Part One
The boat was late. It was never late. What am I going to do if it doesn't turn up, thought Lily. She hadn't even considered that her means of escape would fail her. All her efforts had been focused on slipping past Mr Drudge unseen and unheard. How stupid of me not to have a back up! Her brain yelled and she balled up a fist smacking her dress down. As if it hadn't been hard enough to skip the stairs that creaked and drag a chair across the floor to get to the key hanging above the door, invitingly waiting to be taken, now she'd have to think up an alternative means of travel. But, it was cold and the wind scratched at her young unblemished face with ferocity. Not to mention her attire, dresses where intended for women who dreamed little and walked slowly. Caught up in the daily flow of life. Lily shook her head, that wasn't for her. Climbing, running and rolling around in the grass was where she belonged. But not in this dress.
Lily stuck her head out from the concealed spot between two stacks of fishermen's crates to get another look at the dock.
"Well, well! Who might you be waiting for young miss?" A voice rang out besides her, she jumped back in fright and held up her large bag between the shadowed character and herself defensively.
"I'm not waiting for anyone." she replied sternly.
"Well, you can't be down here in that dress just to watch the boats now can you?"
Lily frowned and remained silent. Observant as the man was he was a stranger. Lily couldn't see his face through the dim light and leant forward slightly rocking on her heels. The figure struck a match to light a cigarette hanging loosely from his open mouth. The flames danced at the end of the little shard of wood and tickled his features with light. He was older than Lily, a few years perhaps, the facial hair gave him away though it was little more than stubble. Dirt spattered his face although he wasn't filthy, Lily suspected he had been at work for his skin beneath glowed in the places untouched by grime. He stood a head or so taller than Lily, leaning casually on the second tower of crates.
"Well miss," he began tipping his hat, "you just be careful, there's some unfortunate folk linger down here." he continued turning to leave.
"I'm waiting for a boat." she blurted. Instantly annoyed with herself she gave her shin a mental kick. Lowering her bag, one full of her belongings and most precious items, she looked to the floor in shame. If this man turned out to be one of the 'unfortunates' he described Lily would be in trouble and probably loose her valuables. For a life's worth of collecting one bag didn't seem much at all. A dusty old photograph of parents she barely remembered or recognised, a bag of sweets she'd stolen from Drudge's cabinet before taking leave of his wretched house a handful of clothes, a spare pair of shoes complete with holes and her favourite book. Of course, most of the items technically still belonged to Drudge and his housekeeper.
"There ain't no more scheduled tonight miss." The man spoke over his shoulder. With his back to her Lily emerged from her hiding spot.
"I know. Well, there was supposed to be one. But, it's late." Even as she spoke the words it seemed wrong. The particular vessel she awaited was never late. From an early age she had come down to the docks and watched the ships come and go as they pleased. After Drudge took her in she made such a fuss that he gave in and let her take a front room as her own so that she could watch the boats under his watchful eye. Night was her favourite time to sit and let the passing ships take her imagination with them on their untold journey.
"Were you waiting for the Herald miss?" the man turned slowly to face her once again and resumed his position against the crates.
"Indeed. Do you know of it?" she asked hopefully. The man took a drag on his cigarette and the red glow lit up his face once again, his expression was grim. Lily swallowed.
"She went down yesterday afternoon miss." he said solemnly.
"What happened?" Lily gasped.
"A fight broke out between the Captain and first mate. No-one knows the details because the entire crew went down with it." he stated flicking the end of his fag into the water.
"Really? Then how would anyone come by the knowledge of the fight?" Lily quiered, hand on hip. The man laughed and pushed off the crates advancing on her. She rocked back on her heel again but stood her ground.
"Why you are clever miss! What's your name?" he asked, his smile was kind and his eyes shone with the wonders of the world but Lily wasn't stupid. Raising an eyebrow she remained tight lipped on the matter of names.
"Well mines Hancock, Joe Hancock." he offered his hand. Lily blinked, after a moment of still the man held up both hands in a show of peace and sincerity before extending his arm once again. Lily reached slowly for the grubby palm and shook.
"Lily." she stated through gritted teeth.
"Well miss Lily, if it's a boat you're needing I can help you. Where is it you are intending to go?" he said in a mock voice. Sophistication didn't sound right with his thick southern accent and Lily snorted in response.
"Don't let the dress fool you. I just thought I was more likely to get aboard wearing this." she told him looking down at her unsightly clothing. Joe winked and took a step back.
"There'll be no need for that on my ship." he stated. Lily's eyes widdened in surprise.
"You have your own ship!" she exclaim, Joe immediately winced and ruffled a hand through his hair and replaced the hat.
"Well now, see, I did have one but," he began. Lily rolled her eyes and huffed out her cheeks. Swinging her bag around she stomped off further down the dock. Vagabond! Hancock was probably not even his real name. Perhaps the illusion of the dress worked too well and he assumed her a dainty maiden without a chaperone and intended to take her for all she was worth. Pulling at the dress in frustration Lily groaned in rage and folded her arms across her chest, looking out over the remarkably still water.
"Miss! 'Scuse me Miss, I will have a boat by the end of the week and then I can take you wherever it is you're heading." Joe shouted after her. Lily pursed her lips and turned further from him, there was a hint of desperation in his voice causing a shiver to run down her spine. Why was he so intent on her traveling with him. The question formed in her curious head and soon she couldn't stand it any longer. Just as Joe turned to leave, exasperated she inhaled sharply.
"Why is it so important that I be aboard. Surely, if you gain a ship my presence there is of no consequence."
