Chapter 7 – The Earrings

I've finally managed to post Chapter 7. I also love reviews too. Enjoy.

It was getting into early evening on board the Titanic. After Ninette had left her earlier she decided to have an afternoon nap. Last night she didn't get that much sleep and could do with getting a bit of rest, even if it was only for a couple of hours.

Patricia remembered earlier on in the day. Running away from Molly and Cal did seem very stupid now, but at the time it was completely necessary. Her new friend Ninette had figured out what was wrong with her, it really was that noticeable. She finally agreed that keeping herself cooped up in her suite for days would do no good. Avoiding Cal was a stupid thing to do. She was a strong woman and would be able to turn away from Cal's advances if needed.

'Miss Patricia would you like a cup of tea?' Amy asked her.

'Yes, thank you Amy.'

'You slept for most of the afternoon, it's not long until I get you ready for dinner.'

In a few moments Amy handed Patricia a cup of tea which she downed in one. The tea was extremely hot, but she sure was craving tea right now. Shame there was no vodka available as she could have done with a strong one right now.

'Come on Amy, I guess it's time I was getting ready.' Patricia said walking to her bedroom.

As she walked into the room, a small box on the vanity caught her eye. It was quite a fancy looking box and was made out of dark velvet. She had never seen it before in her life and did wonder where on earth it came from.

'Amy, did you leave a small box in my room?'

Amy looked confused. 'No, ma'am, what box?'

'This small box, here.' Patricia picked it up and handed it to Amy. What on earth could be in there.

'You best open it Miss.' Amy handed it back to her.

Carefully she opened it, not knowing what to expect. The moment she opened the box, she gasped. She definitely was not expecting to see what she did. There in the box was the most beautiful thing she had seen in her life. A pair of long diamond earrings with black jewels mixed in. She had no idea where they came from and there was no note with them either.

'Oh my gosh, Amy, look.' Patricia handed the box to Amy.

'Miss, they are beautiful, they sure will look lovely on you.'

'Do you know where they came from?'

Amy shook her head.

'No, ma'am, nobody has come in with anything. Although I did pop out for a bit earlier on. Oh my, they're beautiful.' Amy couldn't stop gazing at them. It was all a mystery to Patricia, quickly she put them to one side and decided to forget about them.

In the wardrobe Patricia picked out a long black evening gown. It was quite low cut and had diamonds sewn into the dress. Although she wasn't used to these sorts of clothes, she did have to admit she quite liked them. Tonight Patricia insisted on doing her own makeup and decided on a black smoky eye, it would match the dress. She wasn't quite sure when the smoky eye was invented, for all she knew it could be a modern thing. Hopefully no one would notice, it wasn't as if she was going neon. On the vanity in front of her, was her favorite red lipstick. Picking it up she began to apply it to her lips.

Amy had decided to put Patricia's long blonde hair up in usual fashion.

'You know Miss, I really think those earrings would match your dress.'

Patricia had almost forgotten about them. She did have to admit they would go really well with her outfit.

'Very well Amy, bring them here.' She then began to clip them on her ears. Looking at herself in the mirror, she had to admit she was quite impressed. Before putting her shoes on she went back into the sitting room and poured herself a glass of champagne.

'Amy, join me.' Patricia said it like an order and virtually put the other glass into Amy's hand.

'If you insist Miss, I haven't had champagne before.' Amy said with a giggle and went all funny when some of it went up her nose.

'Take it easy Amy. Can't have you drunk can I.' Patricia put a hand on Amy's shoulder before bursting out laughing.

'Oh what the hell Amy, live a little, if you want to get drunk, so be it.'

Amy looked at Patricia with a shocked face, before she drank some more of her champagne.

They had managed to make it onto their third glass when there was a knock at the door. Patricia felt really lightheaded from all of the champagne. Perhaps it was Ninette, she did said she would come around before dinner. Patricia had been invited by her and Benjamin Guggenheim to join them at their table.

'Amy, be a dear and get the door. Oh and I'm giving you the night off so don't worry about waiting up for me.'

Amy smiled and got excited. 'Oh thank you ma'am.'

As Patricia opened the door, she smiled as she saw Ninette.

'Patty, you look gorgeous. I do love your makeup, that dress really does suit you.'

'Thanks, you're looking fabulous too, come on in. Isn't Mr Guggenheim joining us?'

Patricia poured her friend a glass of champagne. 'Have a drink.' She said practically placing the glass in her hand. Patricia began to drink hers very quickly.

'Oh he has something to sort out first. I did tell him where to find us.'

'I do like those earrings, Patty. Are they new?'

Patricia told her friend about the mysterious box that had arrived in her room earlier that day.

'Patty, they look very exquisite. The diamonds are extremely fancy. They must have cost a fortune.'

Patricia touched the jewels, they did feel quite heavy but at the same time were very beautiful. Patricia changed the subject.

'So, what are your plans for when we get to New York?'

Ninette sighed. 'I really do not know, Patty. Ben has treated me well, bought me many nice things, including a ticket on this ship. I know it wasn't meant to be serious between us, but I sure will miss him.' She looked down before continuing.

'I guess I could stay on in New York, but how can I be with him, when his family is there. I might stay on and try and make something of myself or I could just go back to Paris. It's what I know, my friends are there and the club I sing at.'

Patricia could tell her friend was sad and sat down next to her, giving her a hug.

'I'm sure it will be alright. Now dry your eyes, we can't have your makeup running now. Bleeding mascara sure isn't a good look.'

Ninette looked at her confused.

'You do say the most peculiar things Patty. Bleeding mascara? The English do have the strangest words, but that one I have not heard before.'

Patricia then remembered. Bleeding mascara was not a phrase used in this time. She was so used to saying these words from where she came from, she almost forgot that they hadn't been invented yet.

'Your makeup. We can't have it running can we. Now drink up, it is time we were going.'

Ninette dried her eyes and quickly drank her champagne. There was a knock at the door. Amy opened it and let Mr Guggenheim in. Ninette ran to him, giving him a kiss.

'Ben, this is Patricia Manderley. I was telling you about her earlier. We've become quite close today.' Ninette announced.

'Pleasure, Miss Manderley. I am sorry to hear about your parents.' He kissed her gloved hand.

'Thankyou, but enough formality, call me Patricia .'

'Now I take it my lovely companion here has told you, you will be dining with us and we would love to have you.' Mr Guggenheim told her.

'You are too kind.' Patricia said beginning to feel the effect of the champagne.

'Ninette, Patricia here is of the London Manderley's. One of England's richest families. But I take it you know all about that eh.' Mr Guggenheim said to Ninette.

'Now ladies, we must be going to dinner.' He then continued.

Patricia got up and followed the couple out, taking her fan with her. The dining saloon could get rather stuffy and Patricia liked to keep a cool head. The fan was not only a necessity but a very important fashion accessory. Ninette and Mr Guggenheim linked arms together while on Ninette's other arm was Patricia.

For once Patricia was actually looking forward to dinner.