A voice next to her made her realise she had her eyes closed. She opened them and glanced to her left.
The elderly woman sitting at the end of the row had a warm, welcoming face with rosy cheeks and deep laughter lines. Wisps of white hair had escaped from a floral headscarf and her hands were clasped over the bag in her lap.
Fern smiled. ‘Just feeling a little seasick.’
‘I’m sure it will pass. It won’t be much longer now. Is this your first time to Capri?’ The woman had a twinkle in her eye. ‘I like to ask and see people’s expressions as we near the island. It’s quite magical.’
‘Yes, first time to Italy actually, although it’s a place I’ve always wanted to go.’ It beat the caravanning holidays she’d had when the kids were young and then a couple of all-inclusive holidays to Spain because Paul only ever wanted to go to places where he’d be able to watch the football. ‘It’s pure chance that we’re coming to Capri. I understand it’s a pretty glamorous place that the rich and famous visit.’
‘Oh, it’s certainly glamorous, but there’s a whole other side to it too. Such a visual and emotive place. I love it.’
‘You’ve been before then?’
The woman nodded. ‘A few times over many years, yes.’ She held out her hand. ‘I’m Edith by the way.’
‘Fern,’ she replied, shaking Edith’s hand.
‘What a beautiful name.’
‘Thank you. I hated it as a kid but have grown to love it over the years.’
‘I think nature-inspired names are wonderful. If I’d had children, I’d like to have named them things like River, Rowan, Clementine or Ocean.’ She chuckled. ‘They’d have hated me for it, I’m sure, so just as well I didn’t have any.’
Fern couldn’t tell if there was a hint of regret in her voice or not. ‘My daughters are called Ruby and Amber, so are in keeping with my name, but more beautiful, I think.’
‘They certainly are. Gorgeous names.’
‘Are you having a holiday on Capri or just a day trip?’
‘I’m here for two weeks on an art retreat.’
‘Really? That sounds wonderful.’
‘You’re an artist too?’
‘Oh goodness, no. I like the idea of a retreat though and being creative.’
Edith nodded thoughtfully. ‘You’re here with your family?’
‘One of my daughters, plus my best friend and her daughter. A once-in-a-lifetime holiday – for me anyway. You’re travelling on your own?’
‘I am,’ Edith said. ‘My friend was supposed to be coming too, but things fell through at the last minute, so it’s just me.’ She smiled but it seemed forced.
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t be, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time. I’m passionate about Italy – one day I’ll pluck up the courage to move here. I said I would when I retired, and now, nearly ten years later, I still keep putting it off. A yearly holiday keeps me going.’
‘Just to Capri?’
‘I’ve been all over the place, but Capri and the Amalfi Coast keep tugging me back. I’ve been on this retreat a couple of times before and it’s just magical. I vowed to return, so here I am. Two weeks of being immersed in sketching and painting with the most generous host, luxurious accommodation, beautiful views, sumptuous food…’ She smiled. ‘You get the idea.’
‘That sounds incredible.’
‘It is.’ She looked at Fern with a furrowed brow. ‘There is a room all paid for and going spare if you fancy it…’ She shook her head. ‘Goodness, you’re with your daughter and friend, very silly of me to even suggest it.’
‘Not silly at all, and an incredibly kind offer. I’d jump at it given a chance, but like you said, I’m here with my friend and our daughters.’
‘I understand, but you’d be more than welcome to come along for the day or even an overnight stay if you fancied doing something different to the usual sightseeing. Your daughter too. It seems such a shame for my friend’s spot to go to waste. The retreat’s called Il Ritiro d’Arte in Anacapri in case you’re interested. All levels of experience are catered for, I promise.’
Fern quite liked the idea of flexing her creative muscles. It had been a long time since she’d drawn or painted. She missed it. Arranging the shop window at work was about as creative as she got these days. She smiled warmly at Edith, realising that her seasickness had subsided. ‘That’s really very kind of you; I’ll bear it in mind.’
Edith fumbled in her bag, pulled out her purse and passed her a business card. ‘Left over from my working days; it has my mobile on there if you want to get hold of me. I would be delighted to have the company.’