Chapter 25 – The Tour

I've now written Chapter 25 of this story and it's called The Tour. Please R&R. Enjoy.

April 16th 1912

The next day Patricia woke up with Cal's arms around her. It felt so good to be in his embrace. Getting out of bed she wrapped a robe around her and went through her handbag looking for her cigarettes. As she took out the pack she panicked when she saw she was on her last five. Cigarettes were available in this time, although she wouldn't be sure if she could get Marlboro in 1912.

'You best get used to smoking another brand Patricia.' The voice in her mind told her.

Looking back at Cal she noticed he was still asleep. Moving onto the promenade deck she began to light up and took one long puff of her cigarette. As she was on her last five, she was trying to make the most out of her favorite brand. Gazing out of the window, she noticed how cloudy it was outside. Yesterday was so sunny and today was the complete opposite. It was now the last day on the ship, for tomorrow they would be in New York.

Going through the wardrobe, she picked out a pink day dress and quickly dressed herself, not bothering with a corset or even putting her hair up. Taking out a matching hat she sneaked out of the suite, making sure she would not wake Cal. He would be getting up soon and naturally wonder where she was. Thinking of his possessiveness he would no doubt have the whole ship searched for her. Patricia enjoyed being in his company, but also liked being by herself. This was one of those moments.

Today she felt like going to the Reading Room. It was nice and quiet in there which was probably due to it being early. Enjoying the quiet atmosphere she took a seat in the corner of the room and took out her Harry Potter book. Sitting down in one of the armchairs by the fireplace she began to continue from where she had left off the other day. If she knew she was going to get stranded in this time she would have brought a few more books with her. Fortunately the Reading Room had a good selection of books to choose from and there was also the Library too. Remembering her conversation with Cal the other morning she remembered him saying that his house had a well stocked library and that was before he was going to buy her the entire contents of Waterstones. A bookshop that probably didn't even exist yet.

She hadn't been paying attention to time and before she knew it she was almost at the end of her book. Patricia had no idea how long she had been sat there but it must be been at least an hour. The Reading Room was starting to get more busy as the time went on. Putting her book away she wandered out on to the deck. It was still cold outside and as she felt the wind chill, she wrapped her coat around her tighter. Leaning over the rail she began to look out to the sea, staring at the water below. A few waves splashed against the side of the ship. As she closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the wind against her face, she felt a pair of hands around her waist pulling her in a possessive like grip. She recognized those hands anywhere, they belonged to her fiancee. Spinning around she stared into his dark eyes.

'Cal, you startled me.'

'Good morning Patricia. Enjoying your walk on deck?'Cal was dressed in a black day suit and carried a cane, along with a black top hat in the other hand. Patricia thought he looked very smart. He always looked good no matter what he wore.

'Yes, I was, thankyou.'

'I've been looking everywhere for you.'

'You have?'Patricia tried to sound innocent, knowing perfectly well he would be looking for her.

'I thought I might find you out here.'

'Yes, the walk on deck is rather lovely this morning.'

'You should have woken me. I expected to find you in my arms this morning only to find you missing.'

'Cal, you looked fast asleep. I couldn't wake you.'

'You should have done, I would have joined you. Besides the walk on deck is better enjoyed with company. I have a treat for us today.' He said to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and bringing her to him.

'You do. What is it?'

'I have arranged for us to have a tour of the ship. Mr Andrews is showing us around personally.'

'That sure is a treat Cal. How ever did you manage such a thing?'

'Well you see my dear, I do have some influence around here. My family supplied the steel that built this very ship.'

Patricia should have known. In Celine's diary she remembered reading that he was a steel tycoon. His family owned Hockley Steel, making him very rich.The Hockleys were a very wealthy family. It wasn't a surprise that Cal was flaunting his money around to everyone.

'So, when is the tour?'

'At 11, half an hour from now.' Cal said looking at his pocket watch.

Patricia smiled at him. She did wonder if ship tours were available and it was something she would definitely enjoy, especially as it was the last day on board.Patricia knew they couldn't have wanted a better tour guide. Thomas Andrews was the best person to show them around. He knew everything about the ship and always spoke about the Titanic with great admiration in his voice.

'Now my dear, let us take a walk around the deck together.'

Cal looped Patricia's arm through his. As they walked along the deck she noticed that other passengers stared in fascination at them.

'You see Patricia, we both look good together. Don't you agree.'

Patricia giggled at his words.

'Oh stop it, Cal.'

'But we do. Look at the way everyone stares at us when we walk past.'

'I suppose you are right Cal.'

Patricia looked around to the other passengers. As they walked past them, she noticed them smiling at them both. The more they both walked along the deck, Cal began to tell Patricia all about his life growing up. Patricia would have loved to tell him all about her real self but couldn't. What would she tell him. That she was the daughter of a notorious money launderer and came from a time very different to the one they were in.

'But, enough about me, my dear. You must tell me all about you.'

Her real story would sure make an interesting story, but it was one she couldn't tell.

'Fuck, he wants to know more about me. Quick improvise.' She thought to herself.

