“You want to get some food and hot drink in your stomach,” he said. “Best way to combat feeling seasick.”

The notion that I should go to a restaurant and not to a lifeboat almost made me laugh with relief. I couldn’t stand the thought of food, but I did slither, stumble and grab my way to a snack bar and managed to drink hot cocoa without spilling too much.

“Ah, but it’s a wild night, that’s for sure,” said the soft-voiced Irishwoman behind the counter. She didn’t look at all worried about this.

“I’m surprised that ferries actually sail in such bad weather,” I said.

This made her laugh. “Lord love you. If we stayed in port when there was bad weather, we’d never leave. I take it you’ve never crossed the Irish Sea before?”

“Never,” I said.

“So your first time in Ireland, then?”

I nodded.

“It’s a pity you’re not seeing it in spring the first time. At this time of year it can look rather bleak. Will you be staying in Dublin, then?”

“Near Dublin. With friends,” I said, not wanting to give her more information than that.

“And you’ll be with them for Christmas, I’ve no doubt.” She gave me an encouraging smile. “Lovely. That will be lovely. We celebrate a grand Christmas in Ireland.”

The hot chocolate had started to spread warmth through my body and I found, as the seaman had predicted, that I was feeling better. Well enough, in fact, to have a toasted tea cake. Then I staggered my way to the nearest warm corner and miraculously nodded off.

Chapter 11

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3

Arrived in Ireland early this morning. Golly, I’m terrified but no going back now. Courage, Georgie. Rannochs never give up in the face of adversity!