Part 2

It took at least two wrong turns before Elizabeth finally found the right corridor but soon enough she found her room and couldn't have been more happy to be in a confined space. When she entered Cathleen and Phillip were in quite the heated kiss but she couldn't have cared one bit as she leant back against the door, her eyes closing as the two lovers broke apart "I should have stayed in England!" she cried as she brought her hand to her forehead.

Cathleen who's cheeks were as red as tomatoes straightened out her clothes before approaching her friend "What is it mam?" she asked as Phillip disappeared off into another room.

"Why did i think that I could escape it all, escape him, especially on this ship" she muttered to herself.

Cathleen shook her head confused "I don't understand"

Finally opening her eyes she looked at Cathleen's confused face "He's here, on the ship. Thomas Andrews" she whispered.

Cathleen's eyes opened wide "Well I'll be god damned!" she said as Elizabeth literally felt apart in front of her "I thought he wasn't boarding Titanic, hence why we came?"

"I thought so too and it seems I am damned. And not only that but he asked me to join him for dinner tonight" she said before walking over to the couch in the middle of her room and flopping down on it in the most un lady like manner.

Cathleen's eyebrows were now hitting the ceiling if possible as she followed Elizabeth to the couch, shifting the woman's legs to sit down before laying them on top of her lap. Any proper woman who walked in now would have fainted at the sight of them lounged over each other, but to both of them this was normal.

"Well we will just have te have ye looking your absolute best, but with your beauty ye do that anyway" Cathleen tried to cheer her up.

Elizabeth laughed "Then how is it that you are practically married and I am still not?" she asked lightly.

"Because ye are stubborn" she teased back.

Elizabeth smiled but knew the true reason, they did not speak it aloud but they both knew. Her heart was already taken; she just could not show it.

"Come now, no sadness!" Cathleen said trying to cheer up her younger friend "We are on this mighty fine ship and I would very much like te see it!" she said getting up.

Elizabeth sighed and got up as well "It really is beautiful" she said as she linked arms with her slightly taller maid before making their way out into the corridors. They started to make their way up to the upper decks when Cathleen spoke.

"Though I have no objections as ye are my best friend but I think that others of the first class will frown upon us linkin' arms" she said trying not to get Elizabeth caught up in any more gossip, the lord knew she already got enough.

Elizabeth smiled at Cathleen's concern "Cathleen my dear friend, we are on a ship to America where I planned to escape from the man I cannot have, yet here he is anyway and I have already used god's name in vain. I truly do not think it matters anymore" she said and Cathleen looked down at her in sympathy.

"But what of the gossip?"

Elizabeth sighed "Let them talk, this is a new beginning, as soon as I get to America I most likely won't see half of these people again and even if I do it will probably only be in passing. Besides you deserve more than any of these people to be treated like royalty, even more so than me" Elizabeth said as people with small hand luggage passed them, finding their way to their rooms.

Cathleen laughed "No, ye are certainly deservin' enough, I think we're about equal" she replied.

Elizabeth smiled "Besides your company and conversation is more exciting than anything in first class" she said looking at the huge crowd down below "I think we will be leaving the dock soon" she stated.

Cathleen nodded "Looks like mam"

They were just watching the men draw back the bridges when two roughish looking men rushed across it, they quickly showed them their tickets and though it was quite far down Elizabeth swore she heard on of the crewmen ask if they had been through inspection and of course the good looking blond man lied through his teeth.

Cathleen and Elizabeth laughed as they watched the two excited third class passengers board "Looks like we are leaving" she whispered before backing away from the side of the boat, letting the accumulating passengers gather at the rails to wave goodbye.

Cathleen watched as Elizabeth retreated and followed her slowly, allowing her space.

Elizabeth put her hand to her stomach and breathed in, allowing everything in this one moment to engulf her. This was it, there was no going back, Titanic was taking her to her new home, her new future and destiny wherever that my lead. She didn't know what lay ahead only that she along with the thousands of souls on board awaited an unknown new world and she hope and prayed to god that things would turn out okay.

