Chapter Three

By the time I got off my evening shift I had convinced myself that the rats had started to devour the wretched fruitcake. No food item could be possessed...could it?

I brushed the thoughts from my head as I exited the wheelhouse. I pulled my overcoat around me, as I knew soon we would be docked at Ireland for a new set of passengers.

I watched as Mister Lowe left to go below decks. He had been dead on his feet for the last few hours of our shift. I heard him mumble something to Will though I could not make out the words.

"Evening Lights," Will said to me.

"Good evening Will."

"Has Mister Moody gotten anywhere with our shy stewardess?"

"His feelings are painfully clear for us to see. He's as in love with her as that fruitcake is evil."

Smirking at me Will shook his head; "You might want to reconsider your words Lights."

"I've almost never seen someone as timid as she is. I think if I were to sneak up on her and say 'boo' she'd run away."

"Some people are shy. Perhaps she's homesick, misses her family, or, or any number of things. Heaven only knows what type of life she had before she joined White Star Line."

I nodded, "Lowe hides it better but he's just as in love with her as our Mister Moody is."

"I don't envy her."

I laughed, "Why? Would you want two men in chasing after you?"

Blushing Will shook his head; "I was fortunate enough not to have to compete for my Ada's affections. When I was a wee lad I had two lasses chasing after me. I remember those days well."

"You frequently hid from them?"

"Oh yes. Samantha showed her love for me by chasing me down and routinely beating me up. Amy followed me everywhere..." Quickly changing the subject Will added, "I never expected our two officers to fall for someone so quickly."

I shrugged, "It happens from time to time. We're practically on a floating island and one learns to make friendships quickly."

A voice behind us piped up, "Good evening Mister Murdoch, Mister Lightoller."

"Good evening Mister Moody," Will and I chorused.

When Mister Moody said nothing about our previous conversation I assumed he hadn't heard a word of it.

I clapped Will on the shoulder; "I'm off to make my rounds. Cheerio!"

I had made my way down the second class hallway to find myself stopping at one room. I knew from the registry it was the room of Josie Phillips and her parents. My hand raised to knock on the door but paused. I wondered if I should knock and if I did, who would answer?

Friend or foe?

My question was answered as the door opened. I looked down to find myself staring at Josie's lovely face.

Her hair had been elegantly arranged with stray wisps of hair in front of her ears. She wore a deep green dress that matched her eyes...eyes I could get lost in. On her delicate hands were long black gloves. Around her neck was a gold heart shaped locket with a small amethyst stone in the center. The very same locket I gave her from a few years ago when we last saw one another.

"Charles!" She gasped.

By the tone in her voice I knew she was surprised to see me standing here. The last time we saw one another I was telling two youngsters not to lean over the ship's railing.

I stared in awe at this woman I still loved so much standing in front of me. Finally I removed my hat and smiled at her.

"Josie," I said.

Josie began to fidget. "What brings you here Charles?"

That was a good question, what did bring me here? I had simply followed my feet with no direction in mind. Something had clearly planned for me to meet her here, I was certain of it.

"I...I was in the area," I slowly said. "Can I escort you anywhere Miss Josie?"

"My parents are waitin' for me in the dining hall."

"I'll take you as far as far as the doors."

Josie opened her mouth but then changed her mind and took my arm.

We made small talk as I purposefully took the long route to the dining hall.

"I hope I didn't make your parents wait for too long," I lied.

Josie gave me a small smile; "Knowin' how Da isn't the most punctual person they probably just made it there."

"Wonderful!"

"...But Mister Bryan Turner must already be there..."

"Who is Bryan Turner?" I asked though I did not really want to know the answer.

"He's a...it's not important."

"He's a suitor, isn't he?"

Josie nodded and my heart sank. "He's someone my Da approves of."

"Oh," I quipped and quickly aborted the continued action of taking the long way around. Instead I took the direct route to the pretty dining saloon doors. Just outside the doors I stopped and kissed Josie's hand and left without speaking another word.

Inside my cabin I let my head hit the wall. The pain that rang through my head was nothing compared to the pain I felt in my heart. The love that never left my heart might be forced to marry someone else!

Someone was devising against me! Something was scheming! Something indeed had been plotting for me that night...

It was the fruitcake!