Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. In Chapter 2, Rachel and Ross sight each other for the first time. Ross is an Archeologist returning from a dig in Egypt and is recovering from a broken heart. Rachel is returning from Paris with her new fashion finds for Women's Wear.
Chapter 2: A First Sighting
"Prenz vos sieges de train satisfont (take your seats please). Le train part de la station (the train is ready to leave the station)", the astute French Train Master announced. The train was leaving the La Gare depot in Paris, destination Cherbourg where the RMS Titanic would be awaiting its next load of passengers. Rachel, listening to the Train Master's command, quickly established a seat towards the rear of the car. Rachel, a consultant for Women's Wear, had accumulated many new fashion finds in Paris. She was attired in one of her finds, a hobble-skirted woolen dress with a matching fur cape and muff. Embroidered pumps with buckles completed her attire. Since the ride would be close to an hour long, she relaxed and tilted the seat back for a short nap.
Il y a un siège disponible dans le dos, monsieur (there is an available seat in the back, sir)", the Train Master informed the male passenger that had just entered onto the train. Rachel slowly opened her eyes taking notice of the stranger as he swept by her seat. His attire included a Norfolk suit, topped with a dark green cashmere coat. After he passed, a feeling she could quite not explain swept over her. For the moment she passed off the unfamiliar feeling, leaned back in her seat and continued with her nap.
Ross stared out of the train window as it passed through the countryside. Purple and yellow wildflowers were beginning to bloom, adding more color to the countryside. His thoughts reverted back to New York City. He was anxious to be heading home. The dig in Egypt had been successful and it had relieved his mind of Carol. Two-months ago, with no explanation, she had backed out of the wedding. He was heartbroken. He so desired a wife and family. Her sudden decision had erased that desire for the time being.
Rachel awoke from her short nap. Gazing out the train window she noticed wild flowers intermittently blooming. Her mind began to focus on her new fashion finds in Paris. She knew those new finds would add significance to her job. Why did that not fill up the empty feeling she felt inside? Rachel reasoned the feeling stemmed from being homesick.
After a three-hour wait, the tender finally arrived to transport the passengers to the ship. After the passengers were seated and the luggage loaded, it began the journey to the giant ship.
The displacement of the water from the giant 45,000T ship caused the tender to bounce in the water. The closer the tender came to the boat the harder it rocked. It rocked so profusely that some passengers were thrown off their feet. As the tender pulled up beside the giant it banged against it's sides so profusely that most were in fear of the boat breaking in half. As the passengers exited the tender it took 10 men to hold down the gangplank.
"You appear somewhat frightened. May I assist you miss?" the tall stranger inquired while offering her his hand.
"Oh yes please!" Rachel, by now somewhat shaken, accepted his hand as he guided her gently onto the gangplank. She gazed up and his eyes looked into her clear blue eyes. The blood raced began racing to his head and he suddenly felt faint. Her eyes had mesmerized him.
To be continued in Chapter 3
Note: Cherbourg was the second stop for the Titanic. Many notable American's entered the ship from that stop. One of the more memorable names was the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Molly, was a character labeled "new money" by her wealthy counterparts. Since she had not yet been accepted into society, she made the trip to France to improve her social skills. Personally, I think she soon discovered she liked herself better the other way.
The fourth funnel on the ship was non functional. It was added by Thomas Andrews, the ship's designer, for effect only. While the ship was docked in Queenstown a stoker with a black face popped his head out of the top of the funnel. Passengers, unaware that the funnel was fake assumed it was a paranormal, thus believing the ship was cursed.