They said it was the world's unsinkable ship. They had spoken of it for months on end, the excitement keeping people awake with the prospect of boarding it. It was vast, there was no denying it. Luxurious was another word which could be used to describe it. But it was nothing more than a ship when I looked at it.

It was beautiful. I had to admit that. But I didn't think much more of it. I didn't think much more other than the fact that it was taking me back to America. The United States had been my home for such a long time. I had loved living there as a child, rushing around our family's vast home and being told that it was something which I could not do for much longer. They had been right, of course.

My sixteenth birthday had come too quickly for my liking. I had been told that I was to marry as soon as possible. Many suitors had been lined up, willing to spend the rest of their life living with me. I had scoffed at every single one of them, telling my mother that it was improper for a woman to marry without love. I also told her that it was unfair that I was not to have an education anymore. Learning was something which I had thoroughly enjoyed in my life.

It had taken much persuading and much pleading, but my parents had allowed me to leave for a while. They had granted me permission to travel to England as long as my maid came with me. My father knew of a man who resided in Cambridge, a professor at the university there. He had told me that I was to study there for three years on the condition that a marriage was inevitable when I returned.

I felt as though I had no choice but to accept. I had managed to buy myself three whole years more. I had seen to it that time was in my favour. But those three years had gone too quickly for my liking. My results had been recorded at the university and I had done favourably well. A lot of people had looked at me as though I was odd. A woman past the age of sixteen and still studying was something which was unheard of. Yet a lot of women pushed for further education. It was a shame that their voices were ignored.

"They say it is the fastest ship in many years."

I looked across to where my brother sat, his eyes fixed firmly out of the window and on the ship which remained docked. I said nothing in response, looking across to the other seat in the carriage where his guests sat. I took in the appearance of the girl who was three years younger than I. She continued to look unimpressed. She never truly looked happy about anything.

"I do hope so, Mr Hockley," the elder woman said. "I also hope it is as grand as they say."

"I don't think you have anything to worry about, mother," the girl finally spoke, her lips snarling on the word 'mother'. I didn't know much about my brother's companions. I had briefly met them in Cambridge as they travelled down to the ship. I had to admit that I had been shocked to see my brother stood outside my door. It had been a surprise.

Mother and father had said nothing about my return to Philadelphia. I had almost hoped that they had forgotten I was to be travelling back home that year. But, it was not to be. They had informed my brother to collect me and make sure I came back home.

That was how I found myself waiting in a car for the boarding of the Titanic to commence.

"And what do you think, Emily?" my brother turned to me. I looked back at him, a brow arched as he smirked at me, the usual air of cockiness surrounding him. "You studied history for all those months. Surely you have an opinion of such grand architecture?"

"I do," I responded to him. "I doubt you'd be interested, Cal. I admit that it hardly interests me."

A soft chime of laughter came from the young red hear whilst her mother looked unimpressed. It seemed that the DeWitt Bukaters were a hard family to impress. Cal chuckled deeply before wrapping my hand into his and pressing his lips against my knuckles in a gesture of brotherly affection.

"Oh, how I have missed your charm and wit, dear sister," he exclaimed and I resisted the urge which came over me to roll my eyes at his tone. He dropped my hand again and pushed a stray curl behind my ear before turning to look back at the vast ship.

I did the same for a moment before the car finally stopped. Cal climbed out first, aiding Rose's mother from the carriage before helping his own fiancée. I was the last one out before I looked up to the ship and sighed.

"Mother and father have a suitor lined up for you," Cal informed me as Rose and Ruth began to talk amongst themselves. Perhaps talk was the wrong word. Bicker should suffice. I said nothing as Cal rested his hand on the small of my back and we began to move forwards as he clicked his fingers at Lovejoy.

Lovejoy had been in Cal's employment for years. He was a man with a receding hairline and a strict face. He did nothing to ease me when he was in our presence for he was a dangerous man. Cal would not have hired him if he wasn't.

"I can only imagine how devilishly handsome he will be," I responded. It earned me a click of Cal's teeth as we walked through the crowds who continued to look at us as if we were some form of noble Gods. "Honestly, the thought of spending my life with a man who I do not love is something which I cannot wait for."

Cal snapped slightly, his black hair falling into his face and dangling over his forehead. He grabbed hold of my wrist, stopping me from moving as he forced me to face him, his eyes burning into mine seriously.

"You are a Hockley," he pointed out to me. "You are to act respectfully at all times. Our parents require you to marry. It is your duty, Emily. No man wants a woman who is rude and disrespectful."

