Meeting a slimy snake
John and I awoke to the sound of Knocking on the door of our bedroom.
John who still had his head buried in the pillow mumbled.
Dotty opened the door.
"It's time to get up."
John groans.
"Who said it was time to get up." She snapped.
Dotty blushed.
"Umm Mrs Astor asked me last night to awaken you both at 8 on the dot. It's 8 o'clock."
John looks out from underneath the pillow to scowl at me.
"I want us to have breakfast in the dining saloon, breakfast is from 8 to 10, also remember last night we received the news we had been invited by issmay to have lunch with him, mother rose and Margaret in the Veranda Cafe at 1, and you agreed to play squash with the colonel Gracie before lunch."
John held my gaze for a while, before relenting and ripping off the bed covers.
He knew I was right.
I pulled the covers off myself more calmly and swiftly.
Dotty went to work preparing me for the day, I decided on a lovely dark green dress with long sleeves and intricate black detailing along the collar, waist and sleeves.
My hair was pinned up and a lovely green hat that had black feathers protruding from the back was placed on my head.
The dining saloon was on D-deck so luckily we only had to travel down 1 floor.
Once we exited the lift we joined the ever-growing crowd of people heading towards breakfast.
To my delight, not all of them were heading to the same place since there was a choice of 4 different places to have breakfast.
The dining room was decorated in wooden panelling that was painted white, and the floors were covered in blue tiles, featuring an elaborate red and yellow pattern.
As John and I walk to our table we were greeted by other socialites, thankfully not the ones from New York but Philadelphia and London.
The countess of Rothes was one of them.
She approached John and me with that familiar air of arrogance I was accustomed to seeing.
We exchanged cheek kisses.
"Marigold you look just wonderful, I must ask where did you get such a lovely hat?"
"I brought it from a lovely little boutique in Paris."
"Just wonderful. Norman and I ventured to Paris for our honeymoon, I purchased a beautiful dress from Poiret it was a one of a kind dress."
"How lovely."
"I was hoping to catch you last night, however, you never came to dinner, Lucile mentioned seeing you and sir John enter your suite, however after that we didn't see you for the rest of the evening."
Now it makes sense.
Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you Lucy but there is no big scandal or argument for you to gossip about.
"Yes, both John and I were very tired so we make the decision not to spoil the evening for everyone else."
the countess had a look of understanding.
What she understood was beyond me.
"Of course, you must be tired I can't imagine it's easy for you to get about these days." Her eyes briefly looked down, it was only a glance but long enough for me to notice.
I have to bite my tongue, so as not to reply with a cutting remark.
Instead, I put on a smile.
"Yes."
The countess unaware of my growing displeasure continued.
"We should have tea sometime during our voyage, I must tell you about my most recent charity Gala, I tell you travelling between London and Philadelphia is tiresome."
I can handle a short conversation, but if I have it sit through an entire afternoon tea pretending to be interested In anything that comes out of that woman's mouth, I might launch myself off the boat.
I open my fan and begin to fan myself.
John who had just finished conversing with Benjamin Guggenheim came to my aid.
"I'm afraid we must be going to breakfast now."
The countesses waves before disappearing into the crowd no Doubt to find someone else to gossip to.
"Thank you."
John didn't need to ask, he knew what I was thanking him for.
We take our seats the green velvet was slightly firmer than I was used to but still comfortable, the waiter is quick it offers us coffee and tea before taking our orders.
John orders himself an omelette and some steak, well done.
I instead choose poached egg with salmon.
We shared a light conversation over breakfast.
The colonel met us by the double doors that lead to the dining room.
"Good morning J.J, marigold."
"Morning."
"I've secured us an hour, will you be accompanying us, Mrs Astor."
"I shall be watching from the observer's gallery."
"Very good."
John and the colonel escorted me to the gallery and found me a comfortable deck chair to observe.
A waiter even came with some tea.
Before they left I grasped johns hand.
