Chapter 8: We Meet Again
April 12th 1912
Gabriella Macy sulked in disgust. That idiotic hussy of a maid had not been at her disposal this morning.
Pacing about, she suddenly came up with the idea to request Mr. Andrews' services.
She went down the hall, and nearly bumped into Ruth DeWitter.
"Oh! Beggin' yer pardon, miss" Ruth murmured.
"Humph! Stupid maid...watch where you're going!" Gabriella huffed.
Ruth looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Now see here, young lady. I may be hired to tend to yer needs, but that doesn't mean that ye don't owe me, or my daughter for that matter, any respect!"
Gabriella glared at her, folding her arms. "Hmm...yes, and it's that same attitude that will get you both fired!"
Gabriella pranced down the hall toward Thomas Andrews' office.
Ruth's heartbeat quickened, but she was too old and too mature to get down on her knees and beg anyone mortal, that is, for anything.
"Oh, Lord, if ye can hear me, please help us now" Ruth shook her head, making her way to the other side of the A-deck to begin her mending duties.
Thomas Andrews' Office
Thomas Andrews sighed as he looked over the shipbuilder's blueprints for what seemed the millionth time, in reality, it had been.
Despite the fact that Titanic was known as the 'unsinkable ship', that didn't mean that she was uncapable of sinking.
Thomas shuddered with the thought. The Lord forbid that anything happen to the vessel that was in fact made of iron, and truly was capable of sinking. He wanted everyone to get off board safely, however, due to the vast amount of people on board, 2,200 souls to be exact, and the few twenty lifeboats allowed on board, the maximum allowed by his firm, Harland and Wolfe, in truth allowed only approximately half of the passengers, if not more to escape with their lives!
That scared Thomas to no end. Rose's face appeared in his mind suddenly. Not that he didn't desire everyone's safety, it wasn't that at all; he just hoped that if the time ever came, he prayed that she and Ruth both would have the sense to be the first ones on a life-boat.
Just as Thomas was considering putting everything away, and sneaking off to catch a bite to eat before Sunday Mass, a knock sounded on the door. Thomas, of course was in his Sunday best, so he got up and answered the door.
To his dismay, Miss Macy was at his stateroom door, grinning like a lovesick puppy.
"Good morning Mr. Andrews" she said, quite flirtatiously. Andrews blushed. Not only were her manners atrocious, but her attire left more to be desired in the modesty factor. Trying to contain his heated blush, and his manly hormones, he tried to look elsewhere, but it was difficult not to be rude in such a precarious position.
If I were a married man, I'd... he was caught off guard by Miss Macy trying to gain his attention.
"Er- good morning to you ma'am, is there any way in which I can be of assistance?" Andrews was feeling a bit overheated now, and Ms. Macy's odorous perfume was not helping.
"Yes, that little trollop of a maid did not show up to my room this morning! And furthurmore, I have much to do before getting ready for the ball this evening!"
Andrews looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Something as trivial as starting at yourself in the mirror until it shatters into a thousand pieces, or perhaps sitting by the fire eating sweets until the fabric of your gown rips from the overexposure of laziness? Andrews thought, grinning wickedly to himself. Instead, he looked at her, trying his best to keep a straight face. Right about now she looked like an overdressed pumkin that rolled in too much rouge, shattering her perfume bottle.
Gabriella however took Andrews' smile as that of attraction, not ridicule. With that, she grinned to herself, wrapped her arm around his neck and kissed him full on the lips. Andrews gasped in horror! What in blazes was she doing?
He heard a tray drop, and glass shattering. Looking up, he saw Rose staring in shock and unbelievable horror.
With all his might, Andrews pushed Gabriella off of him, and she landed into the wall, grinning surreptitiously and licking her lips. "Mmm... Mr. Andrews, I must say...you are undoubtedly a stupendous kisser!" she laughed.
Andrews got red in the face, angry, surprised, embarrassed, confused and hurt all in one.
"You get out of here!" he yelled. "You would answer very well to a whipping !2" he spat.
