“There are over a hundred enlisted hospital corpsmen, but though you will get to know many of them, they will not be at the dance this evening.” Helen looked at each of us, one by one. Anna and I were the only nurses who had come from the Naval Medical Center with her. The other nurses came from all over the United States. “I believe this goes without saying,” she said, her voice grave, “but beyond the occasional dance, there will be no fraternizing with the crew. Do I make myself clear?”
Eleven heads bobbed in unison.
“Very good.” She smiled. “Now, I will show you to our quarters, and you can get settled in your rooms. The dance will be held after supper, when we’re out to sea. After you get unpacked, we will take a tour of the ship and meet the medical officers, whom we will dine with this evening in the captain’s quarters.”
More pleased murmurs rose from the group.
Despite everything, it was exciting to be on board theSolace. Anna and I found our stateroom, which was at the head of the hall, closest to the captain’s quarters. We had two beds, a desk, a closet with a mirror, and a private bathroom. The rugs on the floor matched the draperies at the window and the coverlets on the beds. It wasn’t a fancy room, but it was comfortable and clean.
“Can you believe we’re on our way to Hawaii?” Anna asked as she set her suitcase on one of the beds. “Hawaii!”
I allowed myself to bask in her happiness, though I couldn’t laugh with her.
Soon we were on that promised tour and learned that the ship was equipped to handle four hundred thirty-two patients, as well as the four hundred sixty-six crew members. There werefive decks on the ship, which housed operating rooms, recovery rooms, ward rooms, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and a sick call clinic, among other things. The medical officers, including the nurses, were housed at the front of the ship—the bow—with the other officers and enlisted men in the middle.
After our tour, and after we watched the ship depart from the docks, we returned to our staterooms and freshened up for supper with the other medical officers in the captain’s quarters.
I hadn’t seen Dr. Philips since he told me that Anna and I were being requested for service on theSolace. After we returned from Williamsburg, I discovered he had already been sent to New York to help outfit the ship. If I had not agreed to come, I would have never seen him again. Knowing he was somewhere on this massive ship sent a strange shiver up my spine. Did he know I was here? Was he pleased? Or would he go on treating me with indifference?
We walked to the captain’s quarters with the rest of the nurses. My navy-blue uniform was freshly pressed, and I had touched up my hair. I tried not to feel nervous, but I couldn’t quell the anxiety I felt in the pit of my stomach.
“You look lovely,” Anna said as she winked. “Do you think he’s nervous to see you too?”
“Who said I’m nervous?”
She gave me a look. “You’re one of the easiest people to read, Maggie. You always have been.”
Was that why Gray had been able to perceive my thoughts and emotions so well? I would have to work harder at hiding them.
“Welcome,” Captain Perlman said as we entered his opulent parlor.
Almost a dozen men stood in small groups throughout the room, their uniforms making each of them look dashing as they visited with drinks in their hands. At our arrival, they allturned to greet us—and my gaze connected with Dr. Philips’s immediately.
It was as if a string was pulled taut between us, vibrating with the intensity of our gazes. Why did he have such an effect on me? He did not smile or even acknowledge me, but I saw something flash in his eyes—a hint of relief? Approval? Pleasure? It was gone as soon as I noticed it, and my attention was pulled away as introductions were made and beverages were handed out.
There were twelve men and twelve women, and we were placed every other around the table, which meant I was sandwiched between two medical officers I had never met before. Both were attentive table companions, eager to get to know me better. Dr. Philips was across the table and down several chairs, near Captain Perlman and Nurse Daly. It meant my gaze did not land on him unless it was on purpose, and vice versa. Several times throughout the meal, I glanced in his direction and found that the only person he spoke to was Helen, who was on his left. He did not look at me once, which disappointed me more than it should have.
He was pale, and his eyes could not hide his exhaustion. I paid attention to the food we were served. He did not eat the bread or the pasta, but he did eat the beef and barley soup. I wanted to call out to him not to eat the soup, since barley contained gluten, but I could not. At least he had seemed to isolate the wheat as a culprit, but he would also need to learn to avoid rye and barley, as well. I prayed he would figure it out soon.
When the meal had come to an end and we had risen from the table, I tried to find him, but he was gone.
“Is everything alright, Lieutenant Hollingsworth?” Lieutenant Daniel Shepherd, one of the medical officers who had sat next to me, asked. “You look disappointed. I hope my company was not tiresome.”
So much for hiding my emotions. I smiled and lifted my chin,not willing to let Dr. Philips ruin a pleasant evening. “You were a wonderful table companion.”
“Good.” He grinned. “May I ask you to save me a dance this evening?”
“I would be honored.”
And I would be. Dr. Philips wasn’t the only gentleman on board theSolace.
And perhapsgentlemanwas too kind a word for him.
Within hours, the ship was out to sea, and the brilliant stars shone like little drops of shimmering mercury in the inky black sky. As theSolacemade its way south, we danced our hearts out as the military band played rumbas, mambos, sambas, foxtrots, and swing music. All other thoughts, fears, and worries vanished as I danced to one song after another, always in the arms of a different officer.
Laughter flowed freely as I did a foxtrot with Lieutenant Shepherd, who proved to be a talented dancer. “I can’t keep up with you, Lieutenant,” I said as we jumped and trotted. I was breathless and happy.
“I have not danced the last six dances in a row,” he said with a boyish grin, “so I have all the energy in the world. You, on the other hand, have been a busy young woman.” He paused and then said, “And call me Danny when we’re not on duty.”