"Please be careful, I know how competitive you can become and the last thing I want is to show up to much with you looking like you went two rounds with a bull."
"Never you worry my dear, I shall make sure our John here is in tip-top condition." The colonel says.
"I'm sure you will."
The colonel bows.
The two gentlemen journey down to the lower deck leaving me alone, but not for long.
"May I sit with you."
Rose is indicating to the deck chair opposite me.
"You nee-dent ask, you are always welcome to sit with me."
I pat the spot next to me.
Rose sits down.
Something is on roses mind, I can tell.
Her posture is straight as a stick, she's grasping on her wrist, her eyes won't focus on one single thing.
She's biting her lower lip, she's only ever done that when she's under pressure or feeling guilty.
"Do you want to tell me?"
Rose's face twists into confusion.
"Excuse me?"
"Rose I know you, something is bothering you."
Rose laughs.
"Nonsense I assure you I'm fine."
"Rose."
I raise my eyebrow, she should know me by now.
At last, rose lets out a sigh of defeat.
"Where should I start, first off I'm sorry about yesterday, I wanted to come and see you but mother wouldn't let me."
"When have you ever listened to mother?"
"Cal convinced me not to."
Caledon Hockley?
"Yes, Mother told me about your engagement, funny you didn't mention that in any of your letters," I say pointedly to her.
I had to learn about my sister getting married from my mother.
"I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you, but I could scarcely believe it myself, I just could bring myself to put the words down on paper."
I understand that rose has always been a free spirit, I can't imagine this engagement has been easy.
Eager to learn more about my future Brother-in-law, I hound rose.
"So tell me about Mr Hockley, how did you meet?." I gently prod.
If it was possible Rose deflated further.
I suppose that answered my question for me.
John and the colonel have changed from their suits to their exercise clothes of a white shirt and white shorts.
Both men take their positions rackets in hand.
I turn back to rose, waiting for her response.
"Cal was attending the baron's annual polo match, mother introduced us and then not moments later told me he was going to be my husband."
"Really? Just like that."
What on earth was mother thinking, well I know what she was thinking.
The only thing mother ever thinks about.
Money.
But this was far even for her.
I mean blindsiding Rose like that.
"Well at least when you marry cal, you'll be away from mother." I try to think of positive's.
Not that there are many.
"But I don't want to marry cal Marigold! When we were first introduced he was gentle and sweet, he listened to what I had to say he cared about my opinions and my feelings, I thought that I could perhaps find happiness in our marriage but after it became official he started changing marigold, small things at first, interrupting a conversation I was having with people he deemed below us, then he started telling me what I should wear, what I should eat, how I should live! He feels more like my jailer than my fiancé."
I pull the distraught woman into my arms.
"You don't have to do this Rose, I'd you want you can live with me and John in New York."
"But what about mother, I can't abandon her, I don't have a choice I have to marry cal."
"If she wants the money so bad, she can marry cal." I joke.
It's so unfair, my sister is being broken right in front of my eyes and I'm powerless to stop it.
Kick
Rose abruptly let's go.
"What was that?"
"That was the little one making themselves known."
Rose gazes at my stomach in awe.
"You can feel it kick?"
"And roll over."
"Truly?"
"Yes, unfortunately, they have a habit of kicking me in the night."
Rose rest her hand on my stomach.
The conversation moved onto lighter topics, such as pregnancy cravings I had been experiencing, my travels my Egypt, my plans for once we dock in New York.
The tension disappearing.
"Sweet Pea."
Rose tenses.
A well-built gentleman with brown hair was striding towards us.
Every step he took was filled with arrogance.
I instantly disliked him.
This must be Caledon Hockley.
"There you are sweet pea I have been looking for you."
"I was just speaking with marigold."
Caledon ran his eyes over me, a shiver ran up my spine, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
I did not like the way his eyes lingered on certain parts of my body, how disrespectful his Fiancé was right there.