Gabriella looked at him furiously and then walked up to him, slapping him across the face. "You beast!" she screamed. "I shall never forgive you for this!" As she stormed out, Andrews noticed that Rose was already gone. Thomas looked at Gabriella with disdain and gave her a mock English bow. "You have as little honesty as honour!3" Andrews whispered under his breath. "I fear for the man who next encounters you!" With that, Thomas grabbed his Bible from his desk and walked on to Sunday Mass. How he prayed he would be able to make things right!
Rose's Stateroom
Rose did the best she could to keep from crying. She had been summoned to tea by Mr. Hockley, and could not refuse. Mum had encouraged her to go, thinking that perhaps she would feel better if she went, after all, it wasn't everyday that a gentleman requested the prescence of a lady of their 'class'. Rose sighed as Trudy continued to tighten her laces for her corset.
"Which one will you be wearing, miss?" Trudy asked. Rose looked over on the bed, deciding that the blue taffieta looked lovely. "The blue one, I think" Rose blushed. Trudy smiled. "Yes, miss...and if I may say miss, the color really brings out your eyes" Rose smiled and blushed harder. "Thank ye Trudy" she whispered. Slipping the cool fabric over her head, the dress came down and flowed beautifully around her waist.
"It's lovely!" Rose said. Trudy smiled. "Yes, miss...I told you so" Rose smiled, grabbing her shoes and her shawl.
"Begging your pardon, miss, but will Mr. Andrews be escorting you to Mass?" Trudy asked innocently. Rose winced. Eversince she'd been about to carry a tray of tea for Thomas, the scene with him and Gabriella kept flashing in her mind. "No, Trudy, I don't believe he will" Rose looked down at the floor. Trudy grimaced. She'd seen the way Master Andrews and the young miss got along. They seemed to have a fancy for each other. They also weren't that far apart in age... Trudy allowed herself a smile. Oh how she hoped! The young maid snapped to attention when she heard Miss Rose calling her.
"Have you seen my Bible anywhere?" Rose asked her friend. "I can't seem to find it" Trudy grinned. "Yes miss...it's over here" Trudy went over to the nightstand by Rose's bed and opened the drawer. There lay Rose's bible, given to her by her parents at age nine. Rose smiled sadly as she held the treasure. "Thank you Trudy, I'm afraid I must be off now" Trudy nodded. "Have a good time! Will you need help this evening?" Rose looked at her strangely. "The Masquerade ball is tonight...won't you be going?" Trudy asked. Rose smiled. "Ah, yes, um...I don't believe so" Trudy was shocked! Miss Rose, not attend the pretty party? But before she could ask anything furthur, Rose walked out the door, and onto Mr. Hockley's prominade.
Trudy frowned. Maybe a certain friend could help change the girl's mind...
Caledon Hockely's Prominade- Tea
Rose sat quietly, nibbling on the toast that was set before her. The butterflies that were currently floating around in her stomach prevented her from having much of an appetite. Why did Mr. Hockley send for her? What could he possibly want with a woman of her class, specifically her? She snuck a peek at him, currently, his green eyes were glimmering with something she could not place. Perhaps she had made a mistake coming here this morning. Oh how she wished that it were Thomas Andrews sitting across from her at this very moment, that what she had seen transpire between himself and Ms. Macy earlier this morning had been a figment of her imagination, and that they could resume the lovely conversation that they had begun the previous evening. Perhaps now they would be speaking about Ireland and its charming weather spasms, or how when one sits on a cliff of some sort in any sort of weather, the picture would stay the same, inprinted on one's mind. But it wasn't to be. Mr. Hockley was looking at her as if she were a piece of meat. She wished he would hurry and tell her what he'd planned to, so she could get to Mass early.
"I had hoped you would come join me last night. The view from the prominade is spectacular in the evening...especially when enjoying a glass of wine" he smiled at her in a way that made Rose's stomach twist in a knot.
Unknown to both of them, Spicer Lovejoy stood in the sitting room near the door, after being alerted by his 'friend' that Rose had been summoned here by Mr. Hockley.
I would have sworn that he told her not to encounter Hockley again, and that he made it perfectly clear that Hockley is dangerous! Why is she here? he thought to himself.
Slowly, silently, he took his pistol out of its holster and loaded it. If Hockley dare try to make a move, he'd take his last breath doing it!
Rose blushed in embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry...I was terribly exhausted...had I known..." her voice trailed off.
