1609366867 (17 page)

Titanic
ground to a halt, and the smaller vessel quieted. With a bit of maneuvering, she got on her way again, avoiding catastrophe. Still, the near miss caused Tessa’s heart to rise to her throat. Only when
Titanic
glided ever forward toward the River Test did she begin to relax.

Onlookers on the dock followed the ship’s movements, running alongside at a steady pace, as if they could run all the way from Southampton across the waters to New York. Many hollered out their Godspeeds. Tessa felt their energy as it laced the air around them. Then, with the haughtiness of a queen approaching her throne,
Titanic
headed out to sea—bold, courageous, and just a bit too big for her britches.

Iris peered out of the cabin window at the small ship off in the distance. Unless her eyes deceived her, the smaller ship, the
New York,
bobbed up and down like a cork flung from its bottle. Clearly, the vessel was no match for the massive
Titanic
.

Iris certainly understood how that felt. Cowering under the rocky movement of Jacquie Abingdon’s charade, she too felt like a ship pulled from its moorings. Why, oh why, had she allowed herself to be pulled into such a poorly conceived plan? Ah yes, to begin a new life in New York, one where rich debutants didn’t rule
the day, and where girls such as herself actually stood a chance at making something of their lives.

The rumble of the engines from deep within the bowels of the mighty ship convinced Iris that there was no turning back now. She looked away from the window and drew a deep breath as she reclined on the settee. Whether or not Tessa Bowen had made it onto the ship, Iris could not be sure. She half wished the irritating pig farmer’s daughter remained ashore. Then Iris could travel to America in peace.

Yes, wouldn’t that be lovely? She could spend her days in this room, eating fine foods and dreaming of a better life in America. And hopefully, like the little vessel outside her window, she would weather any storms life might bring her way and come out stronger in the end.

Wednesday, April 10, 1912, 12:15 p.m.

The White Star Line Dock

Jacquie wove her way through the crowd on the dock, avoiding anyone who even remotely looked like her mother. The next couple of days would be tricky. With Mama staying overnight at the Harbour Hotel and Jacquie at the nearby Willingham, she would have to guard her every step. Having her meals brought to her room would be the only solution. After Mama left for Paris on tomorrow morning’s train, Jacquie could finally relax.

A niggling of fear ran through her as she thought about her plan. It would not include fancy rooms onboard a luxury liner, nor would it include fine foods or new dresses. But with Peter’s hand in hers, it would be a life worth living.

Peter.

Just the mention of his name brought a rush of courage and joy. He would meet her at the Willingham tomorrow to discuss a plan. If they played their roles with ease, Father would be none the wiser. For now, anyway.

Six days. Jacquie had six days until the
Titanic
arrived in New York. Then her parents would know all. Until then, she could focus on planning the rest of her life with the man she loved.

Chapter Thirteen

Wednesday, April 10, 1912, Midafternoon

Aboard the
Titanic,
on the Boat Deck

The encounter with the smaller ship set Nathan’s nerves on edge, but he breathed a sigh of relief when
Titanic
found her legs. “That was a close call.” He gave a nod toward the vessel that still bobbed about on the rocky waters.

“I’ve been aboard the
New York
.” An older man at his side pointed down at the smaller vessel. “She seemed large at the time, but no more.”

Nathan chuckled. “Glad I’m not her skipper. That was a little too close for comfort. My congratulations to the captain for managing the maneuver with such detail.”

“I have it on good authority that our captain is the finest in the industry. We’re in good hands with Edward Smith at the stern.”

“So I’ve heard. An admirable fellow. About ready to retire, I believe.”

“Who could retire with a ship such as this? I think I’d stay in my position as long as possible, just to ride the pond aboard the
Titanic
.” The man gestured to the smokestacks off in the distance. “Was there ever anything more impressive?”

“She’s a beauty, that’s for sure.”

The man introduced himself as George A. Brayton just as four
whistle blasts sounded. “Looks like we’re passing the Royal Yacht Squadron,” he called out.

Nathan’s excitement heightened. “Perfect. We’re on our way.”

Mr. Brayton nodded. “Yes, it’s just a twenty-four-mile journey down the River Test to the English Channel. After that, it will be smooth sailing to the coast of France.”

“Smooth sailing.” Nathan nodded, happy to be heading home. “Sounds mighty good.”

“An hour and a half until we arrive in Cherbourg. Just enough time to win a pocket full of money with a hand of cards. Might I entice you to join me?”

“No, thank you.” Nathan couldn’t abide the idea of gambling while on land, let alone at sea. Still, he wouldn’t insult the fellow by saying so aloud. “I think I’ll have a look about the ship. There’s much to see.”

“All I care to see is a handful of aces, my friend.” Mr. Brayton tipped his bowler, elevated a bushy brow, and headed off toward the stairs.

Convinced that everything was under control, Nathan strolled the Boat Deck, taking in the sights, the sounds, and the people. A little girl with dark curls skipped along, a jovial dance in her step. If one could judge from external appearances, the child had not a care in the world. She turned to call out to a man in an unfamiliar language, and he scooped her into his arms and twirled her around until she laughed with glee.

Well behind them, a woman of means tried to walk in her hobble skirt, her stance putting forth the image of one who was austere, proud. She drew attention to herself not just with her unusual attire, but in her inability to take more than a few steps without stumbling. Nathan did his best not to laugh at her obvious self-inflicted misfortune.