"Oh yes marigold Astor, Rose has told me much about you, it's wonderful to finally get to meet the sister rose speaks so highly of."
He grasps my hand and placed a kiss on the back of my gloved palm.
Everything about him felt wrong.
His grip too tight.
Cal gave me a smirk before turning his attention back towards Rose.
"I Just Came to tell you lunch will be in an hour, your mother had already returned to the cabin to change into something more befitting."
Alright, why would he need to tell Rose this?
"I would recommend the pale green dress with the white lace it's a very flattering piece."
Excuse me?
Rose looks beautiful already.
Who was this man to tell rose what she could and could not wear?
"Yes I suppose I shall change, I shall see you at lunch marigold." Cal places his hand on roses back and practically Herds her to the elevators.
Leaving me in suspense and shock.
The rose I knew would never allow a man to treat her like that.
I don't think I broke eye contact with the elevator rose and Caledon departed in until a hand touched my shoulder.
"Darling." Johns worried voice breaks my focus.
"Huh" I snap my attention to him.
John's face is scrunched up in worry.
"Darling you've been starring at the elevator for goodness knows how long, are you alright? Is it the baby? Do you need Caroline to examine you?"
John is becoming increasingly more worried.
"No, I'm alright. I'm sorry I was just lost in thought." I sooth my husband.
John isn't convinced but lets it go.
"Very well, let's go back to the room, dinner is soon and I wish to make myself more presentable."
"I would like to enjoy the fresh air before lunch, I will meet you there."
"Very well as long as your sure." John and I both walk to the elevator.
John exited on the C-deck, I exited on the A-deck.
Walking out on the Promenade Deck, I breathed in the Cool ocean breeze.
I close my eyes the warm sun on my face and the wind in my hair was heavenly.
I could stay here all...
"Marigold."
Opening my eyes Molly is standing above me.
"I thought you would be on your way to lunch."
I let out a yawn.
Very unladylike, thankfully Molly didn't judge.
"I still have 30 minutes until we need to be seated."
Molly raised an eyebrow.
"You have 3 minutes until 1."
"What? I only just sat down."
Molly smiled in mild amusement.
"Sister you were asleep, I was just on my way towards the veranda Cafe."
I was asleep?
The once occupied deck was now empty except for myself and Molly.
Wait!
3 minutes! I can't possibly show up to lunch in my state, I have loose hair stuck to my face my dress is wrinkled, my hat is lopsided.
Molly must understand my dilemma, she sits down next to me and begins helping me smarten myself up.
"I don't know what happened, I just closed my eyes to take in the sun."
I'm supposed to be meeting John by the cafe, he's probably worried.
"Don't sweat it, I'm sure they won't mind if we are a few minutes late," Molly reassures me.
Finally, we get me looking somewhat better, presentable enough for me to show many faces at lunch.
Molly blesses her, walked with me the entire way.
Thank goodness the cafe was located at the end of A-Deck.
Finally, we arrived at 1.08, 8 minutes late.
The cafe was divided into 2 separate rooms on A Deck, located on both sides of the 2nd-class staircase and directly next to the First class smoking room.
Or as I called it the gentlemen's club.
The room was brightly lit by large windows and double sliding doors that opened onto the end of the First-Class Promenade Deck.
As expected with titanic The cafe was elegantly furnished with wicker tables and chairs, spread out across a checkerboard tiled floor in black and beige. Various outdoor plants filled the rooms, including potted Kentia palms and ivy-covered trellises.
The room was light and airy much to my joy, with beautiful trellised detailing and wicker cane furniture, it also boasted large floor to ceiling windows looking out to sea.
I was able to spot our table in the smoking section closest to the port side.
The guests were already seated.
Ismay was seated at the end of the table, mother at the other end rose and cal was sat next to each other with an empty chair next to them on the opposite side of the table sat John and a man I didn't know.
When John set eyes on me his posture changed.