Cal frowned. Exhausted indeed! "Yes. Your exertions below decks were no doubt exausting."
Rose looked up at him in shock. She blushed and then stiffened. How had he known about last night?
"You were following me?" she asked incredulously.
Cal smirked. How stupid could this girl be? Of course he hadn't followed her! However, he had sent someone to 'check' on her 'activities'.
With a wave of his hand, Cal disregarded her question. "You will never behave like that again! Do you understand?"
Rose's eyes teared up. She felt as if she'd been slapped. Who was this man that he felt that he owned her?
"Who are ye to tell me how I shall and shant behave? You don't even know me! I am not some random slave that you can bark orders at!"
Spicer did his best to contain the soft laughter escaping his lips. She was a bullet! The only other person he knew that spoke like that would be Thomas Andrews.
"They're one in the same" Spicer mused quietly to himself. He wouldn't be surprised if Andrews and Miss Rose would be married by the time the voyage ended. In fact, he was hoping for it!
Suddenly, Cal exploded, sweeping the breakfast china off the table with a crash.
He moved to Rose in one shocking moment, glowering over her and gripping the sides of her chair, so she was trapped between his arms.
Rose couldn't escape. The look in Mr. Hockley's eyes scared her.
"You are my fiancee! And my wife... in practice, if not yet by law. So you will honor me, as a wife is required to honor her husband! I will not be made out a fool! Is this in any way unclear?"
Rose looked at him as if he'd gone insane, she wondered if he had.
"I am in no way your fiancee, or your wife! You said before, that you have no ring, I have not a ring to show that we are binded by law, or by practice, so I beg ye, Mister Hockley, to let me go and leave me alone!" she glared at him.
Caledon could control his anger no longer. a loud sound of his backhanding her face was heard. Rose cried out.
Suddenly there was a click of a barrel being clicked back. Cal turned to see Lovejoy aiming his pistol in the air.
"Pardon for my intrusion, sir...but I do believe it is time for Mass. If you do not hurry, I believe you will not be able to enter the chapel."
Cal smirked and looked down at Rose who was still holding her cheek. "Get yourself together and get out of my sight you little harlot! We'll discuss this later"
With that, he fumed out of the room, Lovejoy looking behind him, wanted nothing better than to use the back of his 'employer's' head as target practice.
Shielding his gun, Lovejoy looked down at Rose. "Miss Rose?" he asked. Rose looked up at him, tears streaming down her face, her whole face turning red.
"Cad a dhéanfaidh mé leis seo ag dul? Gach Ba mhaith liom go bhfuil duine éigin a ghrá dom! It's a hopeless anois!/What do I do to deserve this? All I want is someone to love me! It's hopeless now!" she cried in Gaelic, rocking back and forth.
Lovejoy had no idea what she'd just said, but he had a photographic memory. He'd speak with his friend Mr. Andrews later.
"Shall we go to Mass?" Lovejoy asked gently. Rose looked around at the mess and cried harder. Lovejoy felt his heartstrings being tugged...he really hated to see any woman cry.
"Do not worry about this, we have maids to clean this up" he answered. "I know...It's my duty" Rose chocked, getting down on her knees getting ready to pick up some shards.
Surprised as he was at her statement, Lovejoy quickly grabbed her arm. "No use in you cutting yourself on the broken glass, my dear. You don't want to ruin that beautiful dress of yours"
Rose blushed. "Thank ye" she mumbled. Lovejoy allowed himself a hint of a smile. Caledon Hockley was a fool for attempting to hurt a young lady so lovely.
Surely a man such as Thomas Andrews would take care of her for the rest of her days. Lovejoy offered the girl his arm.
After grabbing her bible and shawl, Rose took the man's offered arm and they proceeded on to Sunday Mass.
First Class Dining Saloon- Sunday Mass
At the divine service, Captain Smith was leading a fairly large group in the hymn Almighty Father Strong To Save.
Rose and Ruth sang in the middle of the group near Mrs. Brown and Colonel and Lady Gracie.
Lovejoy stood near the back, keeping an eye on Rose. Turning around, he noticed a commotion at the entry doors.
Jack Dawson had been halted there by two stewards. He was dressed in his third class clothes, and stoond there, hat in hand, looking out of place.
