Shipmates - Part
2
by Ian Curtress
It has been over six months
since that fateful Sunday when Hetty arrived with
a large suitcase and an even larger tale of woe.
From what I could gather he was trying his best
to keep their heads above water after a financial
disaster, not of his making.
He was obviously very stressed, trying to find
solutions and unable to give much time to Hetty.
My understanding of the situation was Hetty could
have given him more support and bolstered his
confidence.
How true is the saying a problem shared is a
problem halved.
But as I think I have mentioned in the past, I am
reluctant to become involved in another’s
domestic affairs.
You will appreciate our way of life has
disintegrated with another woman in the house and
there are times when I seem to be walking a tight
rope.
Hetty is naturally very friendly and occasionally
perhaps a little too friendly from my Wife’s
point of view.
We are a very happily married couple and there
has been no rocking the boat, until now.
I cannot get used to a bathroom sometimes looking
like a lingerie showroom.
Items which only look right with legs in them,
preferably my Wifes
I’m sure when we are sitting having dinner
sometimes memories are recalled of us sitting
together on the cruise. Peter missing.
My wife tells me Peters letters are more frequent
now and Hetty looks forward to them so fingers
crossed there might be a glimmer of hope for us.
Have hit a major problem. My Wifes Mother is
rather poorly and would understandably like her
to spend a couple of weeks with her. We have no
urgent commitments and under normal circumstances
I would drive her as soon as her case was packed.
The drive is under three hours.
You can see the problem. Me left in the house
with Hetty.
Whilst I know all would be aboveboard so to speak,
I can understand the discomfort this would give
my Wife. A no no from the start.
The alternative is leaving our home occupied by
Hetty.
My wife has been very tactful. Saying she would
like me with her at her Mothers and knows Hetty
would look after our house for two weeks.
Hetty was thrilled and we left, with some
apprehension, the following day.
We didn’t telephone for a week so that she
didn’t think there was any distrust and when
we did, she said everything was fine. So we
relaxed. Well almost.
Mother-in-law was now feeling much better and we
decided to leave soon
We telephoned Hetty to say we would be back for
lunch the following day and she said she would
have a meal ready.
It was comforting to be pulling into our driveway
again and to be reassured all was well.
There in our drive was another car. Suddenly all
pleasure at arriving home sunk without trace.
With very mixed feelings I turned the key in the
lock and as we stepped into the hall, the sitting
room door was flung open and an excited Hetty
shouted surprise surprise!
There in my favourite chair sat Peter.
He shook my hand warmly saying I have come to
take my Hetty home where she belongs.
After regaining our equilibrium my Wife said you
must stay the night for us to hear all the news.
It appears Peter had been able to put in writing
what he had been unable to say to Hetty. It was
like magic. Hetty understood, she was upset that
he hadn’t been able to really talk to her
when he was so low.
It had given him the jolt he needed. He had
obtained a new position and security, but best of
all he had found his wife again.
That evening as we were having dinner my mind
drifted.
Here were two couples, very much in love, having
a lovely dinner together.
I’m sure I heard the sea and felt the ship
roll a little.
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