Empty and Speechless

"Adelaide? Adelaide? Adeliade wake up! I'm sorry Seth; I don't know what has gotten into her. She should have remembered her manners" a voice said hastily.

"Oh that is quite alright Eileen. I know how long the ride was," a deeper voice replied to the first.

I slowly sat up and opened my eyes. I was in an automobile, stopped in front of the grandest ship in the world. My mother was gently shaking me from where she sat in front of me. They yellow of her dress hurt my eyes which were still adjusting to the light. Next to me sat Seth, in khakis and a casual jacket; just like he usually wore during the afternoon.

"It's about time you woke up Adelaide. You shouldn't have even fallen asleep. It's rude." Mother scolded.

"Ah ladies, no need to worry, we're here," Seth informed us before I could say a word.

The door opened and Seth stepped out; Mother went next. I moved towards the door and grasped Seth's hand. As soon as I was out of the car, I looked up. I suddenly had a sharp intake of breath… it was beautiful.

The Titanic, in all of her glory, was in front of me. She was quite large, bigger than any ship I had ever seen. She was overwhelming.

"What do you think, darling," Seth asked quietly in my ear.

"Amazing. It's absolutely overwhelming!" I whispered, still amazed by the ship.

"Yes. Just wait until you see the inside," he replied. "Come. We best get on before she leaves us!"

A man in a black uniform walked up to us as we were about to head to the ship.

"You must first go to the baggage stand. They'll see that your things are properly taken care of," he told us—well mostly Seth.

"Ahh yes, baggage," here Seth handed the man a few twenty dollar bills. "I'll leave that to you, my kind fellow. My manservant will give you specifics,"

"Of course, Sir! Thank you! I'll do my—"

Before the man could finish though, Seth's manservant interrupted. "Yes, he gets it!" He began to give the man more instructions, but I had already returned my attention to the grand ship Titanic.

Seth, with myself on one arm and Mother on the other, led us up the ramp. At the top, a steward was there to greet us. "Tickets, please," Seth handed the man our tickets. "Parlor Suits B-53, 53, and 54. I'll have a steward escort you."

Yet another steward appeared and led us through the first class entrance and down a grand staircase. Everything was so beautiful floors of wood and marble, incredible glass and crystal chandeliers, it was all made perfectly. Only the grandest for the grandest ship in the world.

I was even more surprised with our suite. It was very large. The sitting room alone was huge, and that was not including our own private deck over looking the bright blue ocean. I was so absorbed in my awe that I jumped as Seth began speaking to me.

"It is beautiful isn't it?"

"Indeed. I am in awe. Had I not seen this with my own eyes, I would not have believed it!" I told him.

"It is brilliant. I must remember to compliment Mr. Andrews when we see him next," my mother said softly. She always speaks softly, as she thinks it is the correct way to speak, especially for young ladies.

A knock on the door and our things were being brought in the sitting room. Myself, Mother, and Seth ordered our things about and we finally got settled down. By the time we did it was time to get ready for dinner. It wouldn't be ready for another hour of course, but we women must get ready.

There were two closets in mine and Seth's room. He would pick out my gown, as usual. He always loved doing that for he says I would be prettier with his help. I think I would be just fine without him snooping about my dresses.

He picked out a dark green gown. It had off-white lace covering the top part of it, the bodice. The dress was long sleeved, but very low cut. I did not like to wear such revealing things, but if Seth wanted it, Seth would have it. That is how things went, whether I liked it or not. To top it off, the gown required a corset. I despised the things, but Seth insisted that it perfected my figure.

Seth left, assuring me that he would meet me at dinner. I was happy for him to go. Now I could finish getting ready in peace.

"Hello, Miss," a timid voice said from the door.

I turned to see one of the Titanic's maids, dressed in the customary black and white dress. "Hello," I responded.

"I am Elizabeth O'Connell, Miss. I'm going to be your personal maid for your journey,"

"I am Adelaide Tasse," I replied.

"Would you like me to help you change?" she offered.

"Yes, thank you,"

I got dressed. As usual, the corset was the worst part. I have always hated bracing myself for it. The not breathing part was pretty bad too.

After dressing Elizabeth asked if I would like her to do my hair. I had never been any good at that, so I politely accepted, with no emotion of course. She put my very long, dark brown hair into a loose, yet elegant bun. Around the bun, she put a circular pin, studded with emeralds. It was a present from Seth.

She then left and I was free to pick out the rest of my accessories. I chose a thin, gold chain with a small, round emerald. The large diamond ring on my left hand could not be removed of course, although I wish it could be.

An hour had passes since I began to dress, yet I remained in my seat at the vanity in mine and Seth's room. I stared at myself in the mirror. I could see why Seth had chosen me out of all others. I appeared to be a proper young lady, quick-witted and talented. My dark brown, wild hair was thick and always shining. My skin was somewhat light, as proper ladies were not to be in the sun often. My eyes though, had changed. They were usually an odd silver color, which was full of energy and life. Now they showed nothing. My eyes were dead.

"Adelaide! What on earth are you doing? Dinner was announced thirty minutes ago! Seth is waiting for you, and I am eager to meet with the Countess!" my mother snapped at me, bringing me out of my thoughts.

I sighed and stood up. "I am ready, Mother. Let us go to dinner,"