Hearsay 5 Meet Captain and Mrs Steer

Ida and Barratt Steer had discussed what to wear for this special day. The final arrangement had taken several exchanges but was now, so she thought, settled.

The day arrived. He was in his best uniform, buttons and boots shone.

"Good grief 'oman , what you need a 'at and 'andbag for?"

"We agreed dear, I'm wearing what I normally wear when we go to church Barratt. You said wear what you would wear as if you were going to church. Remember? Now that's an end to it. And don't go forgetting that rose you cut for your buttonhole."

He shook his head and smiled momentarily. Then he looked sad. She knew why.

They both set off for Compton Castle's last voyage on a fine September's day. The authorities had condemned her as unsafe and this was to be her last journey.

As he stood in the wheelhouse, he reflected on Ida's words earlier. He wished he could feel as bright and breezy as the happy folk now filling her to capacity.

"And that's an end to it? Seems such a pity," thought Captain Barratt Steer.