Deception and Desire

Chapter 3

Chapter 3Sipping his gin and tonic, Nyles sat back in the oversized leather armchair, one of many in the airship port lounge. For this trip he’d decided to travel entirely first class. I didn’t realise just what I was missing. I shall travel in first class from now on.

Waiters buzzed back and forth with drinks, canapés, cigars, and anything else he, or one of his fellow passengers, required for their comfort while they waited. Finishing his drink, Nyles rose and ambled to look out the huge picture window.

Men, in a multitude of different uniforms, scurried back and forth like ants around a most magnificent airship. His ship for the duration of the voyage. The Empress was one of the elite passenger ships, and in this instance, Nyles felt the extravagance well worth it.

The trip, even with an overnight stay in Italy to break up the flight, would still take less than a week. The travel was going to be luxurious and an opportunity for Nyles to take a well-deserved rest.

His baggage was already loaded, and at the call to board, Nyles didn’t rush, letting the more animated and eager passengers, or those in couples, hurry away to be first on the ship.

Looking all around him as he crossed the airfield, Nyles strolled toward the steward busily directing passengers where to board. This ticket showed there were three classes on the ship—the lowest deck for the third-class passengers, the central decks for second-class, and the top two—with the most luxurious decks, as Nyles had seen in the company’s brochureؙ—,for first-class passengers.

There was no sign of any of the lower-class passengers as Nyles finally increased his speed and strode across the red carpet that led to the beaming steward. The other passengers seemed to be heading towards a large elevator in glittering glass and gleaming copper once they’d spoken to the steward. The machine’s wheels were well secured to keep it in position.

“Good afternoon, sir. How may I be of service today?” the steward asked.

“Mr. Nyles Weatherall. My ticket.”

The steward took the ticket, studied it for a moment, then ran his finger down a passenger list until he found Nyles’s name. “That seems all in order, sir.” He wrote on the ticket and returned it to Nyles.

Nyles peered at the letter and number combination. “Is this my cabin number?”

“Yes, sir. Now we’re currently boarding the first-class passengers, the second-class boarding will start in half an hour, and the rest once everyone else is settled. I’m afraid there is a natural delay between your boarding and our taking off. But once you’re on board, you may avail yourself of all the ship’s amenities.”

“That sounds most welcome.” Nyles nodded, suddenly keen to board.

“Just follow the red carpet to our elevator over there, sir. That’ll take you to the top deck, where the ship’s steward will direct you to your cabin and answer any questions about the flight.”

“Thank you.” Nyles resisted a sudden childish impulse to run as anticipation rose, but he crushed it down. By the time he reached the elevator, he was totally in control of himself once more.

As the elevator rose, Nyles contented himself with surveying the airship port. A great many ships made use of the port, but this area was empty, other than for The Empress and a large, single-story warehouse. Staring hard, Nyles realised there were people and more stewards going in and out of the building. That must be where the third-class passengers wait.

The elevator came to a gentle stop and Nyles stepped out. The polished wood floor was topped by a similar red carpet to the one on the ground level, and led to another steward, smartly dressed in the ship’s colours of navy blue and white.

“Welcome aboard, sir. Your ticket?”

Nyles handed it over.

“Very good, sir.” At the click of the steward’s fingers, a youth dashed forward and saluted smartly. Handing the ticket to the young man, he indicated Nyles. “Escort Mr. Weatherall to his cabin and take him past the dining rooms and bars on the way.” He saluted Nyles. “There’s a detailed map in your cabin showing where all the amenities are found. There’s also a telephone that connects you directly with room service. They’ll deal with any questions or personal requests you may have. You’ll also find a letter from the captain. It contains his own personal message of welcome and an invite to dine with him during the voyage.”

“Thank you. I look forward to the trip.” Following his guide, Nyles peeked into the magnificent dining room, which appeared immaculate from its gleaming chandeliers to its crisp table linen.

“There’s more than one bar, sir.” The young man at his side indicated a smart room with a well-stocked bar to the right and a mix of tables and booths on the left. “This one is where the ladies can be brought. However, there’s another closer to the elevators and stairs that’s gentlemen only. Here it is.” He pointed to dark-wood, highly polished doors with a brass plate announcing Gentlemen Only.

Nodding, Nyles followed his guide into the elevator. “My suite is the next floor down?

“Yes, sir. There’s no direct access between the classes, of course. If you did wish to meet up with anyone of the lower decks—”

“Oh, no.” Nyles shook his head. “I don’t know anyone on the trip and I’m not looking to meet anyone while travelling.”

The elevator stopped. “Very good, sir. This way.”

Nyles walked as directed along a lushly carpeted hallway. Light blazed overhead through ornate crystal shades and the walls housed exquisite paintings. Nyles might have been in any top-class hotel rather than an airship.

“This is your suite.” The young man opened a door, removed the key, and handed it to Nyles. “I hope you enjoy your trip. One more thing, sir. You’ll find a timetable for when the captain slows the airship’s speed to a more-sedate pace. This enables people to go outside in the open air. It’s an excellent opportunity for a spot of sightseeing over the rail and taking photographs. For the rest of the time, you will be able to walk around the enclosed promenade deck.”

“Thank you. That does indeed sound most excellent.” Nyles took the key, then fished in his pocket. Drawing out a generous tip, he smiled at the young man’s wide-eyed stare.

“Are you sure, sir?”

“Quite sure. Thank you.”

“Thank you, sir.” The steward saluted and strode away after pocketing his tip.

Nyles closed his door and locked it. Looking around, he was delighted to see a pleasant, well-appointed room that doubled as a drawing room and study. Moving through the door on the far side, Nyles stood in a small hallway.

On his right was the bedroom and on the left a bathroom, easily identified as the doors were wide open. Intrigued by a closed door ahead, Nyles walked to the end of the hallway and opened it.

He gazed into an empty cupboard and guessed that for longer trips, where the guests had more luggage, the closet doubled as extra wardrobe space as well as somewhere to store the cases themselves.

Retracing his steps, Nyles went into the bedroom. His cases were on an ottoman at the foot of a good-sized bed. Nyles sat on the mattress, bouncing a couple of times for good measure. The mattress was good and firm, just the way Nyles liked it.

Excitement bubbled up inside him. In a week’s time he’d see Jewel again. I hope and pray my petition is granted. Nyles went back into the lounge. He spotted the captain’s letter on the gleaming wooden coffee table set between two very comfortable-looking armchairs.

Nyles flopped into one of the chairs, scooped up the letter, and opened it. The note was penned personally by the captain and did indeed contain an invitation to dine at his table.

“Thankfully not until tomorrow.” Nyles closed his eyes and rested his head against the chair.

While some might feel put out that they weren’t selected among the first of the captain’s guests—his aunt forefront in his mind—he wasn’t in the least upset. Nyles wanted time to adjust as well as an opportunity to explore the ship.

Apart from which, sitting at the captain’s table, making small talk, and having to be polite and attentive to a group of total strangers was an event Nyles needed time to work up to. Surging to his feet, he tossed aside the invite.

There was no time like the present to start his explorations. Retrieving the room key from his pocket, Nyles made his move.