Chapter 8 #2
I look back over my shoulder towards the stage.
The handsome Pirate King is standing at the side, speaking to a balding man in a suit.
His eyes flick in my direction; blushing, I turn away.
This is ridiculous. My son is missing and I’m mooning like a schoolgirl over some pompous re-enactor.
Bridget has stopped moving and is looking at her phone screen.
‘Come on,’ I take her arm. ‘Let’s at least get out of this crowd. ’
We take refuge in a side street – people are milling about the shops, but it’s a lot less busy than the stage area. But would Connor come up here? Probably not. ‘Let’s check the funfair,’ I say.
This necessitates us going back into the crowds and along the promenade.
The maidens have finished and a juggler has taken over the main stage.
Gulls squabble over the dregs of ice-cream cones and greasy chips.
Eventually, we reach the funfair, which looks tired, grubby, down-at-heel – anything but ‘fun’.
As we walk through it, I call out Connor’s name.
Bridget keeps her distance, no doubt embarrassed. In the end, there’s no trace of him.
‘Where to now?’ I say, breathless.
‘I don’t know. Why don’t you get your boyfriend back there to make an announcement?’
I sputter a laugh. ‘Seriously?’
‘He was staring at you the whole time he was singing.’
‘Whatever.’ I roll my eyes even as a little thrill goes through me. ‘But it’s a good idea. Let’s go.’
We leave the funfair and go back along the front to the stage.
The juggler has been replaced by a snake handler, and a number of people are queuing along the dock to board the old-fashioned barque.
Unfortunately, the handsome pirate is nowhere to be seen.
I’m only after finding my son, but part of me feels stupidly disappointed.
‘Excuse me, ma’am, but I think you’ve lost something.’
I turn around at the deep voice.
‘But luckily, I’ve found it.’
It’s him. The Pirate King himself. Next to him is Connor (looking not a bit remorseful).
‘Oh, Connor.’ To my son’s embarrassment, I give him a hug. ‘We looked everywhere. You shouldn’t have run off like that.’
‘She’s right, lad. There are piratical matters afoot.’ Handsome man is obviously still in character. ‘An adventurous boy might be snapped up for a life of crime and derring-do on the high seas!’
‘Um yeah.’ Connor feigns politeness. ‘Whatever.’
‘You two go to the food stalls and get some lunch. I’ll be there in a minute.’ I hand Bridget my credit card. With a little smirk, she grabs Connor by the arm and drags him off.
‘Thank you,’ I say, turning to the Pirate King. ‘He’s got a way of getting lost in a crowd.’
‘That’s odd, isn’t it?’ he says. ‘Because you stand out a mile.’
He lowers his eyelids flirtatiously and I flush.
‘I don’t think that’s true.’
‘Well, maybe it’s your clothing,’ he says. ‘You’re one of the few who are wise enough not to be playing dressing up.’
‘We’re new here so we didn’t know the protocol,’ I say. ‘Otherwise, I would have worn my best gown and corset.’
Did I just say that? Really?
‘Now you’re talking.’ He smiles. ‘That I would like to see. And I’d love to know your name.’
‘I’m Juno Cartwright,’ I say. ‘We’re staying up at the Cross Keys.’
‘Really?’ He looks momentarily wary. ‘I didn’t know it was open.’
‘It’s not, exactly.’ He’s a perfect stranger (perfect being the operative word) but somehow, I find myself telling him that I’m a long-lost relative of Victoria Kernick, recently deceased.
‘I feel ashamed,’ he says, dropping out of character. ‘I knew Victoria well, and was very sad to hear that she’d passed. I didn’t know the estate had been settled, or that you had moved in. I should have come round and welcomed you to the neighbourhood.’
‘That’s not necessary,’ I say. ‘Though… you’re welcome any time.’
‘Any time?’ He gives me a teasing wink.
‘That’s what I said.’
I can’t believe I’m flirting – actually flirting – with this attractive man. It’s a strange and exhilarating feeling. ‘But I suppose if it’s “any time”, I ought to know your name first.’
‘Ah, of course. How rude of me. Oliver Penhelion – at your service.’ He gives me a sweeping bow. ‘You can call me Ollie.’
‘Penhelion?’ I say. ‘I think I met another one of you.’
His face darkens. ‘In that case, I’m sorry for you. I assume you’re referring to the lord of the manor?’
‘Is that really what he is?’
‘I’m afraid so. Will’s my cousin, for our sins. The heir to the Penhelion estate, which is called Polgothley. I’m just the “poor relation”.’ He gives a mock-pout.
‘Oh? And what do you do?’
He gestures with a flourish to his clothing. ‘I’m a modern-day pirate – obviously.’
‘I’m not sure modern is the word I’d use for that get-up.’
‘Touché.’ He grins.
‘Ollie? It’s time to announce the mayor’s speech.’
It’s one of the ‘maidens’ – young and radiant, with her hair in shiny, blonde ringlets, her smile coquettish as she looks at Ollie. Instantly, I hate her.
‘Ah, yes.’ Ollie gives the maiden a brief, uninterested glance before turning back to me. ‘I’m so sorry, Juno, but duty calls.’
‘Of course,’ I say.
‘But I’d love to come by and kidnap you. Take you out on the Halcyon.’ He points to the barque. ‘She’s my ship – I run charters and do corporate away days – things like that. When I’m not pirating.’ He winks. ‘I can just see you out on the deck, the wind billowing in your hair.’
‘OK, OK,’ I laugh. ‘She’s a lovely ship. And it sounds… fun.’
‘Good. Anyway,’ he levels me an intense look, ‘I know where you live. And I’ll be in touch.’
‘Fine.’ I add in a lowered tone, ‘Please do.’
I feel like I’m riding the crest of a billowing wave as I go towards the food stalls to look for the kids.
I may be a world-weary, soon-to-be divorced woman who’s been unlucky in love, but all of a sudden, things are looking up.
I risk a quick glance over my shoulder at Ollie as he mounts the stage to introduce the mayor.
A modern-day pirate… and he’ll be in touch.