The Bingley party had become particularly fond of The Ferry Inn, which lay on the waterside directly across the estuary from Netherpollock. Evening entertainment saw them take to the seas in Little Miss Splendid to cross the harbour and enjoy the real ale and other liquid refreshments available at this lively inn.
It meant leaving the invalid, Jane, still in traction on the other side of the waters, but they supplied her with a torch, and it was felt that if the pain worsened and that she was in mortal danger or in need of extra morphine, she could always signal across by flashing in Morse code.
Lizzy was amused to note on these occasions how outrageously Cazza would flirt with Darcy, complimenting him on his speed of texting (“I text rather slowly” came the reply), how masterfully he managed Little Miss Splendid ’s tiller (“No better than any other man before me”) and what fine taste he had in beers (“I assure you, selecting a pint of Marston’s Pedigree does not make me a connoisseur”).
Karaoke was always leapt upon as a great diversion, and Cazza, Lulu, and Hattie delighted the locals in a bawdy rendition of “Je t’aime”, but Lizzy could not be prevailed upon. Darcy tried to encourage her to join in some arm wrestling, but she was not to be drawn. However, her sweet and fun-loving nature was having an effect. Darcy was bewitched.