"No," I agreed. "He just wants a woman with a vast dowry."

"You've been allowed free reign for too long," Cal warned me. "It is time for you to return to normality. You made an agreement with our parents. Now you have to honour it."

I managed to snatch my wrist away from Cal and begin to move forwards, his hand instantly finding my back again as if he was scared that I would attempt to run away from him. We finally came to the plank leading up to the ship and I froze for a moment, realising that this was it. I was going back to a life of hopelessness and endless parties amongst those who I did not know.

"Emily," Cal spoke my name once again and I rolled my eyes. I moved up the plank, one hand on the railing and the other by my side as we came to the doorway. A young blonde boy stood there, bowing as each guest entered and paid him no attention. I allowed a graceful smile in his direction before Cal demanded to be shown to his rooms. He had managed to book the most luxurious suite on the entire ship, no doubt courtesy of the family money.

"It is lovely, is not, dear sister?" Cal attempted to make conversation with me as he picked up my hand and placed it on the crook of his arm. I held onto him for a few moments before he looked down at me, waiting for an answer.

"Quite," I replied in a small voice to him. Cal could sense that my attitude had changed from the simple one word answer he had received. His reminder of my fate seemed to change my attitude for a while, and not for the better.

"I am sure whoever is waiting in Philadelphia for you is worthy enough, Emily," he told me as if I was supposed to be relieved at that piece of information. I held my breath for a moment, the corset I wore digging into my skin as I did so. "Mother and father will have made sure of it. You'll be a doting wife, a loving mother and the highest woman in the social circle."

"What more could I want?" I replied without thinking, sarcasm dripping from my voice as Cal huffed loudly.

"Nothing," he declared. "You will have a marriage like mine and Rose's."

I sincerely hope not. I said nothing in response to him as his gaze settled on Rose and I saw something cloud over in his eyes. The moment he had introduced me to her I had been shocked. I thought she was far too young for him. She was quite a beauty, there was no denying that. But, she was a young girl. She didn't love him; that much I could tell. It was only confirmed when Cal had told me that it was an arranged marriage between the pair of them.

I didn't know if he loved her. I supposed he cared for her. She was beautiful and delicate like an English rose. But I did not know whether it was lust or love which drove my brother.

"Besides, you have yet to meet your future husband. Do not judge him before you meet him. An arranged marriage was always inevitable, Emily. Father only allowed you to go to Cambridge to dissolve the recklessness from you."

I said nothing, knowing full well that arguing with my brother was pointless. He removed his jacket from his shoulders as soon as he stepped inside of the suite which was having furniture moved into it. Rose stood there, her hands busying themselves by looking at art which my brother had provided for her.

Her mother had retired to her own room, claiming that she was tired from the journey. I'd snorted at that as we had only spent one hour travelling in a car. The woman was not to my liking, much too presumptuous and believing herself to be almighty. Rose had seemed slightly like her mother with her attitude. She had been accustomed to fine things in life; her own attitude also seemed self righteous at times.

And then I would catch a glimpse at her looking at Cal, and her gaze always clouded over.

"Emily," Cal said and snapped me from my thoughts as I looked at the ballerina portrait. "Your room is down the hall. Mary will show you to it."

I turned around as my maid stood in the doorway and she quickly curtseyed in front of me. I smiled softly at her and nodded, ignoring my brother and Rose as they begun to discuss art. Mary had been with me since my childhood, only ten years older than me and a constant source of information. She had been to Cambridge and stayed with me during my studies, suffering my constant foul tempers and mood swings.

"Your brother has found you a nice suite, Miss Hockley," she told me and I resisted the need to roll my eyes. "Your things are being brought there now."

"I do hope they are not unpacking for me," I complained, hating it when people placed things in the wrong areas. Mary smiled at hearing me before opening the door to a sight of trunk upon trunk which sat at the foot of a four poster bed. I sighed as she closed the door and we began to open the trunks, looking into them and hanging up gowns whilst talking.

"You should change into your evening gown, Miss Hockley," she informed me as time continued to pass by. "Your brother requests you join him and his fiancée tonight for dinner. I can finish unpacking for you."

"Well, if my brother wishes it then I have no choice but to obey," I spoke back, my voice one of irony as I did so. Mary bit down on her lips and held up a light pink dress for me to observe. It was plain pink, the neckline rather low on my chest. A simple pink sash tied around the waist and a bow sat on the side.

