"Ginger tea? Johnny asked. "Of course, we stock it for anyone who is seasick. I'm sorry it is bothering you now. You seemed to be fine for the first days aboard."

"I've never had a weak stomach. It's a puzzle. Thank the cook for it will you?" Gaia asked.

"I'll make sure it is served with all your meals as well," The purser turned toward the stateroom door. "Is there anything else?"

"The ladies shop is sending a dress to me. They had to lengthen the hem. It's silk and will need some care before I can wear it to the Captain's ball tonight. Will you see to it?"

"Leave it on the chair over there. I'll be by to check for it. When it's dealt with, I'll put it with your other things in the closet. Anything else?"

"Nothing. I believe Harry's tuxedo is in good shape. I was surprised he needed it. And thank you again. You've been a treasure." Gaia got up and pressed a pound note into his hand.

Johnny blushed a bit, before saying, "Thank you, but this isn't required."

"Spend it on the sweet little lady you are seeing. She's been wonderful at dinner service."

"I will. I've been saving. Our shipping line is very forward thinking. We will be able to live together and work together after we marry. Gillian will get a surprise when I get a chance to check the sweets shop in New York. We get shore leave there once we arrive there after we drop immigrants at Ellis Island."

Gaia nodded. "Go then. How many more days till we arrive?"

"Probably four, but it depends on any storms along the way. It looks like there might be another hurricane we need to skirt. Rough weather around it for many miles too. I hope it doesn't bother you too much once we get the ginger tea for you. I'll be right back." Johnny disappeared through the door.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Feeling better?" Harry asked as he stroked her back where Gaia was curled on the bed.

"Yes. Seems the ginger tea worked. I need to learn more about the herbs. Should have paid attention to Cardamon's lectures when I was working in the kitchen at Murphy's. He's brilliant with them."

"Peppermint helps too, but I'm not sure if it's more for digestion than upset."

"True. Did you see my dress for tonight?"

"Not yet."

"All right then. Johnny must have picked it up to take care of the wrinkles. I've never had such a grown up garment. You'll have to fend off the men. Annie says it makes me look like a movie star at opening night." Gaia stretched out and then yawned hugely.

"How about I join you for a nap. The late nights dancing are such fun, but I'm as tired as you are. I'm sure Johnny will wake us when he brings your dress back."

"Aye. I'm not sure where my energy has gone." Gaia unbuttoned her shirt pulling it out of her waistband. "Grab me my nightgown? I'd best put it on with Johnny dropping by with my dress. It's the most interesting shade of blue. Very close to violet. I'll be able to wear my amethyst with it."

"Can't wait to see it on you." Harry handed her the shear white robe she wore to rituals. "This will work. I'll grab mine and join you."

"For someone who doesn't understand magic rituals, it's just a way to entice." Gaia slipped it over her shoulders and tied the gold ribbon at her waist. Pulling the sheets back, she slid into bed as she watched Harry strip down. His own enticement evident as he climbed in behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Johnny will be back any time," Harry whispered in her ear.

"We'll get caught," Gaia worried.

"Does it matter? We're married." Harry pulled her robe up and let her feel just how much he wanted her.

"No."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Stunning, Gaia, absolutely stunning. You know you're the darling of the cruise right now," Harry said. "And you're my own true love."

Gaia blushed pale rose as they walked into the formal dining room. The silk knit caressed her, clinging like a second skin. She felt the cool breeze from the open deck doors on her bare back and was grateful for it. Still faintly nauseous, she noted the teapot and her name on the place card to the right of Captain Ian Kelly's ornate chair.

"Gaia! You made it." Arabella Epstein gave her a hug and kissed both of her cheeks. Squatting down she did the same for Harry, as her husband came through the doors from the deck. Johnny slid them closed except for a narrow slit.

"Thank you, purser," Ian Kelly said, "We're heading into some rougher weather. I hope your sea sickness doesn't get any worse, my dear." He pulled out her chair for her signaling the beginning of dinner service.

Gaia seated herself, wondering what the meal would be. The cooks on board were amazing. Harry sat opposite to her, and a lively young Englishwoman entertained him with a story about the dolphins she observed earlier in the day.

"Mid ocean encounters are rare, especially in cold waters. Dolphins normally stick closer to shores and warmer waters," the Captain said.

"They were clicking and squeaking. Like they were trying to tell me something," Lilibeth Grimaldi insisted.

"You are probably right, Lilibeth. My father said to pay attention to the dolphins. If they seem upset, the weather is often turning for the worse. The barometer is dropping quickly, I think we are in for a storm. The next few days will be rough on us," Captain Kelly explained.

"Then we best ask weather Gods to bless us," Harry quipped.

"Or St, Nicholas." The Captain nodded to a niche in the wall by the entrance to the dining room. "He might be Father Christmas, but he's also our patron Saint."

"Or Saint Christopher, who is the patron Saint of travelers," the gentleman at the other end of the table chimed in.

"In that case I will ask the seven Saints who bless the sailors and passengers on this vessel as we say grace." The Captain took Gaia's hand and she reached out for that of the man beside her. The voyagers at the table followed suit, united with bowed heads.

"Let our meal strengthen us as we face the dangers of the oceans and may the friendships we begin here, fortify our lives for the rest of our days. In the name of the Father, Son, and Mother Mary, I ask your humble blessing."

A chorus of Amen followed the Captain's brief grace.

Fragrant smoked salmon bisque in deep bowls with fluffy biscuits was the first course. She peeked to see which of the array of utensils the other ladies used and took her first delicious spoonful after the rest of the guests at the table started eating.

She couldn't stop the shivers racing over her, as she thought about the souls screaming in agony around the man to her right. How had he escaped the notice of the Garda? Or was she wrong? Could there be another explanation? His touch was gentle during grace.

She turned to him as the waiters cleared the soup course.

"I haven't seen you in my wanderings aboard, sir. May I ask your name?"

"Dr. Graham Jenkins. Pathologist. I study the causes of death."

"Oh," Gaia shuddered. "Fascinating but morbid. I bring peace to the departed."

"I've heard about you. Death and anything or anyone associated are of interest." Graham's clipped words sounded like he didn't have many conversations.

"Why?" Gaia asked.

"To help discover who did it."

His matter of fact response brought a nod from Gaia.

"Me too."

Graham's eyebrow shot straight up. "How?"

"I see them. There are dozens who come along with you. Some are still screaming." Gaia took the first bite of her Beef Wellington. The pastry was divine.

Harry's eyes caught hers from across the table. He cocked his head in a familiar gesture, and she knew he was listening. Always ready to step in if she needed him.

"Tell them I stand for them. There are some who I still don't know who."

"The little girl. The one in Glasgow. She says her name is Betty. A beautiful child, and only four-years-old."

"Aye, she haunts me." His eyes reminded her of the basset hound on the next farm over from Harry's parent's.

"Do you want me to help her let go of you? She thinks of you as her grandfather." Gaia looked up to the silent stares around the table. "I'm so sorry. I apologize. This isn't the right topic for a dinner party."

Lilibeth looked at her with wide eyes. "You talk to ghosts?"

"I can. But tell me more about the dolphins," she tried to turn the subject to something more acceptable. The man to her right touched her shoulder and she turned to face him.

"We'll talk to later. Perhaps you and your husband will meet me for drinks later?"

Gaia nodded. His burden was a heavy one.