Author's notes: There are song lyrics included in this chapter. I did some research and found out that 'I Don't Care' was published in 1905, therefore it is in the public domain, while 'Maple Leaf Rag' is only mentioned (and I don't know of it having lyrics anyway). If you want to hear what these sound like, I suggest searching for them on YouTube. There's a nice video on YouTube of Judy Garland singing 'I Don't Care' from the 1949 film 'In the Good Old Summertime."

Also, I took a few liberties with the ship's layout. There probably wasn't a room on Titanic like the one described in this chapter.

Friday, April 12, 1912

Melody spent the morning lying on a deck chair, wrapped up in a shawl, reading her book. She was dozing when Violet came by with Constanza and made her get up to get changed for lunch.

"Now, no arguments!" said Violet. "We need to get you all dolled up for your gentleman friend."

"Vi! He's not my gentleman friend! And it's just lunch!"

"No more bellyachin' out of you, missy," said Constanza. "We want you to look real nice for him. Come on."

They went to the girls' suite and Violet went about the business of helping Grace choose a dress for Melody. Constanza helped Melody out of the dress she wore and tightened the strings on her corset.

"No, no," said Violet. "None of these are any good." She snapped her fingers. "I have the perfect thing!" She dashed out the door and across the sitting room to her own bedroom.

"Now what's that girl up to?" asked Constanza.

Violet came back in holding up her favorite cornflower blue dress that was trimmed with silvery lace.

"Oh no, Vi, that's your favorite dress!"

"Nonsense," said Violet. "It'll look just as good on you, baby sister. Now put it on." She held it so Melody could step into it. Once it was on, Violet buttoned it up expertly. She fluffed out Melody's dark hair with her fingers, straightening the curls. Half of Melody's hair was pinned up with twin mother-of-pearl combs, the rest streaming down her back.

Grace dug through the room's bureau until she pulled out a shawl made of silvery silk. "This will look lovely with it, Miss Melody." She draped it over Melody's shoulders.

Melody turned to look in the mirror while Grace lightly dusted her cheeks with a muted rouge and touched her lips with a light burnt siena. Grace smiled. "Pretty," she said.

Melody smiled back and then started when there was a knock at the door. Violet, who had lit a cigarette, blew out some smoke. "There's your officer, Melly."

Melody headed for the sitting room with Constanza and Violet in tow. Richard stepped through the door. "Right this way, young man," he said, his Texas twang deeper than ever. He smiled when he saw Melody. "You look beautiful honey! I believe this young man is looking for you."

Harold stepped into the room, his face brightening when he saw Melody. He smiled, and Melody felt a twinge of nervousness in her stomach. He was so handsome, more so then she remembered.

"You look wonderful," Harold said, slightly out of breath.

Melody smiled back. "Thank you." She turned to her family. "Momma, Richard, Violet, this is Fifth Officer Harold Lowe. Harold, this is my mother, Constanza, my stepfather, Richard, and my sister, Violet."

Harold gave a little bow. "I'm very pleased to meet all of you."

Constanza spoke up first. "We're really glad to meet you, young man. We arranged for a private table so you and our Melly could be alone."

"And I've got a little surprise comin' for you," said Richard. "Now, let's take these girls to lunch."

Harold offered his arm to Melody. She smiled and took it. Constanza and Violet each took one of Richard's arms and he chuckled while he led them from the room.

They walked to the Parisian café together, Melody and Harold leading the way. Melody could hear Constanza and Violet laughing with Richard, and every so often she heard them mention her or Harold's name. Please don't let them say anything embarrassing, she thought.

When they arrived at the café, Richard gestured to a table for two at the side of the room, while he led Violet and Constanza to another table at the center. Harold pulled out Melody's chair and allowed her to sit before settling into his seat. A waiter rushed over with the bottle of champagne Richard had ordered for them, pouring it into glasses. Melody chuckled and shook her head. Harold looked at her with a slight expression of confusion.

"Richard's surprise," she whispered Melody. Harold nodded in appreciation.

They placed their orders with the waiter. Harold lifted his glass to Melody. "To new friends," he said.