What's he doing here? Lovejoy thought.
"Look, you, you're not supposed to be in here." the steward said, trying to stall the young man.
"I was just here last night... don't you remember?" Jack answered, trying to get past the idiotic steward.
He looked up and noticed Lovejoy coming toward them. "He'll tell you." Jack insisted.
Oh great! Lovejoy thought. How am I going to get rid of him? he thought.
"The DeWitters continue to be most appreciative of your assistance. They asked me to give you this..."
He held out a slip of paper. Jack looked confused.
"I don't want it, I-" he stammered.
"I also feel compelled to remind you that you hold a third class ticket and you're going to have to wait..."
Lovejoy hinted, hoping Jack would take the bait.
Jack spotted Rose, but she didn't see him.
"I just need to talk to Rose for a-" Jack kept trying.
Lovejoy wanted to give up. Would this boy never give up? Spicer had anticipated that the young ruffian would attempt something like this, so he came prepared.
"Gentlemen, please see that Mr. Dawson gets back where he belongs. And that he stays there." Lovejoy said, handing two twenties to the stewards.
The steward looked at the money in surprise, not believing that he was actually holding two real twenty dollar bills. "Yes sir!" he grabbed Jack firmly by the arm.
"Come along you!" the steward grunted. Jack rolled his eyes, keeping a firm grip on the paper in his hand. What had Lovejoy really meant?
Satisfied, Lovejoy entered the chapel again, looking over at Rose as they finished singing the hymn.
"O hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea." Rose sang.
Thomas Andrews sought Rose out after the conclusion of Sunday Mass. His heart skipped several beats as he finally caught sight of her. She looked radiant in the dark blue taffieta dress given to her by Mrs. Brown.
Her hair flowed natural and was pinned back slightly with a green dragonfly comb, save for a few whispy tendrils hanging down her cheeks.
Despite himself, Thomas caught himself sighing involuntarily, like a schoolboy with his first crush.
"Pretty, isn't she" asked a voice. Andrews jumped slightly at hearing Molly Brown's voice of all people.
"Oh, Mrs. Brown...I-er..." Molly grinned from ear to ear at the shipbuilder. Any person with eyes could see that he had eyes for the fiery red-head.
"Oh, never mind... I just wanted to ask if the Masquerade was still on for tonight." Thomas smiled. "By all means, Mrs. Brown, yes. and I would enjoy it even more immensely if you were to grace us with your presence."
Molly giggled. "Oh, Mr. Andrews, please...save that for the younger girls...say Rose, perhaps?" Molly relished at the twenty shades of red coming on the shipbuilder's face at that moment.
"All right, Tom, I'll stop pestering' ya...just please do us all a favor, and tell her how you feel before one of these other rip-scallions try to take a chance at her"
Thomas nodded, smiling. That sounded like something Jack would say. He looked around for Jack and his Italian friend. Where were the two boys?
He inquired this of the steward waiting outside, who, in effect the young man's ears turned red from shame and embarrassment as he admitted the whole thing.
Thomas was surprised. He'd have to speak to Mr. Lovejoy later. Right about now, he was scheduled to give a tour of Titanic to a rather large group.
Thomas actually considered having Ruth and Rose accompany him, thinking that they might enjoy a larger view of the vessel than the one the had received two days earlier.
Speaking of Rose, Andrews hadn't seen hide not hair of the girl since her birthday celebration the evening before, due to her mysterious disappearance afterwards.
Though after what happened this morning, Thomas couldn't really blame her. He still felt furious and humiliated that that little chit of a girl would force herself upon him like that!
Such thoughts made him long for Rose and her company. He hoped to find her and apologize.
Looking around, he finally found her, standing next to her mother and Lady Macy. Rose looked absolutely horrified. Fortunately, Gabriella was nowhere to be seen.
Not wanting to be rude, he walked up to the ladies and cleared his throat. "Good morning to you ladies" he said with a smile.
Ruth smiled at him. "Why good morning to you, Mr. Andrews." Rose said the same thing, though Andrews could tell that the girl's mind was preoccupied.
"Ms. DeWitter, may I have a word with you in private?" Thomas asked politely. Looking at her mother, Rose turned to him and nodded her head.