Lily watched as Joe fought for the correct words. His face scrunched up in thought and his hands fidgeting around his belt.
"Well, see I was hoping you'd help me secure a vessel." he stated eventually. Lily turned to face him fully and raised an eyebrow inviting him to continue.
"If you were to say you're my wife and you're pregnant we could 'borrow' a ship and I'd return it soon as we're done." he rounded off confidently.
Lily dropped her bag and her jaw.
"What is in it for you if you return the ship?" she queried wondering how they had come this far in the conversation. Joe looked away and raised his own eyebrows, Lily wasn't one to have wool pulled over her eyes, had her temperament been such she would be sound asleep in an uncomfortable bed whilst Drudge snored intolerably on the floor above. Before Joe could answer a whistle sounded, the pair jumped in unison.
"We'd better find some cover miss. Not good to be out and about at this hour."
"Yes, quite." Lily had already collected her bag and advanced in the opposite direction of the patter of feet. Joe caught up and took hold of her arm. He directed her down a series of allies and although she was alarmed she allowed him to guide her. after a brisk five minute walk Joe turned a corner and they were standing in a small court yard with an inn at the far side. Before going any further Joe stepped away from Lily and surveyed her with a critical eye.
"That won't do, you'll stand out. Have you got anything less," he struggled for the word.
"Garish? Fancy? Girly?" Lily offered Joe nodded. Digging through her large carry case which was fairly empty for it's size and rather unnecessary Lily produced a tatty pair of trousers and a stripy jumper a few sizes to big.
"Brilliant, put that on." Joe rang out. Lily starred at him.
"Here? Now?" She stressed looking around the open space. There were a number of windows looking out onto the cobbled square and although no faces were visible and indeed no lights it was far from concealed. Joe sighed and rolled his eyes turning to face the other way.
"We don't have time, come on!" he urged just as another whistle blast sounded much closer than before. Lily tore at her dress frantically and pulled on her spare clothes as quickly as possible. Moving forward she brushed Joe's elbow to let him know she was ready. Taking her new look with a smile he reached towards her face, instinctively she backed away but he was too quick and ripped the ribbon from her pony tail so that her hair fell loosely around her face.
"Perfect!" he exclaimed and pulled her into the inn.
Inside warmth rushed over their skin, smothering them in a blanket of comfort. Scent's of food wafted through from the kitchens causing their stomachs to groan in anticipation. Picking a table near the back of the establishment Lily crammed her dress into the holdall remarking to herself that it was indeed far to fancy for any occasion never mind a pub.
Joe emptied his pockets over the table searching for enough money to quiet his hungry belly. Lily, feeling guilty about the amount in her purse, scoured the specials board- which appeared to be the only menu.
"Pie and mash it is then." she agreed out loud. Joe looked up and back down to his pittance strew across the table.
"Wanna share?" he asked enthusiastically. Lily laughed and agreed afraid of admitting the stolen wealth in her possession. Soon they had devoured a large plate of gravy covered heaven and downed two pints of a sickly sweet liquid Joe had picked. Lily had gathered that Joe was a merchant sailor who had found himself without work. According to him business was bad on these docks and ships were venturing farther afield for the best deals and spending less time docked in grimy old London. Lily's eyes twinkled in awe as Joe recalled tales of places worlds apart of the dreary grey she'd grown to know and despise. Whoever Joe was he had led an interesting life, free to travel and explore, something Lily had only imagined. Suddenly it didn't matter what his intentions were after they parted, Lily would be free. Joe needed her to help him get a boat and she was beginning to think she could make it happen. No other vessel would have her, everyone feared having women aboard unless it was a scheduled trip for holidays and such. The Herald had been a ship built for that purpose and it had been her plan to sneak aboard. Without a pass she would have trouble but once securely on deck her dress would have kept her from questioning stares and the law.
The police whistles had worried her, perhaps Drudge had awoken in the night and noticed her missing, he could think she had been kidnapped but no doubt he would summon the police and alert them Lily had robbed them and she would be scolded double on being discovered. However, Joe's reaction to the same sound forced her to greet the reality that he was not all he appeared. As wondrous as his stories were there was a darkness in his eyes he was avoiding. A discussion he was attempting to pepper with beautiful imagery and adventure. Maybe he's like me, Lily thought, maybe he's escaping some terrible fate as well.
As the last of the stragglers left the inn the owner hurried the pair along. Outside the police were long gone and Lily stood listening to the tower clock strike ten, eleven, midnight. There would be no more boats until morning and she couldn't return to Drudge's house. Joe wandered off into the night and turned in realisation that Lily hadn't followed.
"What're you doing?" he asked taking out a cigarette.
"I have nowhere to go. I can't go back." she stated. Joe looked around himself and blew a cloud of smoke into the air.
"Begging your pardon miss but you could stay with me. I have a room not far from here. You could have the bed and I'll take the floor."
"We've only just met, I don't even know you." Lily retorted blushing at his proposal.
"Right well, good luck fending for yourself young miss." Joe said sarcastically and disappeared around the corner. For a moment Lily stood starring open mouthed before the silence became too eerie and she bolted after him. Joe was leaning against a wall just shy of the entrance to the courtyard, so close in fact that Lily ran straight into him. Winking and flashy her a cocky smile he turned and ambled down the alley. Lily tutted loudly, she was not a fan of being out smarted. Following at a distance she made her way to the house of a stranger and hoped out loud that he wasn't a 'murderous oddball with tendencies to lure young females back to his room with the intentions of finding them a boat'. Joe sniggered.
Lily-Mae Copyright of Lucy Marsh 17/04/2013
