Okay, I know I'm a glutton for punishment here. I must be insane to start yet another story, but here goes. I thought of this storyline a while back and finally got it down. I'm not sure I will continue, it depends on the reviews and the reaction I get from it. I've always thought Thomas Andrews needed a love story (yes I know he was married in real life) so, here it is, althought it is not from his POV. Read and review... it really helps.
A Chance Encounter
Chapter One
Titanic stood tall and proud, her massive black hull loomed over the dock. The atmosphere was one of excitement as the crowd of people gathered near to either board her or watch her sail.
Two figures dressed in black, one of elegance and one of servitude, exited a silver Renault and neared the first class gangplank, A large veiled hat hid the face of the woman in the lead as she slowly made her way up and passed through to the doorway, stopping to check in with the steward.
"Name, ma'am?" the young steward asked politely.
"Elise Morgan," she answered in a soft, melodic voice.
The steward glanced down to look over passenger list and nodded. "Yes ma'am, you and your maid are in Suite A-12. I'll have your luggage taken to your room," he said glancing up at her.
"Thank you," she said and stepped forward. She and young woman that followed her made their way down the passageway and into the atrium of the First Class Lounge. Titanic appeared to be all that had been boasted about her and more. The Grand Staircase alone was a wonder to behold, not to mention the massive glass dome overhead which contained a beautiful, large chandelier in its center.
But, Elise Morgan noticed none of this as she passed through to the corridor that led to her stateroom. That, however, did not keep people from noticing her. Amidst the stares and speculation, came the curiosity of who she was. Of society class, obviously, but there was something else… something elusive about her. She held herself erect and poised but she addressed no one as she gracefully moved down the corridor. Gentleman stopped and gave her a slight bow as she passed, their wives smiled as politeness dictated.
When they finally arrived at the door of their stateroom they entered and closed it behind them, finally escaping prying eyes and curiosity seekers. Elise stopped in the middle of the room and took a small breath to calm her nerves. Her appearance was one of composure but the reality of it was much different.
"Miss Elise, are you alright?" Jane asked in her slight English accent as she came around to face her.
"Yes, Jane. I'm fine," was her quiet response. She then lifted the veil and pulled it back and smiled tentatively at her. "I appreciate your concern."
"The porter will be here momentarily with our luggage. Do you want to rest while I see to things?"
Elise removed her hat and glanced around the room. It was done beautifully in gleaming mahogany with bright brass fixtures. Everything smelled new and crisp as it was the first time anyone had ever stayed in the stateroom before. She laid the hat down on the table and smiled to Jane. "Thank you, Jane. I'm fine, I just need to gather my bearings."
"Yes, ma'am," she curtsied.
Elise walked over to the square porthole and looked out over the docks. People still milled around everywhere waiting for the big ship to set sail. As her eyes scanned the crowd she had hoped…
Frowning, she turned away quickly and shook her head. What did she expect? That he would come after her? That he would discover that he did care for her after all?
Fool, she thought to herself. He was not coming and she had to move on with her life. Edmund had… albeit with another woman at his side. That had hurt more than she would ever admit to anyone.
I'm sorry, Elise. I truly am. I didn't expect for this to happen.
No, she supposed he hadn't expected it but that didn't make it any easier to bear. She thought she knew him. She thought they would be happy. She thought…
Frustrated, she bit her lip to hold back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. No, she would not cry. She would not subject herself to another bout of self-pity. She had given in to that more than she cared to think about. "Jane, I'm going up on deck. I need a breath of fresh air," she announced.
"Are you certain, ma'am?"
"Yes, I am very certain. I'll return after a while."
Jane gave a slight nod. "Yes, ma'am."
She ran her hands lightly over her hair before stepping out into the muffled hallway. She followed the route that had brought to her to the suite back out to the First Class Lounge and then to the Boat Deck. As soon as she stepped out into the bright sunshine she was glad she had decided to come. She lifted her hands to the railing and released a deep breath.
Elise was aware of the glances she was receiving. A woman alone, unescorted was not done. She held her head high and refused to meet their gazes. Let them wonder, let them speculate. What did it matter what they thought? She had nothing to prove to anyone.
A loud hiss above her had her lifting her head to see where it came from. She saw the Captain leaning over to the side of the wheelhouse lookout to scan the horizon. Shielding her eyes from the glare of the sun she followed a path from the wheelhouse down to the Boat Deck.
Titanic was truly a wonder of modern technology not to mention beauty. The lines were curved and rounded, flowing smoothly across the length of her. The four magnificent smokestacks stood tall and proud over her, looking down on the lifeboats that lined the deck.
"I hope you find everything to your liking."
She slightly jumped at the sound of the masculine voice next to her. She lowered her hand and stared at the man who was standing in front of her. He looked to be in his early forties and quite handsome. His blue eyes squinted in a smile as he looked over at her.
"Excuse me," she replied as she quickly regained her composure. Her cool expression gave nothing away.
"The design of the ship. You approve?" he asked leaning on the railing, stuffing a notebook in his pocket at the same time.
Elise lifted her head slightly. She was not in the habit of talking to strange men, especially when she was alone. She almost declined to speak to him, but there was something about him that gave her pause. She smiled somewhat, giving him a small nod. "Yes, she is a beautiful ship. I don't think I've seen grander."
His smile widened at her perusal. "I'm glad you approve. Thomas Andrews," he held out his hand.
"As in the ship builder?" she asked slipping her hand in his.
"Yes, that's right."
"This is indeed an honor" she said. "I'm familiar with your work."
He lifted her hand and kissed it most gentlemanly. "It is quite rare to find a woman as intuitive about such things, Mrs…?"
"Miss," she amended. "Morgan, Elise Morgan."
"Miss Morgan," he smiled as he released her hand. "My curiosity is piqued. How is it that you know of ship building?"
"My father was a seaman. He sailed for many years, eventually assuming the role of Captain."
His brows lifted. "Perhaps I've heard of him."
"His name was Jacob Morgan, he captained The Rogue until his sickness prevented him from continuing his duties."
His eyes lit up at the mention of her father's name. "Your father was Jacob Morgan?"
"Yes."
"I knew him, or knew of him, that is. He was a great man from the stories I heard of him. I'm sorry to hear of his passing."
"It was several years ago," she said touched by his kindness.
It was then that an officer approached them, giving a slight nod before speaking. "Mr. Andrews, I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but you're needed in the mail room."
He gave a nod of acknowledgement to the young man. "Thank you, Mr. Moody."
The officer stepped back and waited for Mr. Andrews to join him.
"I'm sorry, I must be off. We're about to sail and there are many things that I have to tend to. Perhaps later, I could give you a tour?"
Elise smiled, pleased at his offer. "That would be lovely, Mr. Andrews."
"I'll have a steward send a message when the time is right. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Morgan."
"The feeling is mutual, Mr. Andrews," she told him.
She watched as the two men walked down the deck away from her and wondered why on earth she was so pleased by his request. She had taken many tours on many, many ships. It wouldn't be the first time, but it would be the first time that it was Thomas Andrews. That in itself was something to look forward to, very forward indeed.