Turning back round Cathleen smiled at her but it was not her gaze she was fixed on, there, standing not too far away just merely gazing at her was Thomas. Time seemed to stand still, everyone's shouting and bustling around to wave goodbye to their loved ones was shut out. And then as if no time had passed between them he held out his hands motioning to the ship him silently saying 'This is it'

She nodded in return and gently raised her hands and clapped silently three times 'Well done' she silently sent back with a gentle smile.

He looked towards the waving crowds 'Don't you wish to wave goodbye?'

She got his message as he looked back at her and she shook her head.

He frowned and rose an eyebrow in question but again she shook her head.

He nodded in understanding and she assumed was about to silently say something else when an officer whispered something in his ear, calling him away. With a final nod of his head towards her he left, her head and heart standing still unsure of what she felt.

How could he do this to her? She had been here barely an hour and already she was tumbling down the hill towards him once again. She couldn't describe it, couldn't define it but somehow she felt drawn to him. Oh what torture it had been to see him marry Helen, the only thing that made it somewhat easier to bear was the fact she already knew Helen and already held a great dislike for the woman. She was too sweet, too complying, always there and ready to do any man his bidding, it made her feel ill.

Cathleen who had crossed the short distance between them nudged her with her elbow, shaking her from her thoughts "What exactly what that about?" she said her Irish accent washing over her.

Elizabeth had no explanation and shook her head "I honest have not the faintest idea Cathleen, not the faintest idea at all" she siad as she still looked at the place where he had stood.

"But there was something. Oh mam I could see sparks flying and…"

"Cathleen! Hold your tongue!" Elizabeth interrupted, her rage showing "There was nothing, there is nothing, you are my dearest friend but you also have to remember your place sometimes!" she snapped before pushing past everyone.

Cathleen sighed. On most days and on most subjects Cathleen could talk as she wished and give her opinions and Elizabeth would not mind, she encouraged it even. But not this time, not this subject, this matter was too roar and tender.

-TITANIC-

Elizabeth made her way through the crowds and finally into to the less crowded corridors. She needed space and time to think. To be honest it was pretty straight forward, but the heart and emotions she contained within always made things far too complicated. In brief it was obvious, nothing could ever happen between them, he was married end of. But her mind kept picking away, asking questions, thinking far too much in her opinion.

She sighed and leant against one of the walls for a moment trying breathe a little deeper and calm herself. It was just a trip, enjoy yourself she thought.

"Miss Harlington?"

A pristine voice that she had no doubt was born and bred in the high society called out to her. Straightening and turning to her left she was met by two red haired women, obviously mother and daughter, the Bukater's? She did not know the family well but she had seen them in passing at parties and meals and of course everyone who was anyone or had at least had a mouth spouted on about their little predicament. Mr Bukater, had been charming down to a fault but unfortunately had a gambling problem which he had kept well hidden, or so he thought. His sudden death a few months ago had left his wife and daughter in the most precarious position with only their high society name to which they clung to.

"Yes, Mrs Bukater is it not?" she said holding out her hand.

The shorter woman smiled and shook her hand lightly "Yes. It is so nice to meet you Miss Harlington, though I did not realise you would be boarding the Titanic" she said politely.

Elizabeth smiled "I decided only a month or so ago. I felt like a change and what better ship than the Titanic to take me on" she said before her eyes flicked to the beautiful taller woman next to her "You must be Rose?" she said politely.

Rose smiled "A pleasure to meet you Miss Harlington" she said with a quick bow of the head, it was quite obvious she was bored.

"Call me Elizabeth, please. I was never fond of titles. Elizabeth will do nicely though" she said smiling at the young girl.

Rose smiled back, liking the spunk in this woman.

Elizabeth turned back to her mother "So I take it you will be returning to America then Ruth?"

Ruth moved a strand of hair from her face and nodded "Yes, I am afraid so, though England has been lovely" she replied.

"Have you been to your rooms yet?" Elizabeth asked.