His eyes filled with relief.
"We're sorry we're late, we were talking on the deck and lost track of time." Molly covered for us.
I took the empty seat next to rose and opposite John, unfortunately, this left me next to mother.
"There is never an excuse to be late, it's bad manners, Marigold, you should know better."
I bite my tongue.
Ismay was quick to introduce us to the strange man.
"Molly, marigold May I introduced Thomas Andrews."
Mr Andrews offered Molly and my smiles.
Mr Ismay continued from where he had left off.
"She is the largest moving object
ever made by the hand of man in all history and our master shipbuilder, Mr.
Andrews here designed her from the keel plates up."
My Andrews wasn't that seen in the attention was quick to divert attention from himself.
"Well, I may have knocked her together, but the idea was Mr Ismay's. He envisioned a steamer so grand in scale, and so luxurious in its appointments, that its supremacy would never be challenged. And here she is willed into solid reality." He slapped the table.
Molly was always eager to add in her own two cents.
"Why are ships always being called
"she"? Is it because men think half the women around have big sterns and should be weighed in tonnage? Just another example of the men setting the rules their way."
She received a laugh from everyone.
The waiter arrives to take orders.
Rose reached into her purse and pulled out a cigarette.
Since when did rose smoke?
Rose, what has happened to you?
Mother was quick to make her distaste known.
"You know I don't like that, Rose."
"She knows."
Cal takes the cigarette from her and stubs it out.
I scowl.
My diastase for the gentlemen had increased.
Cal then being the pig he turns to the waiter
"We'll both have the lamb. Rare, with a little mint sauce."
It's only when the waiter moves away does cal turn to rose.
"You like lamb, don't you sweetpea?"
Rose hate's lamb.
Molly is watching the pair.
"So, you gonna cut her meat for her
there, Cal?"
Molly turns to Ismay
"Hey, who came up with the name Titanic? You, Bruce?"
"Yes. I wanted to convey
sheer size. And size means stability, luxury... and safety..."
"Do you know of Dr Freud? His ideas
about the male preoccupation with size might be of particular interest you, Mr Ismay."
Ha!
There's the rose I know.
Mr Andrews choked on his breadstick suppressing laughter, Molly and John were biting in the insides of their cheek.
I on the other hand don't bother to hide my laugh.
"My God, Rose, what's gotten into..." mother is horrid.
"Excuse me." Rose stalks away.
"I do apologize," Ruth says mortified.
"She's a pistol, Cal. You sure you can
handle her?" Molly asks cal.
I can tell cal is tense but is feigning unconcern.
"Well, I may have to start minding what she reads from now on."
Before I do something I won't regret I speak to John.
"I'm going to see if rose is okay."
I place my napkin on the table and stand up.
Ismay looks uncomfortable.
"Freud who is he? Is he a passenger?"
It doesn't take long for me to spot Rose on the deck overlooking the shelter deck that has many of the third class passengers.
I move to stand next to her.
"Well I must say that was very entertaining, you should do seen the look on Ismay's face after you left... priceless." I laughed.
Rose's attention is elsewhere, I turn to looks at the object of her attention.
Turns out that an object is a person.
A relatively good looking man.
He and rose are in a starring match.
Finally rose breaks contact.
"Who's that?" I playfully nudge her.
"No idea."
"Well, he has eyes for you."
I cast my eyes at the 3rd class man, he's still starring.
Another set of footsteps approach.
"Ladies our food shall be arriving soon, you best come back."
Cal gripped roses arm, I didn't miss the way Rose winced.
Cal them turned his attention to me.
"You should return to your husband."
The way he looks at me as if to scold a child.
Oh, how I would just like to...
My fists clenched.
Cal drags rose back in with me following behind making a very rude gesture behind his back.
Once we return to the table just as Ismay was continuing with his planning of Titanic and how it was different from every other ship.
Once I was seated again John slightly leaned across the table.
