at midnight.
We can’t have that, not with all those exit doors.
We don’t want her pancaked along the route now, do we?
Her beloved will have to hold on and be patient for her join him in heaven. ’
I shake my head. I’ve explicitly told them that Miles is not dead; in fact, I’ve tried several times now and they don’t listen.
‘I don’t even own an ankle-length nightgown, Princess, Victorian or otherwise.’
‘Not yet.’
There’s nothing I can say to convince her that I’d rather eat alone because Princess has a way of sweeping everything up in her path, like a hurricane.
‘Come on, darling! Get yourself ready and meet me in the dining carriage.’