World Cruise Day 11: Sep 10 – Rosyth (Edinburgh), Scotland, UK (Part 1)
Another kerfuffle with Vit. I didn’t mean to make him feel bad. He’s been driving me a bit crazy today because of it. I’ve about had it with people being solicitous. Just leave me in peace already. These extremes aren’t healthy … or for the most part in my opinion, genuine or lasting.
The first mistake was accidentally waking Frankie up last night when I went to check on him to make sure he wasn’t running a fever. He wasn’t but he had at some point because I could tell he’d sweated through his sheets. I had him get up and showered – grumble, grumble, grumble – and then found a clean top sheet for his bed from the extras left in his cabin. He agreed he felt better for it but then noticed my red nose. You don’t lie to a child like Frankie and I explained about Derrick – none of the rest of it – and he seemed to understand and let it go. Seemed to being the operative phrase.
A few hours later I was awoken as Vit entered the room. I rolled over to keep the light out of my eyes but then he whispered, “Veta.”
“Mm?”
“I just came from dropping Nicholas at his cabin.”
I am a very light sleeper and I went to bed worried about Frankie so of course that is the first thing I thought of at his words. I sat up and threw off the covers. “Did his temperature come back?” I asked as I started to slide my feet into slippers.
“No. He said that you were crying. That your brother, the one named Der-rick, had another operation.”
I was halfway up and then flopped back down. “So Frankie is all right?”
“Yes. Nicholas opened him a ginger ale from the refrigerator and told him to drink some but otherwise he was fine.”
I nearly wilted. “Then what is wrong?”
“As I said, your brother.”
I shook my head. “It wasn’t an open-heart surgery … they put in stints to open a couple of arteries. Thank you for asking but you don’t need to worry that I’m not fit for my job. I will still be taking Frankie around tomorrow … assuming he is well enough for it. Goodnight.”
I turned over and went back to sleep.
I woke at my usual hour, but my eyes and head felt evil. It took me long enough to get up and moving that I decided to skip exercising and check on Frankie instead. I took more time with my makeup than usual trying to hide the remaining evidence of my crying fit. As I was to find out I was only partially successful.
I came out to the living area to find it full … Frankie, Vit, Nicholas, and Miss Hayworth.
At my alarm Miss Hayworth said, “I’m just checking to see if you are able to come today. If not, I perfectly understand.”
Trying to not pop off and ask if it was a shake down trying to tell me they didn’t want me I instead straightened and said, “I’m fit. I’m more concerned whether Frankie is able to …”
“I’m fine Miss Veta. I think it was that cream stuff with the fish in it. I tried it to be polite so that Mr. and Mrs. Crankston wouldn’t complain to Grandmother … but it was kinda gross.”
“It wasn’t my favorite either. But you did have a fever last night.”
“I always do when I puke. So do Mother and Francine. It just doesn’t happen very often for me. I’m only kinda sorta half-Marchand that way. Nickie and Father are all Marchand with cast iron stomachs. Grandmother says so.”
“Oh,” I said, unsure how else to respond to that.
I turned to Miss Hayworth and she could tell I was at a loss for words and politely came to the rescue. “Well then, it appears to be settled. Just let me know if things become too much for you.”
“Miss Hayworth, a moment please?” I followed her as she left the cabin. “I’m sorry anyone thought I would be an inconvenience. It was … the shock of it last night. I am going to honor my contract … and my promise to Frankie.”
Turning to me she gave me a serious look. “I can see that. And just to let you know, the Crankstons did try to create a situation during dinner last night but were roundly pushed back by several other couples. You’ve made an impression my dear. And apparently Frankie is a ‘doll’ and ‘dear’ and a ‘perfect little gentleman’ with manners to match.”
“Oh dear. The last thing that is needed is for a situation to occur during such a long voyage.”
“The Crankstons have been trying to make a scene since before the cruise even began. They wanted the owner’s suite as an upgrade, but we’d already booked it well in advance of their desire. They’ll either get over it, or they won’t. Madam says you simply can’t please some people.”
My mouth nearly fell open at the seeming hypocrisy of that statement but instead I said, “Thank you for your time. I’ll return to the cabin and make sure that Frankie really is fit to go today and isn’t just trying to be nice.”