Patricia quickly began to make a past up for herself. She hoped it would sound realistic. Making up a whole life story for a person you had only just become wasn't easy. Especially if you knew nothing about them.

'I'm sure you know all about me already Cal. My parents most probably told you everything about me.'

'Not everything Patricia. I would really like to know more about you.'

Sighing, she hoped he wouldn't ask any more, but he was determined to hear her story. As she had never even met the parents that were supposed to be her own, she nervously continued.

'Well as you know my parents are James And Georgina Manderley...' Patricia stopped when she remembered they were no longer here.

'Oh you must excuse me I mean were James and Georgina.' She said smiling sadly. If her parents were dead she best look at least sad by it.

She felt Cal's hand upon hers.

'It's alright Patricia. You're still grieving, I understand. You don't have to grieve alone no more, you have me.'

'Well, we have a house in the middle of London, as well as a large house in the country. I grew up in the London home, but we would often spend summers in the country. From a young age I was sent to all these exclusive boarding schools before going to one of those finishing schools. Life for me has been endless parties and balls.' Patricia said sounding bored.

'Yes, your parents always did host the grandest of parties. I was hoping I would meet you at one of them.'

'Don't remind me.' She said quietly.

'Patricia, you sound displeased.'

'Don't get me wrong, parties and balls can be great, but every single one I went to was the same endless chatter, the same boring crowd and always the opportunity for my parents to marry me off to every suitor who showed a bit of interest in me.'

'I'm sure they only wanted the best for you.'

'The best for me! You should have seen some of the people they insisted on me marrying. All they were interested in, was me being married to some rich man even though he was abusive and cruel.' She said through gritted teeth. Cal stared at her.

'Patricia, no gentleman raises his hand to a lady. I assure you I will never treat you like that.' He said wrapping his arms around her. Patricia sighed and listened to him continue.

'Perhaps I can be the exception.' He said grinning at her.

'Excuse me?' Patricia was confused by his question.

'Good looking, rich and an actual gentleman. I meant what I just said. I would never lift a hand to you.'

Patricia looked at him. As they had only met on this ship it did occur to her why he had never met her before, especially if he knew her parents.

'So I take it you went to many of my parents balls, yet we only just met.'

'Yes, I went to that one just last year, hoping I would meet you.'

This was where it started to get confusing. Patricia would have to make up something interesting to make it sound believable.

'Oh you must have went to their last ever one. I was in Paris at the time, so I guess that is why you didn't see me there.'

'That must be it then.' Cal said to her before whispering something to her, that only she could hear.

'Patricia, I'll let you into secret. I only went to their ball so I could make your acquaintance.'

'Well you didn't, did you.' Patricia said and smiled at him once more. She didn't know how long she could keep this up for.

'Such a disappointment, my dear.'

'A disappointment?'

'All those women throwing themselves at me, they might have been beautiful, but their personality had a lot to be desired. I knew the moment I saw you in the society pages, you were different. While you were in Paris, there I was in your parents ballroom. Having to dance with some dull and boring young lady who threw herself at me. Of course aiming to become my wife.'

'But what about Rose. I thought you loved her?'

'Rose was a beautiful young woman, but she never loved me. In fact I don't think I did either. I tried to. I gave her the finest jewels, everything she could have possibly wanted. But she never appreciated any of it. Her mother Ruth, had wanted it all and look what happened, it killed Rose. She may have been beautiful but she never returned my affection. Now you on the other hand Miss Manderley are on a completely different level.'

Patricia stared at him looking confused.

'And it seems I was right. For once I meet a woman who doesn't throw herself at me. You're perfect Patricia, you know exactly what you want out of life and you know how to get it. You have beauty, personality and intellect. Not to mention that attitude of yours.'

'Oh you think so do you, Mr Hockley.' She said putting her hands on her hips.

'You can have your feisty moments too. I like it when you are feisty, it attracts me to you even more.'

'Oh really.'

'Tell me Patricia what do you want out of life.'

'Life is for living, you need to take it as it comes and make the most out of it. I'm not your typical first class woman. Theres a big world out there, I want to see it all. I always wanted to go to art school, but my parents would not allow it. You see, I have a natural talent for art. From a young age I was always painting and drawing. I was top of my class at art at school. I dream to open an art gallery of my own. Showing off my work. Hosting parties. Proper parties with all the big names in the art world. None of those boring balls that my parents insisted upon.'

Part of this was true. Back in her time Patricia had gotten a place at a top London art school. One of the best in the country. Only in her time, her father actually encouraged her to pursue her dream of being an artist. In her room she had her own mini private collection. Including some art she should not of had. Being involved in the criminal underworld had it's advantages. Christopher Roberts had managed to give as gifts to his daughter some stolen art work including Vermeer's The Concert and Picasso's Le Pigeon Aux Petis Pois. The two paintings were worth millions and that was before you took into consideration the other paintings that had been bought through legitimate means. Patricia thought about the two Andy Warhol paintings she also had on her wall next to the stolen ones. The story she had just given Cal sounded very realistic. In this time, wealthy families very rarely encouraged their children to follow their dream. James And Georgina Manderley were only concerned about marrying off their only child to a wealthy man.