Melody raised hers, clinking it against Harold's. "To new friends." They both sipped at the champagne.

Harold put his glass down. "So, Melody, are you enjoying your trip on Titanic?"

"Oh yes," said Melody. "It's just beautiful. Vi and I are having so much fun."

"I heard your mother and Richard got married six months ago. They decided to have you along on the trip?"

"That's right. We thought they should go alone, but Richard insisted we come along. We traveled all over Europe. It was wonderful."

Harold smiled. "Richard told me your mother had her own business back in the States. What did she do?"

Oh no, thought Melody. What do I say? "Ah . . . She owned a music hall. Violet and I were one of the acts. I played piano and Vi sang."

"That sounds like fun."

"Ah . . . yes. It was. That's how Vi got so good at singing." Well, at least that part isn't a lie. "Momma decided she was tired of working so she shut the place down when she married Richard. The men . . . er, people in town were pretty disappointed."

"I'm sure they were," he said, smiling. "Not able to see your pretty face behind the piano anymore."

Melody blushed and looked at her plate shyly. She still wasn't quite comfortable with being the object of a man's attention.

Their food arrived and they continued to talk, Melody steering the conversation away from her background by asking Harold questions about ships and his time at sea. She was surprised to hear that Harold had run away from home at 14 to become a sailor rather than work in his family's business. Until Richard came along and gave her the opportunity to go to school, Melody had never thought of doing anything besides helping Momma make a living. Still, once again she thanked God for bringing Richard into her life so she wouldn't have to entertain male callers like Violet had.

Melody found herself blushing every time Harold smiled at her, but she couldn't help but make eye contact with him and smile back. His smile melted her heart. She was no longer able to pretend to be coy around him. He seemed so genuine he'd taken down all of Melody's boundaries. She only wanted to be herself around him.

When lunch was finished, Harold got up and pulled back Melody's chair for her, offering his hand to help her up. Melody smiled and took it, getting to her feet. Before she could take Harold's arm to let him walk her out of the dining room, Constanza came over.

"Oh no you don't missy," she said with a gleam in her eye. "You've had this sweet boy wrapped around your little finger all through lunch. I could see it clear from our table. He's gonna walk me out."

"But Momma . . ." Melody couldn't stand to think of what Constanza might say to Harold. Whatever it was it had to be embarrassing.

"Don't Momma me. You go walk with Richard and Vi."

Melody sighed. "Yes Momma."

Harold winked at her, letting her know not to worry. Constanza linked arms with Harold and immediately began chattering away. "Did I tell you my Melly can play the piano? She always used to play at home, and she . . ."

Melody sighed again and walked over to Richard and Violet. Violet was already on Richard's right arm, grinning impishly at Melody.

"What Vi?"

"Oh nothin'. Momma's just butterin' him up right good for you. Next she'll tell him what a great dancer you are and how many books you read each month."

"That's what I was afraid of."

Richard laughed. "Oh, sweet Melly, don't be so cross. Your Momma's just so proud of you she could burst. She's proud of both of you. Now. . ." he held out his left arm to Melody. "May I have the pleasure of escortin' such a fine young woman from the dining room?"

Melody brightened. "I'd like that." She took Richard's arm.

They strolled through the hallways until they reached the grand staircase. Violet stopped in her tracks, her smile bright. "There's James," she breathed. James stood at the base of the staircase, talking with another officer. They finished their conversation and James looked up, with a smile and wave for Violet.

Richard chuckled. "Look at that boy smile at you, Vi. What are you standin' here for? Go over to him."

Violet smiled at Richard and went over to James.

Harold looked at Constanzaa and nodded. "If you'll excuse me, Mrs. Pembry, I would like to take your daughter around the ship. It was a pleasure talking with you. Thank you for allowing me to spend time with your charming Melody today."

Constanza winked at him. "The pleasure's mine, darlin'. I'm just glad to see my girls have a good time."

"When shall we have them home?"

Constanza laughed. "Whenever you wanna bring 'em home, darlin'! My girls can do what they want. Just don't let 'em talk you into anything too crazy." Constanza chucked Harold under the chin with one slim, white hand. Richard came behind her and put his hands on her waist, smiling at Harold. "Now you go on. You and that nice James boy show my girls a good time."

