Disclaimer: cqofegypt does not own Titanic

April 13th, 1912

Meanwhile in another part of the ship…

Thomas walked back to his stateroom with the comb in his hand, examining it further when he looked up and realized he was at Rose's door. Biting his lip, he had the itching curiosity to go into her room.

She's probably asleep his mind tried to reason with him, but no, he thought, if this comb was hers, it needed to be returned immediately. Finding the key on the door post, he opened her door checking around to see if anyone was in the hallway. The hallway was empty.

Slipping inside, Thomas closed the door quietly. Adrenaline was making his heart race. Rose could be asleep for goodness' sake! Turning on the gas lamp, Thomas looked around the room and noticed that the room was clean and empty.

Taking a look at the bed, he noticed that there was something dark on it. Stepping closer out of curiosity, he noticed that the dark item was a dark evergreen dress with gold trimming! Thomas' mind spun. Why would this dress be in Rose's room?

This again brought the shipbuilder back to his earlier question. Where had Rose been all evening? He walked toward the bed, fingering the fabric. It was dark green velvet. Thomas smiled. He now knew the reason for Molly's teasing and secrecy all evening. She knew that he was in love with Rose; therefore she had set it in motion that the girl should go to the gala.

The dress and mask had been a perfect disguise, though since Rose had been wearing her hair up, he hadn't recognized her; and what had she used? This comb. Thomas fingered the comb again in a loving gesture.

The shipbuilder looked at his pocket watch. The time was 12:20. He wondered if Ruth was still awake. He needed to speak with her, now. He couldn't wait any longer. Looking again at the dress, Thomas smiled. He suddenly had an idea. Walking over to the bureau, he opened it, his heart racing. If it were anyone else, Thomas wouldn't take the risk of getting gob smacked…just Rose.

In the bureau, he saw three dresses, all given to Rose by Molly Brown, he suspected. Taking one out, he noticed it had a long white skirt, a pink sash and a white and lavender top. Imagining it on Rose, Thomas smiled. Lovely. Placing the other dress carefully in the dresser,

Thomas gently and quietly closed the doors. He laid the dress out on Rose's bed, and placed the comb in the middle. Perfect. Before he left, Thomas walked quickly over to the desk and penned a short note.

My Darling Rose,

I know it was you tonight at the Masquerade Ball…Never have I felt so enchanted or spell-bound before I took you in my arms tonight. I hope, may the Lord forgive me for any improper thoughts, that someday that will occur again. As far as your stateroom is concerned, I beg you, do not be alarmed. I will explain further at another time, but I would like you to consider wearing this dress tomorrow and meeting me at dawn on the starboard side of the ship where we danced…I know this may seem an inconsiderate request, but I must ask you to consider, for I have something of the greatest importance to ask you. Until we meet again.

Your Dance Partner

Thomas grinned at his so called 'signature', but he figured Rose would figure it out, besides... better he sign the letter this way than write his full name, just in case Cal decided to embark on something foolish. Thomas growled under his breath at the thought of the villain. Quietly, he snuck out of Rose's room and replaced the key where it belonged…

Exactly two minutes after Thomas had exited Rose DeWitter's stateroom, the girl entered the door frame of her stateroom and searched for the key.

Rose didn't know why, but she had a funny feeling that all was not as she'd left it. Opening her stateroom door, Rose turned on the gas lamp, the one Thomas had turned off. Looking around the room, Rose noticed that everything seemed to be in order, with the exception of one thing. The dress on the bed was not the same one that she had put there before leaving the room.

Now I know that I didn't leave that there… who on earth?She froze. Could Cal have entered her room without her knowledge? What use would he have to enter her stateroom, when she was not there? Looking closer at the bed, Rose noticed two things that made her heart race. One was her comb! She had noticed her comb was missing on her way back to her stateroom.

Could it be that Thomas had actually come into her room and done this, under the pretense of returning her comb? A heated blush came onto Rose's cheeks No, it wasn't possible. Then Rose picked up the second item that had caught her attention.

It was a letter with her name on the front, in excellent penmanship. Rose Opening the letter, Rose read the note quickly, grinned, and then read it again, slowly. It WAS Thomas! Aye and he wanted her to wear this dress and meet him at the place where they had shared their moonlight dance!

Excitement overcame the girl at once! She wondered what on earth the shipbuilder would want to ask her. Giggling excitedly, Rose spun around the room, and then got ready for bed. Saying her prayers and washing her face, she got into bed and smiled to herself. She couldn't wait until tomorrow!