"I ordered you the beef is that alright?"
"Beef is fine."
I pretend not to notice Rose's observation of my and johns interaction.
After lunch is over John and I part.
John to the Turkish bath with was now allowing gents their allotted time.
I decided to retire to my cabin, not in the mood to gossip with the other ladies.
Once back in my bedroom I call out for dotty.
I hear no answer.
"Caroline?"
Still no answer.
Where could they be?
Still, I don't need them to do everything for me, I am very capable of looking after myself.
I grab my worn copy of the adventures of Alice.
Ever since rose had gifted me this book I couldn't stop reading it.
I must of read it nearly 100 times.
Still, it never tires me.
I was just Finishing chapter 12 and the final chapter when Alice is awoken by her sister with everything she just whiteness being a dream.
Dotty finally enter the room.
"It's time you to prepare for dinner."
Is it.
I look at the clock.
Dotty was correct.
It was 6.30, dinner started in an hour.
John also entered a little after dotty.
This was my first formal dinner on titanic and I wanted to make an impression.
This evening I choose a beautiful gown of royal blue, the empire waist fitted nicely over my bump, the caplet sleeves were made on a net with blue sequins that sparkle, the fishtail end allowed the gown to trail behind me, the skirt had two layers the bottom layer was a simple royal blue satin the second layer was a see-through net-like fabric just like my sleeves that tie was decorated in blue squares of sequins, the net-like fabric fitted to the fishtail perfectly, in the centre around my waist was a band of large Sapphires that separate the filet lace of the bodice form the sequins of the skirt.
(1909 Callot Soeurs royal blue evening gown)
Dotty styled my hair into its familiar undo and added a beautiful hair comb, that was silver and had beautiful sapphires added on.
I slid on my pair of long black gloves that Finished by my elbows.
I added a pair of beautiful silver drop earrings with a flower in the centre at the bottom set with blue and white paste, I also put on a really beautiful gold bangle that had been set with four natural sapphires and five diamonds in between, to complete it I picked A stunning gold festoon necklace set with eighteen well-matched sapphires This is a more unusual design as it has only incorporated sapphires instead of natural split pearls but it was perfect.
I couldn't help but admire myself in the mirror.
Dotty handed me my fan.
John comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist and hugs me from behind.
"You look simply ravishing my love, you almost tempt me to forgo dinner entirely."
John places a small kiss behind my ear.
Ever since I've gotten pregnant our love life had been severely lacking, the doctor advised against intercourse until after the baby was born.
"I did not spend all this time getting myself dressed up to not have dinner."
John untangled himself for me and held out his arm.
"Well, then my dear we best be getting to dinner."
Ladies and gentlemen decked out in their finest littered together in the dining room.
John and I were quick to find our table since we had missed the reception.
We had a shred table with mother, rose, cal and cosmo and Lucy Duff-Gordon.
I was sat next to an unusually Quiet Rose.
Rose was usually a mask of perfection yet this evening I'm not sure but something seemed off.
Rose is staring at her plate, barely listening to the conversation around her.
She would hardly talk, it honestly felt like she were a statue.
She barely ate her food.
Whenever I tried to engage her in conversation she would only stare blankly ahead.
Was she ill?
Lady Duff-Gordon was all the happier to tell me about her latest collection of lingerie.
Halfway through dinner, I would turn to rose only to receive the shock of my life.
Underneath the table holding a tiny fork from her crab salad. She pokes the crab-fork into the skin of her arm, harder and harder until it drew blood.
"Rose!" I quietly hiss not wanting to draw attention.
Rose continued to stare ahead.
It's only when I snatch the fork from her hand does she look at me.
"What are you doing!" I whisper under my breath.
"I don't know." She speaks so quietly I have to strain to hear it.
The moment the plates have been clear Rose excused herself.
Something isn't right.
I turn to John.
"John I'm suddenly feeling tired I think I need to retire for the evening."
