*Chapter 19*

Clara spotted Molly Brown, in a lifebelt, like most of the other people in the room, and listened to what she was saying.

"What's doing, sonny? You got us all trussed up here, and now we're coolin' our heels!" Molly shouted at a passing young steward.

Molly was absolutely correct. What was happening with all this lifebelt business?

'Its probably just a lifeboat drill. We'll all be back by morning, surely,' Clara thought.

The reality of the situation hadn't sunk in yet. For Clara, anyway. She seemed to believe all those headlines of Titanic being unsinkable.

But how stupid! Of course ships can sink. Even if they have watertight compartments.

Claire spotted Andrews, heading up the stairs, a look of concern on his face.

"Hey, um, Mr Andrews?" Claire gripped his shoulders, and he turned around.

"Yes, young Claire."

"I saw that iceberg, and I saw the way it hit the ship. Is it really going to sink?" Claire asked hopefully.

"Yes, Im afraid so. In an hour or so, all this will be at the bottom of the Atlantic." Andrews indicated the foyer. "Please, tell only who you must. I don't want to be responsible for a panic. And get to a lifeboat quickly, don't wait. There are enough lifeboats for less than half of the ships passengers."

Andrews dragged himself up the stairs, heading to his stateroom.

Claire gasped, clasping her hand over her mouth.

She noticed Clara pacing around, talking with other people. Claire spun Clara around, to face her.

"Clara, I just spoke to Mr Andrews, and he told me that the ships gonna sink, for sure."

Clara opened her mouth to say something, but Claire was quick to shut her up.

"He is the master shipbuilder, and he knows what's going on. Trust me."

The look of concern in Claire's eyes assured Clara that there was, infact, danger.

"We have to get to a lifeboat, Clara. There's enough for less than half the people on this ship. And WE, being first class, have priority over second and third class. So lets get moving! Come on!"

Claire also told Noelle this, and they all climbed out the doors to the boat deck.

Clara, being so fussy about her appearance, realized she'd forgotten to put her stockings on. She turned to Claire.

"Oh, dear. Claire, it seems I have forgotten to put on my stockings!"

Clara raised her dress, enough for Claire to see her bare legs.

"I must go and put them on!" Clara started to sneak off, but Claire suddenly gripped her arm, the hardest she had ever done, and Clara glared at her, terrified.

'Oh no you don't. If you don't wanna drown to death, stay here!" Claire ordered.