Richard kissed Constanza's cheek. "Quit yammerin' at the poor boy, Stanzie. They don't have all day to spend talking to old people."

"Who you callin' old, Richard Pembry?" Momma shot back, playfully slapping Richard away. "You'll be sleepin' on that couch before too long."

Richard grabbed Constanza's hand. "Come on Stanzie. Let's go find us some gin and take a walk."

"Now you're talkin'. See you later, children," Constanza drawled, allowing Richard to lead her in the direction of one of the first class lounges.

Melody let out an exasperated sigh, but smiled at Harold. "I apologize for Momma. She won't stop talkin' when she's had a little to drink."

Harold smiled back. "There's nothing to apologize for, Melody. Your mother is a fine woman. I haven't met any women in first class who are so free-spirited."

Melody smiled, her annoyance at Momma giving way to affection. "That's Momma all right."

"What are you two standin' around for?" asked Violet, who had come over with James in tow. "I found a room with a piano in it. Ain't nobody in there. One of the stewards is bringin' us some gin. Come on!" She whirled around and she and James strode off across the hall in front of the staircase, laughing together.

Melody shook her head, rolling her eyes, but she followed Violet. Harold offered his arm and she took it, smiling.

The room Violet had found was right nearby. It wasn't very large, but it had hardwood floors, and just like Constanza's dance hall, there was a small, raised stage at one end. A black grand piano sat near it. "Wow," said Melody. She left Harold's side and ran to the piano, sitting down on the bench. She picked out a few keys. "I haven't played in so long."

A steward came in with a tray bearing a bottle of gin and four glasses. He sat it on the end of the piano and poured the gin into the glasses. Violet pulled some money out of her handbag and handed it to the man. "Thanks darlin'," she said before taking one of the glasses and stepping into the stage. The steward left the room.

"'I Don't Care', Melly! Play it!" said Violet, finishing her glass in only a couple of swallows. Melody laughed and began playing the song. Violet began to sing:

I don't care,
I don't care,
What they may think of me.
I'm happy go lucky,
Men say I am plucky,
So jolly and care free.
I don't care,
I don't care,
If I do get the mean and stony stare.
If I'm never successful,
It won't be distressful,
'Cos I don't care.

The men took their glasses and Harold brought one over to the piano bench for Melody, sitting it down. Melody took it and threw back a big swallow, still playing the piano perfectly. She looked up at Harold with a proud grin. "Thank you," she said. Harold grinned and sat down next to her, taking a small swallow from his glass. He never much liked the taste of alcohol, and felt strange about drinking even if he was off duty. He would have one glass though, since Violet had ordered the gin for them. He took his hat off and lay it on the top of the piano.

Jim was staring up at Violet as she sang. A bemused but enthralled smile played over his face. "Look at him," said Melody. "He's completely smitten."

Harold laughed. "I can't say I blame him. Your sister is really something."

"She's somethin' all right. I don't know what exactly, but she's somethin'."

"I can tell you are very close with her."

"We are. I've always wished I was more like Vi, confident like her."

"You seem confident."

"I'm a good actress."

"You shouldn't feel inadequate. You're intelligent and talented. You should be proud of yourself."

"I just never feel as comfortable with people as Vi does is all."

"Do you feel comfortable with me?"

Melody smiled warmly at Harold. "Yes."

Harold lay a hand on Melody's shoulder. "Good." Melody beamed at him and continued to play. Violet began singing the final verses of the song:

I don't care,
I don't care,
If my hair is not dressed swell;
I've got no kick coming -
It's vastly becoming,
And suits my face so well;
I don't care,
I don't care,
I know that style like mine
Is mighty rare.
So no one can "Phase" me,
By calling me "Crazy,"
'Cos I don't care.

As Violet finished the last verse she blew James a kiss. James applauded and Violet made a show of curtseying for him. He went up to the stage, where Violet put her arms around his neck. He picked her up and spun her around (Violet squealed) before setting her down on the floor.

Melody laughed and picked out a few bars of 'The Entertainer' on the piano.

"I've never heard music like this," said Harold.

