Chapter 7

I Almost Do

Throughout the afternoon, Clara could not help but notice a stark difference between her husband and Pittman. David would interact with their son enough, in the sense that he greeted his boy, gave him candies and gifts, but he would leave it at that. Herbert Pittman spent his afternoon, not sleeping like he needed, but playing games with the child. Clara sat on a bench and watched the two run and chase each other, shoot marbles, and what not. Herbert actually seemed genuinely interested in Benjamin and his well being and that warmed her heart so much.

"Hello Clara."

Clara looked up to see Hope and Naomi standing before her. They sat down beside their friend and looked at her, "We missed you at breakfast," Hope began.

"Yes, where were you darling?" Naomi asked.

"I had a nightmare early this morning so I went for a walk," Clara answered.

"And you walked through breakfast?" Hope raised an eyebrow.

Clara was about to answer when Naomi spoke, "Clara, who is the officer shooting marbles with Benjamin?"

"Ah that is Officer Pittman," Clara said, "The one who bumped into me with the tea?"

"And why is he playing with your son?" Naomi asked next.

Clara shrugged it off, "Benjamin wanted someone to play with and Officer Pittman is off for the afternoon so he offered. Why?"

"Well people whisper darling," Hope began, "Do you want people to start whispering about you and the Officer?"

"There is nothing wrong with what is going on," Clara said, "We are in broad daylight, surrounded by passengers. I have not done any wrong."

"Why are you getting so defensive?" Hope asked.

"Because you two are talking as if I have committed some crime," Clara frowned, "I receive enough harsh treatment from my husband, I do not need it from you two as well."

"We just want what is best for you," Naomi said, this time in a different tone of voice.

"Refraining from judgment would be a start," Clara said simply.

"Okay," Hope said, "We apologize."

"We just wanted to make sure you would be at supper tonight. We were going to go use the Turkish Bath's before supper time and we were unsure if you wanted to join us there as well," Naomi said.

Clara shook her head, "Maybe tomorrow. I just wish to be with my little boy right now."

"Alright, well we shall see you in awhile."

The two women stood up and Clara watched them walk off and instantly they began to whisper to each other.

She sighed and turned her gaze back in time to see Pittman approaching her. He sat down beside her, "Are you alright?"

Clara waved her hand, "More or less."

"I was wondering," he started, "I will be eating right before my night shift starts and I was wondering if you would join me."

She gave a small smile, "It would be nice but I am unsure if it would be possible."

"Mummy," Benjamin came over to them, "I am sleepy."

Clara sighed and stood up so she could pick Benjamin up, "I should get him in bed."

"Well if you do come, I will be in the room from this morning at about nine," Pittman said.

Clara nodded, "Okay."

"Young Master Benjamin, I have to concede that you are the best marble player since my old dad. I admit defeat," Pittman took his hat off and bowed to the small child who beamed at his mother.

"It was a pleasure Clara," Pittman said, "Thank you."

Clara smiled, "Thank you for tiring him out!"

Pittman bowed to Clara as well and then after Clara smiled at him, she turned to walk back towards the state room with her child. If she had looked back, she would have seen him staring after her.

Once Clara made it to the suite, it was easy to get Benjamin in bed for a nap before supper. She retreated to her own room and looked at the gown that was laying out for her to wear that night and she wondered where exactly she would be dining. Another meal with Pittman sounded significantly more enjoyable than another meal with her husband. But she did worry about what people would say if they saw her. But then she felt like just not caring about other people thought or said because she knew it was purely innocent-even if that was only partly true.

Deep in her heart, Clara knew she liked being with Herbert because he cared about her and whenever she saw him, she felt strings pulled around her heart and she felt fluttering in her stomach; like she was a young girl again. She sighed because deep down, Clara knew she would in fact go have supper with Pittman because she just wanted to see his face and his goofy smile once more.

Clara changed out of her dress and curled up under her blankets. She looked at her bandages, but hardly noticed the pain anymore. In fact, it was all but barely there at this point. Eventually Clara fell into a deep sleep and images of Pittman raced through her head. She dreamed of them dancing together and being together from that evening and on. Clara dreamed of Herbert never leaving her side and her never leaving his. She awoke with a shock at the sound of knocking on her door. From the sounds it was David who a moment later let himself in, "Are you going to get up and come to supper?" he asked.

Clara fell back into the plush pillows and covered herself up with the blankets, "I feel miserable. I am staying here," she said, "I will order something later."

"Suit yourself," David replied before turning back.

Clara sighed as the bedroom door slammed and eventually she fell back asleep.

Xx

A/N- I had intended to make this longer but I wanted to update today and I don't have time to fit all I wanted into this chapter...so that will come next. Please review...I'm leaving for work. I'm off tomorrow so I expect I'll be writing tomorrow.