I sat in my room for ten minutes or so, waiting for Will. He hadn't said he would be there. In fact, he was probably back on watch again. Still, I wanted to give him just one chance to come back and apologise for keeping that secret from me. After everything I had been through, he had kept that from me – and he didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with doing so!

Still, he had not turned up. I did not want to sit in there all day – it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I didn't feel particularly inclined to wait for someone who may never arrive. Besides, on the way to my room with Molly, we had been stopped by Mr Andrews who had offered to give me a tour of the ship. If he was anywhere nearby, it could be interesting to join in.

I placed my hat on my head, pulled on a pair of little white gloves and selected a coat from the closet. It hadn't seemed to be too cold out, but I decided that we were mid-Atlantic and so it was better to be safe than sorry.

Once outside, I wandered onto the boat deck and gazed out at the sea. It looked so beautiful out there – so peaceful. I walked over to the railing for a moment, deep in thought. What would happen when we arrived in New York if Will and I hadn't reconciled by then? What about what he had suggested before – "when we get to New York I intend to show you everything. Absolutely everything"?

I pushed the thoughts out of my mind and walked away from the railing. It didn't matter. If the worst came to the worst...well, Will wouldn't abandon me in a strange city. Something would be worked out.

I wandered towards the bridge, pausing for a moment at the gate. I made my decision quickly, however, and pushed it open and continued to walk. Even if Will wasn't on the bridge, I wanted to see the other officers. I had actually come to miss their company – I had spent so much time with them before we left Southampton that their absence was surprisingly obvious. I had seen Lights and Jim on several occasions, but I couldn't remember the last time I had seen the others.

I could hear Mr Andrews' voice as I approached the bridge – he was in the middle of one of his tours. I stuck my head around the door to see who was there – he was talking to the DeWitt-Bukaters. Typical! I couldn't quite make out what was being said but Andrews sounded so proud. Well, he should be. His ship was beautiful. If only the circumstances had been different. If only Bruce Junior hadn't been travelling on the maiden voyage!

"Ada?"

I jumped and turned around. Will was standing there, looking confused. He had a cup of tea in one hand, his other was rubbing the back of his head. He had obviously been sleeping and his appearance managed to make me smile – his shirt was unbuttoned, making him look so unlike any respectable officer on a ship like Titanic.

"I was looking for you, Will."

"Naturally," he yawned loudly. "Do you want to go inside? I don't know about you, but I'd rather not discuss anything in public."

"Such as the fact that, after everything that happened to me, you took it upon yourself to keep a rather important secret to yourself? And then you decided to not apologise and not to come to my room to see how I was? Will, I don't think I can take this anymore!"

He grabbed my wrist tightly and pulled me inside, around the corner and into his cabin. I sat down on the bed without invitation as he shut the door.

"Now, Aid, we can talk. It's much better to talk like this in private. I am sorry for not apologising earlier, but I did have a job to do. I had every intention of coming to find you after I'd have some sleep."

"No, Will. I can't be expected to just sit and wait for you until you decide you want me again. I won't live like that. I want what you promised me – a perfect life together."

"No life is perfect. My parents are happy together but their lives aren't perfect."

"That is my point, Will," I looked up at him sadly. "I don't know if I can be happy with you after the last few days."

He was taken aback at this, and simply gaped at me for a few seconds.

"Ada...of course we can be happy together," he sat beside me as he spoke, and took my hands gently. "I love you Ada. I truly do, more than I thought was possible. I would do anything to make you happy. Anything."

"Really?" I bit my lip. "Will, would you give up your career so I'm never alone?"

He hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. If you asked me to, then yes."

I tilted my head slightly and considered this. I hadn't expected him to say that – I would never seriously dream of asking him to do this anyway. Still, regardless of that fact, I felt almost elated that he would give me that answer with no protest whatsoever, that he would give up the career he loved just for me.

"Will...I love you..." I leant forward and kissed his cheek softly. "And I would never ask that of you. Never."

"If you did I would, Aid," he paused and smiled. "I'll tell you something else too – I won't leave you at all once we get to New York."

"Once we get to New York?"

He laughed, "I would promise to not leave you from now on, but I don't want to make a promise I can't keep."

"Well, that settles that then," I responded brightly. "Will you be joining me for dinner?"

"Dinner? Not in first class?"

"No...unless you want to. I'd be happy if a steward brought us a little bite to eat."

"I've no intention of sitting with the Ismays," Will replied thoughtfully. "I'll be there at six or so."

I smiled at him, then stood up. He still held onto my hand, holding me back. I turned and looked at him.

"You look absolutely beautiful today, Aid," he kissed my hand, then yawned. "Where are you going now?"

"I was thinking of joining Mr Andrews for his tour if he's still on the bridge," I paused and thought. "Failing that, I suppose I will just see if any of the other officers are off-duty."

"Not Lights, I hope?" Will raised his left eyebrow. "I told him to keep away from you in any case."

"Don't be silly, Will. Lights had nothing to do with it and I think you ought to forgive him," I bent down and kissed him again. "I will see you this evening then. Don't forget!"