The Stewardess's Journey Paperback

Liverpool 1882
In a man’s world, can a woman survive?

Nell’s dream of travelling on a transatlantic steamship is about to come true. Although not in the way she expected.

Life is hard, and with only three women working amongst a crew of eighty, there are challenges Nell had not foreseen.

While she struggles to cope with the constant attention of her colleagues, not to mention their criticisms, there are some who will do whatever they can to support her.

Will their efforts be enough to settle her into life on board? Or will her first trip be her last?

Liverpool, January 1882

Nell tightened her grip on James’ arm as they made their way through the crowds walking along the banks of the River Mersey. The sun hadn’t risen over the buildings opposite the landing stage, and the hull and exposed masts of the SS Wisconsin rose like a shadow from the still dark sky. 


“Is this it?” Her heart pounded as she spoke to her newfound companion.


“It is.” Mrs Swift studied the ship. “Our home for the rest of the year.”


“I hadn’t thought of it like that.” 


“Don’t look so worried.” Her nephew James patted her hand. “You’re not seeing it at its best at the moment. Wait until you’re on the open ocean and the sails are fully rigged. Then you’ll appreciate it.”


Nell watched a steady stream of black smoke billowing from the chimney. “I hope so.”
“Come on. Let’s get you settled. You’ll feel better, then.” Mrs Swift made her way onto the gangplank and Nell watched as she climbed towards the opening at the top. 


“She makes it look easy.”


“That’s because it is. You go straight up and I’ll follow with this.” James indicated to her bag as Nell took a deep breath. A moment later, she stepped onto the wooden incline and grabbed the handrails on either side. 


“There’s no need to worry, it’s quite safe.”


“That’s easy for you to say.” The swell of the waves buffeted the ship, and Nell’s knuckles were white as she clung on. 


“That’s it, Aunty Nell. Keep going.” 


She wished she could turn around and hold his arm, but she daren’t let go until she had both feet firmly on a solid platform. 


“You’ll get used to it.” 


She looked up as she approached the top and smiled as Mrs Swift waited for her by the entrance, an arm outstretched. “That’s it, you’re here now.”


After a moment’s hesitation, Nell stepped onto the metal flooring, landing with a clang. 


“I’m not sure I’ll be so keen to get off again, if we need to go through that every time.” She waited for James to join her. 


“There you are.” He placed her bag by her feet and peered into the body of the ship. “This is where I leave you.” He leaned forward to kiss her cheek, but Nell stopped him.


“Can’t you come aboard?”


“I’m afraid not, but I’m sure this gentleman will look after you.” He indicated to a steward of similar age to himself, who was waiting for them. 


“Mr Price at your service, ladies. You must be Mrs Swift and Mrs Riley.”


“Yes.” Nell’s mouth fell open as she looked first to James, then to Mrs Swift. “How do you know?”


“There are only three female crew members on board and I saw Matron upstairs before I came to meet you.”


“Oh, I see.” 


“That’s one more than we had last year.” Mrs Swift’s dark brown eyes sparkled. “I was on my own for most of the time, so having you here will be a pleasant change.” 


James nodded. “We typically only have one stewardess on our ships, too.” He took out his pocket watch. “Right, I’d better be going. You have a wonderful trip and I’ll see you soon.” 


He gave her shoulders a final hug and turned to walk back down the gangplank, turning to wave once he reached the footpath. 


“I’ll see you soon.” Nell’s voice was weak, and she fumbled for a handkerchief.