~*Six*~

Just Your Average Day

I paced the length of my suite. Drinking down the crystal champagne. How could she do this to me? And behave like this? I didn't know what had gotten into her, really. But I had every intention of finding out.

After about fifteen minutes, Mr. Lovejoy returned. Anger in his expression.

"Well? Did you find her?" I demanded.

He nodded. "She is down there. With him. Dancing like common trash." He said coldly.

The anger overwhelmed me. I screamed out a bit in frustration, throwing my champagne glass into the wall. Shattered pieces of crystal flung over the carpet.

"What me to get her?" Lovejoy asked.

I looked over to him, breathing a bit hard. "No." I managed to say. "I'll take care of it. Thank you, sir."

He nodded.

"Listen, tomorrow. I have a feeling he'll try to show up again. Don't let him. Put him in his place!" I demanded.

"Of course." He said in a low monotone.

"Good. Now leave me." I said.

I watched him leave through the front doors, gently pulling them closed behind him. I walked over to the dresser with the mirror. I leaned over on it. My palms flat on the wood surface.

I lifted my head and stared at my reflection on the glass.

"Damn it!" I shouted, slamming my fist into the wood. Chipping it a bit.

I went into my wardrobe, taking out my pajamas and robe. I quickly got dressed in the fine nightwear. I sat in the comfortable chair, by the end table. I pulled the champagne bottle from the ice, and poured myself a drink.

I drank it down quickly, before retiring to my bed. Anxious for the morning to arrive.

I found sleep quickly. Greeted by dreams of Catherine at first, which I woke up from, feeling confused and irritated that she would plague my mind. Then as I drifted back off, I dreamt of my future wedding, to one of the most beautiful girls in the world: Rose Dewitt Bukater.

* * *

Rose joined me for breakfast the following morning. On the promenade deck. The rising sun threw gentle shadows over the table.

We sat silent for a few moments. I was patiently waiting for Trudy to leave us. When she did, I turned my attention back to Rose. She sat staring at her plate and not at me.

Guilt-ridden, I told myself. For behaving like an animal the night before.

"I had hoped you would come to me last night." I spoke softly.

"I was tired." She still didn't look at me.

"Your exertions below decks, were no doubt exhausting." I said, trying to remain cool and collected.

She sipped her tea, then gently sat it back on the table. She finally looked at me a moment. Then turned away again.

"I see you had that undertaker of a manservant, follow me again. How typical." She said, she tensed a bit. But continued to keep her dignity.

"You will never behave like that again, Rose." I ordered calmly. "Do you understand me?"

"I'm not a foreman in one of your mills, that you can command. I am your fiancé." She said, staring into my eyes now.

Something snapped in me. No wife of mine would behave like this. Who did she think she was?

"My fiancé?" I asked quietly. Then was unable to hold it in any longer. I stood, glaring down at her. "My fiancé?! Yes you are! And my wife!" I slammed my hand under the breakfast table. Sending it and the expensive china noisily to the floor. I leaned over her, one hand on each arm rest of the chair. "My wife in practice. If not by law. So you will honor me! You will honor me the way a wife is required to honor a husband. I will not be made out a fool, Rose. Is this in any way unclear?" I asked. Still standing over her. I waited for her reply.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but that didn't dim my anger. Finally she shook her head, saying 'no'.

I smiled. "Good. Now if you'll excuse me." I stood, seeing Trudy enter the room with the orange juice.

I smiled politely at the maid, and walked past her. I walked out onto the deck. Mr. Guggenheim sat with J.J. Astor discussing world politics.

"Good morning, gentlemen." I said kindly. Taking a seat beside John.

"Morning, Cal. How are you doing?" John asked.

I smiled. "Fine, sir." I looked out to the ocean. Feeling not the least bit guilty about what had just happened.

"Well we must go dress for services." Mr. Guggenheim announced after a few minutes.

I knew he was right. Ruth and Rose were probably already dressed. Though women seem to take forever in such instances.

I followed beside the two men, in to B Deck. Which is where Mr. Guggenheim and my rooms were located.

"I'll see you gentlemen in a few moments." John announced as he headed to his suite, which was on C Deck.

I quickly got dressed in a fine black suit, white shirt and vest, black bowtie, and black leather shoes.

