Cameron Hardwick leaned against a column sipping his champagne and sneaking an occasional glance over at Veronica and Regan. The future flotsam and jetsam, he thought to himself. Hopefully she doesn’t wear that gown to bed Friday night. It would serve as a parachute on the way down the side of the ship. She’d stay afloat for days. He turned away when he saw the old biddy from this afternoon pointing him out to Veronica. I don’t need those two comparing notes, he thought angrily.

“. . . I just know that that young man waited on us in Greece, over ten years ago,” Violet confided to Veronica. “It was after my dear Bruce died. He insisted this afternoon when I mentioned it to him that he’d never been to Greece, but I know for sure he’s mistaken. It was in August eleven years ago. We had a window table and I ordered stuffed shrimp, but they were out of it. When I couldn’t make up my mind what to order, he got very impatient with me. And to think we were paying top dollar to stay in that hotel,” Violet said haughtily.

“We were discussing Greece at dinner last night and he told us he’d never been there,” Veronica replied.

“I’m telling you I know it was he,” Violet harrumphed. “I never forget a face.”

Veronica smiled. “He’s really quite nice. He took me for a stroll on the deck last night and offered his arm. So protective! Maybe you’d like to query him again on Thursday evening. I’ve decided to have a cocktail party in our suite before dinner. I’m inviting everyone from my table and I would be enchanted if you and your brother would join us. I’d love to show you pictures of Sir Gilbert and Llewellyn Hall.”

Violet looked as if the boil on her behind had finally burst. “We’d be happy to be your guests.”

Chapter 32

MEANWHILE, BACK AT the ranch, Regan thought as she took her seat at the dinner table. Here we all are to share our experiences of the first full day at sea. It didn’t take too long for the sharing to start.

“Have any of you ever been wrapped in seaweed?” Immaculata began. “I highly recommend it. It’s a most tingly and refreshing experience.”

Veronica interjected, “It sounds fascinating. What does it involve?”

It involves stripping the seven seas of every last trace of plant life to cover the frames of people who are too lazy to exercise, Gavin thought.

“Well,” Immaculata continued excitedly, “you have to make an appointment at the beauty parlor downstairs. But you better do it soon because they are filling up their appointment book fast.”

“Regan, we must remember to call first thing in the morning,” Veronica rejoiced as she waved the resurrected cigarette holder.