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Elsie looked down at Michael as he nursed, not being able to look up. They were about to board the RMS Olympic, but as they parked they had felt Cora tense a bit. The Captain hadn't been joking when he said that it was the twin sister of the Titanic, the dimensions were almost similar, maybe this one was smaller, but just a little bit. The process of picking up passengers was similar to when they boarded the Titanic: third class first, second and first class an hour before departure. Elsie had seen it through the window; Charles saw had her features darkened, and her eyes had unfocused, her mind drifting away.
Since the captain had told them they could go home in his ship Elsie had decided that she would go home, even if it meant getting boarding her worst nightmare. When Elsie felt that Michael was falling asleep she gave him to Charles and dressed. She had to admit that one of the things that had kept her going had been Charles and their son. He looked so much like Charlie, his beautiful eyes, his cheeks, he even had his beautiful curl, that curl Elsie adored; he was going to be tall, like his father, they both knew. Charles looked up to find a smiling Elsie watching them.
-See something you like?
-He looks so small in your arms. It's nice.
-I'm happy you are smiling.
-Haven't I done it lately?
-I'm afraid not.
-Well, I'm giving you the chance of making me smile in these five days until we get… home.
-If you let me.
-I'm asking you. I don't want to remember, I want to enjoy this. I know it's hard, but I want to stop crying. I really do.
-I will try my best to give you the journey you didn't get.
-I want to dance, I want to laugh.
-I can do that.
-Carson, let's go.
Elsie closed her eyes, took a deep breath and got out of the car. As they started walking towards the ship a sudden fear rose inside Elsie, making it hard for her to breath. She tried to shallow air, but it wouldn't get inside. Charles turned to her when he started hearing the gasps Elsie was making.
-I can't. I can't.
-Sit down. Elsie Sit down. Look at me. - Elsie sat on the floor and focused on Charles' eyes, breathing with him, slowly and calm. – In and out. Very good.
-I panicked.
-I know. If it's too much we can take another boat.
-No. This has to be the ship. It has to.
-Why suffer? I just don't understand why it has to be this one?
-I have to get over this, and I will if I get home in that ship. If I survive in an exact copy of… our death sentence… I think I will get better. I will stop having nightmares, or they will decrease and slowly the will fade away.
-Alright. Then hold my hand. We are in this together.
Elsie took another deep breath and stood up. Cora and Robert had been standing a few feet away, looking at the couple.
-She's a very dear woman, why has everything happened to her this few years? I was the first one and now her.
-I think we all have our bad years; soon good ones will come for her.
-Oh Robert.
They walked to the ship, not very sure if they had to show their tickets or not. Elsie had now Michael in her arms, with Charles hands on her shoulders.
-Tickets?
-We didn't buy any for this journey, we were told that we could…
-Captain.
-Lady Carson! Are these the friends you mentioned the other day?
-Yes, and I'm not Lady Carson, I'm Mrs. Carson.
-It says on the book that you are Lady and Lord Carson. Two first class cabins.
-Yes Captain. She's Lady Carson, but she's not used to it yet.
-Well, we've put you in the best cabins. Deck B, cabins B12 and B13, We've also assigned the best servants according to your financial status. I'm sorry, and I hope this journey back home makes smile.
-Thank you Captain. We mean it.
They walked through the corridors, slowly, giving Elsie and Cora time to get used to it.
-I never really thought about how beautiful she was.
-I'm sure her sister it's equally beautiful.
-I keep thinking it's the Titanic.
-Well it's not.
-Here we are. There's a private promenade, but not many people use it, you see the Promenade Deck is available for everyone, so there's many room. The Sitting Room, the Bedroom, the Wardrobe Room and the Bathroom are all decorated in Italian Renaissance. Your service is waiting inside. There's a crib in B13, but it can be moved around.
-Thank you
Elsie opened the door of the sitting room and entered it, followed by Charles, Cora and Robert, who closed the door. A footman, two maids, to lady's maids, two valets and an under butler were standing in their clean uniforms, looking at them.
-Good morning, I'm Mr. Wakefield, the under butler.
-How do you do Mr. Wakefield?
-I'll be in charge of dinners, breakfasts and lunches in case you wish to have them in your rooms. I've also chosen a lady's maid for both of you as well as the valets. Ms. Jameson and her brother will take care of Lady and Lord Grantham, and Mr. and Mrs. Nathgood will take care of Lady and Lord Carson. I hope you don't mind that they are married.
-Of course not. I'm a housekeep…
-She means she used to be a housekeeper before she married Lord Carson.
-All your things have been put away, and if you need anything at all please, ring the bell.
-Thank you, you can go. - As soon as Mr. Wakefield closed the door Elsie turned to look at the group.
-What the hell was that?
-What do you mean?
-I'm not Lady Carson, I didn't marry a Lord, I married the butler. And what did the Captain mean by that of my financial status?!
-We got a letter the other day from the bank. Anonymous people have given you money. You are millionaires now.
-We are what?
-Millionaires. You could buy Downton and run it yourselves.
-Why didn't I know that?
-We wanted to confirm it with the bank once we were in London. That's why we didn't tell you.
-You knew Charles?
-I did not. Does this mean we are no longer the butler and housekeeper of Downton?
-Of course not, unless you want to leave. You can now. You are one of us.
-So many things are happening. Look, we are going to forget about everything, and we are going to try and enjoy our way back home. Is that clear?
-Clear enough.
-Then, please let's choose a room and let me sleep. I've been sleeping better lately, but I'm tired.
-We won't disturb you, don't worry. You need the sleep. We can keep an eye on Michael.
-No, his father can do that. He's waited all his life to get a child of his own, well, while mum sleeps, daddy can take care of his little bean.
-Of course mother Carson. If you need anything send your lady's maid or the footmen.
-I sure know how to do that.
Elsie smiled, kissed his cheek and went to bed. A few minutes later Mrs. Naghgood came into the room, and after saying hello went to the bedroom.
-Is it me or does she seem happier?
-I think she's happier. Perhaps it's because she's going home, because she has realised this is not the Titanic. Maybe it's because Michael is alright. He doesn't cry much, he sleeps perfectly, he eats perfectly and he hasn't given us any scares. She feels she was able this time to protect her son.
-She feels safe?
-I think she does. Elsie is a mystery. And I love mysteries.
-I'm sure you do. Should we go and explore a bit, she how close it is to her sister?
Both mean nodded and left the room. Charles had Michael placed in his arms so he could look around. There were things that the Titanic had that her sister didn't, and some differences that made Charles feel as if he wasn't in the same ship. Apparently when they got to the Promenade Deck the ship had already left, so they could see New York getting smaller.
-You see my boy, this is the sea. You were born here. Death opened a path so you could come, and you have brought joy to your mum since that day. She loves you so much. We wanted you from the very beginning, and we prepared for you, not wanting to make any mistakes, and I think we've done a pretty good job. Perhaps mum hasn't been there as much as we planned, but there are things, you will learn when you grow up, that will happen without a warning and you can't avoid them. But you don't worry, we are here, and we will love you and protect you forever. Soon you will meet your brother and sister, and they will be delighted to see you. I can't wait until your mum wakes up so we can enjoy this trip back home. So you can see your home for the first time. England. It might rain a bit, but you will love it. You'll adore your crib, your room, our friends... I think this is what your mother would consider father-son bonding. And since daddy is hungry what if we go and have bite to eat.
Charles smiled at his son, who seemed amazed by everything that surrounded them. Cora and Robert watched him from a corner, and he turned around to go to the Café they followed him, letting him have his time with his son.
