The next morning after the party in third class, Rose had gotten up and was still exhausted. She had a great time at the party and felt that she truly had fun, a first for her in years. Of course it was thanks to Jack; Jack truly had become a friend, although she had mixed emotions thinking about him. The young man truly had made an impression on her. When they danced, she had felt that spark of attraction between them. It was something she had never felt before. Suddenly a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
Trudy came in and announced that breakfast would be served on the promenade deck; and also Cal wanted it to be a private affair. Rose was curious, but reluctantly dressed in a simple, yet presentable dressing gown and met Cal on the deck a few moments later.
It was quiet between them as breakfast was served. Rose sipped her tea, while Cal was drinking his coffee. As soon as the stewards left, Cal put down his drink and broke the silence.
Cal said, "I hoped you would have come to me last night." Rose slightly bristled…it wasn't the first time that Cal tried making advances. That was one thing that Rose couldn't stand about Cal! It made her blood boil; as if she would willingly let the man touch her! She neatly deflected and replied, "I was tired."
At her response, she noticed a change in Cal. Cal replied, "Your exertions below deck were no doubt exhausting." So that's why he wanted breakfast to be a private affair! He must have had Lovejoy follow her after dinner. And most likely Cal knew that she had been with Jack at the party! This made Rose furious; how dare Cal have her followed like a small child! But she kept her cool, and decided for once she would stand up for herself.
She coldly responded, "I see you had that undertaker of a manservant follow me. How typical!" Cal leaned forward somewhat and had an edge to his voice, "You will never behave like that again Rose. Do you understand?"
Something in Rose snapped. She didn't like being ordered around, and she wasn't going to put up with it. She was no longer going to put up with Cal's disrespect. She was surprised with her tone when she boldly told Cal, "I'm not some foreman in one of your mills that you can command. I'm your fiancé!"
A flash of fury came across Cal's face. He hotly whispered, "My fiancé!" and then stood up angrily throwing the breakfast table as he yelled, "My fiancé! Yes you are and my wife!" He leaned towards her, and with terror Rose was rooted into her seat. He continued his angry tirade and said, "My wife in practice, if not yet by law, so you will honor me! You will honor me the way a wife is required to honor a husband. Because I will not be made a fool of Rose! Is this anyway unclear?"
Rose had never been so afraid…Cal's reaction had shook her to her core. She shakenly replied, "No" to which Cal gave her a small grin and coolly replied, "Good. Now if you'll excuse me." Cal left the room, and left a visibly upset Rose alone.
A small sob escaped Rose's throat. If Cal was like this before they were married; how would it be once they actually were! She could only see Cal getting worse, and it scared her. She started to cry, when she heard Trudy rush to her side. She could hear the concern in Trudy's voice as she said, "Oh…Miss Rose!" Rose was still crying and saw the mess and was immediately ashamed. She could only say, "I'm so sorry Trudy. We had a little accident. Here let me help you!" But she continued to sob and slumped to the floor and Trudy gently hugged her and replied, "It's all right Miss…it's all right." In that moment, Rose was grateful that Trudy was not just her maid, but a true friend. Trudy helped her get up and gently told Rose to stay in her room, while she cleaned up the mess and would return shortly to help her dress.
Rose managed to calm down enough to get clarity. How she wished Jack was there… Jack would not have allowed Cal to treat her the way that he did. Jack would not have reacted the way Cal did…in fact she believed that Jack treated her with more respect than Cal ever did. She figured that Cal was only jealous, but it scared her. Now more than ever Rose dreaded her upcoming wedding.