John is quick to nod and prepared himself, I stop him.
"Go to the gentlemen's club I shall be fine, I wish for a moment alone."
"Very well, shall I escort you back?"
"No, I'll be fine."
With those parting words, I excuse myself.
I hurry to the elevator and tell him to go to the B-deck.
I walk to rose's suite and walk-in.
There is a commotion coming from the roses bedroom.
Before my knuckles touch the door it swings opens.
On the other side is Rose.
I can only stare in shock and horror.
She is dishevelled, her hair hanging around her face, tears streaming down her face.
What happened?!
"Rose." I squeak out.
Rose just looks at me before uttering words that would forever haunt me.
"I can't do this anymore, I can't live like this. I don't want to live like this anymore."
I'm too shaken to react.
Before I can even comprehend what she just said Rose is rushing past me, her hair flying behind her and she cries.
"Rose!" I shout after her but it's too late she gone.
I go running after her, however, I take one look in the bedroom.
What in gods name happened?!
Pearls litter the floor, roses favourite hand mirror lays on the floor cracked, items of roses clutter the floor.
The mirror on her vanity is cracked.
I hear a gasp behind me.
Trudy is standing at the door covering her mouth in shock.
"Trudy! I think something is wrong with rose, would you please clean this up."
Trudy nods quickly before getting to work, I run out of the room my dress trailing after me.
I need to find Rose before she does something stupid.
My heart pounds in my chest, tears full my eyes.
Spotting an older couple I approach them.
"Pardon me have you seen a young lady with red hair by any chance."
They are taken aback by the panic on my face.
The man nod.
"Only moments ago, a distrust woman with red hair ran into us, quite inappropriate."
"Which way did she go."
"She went to the deck at the front of the ship."
"Thank you."
I hurry off.
I open the gates and descend to what was commonly referred to as the poop deck.
To my horror rose is standing on the rails.
A man I don't know is trying to get her over.
"Rose!" I yell out.
Forgetting I'm with child and in heels, I sprint towards the duo.
Rose looks at me.
"Marigold?"
The stranger looks at me.
I recognised him, the man from this morning.
He slides one step closer to Rose, like moving up on a spooked horse.
"Come on. You don't want to do this.
Give me your hand."
"Please rose." I quiver out.
Rose stares at the man for a long time. She looks at his eyes and then at me.
"Alright."
She unfastens one hand from the rail and reaches it around toward the man He reaches out to take it, firmly.
"I'm Jack Dawson."
Rose's voice was quavering.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr Dawson."
Rose starts to turn As she starts to climb, her dress gets in the way, and one foot slips off the edge of the deck.
She plunges and I scream
Jack is gripping her hand, Rose barely grabs a lower rail with her free hand.
I rush next to jack to assist him.
"HELP! HELP!!" Rose screams
"We've got you. I won't let go." Jack reassured her.
Jack and I hold her hands with all our strength, jack braces himself on the railing with his other hand. Rose I trying to get some kind of foothold on the hull to little success.
Jack tries to lift her bodily over the railing but she can't get any footing in her dress and evening shoes, and she slips back.
Rose screams again.
I'm holding on with all my strength to roses arm the strain on my body starting to affect me.
My hair had come out of its braid was blowing around me, my arms were starting to hurt.
I can't hold on much longer.
Jack is awkwardly clutching Rose by whatever he can get a grip on as she flails.
"We've got to pull."
I use the last of my strength to pull her over the railing.
Once the rose is safely on the deck, my legs give out all three of us fall together onto the deck in a tangled heap, spinning in such a way that Jack winds up slightly on top of both of us.
"Here, what's all this?!"
The crewmen run up and pull jack of the two of us.
This looks bad
Rose dress is torn, and the hem is pushing up above her knees, showing one ripped stocking plus she is crying.
I'm lying next to her, hair tangled in a mess, the sleeve of my dress slipped down exposing my shoulders.
