NOVEMBER 9

The sea was rough today and all were occupied with trying to get the best of the capricious wind. Lots of pitching bow to stern, which makes Sophy fall when she wants to run. At first she wailed and I tried to comfort her, but after a while she started bending her knees, attempting to roll with the ship, and seemed to think it funny when she landed on her bottom.

We had to put the rack on the table for dinner, to keep the dishes from sliding away, which interested her greatly. Mr. Richardson opined that the Germans do well enough, but he thinks one of them is hard of hearing, as he turns one ear toward anyone who speaks to him. Mr. R. tried speaking softly to his back and got no response. So, having scientifically tested his theory, he feels willing to advance it – the man has poor hearing. Mr. Gilling, who was with us, as B. had the watch, said he believed the fellow was lazy and didn’t want to take orders, so pretended not to hear them. They had all four aloft trimming sails and Mr. R. said he thought they pitched in well and worked together smoothly. Two are brothers, traveling the world together with one sea chest between them.

And so forth. Mr. R. and Mr. G., I note, are not fond of each other, and contradiction is something of a sport with them. When I related this conversation to B., he said Mr. G. is a bit of a hard driver and likes to give orders in confusing bundles, so that the sailor is uncertain which task is to be done first.

Life at sea. Men watching each other for signs of weakness. I believe Mr. G. is of the type who must resist those set above him and dominate all below. Mr. R. is more sanguine, and like many a sailor preoccupied with orderliness.

And my darling husband, the captain of my heart, takes it all in and chuckles with me under the bedclothes. “Did you see how many dumplings Gilling ate?” he said. “I had to spear one quick to save for Sophy.”

Last night we lay awake in stitches of laughter because Sophy was snoring to beat the band. “God help us,” said B. “She sounds just like my father.”

Date: 2015-02-16; view: 649