Andrews smiled, taking her by the arm, and leading her toward the revolving door, leading to the dining hall.
"Rose, I'd like to talk to you about this morning...I-"
"Rose! Rose, there you are!" Jack called, rushing over to her. Halting, he didn't recognize Mr. Andrews, until the man smiled at him.
"Hello, Jack" Andrews said. "Uh, hi" Jack said, feeling suddenly way out of place. "Um, Rose, I need to talk to you..."
"Not now, Jack" Rose answered hoarsely. This took both men by surprise. "Oh, um ok...well, I'll talk to you later then..."
Rose winced as Jack sighed, walking back the way he came. Knowing him the way she did, though, he'd wait until she was done.
"What was it you wanted to tell me?" Rose asked. Thomas nodded, suddenly feeling awkward.
"Um, Rose, I wanted you to know that what you saw this morning was not what it seemed. Gabriella Macy came in telling me that you weren't up yet or some such foolishness. She called you something that I will not repeat, or tolerate"
Thomas could feel himself getting angry again. There was no way that anyone would harm Rose, not while he was still living! If they tried, they would have a long drop down to the icy waters!
Rose blanched. If he finds out about this morning, I don't know what I'll do! she thought.
Thomas noticed Rose's expression. "Are you all right, my darling? you look a little pale" Rose looked up at him, confused.
"Wh-what did you just call me?" she stammered. "Do not fret, my love" Thomas whispered. Rose looked up into Thomas's cocoa brown eyes and saw love staring straight back at her.
"Thomas...truly?" Thomas nodded. "Till I take my last breath, my Irish Rose" he grinned. Rose giggled a little. She felt a warm tingly feeling creeping up from her toes all the way to her face.
"Th-thomas...I-I think ye should go now...the tour-" Thomas smiled, letting his right hand cup her face, his thumb lazily caressing her cheek back and forth.
"Until this evening, my dear" Thomas said, kissing her forehead. Mmm...so warm and soft. He let go of her before he went wild, and did something he'd regret.
Tearing away from her felt awful, but he knew he'd have her again...
"Until this evening, mo ghrá/my love... until we meet again..."
Tour of Titanic- Gym
Thomas Andrews led his tour group down the aft deck into the Edwardian style gymnasium. There was a woman pedaling a stationary bicycle in a long dress, looking rather ridiculous. Andrews' tour group consisted of Rose, Ruth, Cal, the Macy's and several others.
Cal walked over to the oars of a stationary rowing machine and started working them with a well trained stroke.
"Reminds me of my Harvard days" the man said, flashing a flirtatious smile in Rose's direction.
She, however, observed Lovejoy with a smile, was having none of it.
T.W. McCauley, the gym instructor, was a bouncy little man in white flannels, eager to show off his modern equipment.
He hit a switch and a machine with a saddle on it started to vibrate. Rose put her hand on it, curious.
"The electric horse is very popular, miss. We even have an electric camel." Mr. McCauley said with a grin.
Directing his gaze onto the rest of the tour group, his green eyes settled on Lady Macy.
"Care to try your hand at the rowing, m'am?" he asked, a mischievous look in his eye.
"Don't be absurd. I can't think of a skill I should likely need less." Lady Macy said with a huff, rolling her eyes.
Thomas, like Rose, was trying not to laugh. Clearing his throat, the Irishman continued on with the tour.
"The next stop on our tour will be the bridge. This way, please." Andrews said, elated when Rose ended up walking next to him.
Bridge between B-deck and A-deck
Jack, walking with determination, was being followed closely by Tommy and Fabrizzio. He quickly climbed the steps to B-Deck and stepped over the gate separating 3rd from 2nd class.
"She's a goddess amongst mortal men, there's no denyin'. But she's in love with another man, Jackie, forget her. She's closed the door."
Jack rolled his eyes, and with annoyance moved quickly to the wall below the A-Deck promenade, aft.
"So you're sayin' I should just give up on her? What if she gets hurt? She'll need me" Jack said.
Fabrizzio gave him a confused look. "Wait, I thought de plan was to set her up wid Andrews...unless..."
He and Tommy exchanged a knowing look. They shook their heads and sighed. Poor Jack. He was doomed for heartbreak for sure.