She helped me change, re-lacing my corset and almost draining the life from me as she did so, pulling tightly on the strings to keep me hidden. I looked in the mirror and looked back, completely not at ease with my appearance. Mary kept telling me that there was nothing wrong with being thin and having no shape. But I knew she was lying. I could tell she said things to keep me happy.

Once the dress was on then my hair was worked at. She tied the limp curls together and tucked my hair over one shoulder before handing me my white gloves.

I never forgot the amount of effort it took to ready me for dinner. I stood up and continued to help Mary unpack everything until there was a knock on the door. I ran the brush from the wooden dresser through my hair one more time before Cal stepped into the room. He wore his dinner suit, his hair pristine on top of his head as he approvingly nodded at me.

"You look as beautiful as always, dear sister," he informed me whilst Mary kept her head bowed and her body hidden behind the door.

"I feel silly," I complained to him and he shook his head, holding his arm out.

"Nonsense," he spoke. "Now come along. We have a dinner to attend."

I took a swift glance back at Mary who nodded as Cal led me through the halls and to the main dining hall. No expense had been spared as I glanced around, looking at the glass chandeliers which hung from the ceiling, lighting the space below them. Cutlery had already been lined on the tables yet no one sat down. Every remained stood up, walking around their tables and socialising with each other. Rose stood on one side with her mother, speaking to a large woman with a booming laugh.

"Ah, George," Cal spoke and I turned to look at the man in front of us. Cal offered him his hand to shake, the usual business way of greeting someone. "How good to see you again. I trust you remember my sister, Emily?"

And that was how the next half an hour passed. Meetings and greetings took place, proper behaviour had to be shown, and Cal often reminded me to be pleasant. I said nothing as he continued to take charge of the conversation, simply introducing me when he needed to.

I couldn't wait until it was time to sit down at the table and begin the dinner. Cal sat beside Rose, ordering dinner for her as I sat beside her mother. It was simply the four of us for that evening and I could not think of a more awkward situation.

"So, Emily," Ruth decided to break the ice, "Cal tells us that you are to marry when you return to Philadelphia."

"I suppose so," I said, glancing over at my big brother who smirked and drank some of his wine.

"She'll make an excellent wife," Cal declared and I scoffed. "She's well educated now. Although I still struggle to understand why she spent years with her head in books."

"Some women prefer to be educated." The sentence spoken was like something I would hear myself say. But it had not fallen from my lips. I looked over to where Rose sat next to my brother, her gaze settled on Cal as she did so. "There is nothing wrong with being knowledgeable."

And for one moment I felt slight respect for her. She looked across to me and I wondered who she truly was.

"Yes, well," Cal coughed awkwardly before our food was served. One waiter set down Rose and Cal's meals whilst another set down Ruth's plate before placing mine in front of me. The boy was clearly nervous, his face was red and sweat dropped down his forehead as he awkwardly leaned around me and set the plate down. But he missed the table. His hand instantly slipped on the fine china as the plate of scallops tumbled into my lap.

I shrieked at the heat of it as the boy grabbed the napkin from the table and began to pick them from my lap. I helped him, our hands brushing together as I did so.

"You idiot," Cal snapped quickly at the boy. "Do you see what you have done to my sister's gown?"

"It's fine," I spat back as the boy began to wipe the stain on my pink dress, worsening it as it soaked in. I pushed his hand from me as he stood up and Cal continued to glare at him.

"What makes you think you can put your hands on my sister?" Cal snapped quickly and I looked across to him, still holding the napkin in my gloved hands.

"Cal," I responded. "I'm fine. It is just a gown."

"I'm sorry, Miss," the boy began to speak and I shook my head. "I didn't mean to be so clumsy."

"Of course not," I agreed with him. "It's fine. It is just a gown."

"You shouldn't be serving on us if you can't manage to place a plate down. Perhaps third class would suit you," Cal snarled and my cheeks decided to warm up as I glared at my brother for his rude behaviour towards the boy.

"Cal," I snapped before looking around at all the people who continued to stare at us. "You're attracting attention. Leave the poor boy alone. No one was hurt."

"Mr Hockley," a new voice spoke as someone came to stand at the foot of the table by the side of the embarrassed blonde waiter. "Has something happened here?"

"Yes," Cal said and I rolled my eyes, looking to the boy who continued to stare boldly back at me. I willed him to stop, knowing that Cal's temper would only increase if the boy continued with his staring. "This boy here spilt scallops on my sister's gown. I consider that inadequate service."

"It's fine," I said again only to be ignored.