The crewman looks at jack, with his jacket off.
Two seamen chug across the deck to join us.
"Here you, stand back! Don't move an inch!"
The crewman turns to the seamen
"Fetch the Master at Arms."
Now that the panic was over, the events of this evening finally hit me and I start to sob.
Rose was going to kill herself.
My sister wanted to die.
All I can do is sob.
The crewman hunches over.
"Miss! Did he hurt you! Do you need medical attention!"
I just keep uncontrollably sobbing.
Why am I sobbing I have no idea.
I just can't stop.
Perhaps I'm in shock.
The crewman helps both Rose and me to the bench they are quick to wrap blankets around us.
Rose turns to me.
I can't even begin to form words.
I tried to remember all this stress wasn't good for the baby, yet I couldn't seem to control myself.
There are rushing footsteps.
Three familiar men are rushing towards us.
Cal, John and the colonel.
"Marigold!"
John rushed to my side and gathered me into his arms.
I Burrow my head desperate to be as close to him as possible.
"What happened? They told us you and rose had been attacked! are you alright? Is the baby alright?"
I can't answer him.
How can I explain my distress without telling him my sister tried to kill herself.
Jack was being put in handcuffs with an angry cal on his face.
He grabs Jack by the lapels
"What made you think you could put
your hands on my fiancee of her sister?! Look at me, you filth! What did you think you were doing?!"
Rose after refusing whiskey from the colonel interjected.
"Cal, stop! It was an accident."
"An accident?!" Cal asked incredulously.
"It was... stupid really. I was leaning over and I slipped."
Rose looks at Jack and me.
"I was leaning way over, to see
the... ah... propellers. And I slipped and I would have gone overboard... and Mr Dawson here saved me and he almost went over himself, and then marigold saw what was happing and was quick to offer help"
John grasped my face in both hands.
"Is this true?"
Not trusting tanked to speak I nod.
"You wanted to see the propellers?" Cal asked rose.
The colonel was shaking his head.
"Women and machinery do not mix."
I don't even have the energy to rebuff him.
The master at arms turns to Jack
"Was that the way of it?"
Rose is begging him with her eyes not to say what happened.
"Uh-huh. That was pretty much it."
He looks at Rose a moment longer.
The colonel was quick to praise Jack.
"Well! The boy's a hero then. Good for
you son, well done!"
He turns to Cal
"So it's all's well and back to our brandy, eh?"
Jack was uncuffed Cal gets Rose to her feet and moving.
Cal is rubbing her arms
"Let's get you in. You're freezing."
"Ah... perhaps a little something for the boy?" The colonel inquired.
"Oh, right. Mr Lovejoy. A twenty should do it."
"Is that the going rate for saving the
woman you love?" Rose challenged cal.
"Rose is displeased. Mmm... what to do?"
Cal turns back to Jack. He appraises him condescendingly.
"I know Perhaps you could join us for dinner tomorrow, to regale our group with your heroic tale?"
Jack is looking straight at Rose
"Sure. Count me in."
"Good, Settled then."
John holds me against him and walks me back to our room.
Victor, dotty and Caroline are all waiting for instructions.
"Dotty I want you to help dotty change and then go have some tea made please, Victor please tell the gentlemen that I will not be returning tonight, Caroline after marigold is settled would you examine her please, she had suffered severe stress tonight."
All three quickly begin their task.
By now I have stopped crying yet I think I'm still in shock.
Dotty being gentler than I think I've ever seen her, helps me into my nightgown hand brushed my hair.
She helps in onto the bed where Caroline is waiting for me.
Caroline feels around my stomach and indicates to John that the baby and I are fine.
John too had changed into his clothes dismissed everyone else for the evening and climbed into bed with me.
He held me to his chest as I took comfort in the steady beating of his heart.
We don't speak for the rest of the evening we joust hold one another.
Finally, the evening's event catch up to me and I succumb to sleep.