"I guess you haven't, working on ships all the time. This is the stuff I learned when Momma still ran her place. I played the piano a lot. Vi's a better singer than I am. We kept that hall full every night we were open. We danced onstage a lot too, and when I danced this lady they called 'Pinto Kate' played the piano. She's the one that taught me to play. She said I was better than she was, but I don't think so."

"You are very good."

"Thank you Harold," Melody said.

"Um, excuse me?" said a voice behind them. They all turned to look. A pretty girl with red hair stood in the doorway. She wore a demure white dress trimmed with lace, a rose-colored sash around her waist. "May I come in?"

Violet smiled brightly, her arm draped over James' shoulder. "Sure honey! Come on in."

The girl came in and shut the door behind her. "Thank you." She came over by the piano and looked at Violet. Her eyes were sad.

Violet's face fell with concern. "What's wrong honey? Someone walk over your grave?"

The girl sighed. "I'm just trying to have some time to myself, but my fiancé has his awful valet following me everywhere. I finally managed get away from him but knew he'd find me again if I didn't hide."

Violet smiled. "Well, darlin', you've come to the right place. We're just playin' some music and havin' a little fun." She strode over to the girl and offered her hand. "I'm Violet Jackson and this is my sister Melody. The man with Melody is Fifth Officer Harold Lowe, and this . . . " she smiled over at James ". . . handsome thing right here
is Sixth Officer James Moody."

"Charmed," said the girl, shaking Violet's hand. "I'm Rose Dewitt Bukater."

"Ooohh . . ." breathed Violet. "You're the one marryin' that Cal Hockley. Momma and I read about it in the society papers."

Rose frowned. "Right."

Violet patted Rose's hand. "I can tell you aren't favorably impressed."

Rose chuckled ruefully. "You might say that."

Violet smiled encouragingly. "Well, have some fun with us for a while, honey." Violet spun around and got back up on the stage, turning to Melody at the piano. "Come on Melly, play 'Maple Leaf Rag'!"

Melody laughed and began playing the opening bars. Violet poured herself another glass of gin, throwing it back and putting the glass back on the tray. She stood up and began to dance like she did back in the dance hall, wobbling her hips from side to side, shaking her
shoulders. She grinned wantonly at James, spinning around and stomping her heels on the floor. She gestured for Rose to come over. "Come on honey, come up here."

Rose, who looked unsure of herself, walked to the stage and stepped up next to Violet. Violet smiled at her, continuing to dance. "It's all right honey, just start moving your hips, like this, and just let the music take you." Rose did as Violet said, following Violet's movements as she performed the steps, moving from the front to the middle of the stage and back again, just like the dances they performed at Constanza's dance hall.

Soon Rose seemed to be enjoying herself. She followed Violet's lead, taking to it as if she'd been dancing like this her entire life. Harold and James laughed and smiled, enjoying watching the two beauties move across the stage.

"You're a natural, Rose!" Melody called. Rose beamed. Melody continued to play, her fingers flying expertly over the keyboard as she churned out the complex bars of Maple Leaf Rag. Harold turned and smiled at Melody, and she smiled back brightly. He slipped one arm around her waist, resting his hand on her hip. Melody bit her lip shyly, but she
couldn't deny that she enjoyed his touch.

"Just what is going on here?!!" demanded a voice from the direction of the door.

Melody stopped playing and they all turned. A splendidly dressed older woman with hair the color of Rose's stood in the doorway, a scowl on her face.

Rose stopped dead in her tracks. "Mother," she breathed.

Violet had mostly stopped dancing, but was still rocking her hips slightly, her face pink from the gin. "That your Momma?"

Rose nodded as her mother strode toward the stage, grabbing her hand and forcing her to get down to the floor. "It is time for you to take a nap before dinner," she hissed, "What do you mean gyrating around like some common burlesque performer? Letting these officers see you this way?"

"Hey, Miz Bukater, there's no reason to get upset," said Violet. "We was just havin' some fun. Rose didn't do nothin' wrong."

"And you are?" said Mrs. Bukater, her eyes fierce.