I went to where the services were to be held. The Dining Saloon. Rose and Ruth were already seated when I arrived.

"Mr. Lovejoy!" I called to my man. He stood in the doorway to the dining saloon.

"Mr. Hockley." He replied.

"Remember what I said about Jack Dawson. Keep him away from here." I ordered quietly. So as not to make a scene. I waited for his answer. He nodded his head in understanding.

His eyes were cold, ruthless, as they always had been. But in times like these he was a good man to have around.

I entered the saloon, then stood at Rose's side. The hymn book in my hands now. Captain E.J. Smith stood before us leading us in chorus. We sang "Almighty Father Strong to Save"

I heard a commotion at the doors. I turned my eyes trying not to make my staring known. Jack was at the doors. But I knew my man was taking care of him.

"O hear us when we cry to thee, for those in peril on the sea." We sang in unison. Now that I had returned my attention to the songbook once more.

After the services ended, we went on a ship tour. With Mr. Thomas Andrews as the guide.

I followed behind. Surveying the carved details, the chains, rails. Everything, but hardly listening to what Thomas was saying.

First we entered the gym. I sat down at the rowing machine. I picked up the ores and began moving them in a rowing fashion.

I smiled up at them. "Reminds me of my days a Harvard."

Ruth laughed a bit. I stood and rejoined the tour.

"Next stop will be the bridge." Thomas announced. "This way."

We followed closely behind him. We were on the lower deck, I saw Catherine. She smiled at me, but I didn't return the gesture.

When we reached the bridge, Captain Smith stood as if he was waiting for us.

"Enjoying the tour?" He asked smiling.

I nodded wearily. Though the tour didn't really matter to me.

Bride, the wireless operator, raced up to the captain.

"Another ice warning, Sir. This one's from the Baltic." He said, handing a paper to the captain.

"Thank you, Sparks." Was the captain's reply. Bride turned and left. The captain glanced at the paper briefly before stuffing it into his pocket.

"Not to worry. Quite normal for this time of year. In fact, we're speeding up. I've just ordered the last boilers lit." He announced.

Thomas glared at him a moment, before returning to the tour.

"Follow me." He said. Rose at his side, Ruth behind her, and I behind them all.

We were led to where the lifeboats were tied. Very absurd to see such a waste in deck space.

"I did the sum in my head. And forgive me, but the number of lifeboats, times the capacity you mentioned. There isn't enough for everyone on board." Rose said.

I rolled my eyes, and turned around. I saw a strange man, he looked as though he was attempting to hide. Leaning on the rail. Then I saw her again, Catherine. Her daughter at her side now.

I turned back to Thomas, and the women. Thomas was looking directly at Rose.

"'Bout half actually. Rose, you miss nothing. Do you?" He asked.

I rolled my eyes again.

"In fact, I put in these new type davits, which can take an extra row of boats inside this one. But it was thought... by some... that the deck would look too cluttered. So I was over-ruled." Thomas sighed.

Ruth took my arm, and we started to walk out in front of them. I tapped my cane on the side of the lifeboat.

"It's a waste of deck space as it is, on an unsinkable ship." I laughed.

We continued to walk down the starboard side of the ship.

"Where is Rose?" Ruth asked after a few minutes.

Mr. Andrews and I turned towards the bow. She was no where to be seen.

I walked back a little.

"Sweetpea?" I called out. Then I spotted her, she speedily walked up to us.

"I'm sorry, Darling." She said as she approached me.

"I was looking at the boats, and lost you." She laughed a little.

I smiled, holding my arm out for her. She wrapped her arm around mine, and we continued the tour.

"Well that concludes the tour." Mr. Andrews announced. After we had been shown the stern. I was personally thankful it was over. It was just a ship. Yes, I did believe it was the grandest ever. And was thoroughly enjoying the voyage. But must they talk about it all the time? I kept asking myself.

I escorted Rose and Ruth to their rooms. I lightly kissed Rose on the cheek.

"We're going for tea, Mr. Hockley. Where do you plan to go?" Ruth asked.

I looked over to her. "I think I'll go join the men, in the smoking room." I replied.

"Good, we'll see you at dinner then." Ruth said politely.

I nodded, taking my leave of them. Going to my room first.