All three glanced around deck.
"Ready... go!" Jack muttered.
Tommy shook his head resignedly and put his hands together, crouching down. Jack stepped into Tommy's hands as the Irishman boosted him up to the next deck, where he scrambled nimbly over the railing, onto the First Class deck.
"He's not bein' logical, I tell ya." Tommy frowned. How could Jack be so stubborn? Tommy felt as if he were betraying his fellow Irishmen. In a way, he was.
Amore is'a not logical. Fabrizzio said, shaking his head.
At least Jack thought he was in love. Just wait...
On deck man was playing with his son, who was spinning a top with a string. The man's overcoat and hat were sitting on a deck chair nearby.
Jack emerged from behind one of the huge deck cranes, and calmly picked up the coat and bowler hat.
He walked away, slipping into the coat, and slicked his hair back with spit. Then he put the hat on at a jaunty angle. At a distance he could pass for a gentlemen.
Bridge-Chartroom
Harold Bride, the 21 year old Junior Wireless Operator, hustled in and skirted around Andrews' tour group to hand a Marconigram to Captain Smith.
"Another ice warning, sir. This one from the "Baltic"." Bride said, a nervous look in his soft brown eyes.
"Thank you, Sparks." Smith said.
Smith glanced at the message then nonchalantly put it in his pocket. He nodded reassuringly to Rose and the group.
"Not to worry, it's quite normal for this time of year. In fact, we're speeding up. I've just ordered the last boilers lit." Smith smiled, avoiding Thomas Andrews' gaze. He knew at one point he and the shipbuilder were going to have a 'talk'.
Andrews scowled slightly before motioning the group toward the door. Rose looked up at him with a curious look in her eye. The group exited the bridge just as Second Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller came out of the chartroom, stopping next to First Officer Murdoch.
"Did we ever find those binoculars for the lookouts?" Lightoller asked stiffly in annoyance.
First Officer Henry Murdoch grinned as he turned back from watching Mr. Andrews and the pretty red-headed girl next to him.
Looking at Charles, he shook his head and shrugged. "Haven't seen them since Southampton." he said.
Charles looked down at the couple, then over at Henry's grinning face. He rolled his eyes. "Keep your eyes on the sea where they belong, Murdoch...is that clear?"
As Lightoller walked away, Murdoch mock saluted. "Aye, aye sir" he chuckled to himself then went to find Harry Lowe.
They both planned to beseech the Captain to see if they could join the festivities for tonight. Wouldn't be long now!
Boat Deck- Starboard side
As Thomas Andrews led the group back from the bridge along the boat deck, he and Rose continued to walk side by side.
"Mr. Andrews, as you very well know, I don't know much about ships, but I did the sum in my head, and with the number of lifeboats times the amount of people you mentioned on board... forgive me, but it seems that there are
not enough for everyone aboard."
Andrews raised an eyebrow, surprised that she could tally up that many in her head so quickly. As to the reference of his name, well, since they were in public, he'd have to let it go for the time being.
"About half, actually." He smiled as they stopped, and he faced her. "Rose, you miss nothing, do you? In fact, I put in these new type davits, which can take an extra row of boats here."
He gestured to the row of lifeboats on deck. So that's what their called Rose thought. Thomas continued.
"But it was thought... by some... that the deck would look too cluttered. So I was over-ruled."
Rose frowned. Surely if he could have, Thomas would have fought to have more davits put in...so what if it looked cluttered!
Mr. Hockley went over and started tapping the side of a lifeboat with his cane. "Waste of deck space as it is, on an unsinkable ship!" he scoffed.
Rose frowned at him...and if Thomas didn't know better, she was glaring at him as well. He smirked to himself as they continued to walk along.
Wanting nothing more but to assure her, he linked her hand through his arm, and patted it.
"Sleep soundly, young Rose. I have built you a good ship, strong and true. She's all the lifeboat you need."
Rose looked up into his eyes, smiling for all she was worth. Thomas grinned. She looked lovely when she glowed.
Soon, out of respect for propriety, the two let go of the others arm.
As they are passed Boat 7, a gentlemen turned from the rail and walked up behind the group. It was Jack. He tapped Rose on the arm and she turned, gasping.