"No yet. We have been looking around as our staff moves all of our luggage to our rooms" she said as if she were the queen of Sheba.

Elizabeth held back her tongue and instead indulged the woman "You are wise Ruth. We wouldn't want all those maids and what not running around like they have no head"

Ruth smiled "Quite right"

Elizabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes bout noticed that Rose did so instead and she couldn't help the small smile that reached her lips "I believe that you are having dinner with The Captain and Mr Andrews tonight?"

Rose whom was obviously bored moved to look out the window just to their left but Ruth ignored her and continued "We are, will you be joining us?"

Elizabeth nodded "I will, Mr Andrews politely asked me to come and I saw no reason to refuse" she said watching Rose out of the corner of her eye.

"Oh wonderful, then it will be a night to remember"

Just then Rose found her voice "Oh and please do tell us how so mother" she snapped.

Ruth was in shock and went to reply but nothing came out. Elizabeth stepped forward and smiled at Rose "I think your mother meant to imply that we are all together, first class second class and third, finally travelling on this fine ship Mr Andrews built and we will all have a splendid time this evening" she finished "Now Mrs Bukater, Miss Bukater I have things still to unpack and a whole ship to see so if you would excuse me" she said bowing politely before leaving the two women.

She sighed as she walked off, small talk was such a strain. No one here talked freely, well some did but most talked of frivolous things that could bore you to death.

After 20 minutes of walking around inside the ship she decided to go back outside but this time down to the lower decks of the third class. Smiled as she came through the gates, watching as small children played with their sisters, brothers, mothers and fathers. That's what she loved when she went to a class below her, no one was afraid to show their emotions or fool around, no facades, no stiff annoying posture or gossip. Then again you could get gossip whatever class you were in.

She walked along the decks just simply watching the folks around her when a ball hit her foot. The child who had been playing with it stiffened and stopped when Elizabeth picked it up.

"Is this by any chance yours?" she asked the small blond boy.

He nodded and Elizabeth chuckled as she walked over to him before bending down to his height as she gave him back the ball "Here you go" she said her voice kind and soft as the boy took it gently.

"Thank you lady"

"Do you have a name?" she asked, the slow hum of the ships propellers resounding around them as they made their way to Cherbourg.

"Tim" he said shyly.

She smiled and ruffled his hair "May i ask where your mother Tim?" she asked.

Tim turned and pointed to where a brown haired woman stood watching with curiosity. Tim turned back to her and cocked his head "You're clean"

Elizabeth laughed "Well thank you"

"My mommy says if you're clean that mean you firwst class" he said as he prodded her cheek.

Elizabeth looked to his mother and then back at him "Yes I am. But I like it much better down here"

He smiled "Will you play with me?"

Just then his mother stepped forward "No Timmy she can't…"

"I would love to" Elizabeth interrupted as Tim cheered with delight. She looked at Tim's mother who looked at her with confusion but then smiled as Elizabeth assured her it was fine.

For at least half an hour Elizabeth played catch with the boy, third class people often coming up to his mother and whispering words of question which she would answer with a shrug of the shoulders. Elizabeth threw the ball back a final time when Cathleen who had been looking high and low for Elizabeth finally found her and called her name.

She looked back at her maid whose eyebrow was raised. Elizabeth smiled before going to Tim for a moment.

"Today has been wonderful Tim but I've got to go now but can you make me a promise?" she asked her voice making it out as though it was the most important thing in the world.

Tim smiled from ear to ear, the deep dimples in his cheeks showing as he nodded.

"Could I possibly play with you another day?" she said and Tim nodded enthusiastically.

Getting up she gave a polite nod to his mother before running off up the steps into first class.

Cathleen who was waiting at the top sighed "What are ye doin'?" she said annoyed "I have been traipsing all over for ye, I should have known ye would be down here"

Elizabeth smiled and linked arms with Cathleen as she spoke "Everyone is so much nicer down there, up here it's so stiff. Of course I can be stiff too but not today, today I just needed to, I don't know, breathe almost" she finished with a sigh.