I had my hand on the cabin door when it opened and Nicholas and Frankie came out. “I’ll take the Squirt to eat. Scrambled eggs and toast. It’s what Francine and Mother eat.”
I watched them walk away and I didn’t know whether to be grateful or irritated. I shook my head and started to open the door again when Vit opened it and asked me to please come in. He wished to speak with me.
Not really wanting an interrogation I asked, “About?”
He sighed. “This will not go on. Veta … the other night … I did not mean to … for it to appear that I … question your professionalism. I have no excuses. Being at the beck and call of a captain … or even a yacht owner’s spoiled children … is different than what is being asked of me in my current position. I was … jealous … of your freedom. It is only now that I see …” Rather stiffly he asked, “Were you really asked to remain in the cabin and use Room Service rather than eat with the other passengers even when the boy dines with the family?”
I snorted. “I’m not a passenger. I am Staff. Or at least Staff as far as the Marchand party goes.”
“That does not answer my question.”
I shrugged. “It’s an explanation as to why they asked me to keep Frankie here at night unless he was specifically invited to dinner or some other event. And speaking of, go eat breakfast please. I suspect you will need your patience today.”
“No. She and Fraulein Hayworth are taking a tour by taxi of Edinburgh. We are excused and will be walking down the Royal Mile.”
“Then you will need even more patience because Nicholas will act like a kid out of school.”
“Perhaps. But I can sympathize. If Madam would loosen the reins a bit Nicholas would not desire to kick over the traces quite so much. Mr. O’Rourke is of a similar mind and said he will try to help where he can. He has a nephew that is Nicholas’ age with a mother who is even more controlling, or so he says.”
“Good. That should make your job easier to have a compatriot. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Veta.”
“Yes?”
“Nothing. Unless you would prefer otherwise Nicholas and I will accompany you and Frankie.”
“I’m capable of …”
“Yes,” he said. “You’ve proven that. But perhaps it will be good for Nicholas to find the same rhythm we had in London.”
“Ah. Of course. Give me a moment.”
“And you are bringing Miss Veta’s magic backpack?” When I looked at him he shrugged. “He asked.”
“Then I will. Please go eat breakfast and if you will corral Frankie, that will give me time to pack what we might need.”
We docked in Rosyth and then took a shuttle to Edinburgh which then dropped us off at Edinburgh Castle, possibly one of the most “haunted” sites in Scotland. No, I don’t believe in ghosts in the traditional sense but there are some locations … castles, parts of Jerusalem, civil war battlefields … that seem to have a sense of history or events so profound that they exude something that is heavy enough to be felt. The number of people packed into the place also gave it an atmosphere, one less pleasant than I could have hoped for, but my research prepared me for that reality. Having always desired to visit Edinburgh I knew quite a bit about it and told of things that I’ve read over the years as we toured at our own pace.
In the castle we saw the Portcullis Gate, Argyle Battery and Tower, the Lang Stairs, the Prisoners of War Exhibition (quite moving), the military prisons, the Royal Scots Museum, and the Dragoon Scots Museum, the Governor’s House, and the battlements among other points. We weren’t in the castle for the 1 o’clock cannon blast but we heard it despite being a lot further along. The Castle is situated high above the city on a hill which gave us spectacular views of the Princes Garden, the Old Town, and several other historical and modern areas. Walking up to the Castle had been torture on my calves as I wore the wrong shoes for such exercise. Walking down was only slightly better. What didn’t get better were the crowds. And once we did reach street level pedestrians had to share the Royal Mile with crazy drivers, including large tourist busses that really shouldn’t have been using the thoroughfare.
First, I suppose I need to mention there are in excess of fifty “closes” off the Royal Mile all of which can be found in a list on Wikipedia[1]. The closes nearest the castle were quite steep and narrow. As we travelled away from the Castle, several of them are merely signs of what once existed, others are sealed and only have private access, and still others that are still used as passageways from the Royal Mile to other streets just beyond the buildings that line the Mile.
Starting near the Castle we saw St. Giles’ Cathedral. The first church was built on the site in the 12th Century but that one was destroyed by fire. The second church was built there in 1385 and many chapels and other bits and pieces have been added onto it since giving the building a rather haphazard appearance but still recognizable as a church.