In this time, following her dream to go into the art world was merely a dream. The Manderleys would never allow Patricia do follow her dream.

'Sadly Cal, it is just a dream. In my experience dreams don't usually come true. They are just wishes your heart makes.' She said trying to look sad while thinking of that Disney song – A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes. She had managed to make her improvised story sound believable.

'And what if I told you, I could make all of your dreams come true Patricia.'

She stared at him blankly.

'If art school is what you desire, then art school is what you shall have.'

'Do you actually mean that.'

Cal looked at her and nodded to her.

'And see the world you shall. Once we are married I shall spoil you with endless gifts. I shall take you to loads of faraway places. Our parties will be the most talked about ones and will definitely not be boring. You can have whatever you wish. You see Patricia, I am a man who makes my own luck and you seem to be a woman who makes her own too. We're more alike than you think Patricia. We're perfect for each other.' He said pulling her to him in a possessive grip. He was about to kiss her on the deck when he glanced at his pocket watch.

'Just look at the time. We don't want to be late for our tour, come.' He led her towards the bridge where Thomas Andrews was waiting for them.

'Mr Hockley, Patricia, how lovely to see you. It will be a pleasure showing you around the Titanic. I hope you will enjoy this tour.' He greeted them with a smile.

Mr Andrews led the couple around the Titanic, telling them everything about the ship. He spoke with pride in his voice and it was obvious that he was a man who loved the ship. As he led them to the ship's gymnasium she smiled to herself. The man in charge of the gym was called Mr T W McCauley and was in fact the fitness instructor. He began to tell them all about the different machines that were there. There was an electric camel, electric horse, cycling and rowing machines.

As Cal had a go on the rowing machine, she thought about gyms in her time. This was a far cry from what she was used to. Although in 1912 this looked quite advanced, when to her it really was quite primitive. Fitness would come a long way over the years.

'Reminds me of my Harvard Days.' He said finishing off on the rowing machine before taking Patricia's arm.

As they left the gymnasium Patricia noticed Mr Andrews writing something in his notebook. Wherever her went, so did his notebook.

'Do you always write stuff down in that notebook.'

'Of course. Patricia, there are many things I would like to make changes to. I always carry this around with me and when I get new ideas I just write them down.' He said to her. Mr Andrews sure was a perfectionist.

'I have an idea. You might want to write this down.'

Mr Andrews looked at her with interest.

'You know a Casino would be a great idea. Sure, I know that the men like to play cards in the smoking room, but how about a whole room dedicated to gambling with all sorts of games. I've been to many of the great gaming houses all over Europe, how about recreating that onboard.'

'Patricia, how extraordinary. You seem to have a keen business mind. I am impressed.' Cal said grinning to her.

'And maybe in a few years we could have onboard shopping too. Us women do like to shop. But how about having a shop that caters to both men and women. The items could be free of taxes because the ship isn't in port.' She announced with a smile on her face.

'Ok, Patricia you just invented duty free, many years too early.' The voice in her head told her. She felt Cal's hand upon hers.

'That my dear, sounds like a very good idea. I have some friends in retail business, maybe I should talk to them. How interesting.' He told her. Patricia noticed Mr Andrews writing in his notebook again.

'Patricia, I have made note of your suggestions. I do like it when passengers give me advice.'

'Oh I can definitely see it.' She said with a grin on her face, thinking of modern cruise ships.

The tour lasted a few hours and Patricia enjoyed hearing all about the ship. Cruising in her time was a lot different to traveling on a ship here.

'And that concludes our tour. I do hope you enjoyed it.' Mr Andrews said giving a bow before excusing himself.

It now late afternoon. The last afternoon of this voyage. Once Mr Andrews had disappeared, Cal turned to Patricia.

'You know your hair down really does suit you.' He said staring at her.

'You think so, maybe I should wear it down more.' Patricia swished her hair back over her shoulder.

'I insist upon it Patricia. All the better to run my fingers through it.' He said twirling a strand of her hair around his fingers.

'Did you enjoy the tour Patricia.'

'Yes, thankyou. I enjoyed it very much.'

'I am glad to hear that. I just want to make you happy. What would make you happy right now Patricia?'

Patricia looked at him before whispering to him seductively. She knew exactly what would make her happy right now. She couldn't exactly say what she was thinking out loud on deck, for it was very inappropriate.

'You don't know the things I would love to do you right now. I think maybe we should go back to our suite. I long to be in our bed again. We have a few hours before dinner. Shall we.' She said before taking his hand and pulling him along to their suite.

Notes

In the scene where Patricia is talking about art, the two stolen paintings she has are actually stolen in real life. Le Pigeon Aux Petis Pois by Pablo Picasso was stolen in Paris in 2010. The thief stole it from Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and threw it in a bin which was then emptied before anyone knew what was in there. At auction it was worth more than $20 million.

The other painting is The Concert by Johannes Vermeer. It was stolen in 1990 and is worth more than $130 million, making it the most valuable unrecovered stolen painting in history.