"My apologies, Miss Hockley," the waiter in charge spoke. "I shall have the gown cleaned courtesy of White Star Line."

"There really is no-"

"-Good," Cal interrupted me and I gritted my teeth together. "And the boy?"

"Shall not be serving you again, sir."

Cal nodded and waved a hand to excuse them before he took another drink of his wine, shaking his head back and forth in disgust.

"Honestly," Ruth spoke, "that is not what you expect from such a prestigious ship."

"No," Cal agreed with her. "The boy ought to be dismissed."

"It was an accident," I hissed at my brother. "They happen all the time. There is no need to punish the boy. I am sure he already feels bad."

"As he should," Cal said and I stood up from my seat. Cal stood too, watching me intently with a warning look in his eyes.

"And where are you going?" he wondered.

"To change. I have a stain on my dress and I smell of scallop," I complained. "I'll take dinner in my room tonight."

"Emily-"

"-I want to," I interrupted before Cal could demand otherwise. I rushed off, sensing his glare on the back of my head. I knew he wouldn't come after me. He would simply wait until morning before telling me how rude and ungrateful I was. I noted eyes on me as I left, their orbs instantly trailing down to the stain on my pink dress as I sighed loudly.

But I didn't head back to my room. I found myself on the boat deck, the cool air on my skin and chilling my blazing red cheeks. I inhaled sharply and stood against the railings, my hands resting around the white metal as I looked down at the sea.

The area was quiet in the first class section, most people deciding to stay indoors and remain warm with their drink and food.

"Miss?"

I turned my head over my shoulder before looking at the boy who stood a few steps behind me. His hands were behind his back, his eyes downcast and his blonde hair in his face. His cheeks were still red, contrasting prominently against his white jacket suit.

"Emily," I replied simply. "My name is Emily."

"I saw you leave the dining room," he explained, his green eyes lifting from the wooden deck to find mine. "I came to apologise for my clumsiness."

"Honestly, it is no bother," I promised him and he looked to the stain. I followed his gaze and moved my hands to rest over it, drawing his gaze back to mine.

"I should have looked what I was doing," he complained once more. "I never meant to drop the scallops on you."

"It would be odd if you did decide to drop them on me," I said, trying to make light of the conversation. I noticed his lips turn up slightly at hearing that and I continued to smile softly at him. "I'm sorry for my brother. Cal can be quite obnoxious when he wants to be."

"Mr Hockley was right."

"No, he wasn't," I replied. "Are you sure you are fine? It can't be easy being yelled at and dismissed in public."

"You do not need to concern yourself with me, Miss," he replied and I shook my head.

"Honestly, tell me the truth," I urged him. "I don't want you to be scared because of my brother."

"Everyone knows Mr Hockley and his temper," the boy said and I arched a brow, an amused look coming over my face as he turned a deeper shade of red. "I shouldn't have said that." He shook his head and I stepped closer to him.

"It's not an issue," I promised him simply. "Believe me, I'm his sister. I know all about his temper. No one should bear the brunt of it. What's your name?"

"Edward, Miss Hockley," he replied and I nodded at him.

"Well, Edward," I spoke, "my name is Emily and not Miss Hockley. I would also like to apologise once again for my brother's behaviour. There really is nothing to worry about."

"You're not mad?" he checked and I almost rolled my eyes in an unladylike fashion.

"No," I assured him. "Accidents happen. I could tell you were nervous."

"Been sweating all night, Miss," he complained to me and I laughed once as his shoulders slumped slightly and he seemed to relax. "Never been so nervous before. And then I go and spill scallops over a pretty gal like you."

I took the compliment in my stride, knowing that it meant nothing as most of them always did. The boy pushed his hand through his hair, his fingers still shaking slightly as he did so and I watched him.

"No harm," I promised. "Anyway, I should be getting back to my room."

"Do you need an escort, Miss?" he wondered and I thought for a moment. "The head waiter told me to leave for the night. Perhaps if I can get you back to your room and do something right then I may be redeemed."

"I suppose so," I spoke and he offered me his arm. I took it and he led me back indoors. I knew it wasn't proper for a servant to escort a girl like me, but I failed to care. I ignored people as they watched us move, only catching the eye of Lovejoy. He stared at me for a moment and I knew he was mentally clocking my behaviour to tell Cal.

Only in the morning would I receive the scolding which was due to come my way.

...

A/N: My first fic for the fandom! Anyway, thanks for reading and let me know what you think and if you want more of it!