Another kerfuffle with Vit. I didn’t mean to make him feel bad. He’s been driving me a bit crazy today because of it. I’ve about had it with people being solicitous. Just leave me in peace already. These extremes aren’t healthy … or for the most part in my opinion, genuine or lasting.
The first mistake was accidentally waking Frankie up last night when I went to check on him to make sure he wasn’t running a fever. He wasn’t but he had at some point because I could tell he’d sweated through his sheets. I had him get up and showered – grumble, grumble, grumble – and then found a clean top sheet for his bed from the extras left in his cabin. He agreed he felt better for it but then noticed my red nose. You don’t lie to a child like Frankie and I explained about Derrick – none of the rest of it – and he seemed to understand and let it go. Seemed to being the operative phrase.
A few hours later I was awoken as Vit entered the room. I rolled over to keep the light out of my eyes but then he whispered, “Veta.”
“Mm?”
“I just came from dropping Nicholas at his cabin.”
I am a very light sleeper and I went to bed worried about Frankie so of course that is the first thing I thought of at his words. I sat up and threw off the covers. “Did his temperature come back?” I asked as I started to slide my feet into slippers.
“No. He said that you were crying. That your brother, the one named Der-rick, had another operation.”
I was halfway up and then flopped back down. “So Frankie is all right?”
“Yes. Nicholas opened him a ginger ale from the refrigerator and told him to drink some but otherwise he was fine.”
I nearly wilted. “Then what is wrong?”
“As I said, your brother.”
I shook my head. “It wasn’t an open-heart surgery … they put in stints to open a couple of arteries. Thank you for asking but you don’t need to worry that I’m not fit for my job. I will still be taking Frankie around tomorrow … assuming he is well enough for it. Goodnight.”
I turned over and went back to sleep.
I woke at my usual hour, but my eyes and head felt evil. It took me long enough to get up and moving that I decided to skip exercising and check on Frankie instead. I took more time with my makeup than usual trying to hide the remaining evidence of my crying fit. As I was to find out I was only partially successful.
I came out to the living area to find it full … Frankie, Vit, Nicholas, and Miss Hayworth.
At my alarm Miss Hayworth said, “I’m just checking to see if you are able to come today. If not, I perfectly understand.”
Trying to not pop off and ask if it was a shake down trying to tell me they didn’t want me I instead straightened and said, “I’m fit. I’m more concerned whether Frankie is able to …”
“I’m fine Miss Veta. I think it was that cream stuff with the fish in it. I tried it to be polite so that Mr. and Mrs. Crankston wouldn’t complain to Grandmother … but it was kinda gross.”
“It wasn’t my favorite either. But you did have a fever last night.”
“I always do when I puke. So do Mother and Francine. It just doesn’t happen very often for me. I’m only kinda sorta half-Marchand that way. Nickie and Father are all Marchand with cast iron stomachs. Grandmother says so.”
“Oh,” I said, unsure how else to respond to that.
I turned to Miss Hayworth and she could tell I was at a loss for words and politely came to the rescue. “Well then, it appears to be settled. Just let me know if things become too much for you.”
“Miss Hayworth, a moment please?” I followed her as she left the cabin. “I’m sorry anyone thought I would be an inconvenience. It was … the shock of it last night. I am going to honor my contract … and my promise to Frankie.”
Turning to me she gave me a serious look. “I can see that. And just to let you know, the Crankstons did try to create a situation during dinner last night but were roundly pushed back by several other couples. You’ve made an impression my dear. And apparently Frankie is a ‘doll’ and ‘dear’ and a ‘perfect little gentleman’ with manners to match.”
“Oh dear. The last thing that is needed is for a situation to occur during such a long voyage.”
“The Crankstons have been trying to make a scene since before the cruise even began. They wanted the owner’s suite as an upgrade, but we’d already booked it well in advance of their desire. They’ll either get over it, or they won’t. Madam says you simply can’t please some people.”
My mouth nearly fell open at the seeming hypocrisy of that statement but instead I said, “Thank you for your time. I’ll return to the cabin and make sure that Frankie really is fit to go today and isn’t just trying to be nice.”