The walked along the upper decks idly chatting and telling jokes and people passed them, either looking around or settling in, either way the rest of the afternoon passed nicely and by evening they were at Cherbourg, more passengers boarding the ship. Its final pick up destination would be Ireland tomorrow morning and then after straight long ocean towards America.

-TITANIC-

Elizabeth stepped into the cream dress before Cathleen tied it at the back. It was short sleeved and though its main colour was cream it had intricate brown patterns coming up from the hem to the bodice. It flowed beautifully, defining and caressing her womanly curves. The top layer dipped to her stomach but the layer bellow covered her chest yet leaving a nice amount of her chest and neck exposed, it truly was a divine dress.

She got up, her long curly hair flowing down her back and spun around "What do you think?" she said when she finally looked at Cathleen.

"Oh ye look just beautiful, like your wrapped in silk and lace!" she said and she circled her "Now come sit, let me do you hair" she said as she walked over to the chair.

Elizabeth sat back down and let Cathleen meddle with it for a while "Let put a look on that man's face that you will never forget!" she said as she brushed Elizabeth's hair to one side.

Elizabeth rose an eyebrow "Cathleen" she warned.

Cathleen laughed and picked up the beautiful slides that lay on her dressing table before pushing one into the back and one into the front so Elizabeth's long hair tumbled down the side of her "I know, I know, I'm just teasing. But trust me when I say peoples jaws will drop when you walk in that room" she said as she looked her over.

"I'm not that dressed up"

"Maybe, but you're still beautiful" she said as she smiled at her handy work "Yes, beautiful indeed"

Elizabeth smiled and looked in the mirror. Her hair was elegantly pushed to the side and a two small pearl earing's adorned her ears. Just lower a small gold locket hung gracefully around her neck finishing her elegant but simple look.

Looking closely in the mirror she could almost see a flame in her eyes, a flame that held such passion. She closed them shutting out what she had seen, she knew why it was there, knew who had put it there. Get a grip of yourself girl she thought, its only been a day!

Opening them again she was glad to find no flame or spark hiding inside them, only her "I suppose it's time to go then" she said as she got out of her chair and quickly picking up her shawl.

Giving Cathleen a quick hug she made her way down to the dining room where she assumed everyone would be waiting. She was walking rather quickly as she knew she was late, something she hated to be and just as she turned a corner her shawl fell off.

"Oh no let me get that for you hun" a large woman dressed in a beautiful red dress said, her thick American accent rolling off her tongue as she bent down to pick up her cream shawl.

The woman handed it back to her and Elizabeth nodded in thanks "Thankyou err…?"

"Margret Brown, but you can call me Molly, everybody does!" she said as she stuck out her hand.

Elizabeth shook it softly "Elizabeth Harlington, pleased to meet you and thank you for picking up my shawl" she said immediately liking the woman. The woman stuck out like a sore thumb, her grammar undefined and her mannerisms a little rusty but she seemed like a kind and true lady and Elizabeth took a fondness to her instantly.

"Oh it's no problem…. Elizabeth Harlington, I recognise the name" Molly said as she chewed her lip desperately trying to find where she knew the name from and suddenly it clicked "OH you're the…" she stopped short as she looked at the woman.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow as a smile tugged at her lips "Its fine you can say it. I'm the woman whom everyone thinks will forever be a spinster" she said in tease.

Molly laughed "Well I don't why, with your looks you could pick up any man you like. But I respect a girl who doesn't necessarily do what other people expect, shows she has back bone, I like people with back bone" she said and Elizabeth laughed.

"Well then I think you and I will get along just fine. I was just about to join a few friends of mine for dinner, would you care to join us?" she asked.

Molly beamed "Well sure" she said as they linked arms "As long as the conversation isn't too dull" she pointed out though.

Elizabeth laughed again "I'm sure if it is we can think of a way to spice it up a little"

Authors note: Not really sure about this but let's see what happens. Please please review, it's always a pleasure to hear what you think! :D Oh and i'm sorry for any spelling mistakes in this chapter and my last chapter!