A fellow in a plain brown suit carried a large camera and paused several times to take pictures. Nathan watched his fellow passengers, completely mesmerized. What an eclectic mix of people.

Through the crowd he took note of a girl about his age standing at the rail. Even from such a distance, her beautiful face caused him to give her a second look.

Nathan took in the picture of perfection standing before him. The young woman held tightly to the railing, looking out over the crowd below. The flowing blue-and-cream-colored dress showed off her figure, curving and regal, and emphasized a tiny waistline. Did she have any idea just how beautiful she was? She seemed content to stare out at the water. Her expression was calm, peaceful… until she turned to look at the swarm of people surrounding her. Then the anxiety in her eyes became evident.

In spite of her beautiful gown and fine jewels, this girl did not have the same ostentatious manner so many of the girls back home possessed. No, unlike those in his circle, this one had a wide-eyed innocence that seemed genuine and captivating.

Her sweet, curved lips tilted up in a smile as she glanced back out over the water, and a rosy hue swept over her cheeks. Her face—really, as lovely as a painting—conveyed both strength and delicacy. She had a wealth of dark hair swept up in a loose fashion, with tendrils playing about her neckline. Soft wisps framed her face, the wind blowing them about at will. She bent her head forward and studied her hands.

In that moment, high-pitched chatter drew his attention away from her. Nathan turned to see three young ladies sashaying his direction, all flirtatious giggles and smiles as they drew near. Their gaudy gowns pinched so tightly in the middle that he wondered how they breathed. And those skirts! They were full and ridiculous.

The girl in the middle wore an equally ridiculous hat with feathers so tall they rivaled the ship’s smokestacks, at least from this angle. Two of the girls carried in their hands parasols in bright colors—one yellow and the other a brilliant blue. As they passed by, one of them dropped her handkerchief. Nathan bent down to retrieve it and held it up to her. She took it with a flourish and the group disappeared into the crowd.

The young woman at the railing looked on, seemingly amused by this turn of events. She glanced Nathan’s way and then looked back at the water as she spoke. “She did that on purpose, of course.”

“Beg your pardon?”

The young woman glanced his way again, her brows arched. “That girl. The one with the awful hat. She dropped her handkerchief on purpose. If I were you, I would have left it on the ground. In fact, I would have paid money to watch her try to bend down to pick it up. Chances are pretty good she would’ve injured herself in the process.”

“You would’ve paid to see that, eh?”

“Certainly. Might’ve been entertaining.” Tilting her head back, she peered at his face, clearly unaware of the captivating picture she made when she smiled.

From the opposite direction an older lady strolled toward them, a duo of leashed dogs pulling her along. Nathan watched as the beautiful young woman in the blue-and-cream dress dropped to her knees in an unladylike fashion, her silk skirts pouncing in a flourish around her. She scooped one of the pups into her arms and nuzzled his long face against her cheek. The owner looked a bit startled but didn’t appear to mind.

“What sort of dogs are these?” the young woman asked as she turned her attention to the other pup.

“They are King Charles spaniels. Show dogs.” The older woman patted the first pooch on the head.

“Oh, they’re beautiful. What lovely, shiny coats. And the coloring! Makes me miss Maggie so much.” Her beautiful eyes glistened as she petted the rambunctious dogs. They responded by licking her on the cheek.

“Maggie?” Nathan knelt down and boxed the dogs’ ears, his gaze on the girl, not the pups. “You have a dog named Maggie?”

“Yes, a sheepdog.” The girl sighed, a long, lingering, unladylike sigh, her eyes welling with tears above beautiful, rosy cheeks. “She’s not as well-groomed and certainly isn’t a show dog, but she’s been a part of my life since I was little. I didn’t realize how much I missed her until this very moment. If only I’d known I could’ve brought her with me…that would have changed everything. I’ve always found animals to be such a comfort.”

“Yes, well…” The dog’s owner reached down to adjust the larger pup’s collar then nodded her good-byes and marched along the deck, garnering stares from many of the passengers.

When the older woman was well out of earshot, Nathan took a closer look at the young woman now standing before him. She might not be the elusive girl from the opera, but the dress suited her as nicely. No, her eyes weren’t the same shade of blue, and she had a less polished look about her. Still, her outward beauty reminded him of a porcelain doll, one that appeared fragile on the surface but had an inner strength and fortitude.

As the dogs disappeared from view, Nathan gave the girl another glance. “You’ll pardon me for saying so, but you don’t strike me as the sheepdog sort. I find it hard to imagine you rounding up the sheep with a dog in tow.”

“Well, appearances can be deceiving.” The woman’s cheeks
turned pink. “And for your information, Maggie drinks from a silver bowl and takes her kibble in a crystal dish.” She clamped a hand over her mouth and then laughed as she pulled it away. “I have no idea why I just said that. None of it’s true. Just being silly, I suppose.”

As they stood talking, the ocean breeze lifted the woman’s hat and sent it sailing through the air. She gasped and ran after it, but Nathan managed to grab the plumed wonder before it tipped over the railing and into the sea below. He offered a gentlemanly bow with hat in hand and then passed it her way. “Your hat, miss.”

“Thank you.” Her cheeks turned red as she slipped it back on. “I have such a time getting hats pinned into place.”