Chapter Two: Because of You

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"Abigail, darling…wake up," said Cal softly, brushing his hand against her cheek. Abby stirred slightly and open her eyes slowly.

"Are we here?" she asked in a sleepy voice.

"Yes," replied Cal. He gestured out the car window "This is the Queen Victoria." Abby lifted herself up and looked out the window. The Queen Victoria was a sight to be held. Half the size of the Titanic, was the newest ship by Wolfram Brothers and Abby was told her designs rivalled Titanic in more than one-way.

"Cal, it's absolutely stunning" said Abby appreciatively. Cal smiled back at her and opened his door. Getting out and reaching for Abby's hand he helped her out and then turned to speak to the chauffeur. This left Abby a few moments to think on her own:

What a privilege it was for her to be travelling on this ship. She had heard rave reviews about it since it's maiden voyage in May. Everyone had everything from the light fixtures to the floorboards had glittered and shone. The food had been exquisite and their had, luckily no problems anywhere on the ship…yet.

Abby turned to Cal when he came up beside her.

"Abby" he said in a lowered voice. "May I speak with you a moment before we board?"

Abby nodded with a questioning look. Cal never called her Abby unless something was wrong, or he had done something she should forgive him for.

"Abby, I'm sorry about earlier…I didn't mean to grab you as I did…. it's just the stress of the day, I wasn't thinking straight." Abby smiled.

"It's alright, I understand. It's been a long time." Cal returned the smile and kissed her softly on the lips.

"Well, lets get going…shall we?" He offered her his arm and graciously she accepted it. They turned and began to board the ship.

An hour later…

"How do you like the room, Cal?" said Abby as she watched her maid, Laura put away their clothes.

"A bigger one would have been better." said Cal thoughtfully "But I'll guess this would have to do." He turned to Abby, with a sly smile on his face. "Besides, all I need is you." Abby blushed at the hint of mischief in his voice. Laura noticed this and quietly excused herself without being asked.

Cal moved toward Abby as she felt her body go ridged. She couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes as he laid his hands on her shoulders and bent down towards her ear. She could hear him as he started to whisper in her ear.

"I know your nervous, but don't worry…you'll be ok"

Abby sighed as his hot breathe reached her ear and she felt her self crumble under his grip. Lifting her up Cal led her to the bedroom. Laying her down on the bed he began to take off his coat. Smiling at Abby he bent down to kiss her, a passionate soft kiss….

At lunch…

Abby and Cal walked into the restaurant, both of them smiling ear to ear.

"I wonder where we should sit, darling?" asked Cal. "Maybe ov-"

"Well, where have you been hiding old boy." Said a voice behind Cal.

Both of them turned around to see a tall, sandy haired man with soft brown eyes looking to Cal with amusement.

"Nate!" said Cal extending his hand. "How have you been?"

"Fine just fine." said Nate taking the hand in a firm shake. "I'm sorry I couldn't make your wedding Cal, father had me at the office. This is his busy time of year."

"Oh that's quite all right…have you met my wife Abigail? Abigail this is a friend of mine, Nate Remsen. His father is a lawyer with Remsen and Craver. " Cal gestured toward Abby.

"No, I haven't had the pleasure." Nate reached for Abby's hand, lifting it to his lips and softly kissing it. "Good after noon, Mrs. Hockley."

Abby politely smiled. "Good afternoon." Nate nodded and turned back to Cal. The three of them stood there for a moment and as Abby watched Nate and Cal talk about various things. She couldn't tear her eyes of Nate; he seemed so handsome, but sweet at the same time. When he laughed his eyes sparkled and laughed along with his mouth. And then there was that kiss, the kiss was soft, but pleasant and it still lingered on her hand.

No! Abby scolded herself. I shouldn't think this way. I'm married. Shaking her head she looked up at Cal as he told her Nate would be joining them for lunch.

"Delightful" said Abby. "I'm sure we'll love the company."

The lunch went very well. Cal and Abby had lamb, while Nate, who wasn't that hungry had a cup of tea. Cal got in the middle of the lunch to see a Mr. Kent about business leaving Abby and Nate to talk amongst themselves.

"That's just like Cal," said Nate as he sipped the tea "Work, work, work, even on his honeymoon"

"Well he is in important man," said Abby admirably "I'm sure he will put it aside for as long as he can."

"Are you a lawyer Mr. Remsen?" asked Abby changing the subject.

"Yep, it's all my father ever wanted of me," said Nate "and liking the profession helped a lot."

"That's wonderful," said Abby "Mr. Remsen-"

"Please call me Nate, I hate being so formal"

"Nate" said Abby slowly, "How long have you known Cal?"

"My whole life," said Nate "We went to boarding school together. He's an outstanding gentleman, but after the tragedy last year, I was scared he would lose it. With all the investigations and press stories. Rumours that he had smuggled himself onto a lifeboat…I'm glad he never let it go to his head and he found someone like you." He smiled at Abby.

Abby blushed "Thank you." She opened her mouth to say something else, but Cal came over. "If you excuse us Nate, They are giving tours of the ship. I would like Abigail and myself to take one."

"Of course" said Nate "I'll see you around later."

Cal left to go talk to another man standing nearby as Abby finished her meal and got up.

"Thank you for dining with us, Nate. It was a pleasure."

"Mine as well Mrs. Hockley."

"Please call me Abby, I don't like formalities either." she smiled at him and turned to accompany Cal on their tour.

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