Violet smiled. "I'm Violet Jackson, ma'am. That's my sister Melody at the piano. And these men are . . ."

"I know who they are," Mrs. Bukater said. "Jackson, is it? Aren't you Richard Pembry's stepdaughters?"

"That's right ma'am," answered Violet, trying to sound as polite as possible.

"I see," said Mrs. Bukater. "Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of your . . . exertions. If you'll excuse us, we need to go make ready for dinner. Come along, Rose." She turned and stomped toward the door, pulling Rose with her. Rose turned and mouthed 'I'm sorry' over her shoulder as she went.

The girls could hear Mrs. Bukater start in on Rose in a hushed voice as soon as they turned away. "How dare you, Rose? I don't want to see you spending any more time with those . . . girls. Their mother owned a brothel in Texas. That Violet was a prostitute and the sister danced half-naked for sinful men. What kind of image do you think it projects for you to be around girls like that, dancing to that common music? I don't care if their stepfather is a millionaire, they are still trash. They. . ." Mrs. Bukater continued her stream of insults as the two women reached the door.

Violet sneered, pulling out her cigarette holder out and fitting a cigarette into it. "Old bitch."

Mrs. Bukator stopped, and they saw her suck in a breath, her shoulders rising. They then dropped, and Mrs. Bukator continued out of the room, pulling Rose with her.

Jim's face was getting red. "How can you let her talk about you like that?"

Violet struck a match and lit her cigarette, puffing away hungrily. She blew out the smoke before answering. "Oh, please. I been called a lot worse back in Texas. Momma always told me not to worry what people said about us, so I don't." She turned to Melody. "Ain't that right. . . hey, Melly."

Melody's head was hung in shame, tears welling in her eyes. Harold's jaw was set in anger, but he said nothing--he only sat next to her, one of her hands in his. He was rubbing her back with his free hand.

Violet's face fell. "Aw, Melly, don't let that nasty old biddy get to you. She don't know nothin'."

"Is that really what people think of us? That we're trash?" Melody sniffed. Melody was more upset that Harold had heard what Mrs. Bukator said about their lives before Richard came along. He was sure to avoid her now that she knew that they'd been raised in a brothel and groomed to be courtesans.

Violet came over to the piano and patted Melody's shoulder. "Oh, darlin'. Since when do you care what people think?"

Melody sighed painfully. "I'm not used to being around people like this."

Violet smiled weakly. "Neither am I, Melly. So I fake it, and have as much fun as I can."

Melody stood. "I need some air. Will you come with me, Harold?"

"Of course," he said, helping her up from the piano bench. She took his arm as he led her from the room and out to the deck.

"Don't forget to get dressed before dinner Melly!" called Violet. She looked at James, smiling weakly. "My sister's kinda sensitive."

James frowned. "I can't say I blame her. Some of these people can be ruthless if they feel someone doesn't belong with them."

Violet stepped toward him. "I just hope Melly can learn to ignore 'em." She draped her arms around his shoulders and smiled. "Another thing Momma taught me? Never let 'em see you cry. So I ain't cryin'." She leaned forward and kissed Jim softly. He gasped a little, but responded, his hands slipping around Violet's waist.

Several minutes later, Violet broke the kiss and pulled back to look at James. She backed up to the piano, bracing her arms on it and pulling herself up to sit on it.

"Go lock the door," she whispered, winking at him. Her hand slipped up her back and she began to unbutton her dress. The silken fabric slipped from her shoulders.

James obliged her.

"So, where did you grow up?" asked Harold, as they strolled on the first class promenade. He felt uncomfortable. Melody was obviously hurt by the things Mrs. Bukater had said. If they were true, it would not bother him, but he had to admit he was curious about Melody's background.

"In Austin, Texas. Momma moved us to Houston some years ago. Someone struck oil there in 1901 in a town called Beaumont. They called the site of the strike Spindletop. After that Momma made lots of money at her business," she sighed. "You might as well know. Momma was a madam before Richard came along."

"A madam?"

"What Mrs. Bukater said is true. Momma didn't own a music hall. She ran a brothel and dance hall."

"Oh," he said nervously.

"Momma had been in that business since she was nineteen. Our dad got killed in a shootout."

