Ch. 10: An Engagement (Cal's POV)

1914

To Cal's amazement 1913 passed by quickly. Hockley Steel was prospering wonderfully with the partnership with the Dawson Family. And his relationship with Abby was coming along… he wasn't in love yet, but he felt that was changing. He was beginning to care deeply for Abby; their friendship was stronger than ever. He loved how he could talk to Abby about everything, and she would just listen with a non-judgmental ear.

Abby, on the other hand, had now fallen in love with Cal. She was glad that she and Cal agreed to take things slow...now she was sure that if Cal ended up proposing she could say yes with no doubts in her heart. But Abby still felt that she was still competing with Rose's ghost for Cal's heart. It had now been over a year since the Titanic sinking, and Cal still hadn't completely gotten over losing Rose. Abby couldn't hate Cal for it though; she understood that Cal truly had loved his former fiancé, and that her sudden death affected him deeply. She didn't dare ask Cal for details of what happened during the sinking; somehow she knew that it would affect Cal in a negative way.

Abby had slowly heard the rumors of what Cal used to be like before Titanic…. Cal had been known as a pompous bastard, but he had never acted that way with her. Cal was nothing but a gentleman with her, and she appreciated that. Whatever happened on Titanic truly made Cal a different man; he didn't try to control Abby like he tried to do with Rose. He was respectful, and now made a better effort to get to know his future fiancé.

Abby confided in Cal that she dreamed of being a fashion designer, and to her amazement Cal didn't dismiss her dream. Cal honestly thought that Abby was talented and could be wildly successful as a designer. Abby was thrilled that she found someone that wasn't opposed to her dreams, and found herself falling more in love with Cal.

Cal felt that he now had a wonderful relationship with someone that truly loved him. The only thing wrong was that he wasn't completely in love. Cal knew it was crazy… Abby was a better match and she adored him; she was so different than Rose. Cal was slowly opening his heart to Abby, but there was still a piece that was still in love with Rose. He still had his dark days, especially when the 2nd anniversary of Titanic's sinking came around, that threatened to overwhelm him. Abby was now the only person, besides his mother, who could get him to come out of his dark moods. Cal terribly missed Abby whenever she had to return to Boston; she truly became someone special to him and he sincerely liked having her in his life. After a year-long courtship, Cal knew what the next step should be in their relationship.

Nathan was overjoyed that his son was now planning on proposing to Abigail. William Dawson quickly gave Cal his blessing. Both fathers were thrilled that their children would soon be engaged and the alliance between the two families secured.

Cal was nervous and wondering how he was going to propose to Abby. His proposal to Rose was a very public one, and he wanted his proposal to Abby to be different. He already bought Abby's engagement ring, and sincerely hoped that she would accept. Abby was due for a visit within the next few weeks, so Cal began to plan his proposal.

Abby had no idea that Cal was now planning to propose to her; she was just excited to see Cal again after having to stay in Boston for a while. Thanks to Cal's connections, Abby had been talking to several interested designers that wanted to buy some of her designs. She was so happy about the interest, but she did miss Cal. Cal was awfully disappointed when she had to delay her last visit; and frankly she was too. She still couldn't believe that she had now been in a year-long courtship with Cal, and was wondering what the future would hold for them.

Abby arrived to a rather warm reception upon her return to Pittsburgh; she was more than surprised that it was Cal waiting for her at the station, instead of Nathan. She happily hugged Cal and they shared a quick kiss on the platform, not caring if they were caught by photographers.

Cal and Abby made their way to the Hockley mansion, although Cal had to return to work to attend to some business matters. Abby didn't mind and used the time to rest and visit with Elizabeth Hockley. Abby sincerely liked Cal's mother, and had developed a close relationship with the woman. Abby found Elizabeth to be such a warm and loving person, but also wondered how such a nice lady could be married to a cold man as Nathan Hockley. Abby figured that Cal's parents were another arranged marriage, such as her parents were. The only difference was that her father appeared to love her mother, while she heard the rumors of Nathan Hockley's affairs over the years.

Over tea, Abby decided to delicately broach the subject with Elizabeth. Abby needed some reassurances since she had heard of Cal's past romances before his failed engagement. Elizabeth picked up on Abby's mood and asked, "Abigail, child, you seem like you have a lot on your mind."

Abby replied, "I guess I do, Mrs. Hockley. I just don't know where to start." Elizabeth smiled and said, "Now, Abigail, enough of calling me Mrs. Hockley. You and Cal have been courting long enough, that I insist you call me Elizabeth."

Abby returned the smile and said, "Okay Elizabeth; I'm just a little nervous about my relationship with Cal. I've heard stories that Cal was quite the ladies' man when he was younger, and I've heard the rumors that Nathan has had numerous affairs. "

Elizabeth sighed and said, "Yes, it's true… Cal was rather wild when he was at Harvard. His father was furious about his playboy actions, and was ready to disinherit him. Nathan was the one that helped arrange the engagement between Cal and poor Rose."

Abby said, "I figured that it was an arranged engagement when Cal had told me that he loved Rose, but she didn't love him."