I had my hand on the cabin door when it opened and Nicholas and Frankie came out. “I’ll take the Squirt to eat. Scrambled eggs and toast. It’s what Francine and Mother eat.”
I watched them walk away and I didn’t know whether to be grateful or irritated. I shook my head and started to open the door again when Vit opened it and asked me to please come in. He wished to speak with me.
Not really wanting an interrogation I asked, “About?”
He sighed. “This will not go on. Veta … the other night … I did not mean to … for it to appear that I … question your professionalism. I have no excuses. Being at the beck and call of a captain … or even a yacht owner’s spoiled children … is different than what is being asked of me in my current position. I was … jealous … of your freedom. It is only now that I see …” Rather stiffly he asked, “Were you really asked to remain in the cabin and use Room Service rather than eat with the other passengers even when the boy dines with the family?”
I snorted. “I’m not a passenger. I am Staff. Or at least Staff as far as the Marchand party goes.”
“That does not answer my question.”
I shrugged. “It’s an explanation as to why they asked me to keep Frankie here at night unless he was specifically invited to dinner or some other event. And speaking of, go eat breakfast please. I suspect you will need your patience today.”
“No. She and Fraulein Hayworth are taking a tour by taxi of Edinburgh. We are excused and will be walking down the Royal Mile.”
“Then you will need even more patience because Nicholas will act like a kid out of school.”
“Perhaps. But I can sympathize. If Madam would loosen the reins a bit Nicholas would not desire to kick over the traces quite so much. Mr. O’Rourke is of a similar mind and said he will try to help where he can. He has a nephew that is Nicholas’ age with a mother who is even more controlling, or so he says.”
“Good. That should make your job easier to have a compatriot. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Veta.”
“Yes?”
“Nothing. Unless you would prefer otherwise Nicholas and I will accompany you and Frankie.”
“I’m capable of …”
“Yes,” he said. “You’ve proven that. But perhaps it will be good for Nicholas to find the same rhythm we had in London.”
“Ah. Of course. Give me a moment.”
“And you are bringing Miss Veta’s magic backpack?” When I looked at him he shrugged. “He asked.”
“Then I will. Please go eat breakfast and if you will corral Frankie, that will give me time to pack what we might need.”
We docked in Rosyth and then took a shuttle to Edinburgh which then dropped us off at Edinburgh Castle, possibly one of the most “haunted” sites in Scotland. No, I don’t believe in ghosts in the traditional sense but there are some locations … castles, parts of Jerusalem, civil war battlefields … that seem to have a sense of history or events so profound that they exude something that is heavy enough to be felt. The number of people packed into the place also gave it an atmosphere, one less pleasant than I could have hoped for, but my research prepared me for that reality. Having always desired to visit Edinburgh I knew quite a bit about it and told of things that I’ve read over the years as we toured at our own pace.
In the castle we saw the Portcullis Gate, Argyle Battery and Tower, the Lang Stairs, the Prisoners of War Exhibition (quite moving), the military prisons, the Royal Scots Museum, and the Dragoon Scots Museum, the Governor’s House, and the battlements among other points. We weren’t in the castle for the 1 o’clock cannon blast but we heard it despite being a lot further along. The Castle is situated high above the city on a hill which gave us spectacular views of the Princes Garden, the Old Town, and several other historical and modern areas. Walking up to the Castle had been torture on my calves as I wore the wrong shoes for such exercise. Walking down was only slightly better. What didn’t get better were the crowds. And once we did reach street level pedestrians had to share the Royal Mile with crazy drivers, including large tourist busses that really shouldn’t have been using the thoroughfare.
First, I suppose I need to mention there are in excess of fifty “closes” off the Royal Mile all of which can be found in a list on Wikipedia[1]. The closes nearest the castle were quite steep and narrow. As we travelled away from the Castle, several of them are merely signs of what once existed, others are sealed and only have private access, and still others that are still used as passageways from the Royal Mile to other streets just beyond the buildings that line the Mile.
Starting near the Castle we saw St. Giles’ Cathedral. The first church was built on the site in the 12th Century but that one was destroyed by fire. The second church was built there in 1385 and many chapels and other bits and pieces have been added onto it since giving the building a rather haphazard appearance but still recognizable as a church.