"I'm so sorry."

"Nothin' to be sorry over. I never knew my dad, and Vi barely remembers him. Our Meemaw Charlotte was always around to take care of us when Momma couldn't. That's what Violet called our grandmother when she was little because she couldn't say 'grandma.' Meemaw was a midwife when she was younger, by the time our dad was killed she was too old to deliver babies or even teach Momma how. Momma decided to go work at one of the dance halls in town. She made so much money so fast that she ended up buying her own place and hiring girls to work in it. Momma's lifestyle actually wasn't a bad way to grow up. We were never hungry, Momma bought us lots of dolls and pretty clothes. We could have afforded second class on this ship. We did work when we got older, though."

"Work?"

"Well, after Meemaw died, when Vi got old enough, she sold herself like Momma used to before she got her own house and had the other girls come live with us. Momma never made us do anything, we both chose to work to help her."

Harry swallowed. "And did you . . . do what Violet did?"

Melody shook her head. "No. I only danced. Onstage mostly, and men would pay me to dance with them and drink with them and stuff. Momma said I was too young, but the other girls told me things I could do when I got older."

"Oh? Like what?"

Melody swallowed and looked down at the deck. "Ways to pleasure men."

Harry suddenly began to cough.

Melody's face fell. "Oh God, I've embarrassed you."

"No, no! Not at all Melody." His face was red.

Melody sighed and turned to face Harold. "Look, if you are ashamed to be with me because of what we used to be, you don't need to spend time with me. I'll understand."

He gripped her arms. "No, Melody, no. It's just . . . I've never met a girl like you before. I didn't know women . . . did things like that because they wanted to."

Melody gave a small smile. "Some do. And some, like me and Violet, just don't mind. We did it to help Momma. I grew up around it. It wasn't an easy life, but it was easier than some. And now I won't have to live that way. Richard is a good man. He loves Momma, and he loves us. He wants us to have a better life." She smiled at Harry. "You don't . . . feel ashamed to be with me?"

Harold smiled, far more confidently this time. "Not at all."

Melody brightened. "Oh, I'm so glad."

Harold stroked Melody's arms through the lacy sleeves of her dress. "Melody, you're the sweetest lady I've ever seen. The other first class girls on this ship look at me as if I'm something horrible that they've stepped in. But you, you've done nothing but smile at me since you met me."

Melody lay her hands on Harold's shoulders. "Why wouldn't I? You're a kind person. Momma always taught us to treat people with kindness, especially other kind ones."

Harold smiled and reached out to run a finger over Melody's cheek. "Your mother is a smart lady."

"Yes, she is. But it's not just what Momma taught me." Melody smiled, reaching up to touch Harold's face as well. "I've only known you a little while, but I feel like I've known you forever. I really like you."

Harold's eyes softened. "I feel like I've always known you, too." Harold tilted his head to one side, a small smile on his lips. "May I kiss you?"

No man had ever asked Melody that before. She smiled, feeling tears threaten to well up again, but this time, from happiness. "Yes."

Harold leaned in, taking her face in his hands, and kissed her softly. Melody gasped a little. She'd kissed plenty of the men at Momma's dance hall, but none of their kisses had been this gentle. She leaned into it, enjoying the sensation of his soft lips against hers.

They gently explored each others mouths, Melody's fingers entwining in Harold's hair. His hands slipped down to her waist to gently hold her. After several minutes, bells sounded on the ship. Harold pulled back, an expression of disappointment on his face. "I'm sorry, Melody, but I'm afraid I must go. I have to relieve someone on the bridge."

Melody's face fell. "I understand. Duty calls."

"May I see you again?"

Melody smiled. "Oh, absolutely."

"I am off tomorrow night. May I meet you outside the first class dining room after dinner?"

"Oh, yes."

Harold took Melody's face in his hands and kissed her once more. "It is forever until then," he said with a smile. He turned and strode purposefully down the deck, though Melody couldn't help notice the spring in his step.

She leaned against the deck railing, still feeling light-headed from Harold's kiss. Suddenly she squealed like a young girl, her hands going up to her face. "I'm in love," she whispered to herself.