Elizabeth nodded and said, "My heart went out to the poor girl; I could tell that Rose wasn't in love with my son. I did my best to advise her; especially when I noticed that Cal had fallen in love. But Cal didn't treat Rose with the respect needed to earn her love…he treated her like she was property. I love my son, but I'm afraid my husband changed him from the young man I raised to be respectful to women to a pompous bastard. Losing Rose shook my son to his core; that's why I'm so happy that he found you. He's changed since Titanic and I'm so happy that he treats you with respect."

Abby smiled and said, "He does; in fact I think he's rather fond of me. I just wish he could love me as much as he loved Rose. I really do love him, but sometimes I feel like I'm competing with a ghost for his love."

Elizabeth said, "My dear, I do believe my son does love you, but he never got closure losing Rose the way that he did. Give him time."

Abby said, "You know that Cal and I might become engaged one day…. How do you manage to make your marriage work; especially being married to a man like Nathan?"

Elizabeth said, "My marriage to Nathan was an arranged one. My father was determined to marry me off to a successful and wealthy tycoon, and jumped at the chance when he heard that Nathan was looking for a bride. Nathan is not a bad man, but he's not exactly warm. I do love him, and then we have Cal. Those are the only reasons how I manage to tolerate my marriage. Nathan has had affairs, and I've threatened him with divorce in the past, but somehow I can't do it. We have an arrangement for when he has affairs; he has to be discreet around me and Cal. His mistresses are not allowed to attend any of the social functions that we host, and they are forbidden from the mansion. You must think that I'm weak, but I'm not going to let his affairs ruin my family. Cal admires his father, but as far I know Cal has been faithful to the women he has courted."

Abby gently touched the woman's hand and said, "I don't think that you are weak. I think you are a strong woman to deal with that. It takes a strong woman to walk away, but it is admirable when that strong woman wants to make her marriage work. I don't know if I could do that."

Elizabeth smiled, and was grateful that Abigail did not judge her. Abby's admiration for the older woman only increased, and she was relieved when she heard that Cal wasn't like his father. Abby could tolerate a lot of things in a relationship, but infidelity was not one of them.

Dinner was pleasant, and the whole group spent time catching up. Cal and his parents were thrilled that Abby's designs were getting interest, and that she appeared to be so happy. Nathan smirked; he would not only have a future daughter-in-law that came from a prestigious family, but she was going to successful on her own merits. This young woman was going to be the perfect addition to the family; he just hoped that Cal wouldn't screw things up like he did with Rose.

After dinner, Cal led Abby outside to the gardens. The gardens became their favorite place on the grounds; it was peaceful and they could talk without being interrupted.

Cal said, "I'm so glad dinner is over. Finally I get a chance to be alone with you." Abby laughed as Cal grabbed her and gave her a gentle kiss.

Abby smiled as she teased, "What's gotten into you Cal? You missed me that much?" Cal was surprised at Abby's tone, but he liked it. He never had this special and friendly relationship with Rose; in fact the way he was acting with Abby secretly reminded him of Rose and Jack's relationship during the dinner.

Cal grinned and said, "Yes, you silly girl. I did miss you. I wish you didn't live so far away… I was hoping to see you when you had to delay your last visit."

Abby replied, "I can't help that I live in Boston… and I am sorry that I had to delay my last visit. I missed you too."

Cal said, "Glad to hear that. I'm so glad that you are starting to get some success with your designs. You just might become world-famous one day."

Abby said, "I would like that. I may not be running my own design studio, but at least I'm starting to get some recognition. Some of my designs are being considered for the next collection, and if they are successful there's a possibility that I'll get asked for more designs. How's work going for you?"

Cal smiled and said, "Well, it is going very well. Steel production is at an all-time high." Abby knew the reason and said, "Because of the wars in Europe…. I just hope our country doesn't get involved just yet."

Cal said, "I never knew you to be so knowledgeable about current events." Abby smiled and said, "I'm more than just a pretty face. I do listen when my father talks about politics and current events at the table. No one ever asks for my opinion though."

They sat down a bench, where Cal had a bouquet of flowers waiting for Abby. Abby saw the bouquet and said, "Cal, these are lovely! Thank you… you really know how to make a girl feel special."

To her greatest surprise, Cal went down on one knee and pulled out a beautiful engagement ring. Cal said, "I was waiting for the right time, but I figured this would be the perfect moment. Abigail Dawson, I really do care about you. You've become my best friend, and I can't imagine not having you in my life. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

Abby had a serene look and said, "I always said that I would never marry unless I was in love. I know you loved Rose… could you ever love me that much?"

Cal said, "I think that I'm already falling in love with you. What I have with you is better. I have a chance at a loving marriage with you."

A huge smile formed on Abby's face. She leaned forward to kiss Cal and said, "Then yes, Cal. Yes! I'll marry you." Cal quickly put the engagement ring on her finger, and pulled his fiancé into another kiss.

Cal was overjoyed and so was Abby. They quickly made their way to the house to share their good news. This was a night that Cal wouldn't forget…. unlike with Rose, he saw that look of love and happiness in Abby's eyes. He finally had a fiancé that truly loved him, and he couldn't wait to start his new life with her.