Thomas had already walked on with the others, so who was this?
The stranger motioned her to come closer and she discreetly walked away from the group toward a door which Jack held open.
They ducked into the gym.
Jack closed the door behind her, and glanced out through the ripple-glass window to the starboard rail, where the gym instructor was chatting up the woman who was riding the bike.
Rose and Jack were otherwise alone in the room.
"Jack, What are you doing? This is impossible. I can't be in here like this with you."
Jack put his hands on her shoulders.
"Rose, you're no picnic... you're a spoiled little brat even, but under that you're a strong, pure heart, and you're the most amazingly astounding girl I've ever known and-"
Rose was astonished! She knew exactly what Jack was trying to do, but she just didn't feel the same...
"Jack, I-"
Jack closed his eyes for a second. What if she rejected him?
"No wait. Let me try to get this out. You're amazing... and I know I have nothing to offer you, Rose. I know that. But I'm involved now. I can't turn away without knowing that you're goin' to be alright."
Rose felt tears coming to her eyes. Jack is so tender and sweet... He wasn't like anyone she had ever known. Surely some other young lass...
"You're making this very hard, on me Jack... I'll be fine. Really. I-"
Jack shook his head.
"I don't think so. Cal and Gabriella've got you in a glass jar like some butterfly, and you're goin' to die if you don't break out. Maybe not right away, 'cause you're strong. But sooner or later the fire in you is goin' to go out.
Rose looked up at him stubbornly. It's now or never! she thought. "It's not up to you to save me, Jack...I'm sorry but Thomas and I...I don't know at the moment, but I'll figure it out."
Jack winced, letting go of her. "You're right. Only you can do that...but I'll be right here"
Rose shook her head. She truly believed that Thomas Andrews was the one. "I have to get back, they'll miss me. Please, Jack, for both our sakes, leave me alone."
She turned away, not once looking back. Jack sighed, shrugged his shoulders, dejectedly. Hopefully someday she'd come around.
Captain Smith's Office
Thomas Andrews knocked on the door of Captain Smith's Office around four- o'clock. He couldn't stay long, seeing as how the Masquerade was on for tonight, and he had to help with coordination of preparations.
"Captain Smith? I was wondering if I may have a word with you" Andrews said, poking his head around the door. The older man smiled. "Well, Tom! It's good to see you...come in! Come in!" Thomas obliged, stopping three feet before the man's desk.
"Well, Tom, Titanic is moving along just swimmingly, isn't she?" the captain chortled at his own joke, Thomas allowing himself a smile.
"Yes, of course, Edward, but...I would like to speak to you about the boilers"
Edward Smith winced. Somehow he knew that receiving that blasted telegram in front of Tom wasn't a good idea! "Well Tom, you see...er-" The man scratched his beard.
"It's a little late to yell" Thomas remarked. "Though as the ships builder, I must say that lighting the last boilers is quite a safety hazard! It is the dead of winter, and we are bound to encounter an iceberg of some sort...what if something were to happen? If the iceberg were to rip through, the results could be catastrophic! Also as a concerned passenger, I cannot help but think about the other lives aboard this ship!" Thomas stopped to catch his breath.
Edward gave Tom a cheeky smile. He'd heard a certain someone say something about a certain red-haired, blue-eyed maid, in Tom's employ...a family friend of some sort.
"Would this have to do with anything about a certain maid?" he asked innocently. Thomas' cheeks burned with embarrassment. Had Lovejoy or Bruce said anything about this? if so, he'd hunt them down!
"That's not the point, Edward... what I'm saying is, just please...tread cautiously...we don't know what's going to happen." Edward nodded. "I understand, Tom...I will keep that under consideration" Thomas nodded. "Thank you Edward...good day" Edward smiled. "Good day, Tom...I trust I will be seeing you this evening?" The shipbuilder nodded his head. "I advise you allow at least two of your officers off duty tonight, Edward...say Lowe and Murdoch? They have been a great help" Edward nodded. "will do"
Edward smiled as he watched Tom leave back to his stateroom. Ah, love...why couldn't he see it? It was clear as the ocean blue.
1) quote from Shakespeare's play (All's well that ends well)
3) quote from Shakespeare's play (King Henry VIII)