COLONEL NOAH

OTHER CHAPTERS

CHAPTER 14

Jasper could tell something was in the air. Everyone was up and about early talking and moving quickly, things were not normal. Would they remember his morning walk?

'Hello Jasper, you look a bit worried. Don't you know what today is? It's Launch Day, Jasper. The most important day of the year. Stop wagging that tail, of course you can come, you're our mascot. I've got a ribbon to put on your collar. Won't you look smart?' Ellie knelt down in front of him and pulled at his ears gently.

The million and one setbacks, hold ups and minor irritations were all behind them. How they had worked to bring this day about. Every weekend had been spent with some part of the boat in mind.

Dorothy's housewifely skills became a tour de force. She came to stay with her father-in-law for several days at a time. The Colonel's idea of fitting out the galley simply consisted of mugs and a kettle but Dot's included everything from tin and bottle openers to pans and slotted spoons. All were neatly held firm in their own compartments.

Miss Teesdale wished to be consulted as each new item was bought, receipts were to be kept for the accounts and nothing left to chance. Dorothy sometimes wondered if Daphne slept with the pen in her hand ready to catalogue in her dreams.

After a somewhat hesitant start Laura and Mrs. Dailey, Thelma - as they eventually came to call her - set to and furnished the boat beautifully. Bright curtains and cushions for the little galley and nautical printed cotton for the bunks.

The four teenagers had worked really hard to find suitable moorings, places to see, all the flora and fauna to be found on the river banks. They made up a brochure and presented it proudly for the inspection of the adults.

The bulk of the advertising was left to Nick Sharp who soon caught the spirit of the project and thoroughly enjoyed being part of it. He consulted the youngsters on various aspects of the photographs, asking what would appeal to children and was amazed at their perceptions.

The Colonel spent a great deal of time down the garden looking at his creation. It was as if he couldn't quite believe the whole affair. Sometimes he did a little tidying up of the borders which had looked totally forlorn with all the boots that trodden over them. He watered the delphiniums and hollyhocks that were left at the edges so that they added a little colour against the fence. He often popped in to see Daphne and chat about progress and finances and then popped out again to see if the boat was still there.

When the crane and low-loader came to take the boat away to the mooring he was very quiet, almost as though he was holding his breath. He left the execution of events to the experts with a strength of will power that surprised himself and all those around him.

The moving of the boat caused quite a stir in the cul-de-sac. Farmer Denver and his family came to watch as well as every person who was in the vicinity. Oliver said they could have raised money selling drinks and sandwiches.

They all trouped down to the canal to watch Genesis being lowered gently into the water. What a collective sigh went up from the onlookers as she righted herself and then sat serenely, like a beautiful white and gold swan waiting to glide up stream. The Colonel and Tom Dailey exchanged knowing smiles. They knew it was going to work, hadn't they planned every detail months ago?

The Colonel was the first to go on board naturally but soon the whole gang were there feeling wonderful and admiring each others' work. Praising and exclaiming about how it had come together so beautifully. Now all they had to do was organise and advertise the great launch and decide who was to have the first holiday aboard.

Now here was the Great Launch Day. It was to be at eleven thirty so there would be plenty of time for visitors to come on board and be given a drink and shown round.

The Colonel looked splendidly nautical in his blazer and captain's peaked cap. The rest of the family were dressed to enhance the occasion, mainly in blues and greens and white.

There had been lively discussions as to whether they should walk down to the launch or hire a stretch limousine but in the end caution won and they formed a little cavalcade with the Colonel and Jasper leading. Miss Daphne Teesdale and Miss Monica Teesdale looked as if they were going to a very upper-class garden party, their draperies floating and wide-brimmed hats elegantly worn.

Nick had ordered the local brass band to play for the day and they were already hard at work playing sea shanties.

Quite a crowd of people had collected at the side of the canal just above the lock gates. They gave a cheer as the party was sighted. Most of the onlookers were of the boating fraternity and were pleased that such a splendid vessel was going to join them.

When the conductor of the band heard the cheer he changed tack and had them play "I Am Sailing".

The Colonel strode up on to the deck looking quite pink and smiling. When everyone was settled he raised a hand for silence. He gave the most moving speech about his love of all things nautical, about how the Genesis had begun and praised his team to the skies. He ended by inviting people on board, and how they came.

The brochures were ready to be perused, each one with a booking form inside and phone numbers and email addresses. The publicity group were very busy indeed.

By seven-thirty the whole boatload were ready to call it a day, and what a day! They had smiled so much that their faces simply ached and their feet were shouting for a rest. Miss Daphne suddenly noticed how tired the Colonel was looking and how the younger staff were beginning to droop. She had a quick conference with Dorothy and Laura and they gradually shepherded the remains of the guests towards the gangplank.

The crew assembled in the little cabin, tried to find a space to take the weight off and spoke in the muted voices of people completely drained. David was the first to raise his voice.

'Well! What a wonderful start to our adventure,' he smiled all round. ' I think Dorothy has a last duty to perform.'

Dorothy came in on cue with a tray laden with glasses of champagne and orange juice.

'Let's drink to Colonel Frazer-Lambert, a man with a vision.'

'I think we should have three cheers for him as well, ' cried Ellie. Which they all did resoundingly.

'And three cheers for ourselves,' shouted Darren , not to be outdone by a girl.

'Home time everyone,' said Miss Teesdale, and they all filed out obediently, all except the Colonel.

He stood on the foredeck looking around slowly and finally facing ahead with his hands resting lightly on the wheel, completely content with the boat, with himself and with the beautiful world.

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