Chapter Four
I made my way quickly to my room to change into my beaded burgundy gown, and fix my wind blown hair. As I sat at my dressing table, I looked into the mirror, and realized that for the first time since I was told of my impending marrige, I looked genuinely happy. It had not dawned on me that I might be more unhappy than anybody thought.
My mother and father knew that Jacob was not my dream husband, but they had to do what they thought was best. All of the other girls that I had gone to school with were already settled down and starting thier families. I already felt like an old maid, and I was barely sixteen. It was a good match with Jacob, they said. It would ensure our family's survival. I was mature enough to make that sacrifice to protect all of us.
I didn't realize how long I had been staring at myself. I heard my mother knock gently on my door. I invited her in, and she helped me lace up my corset. I disliked when my mother tied my laces. I was sure to be uncomfortable when she did it. She helped me into my dress and shoes, and we left my room to head to the first class dining room.
When we walked in, my eyes scanned the room automatically. The room itself was stunning, but a familiar smile caught my eye. He was sitting at a table with John Andrews, the ships designer, and Captain E. J. Smith. It looked as though he was deep in conversation, or somebody had just said something very funny.
Edward looked up as mother and I walked past the table that he was sitting at. He flashed his dazzling smile at me, effectlively taking my breath away again.
The meal was delicious. There was champagne flowing, caviar, fresh breads and soups. If you could dream it, the chefs on Titanic could make it. I sat with my family, and listened to the other people at our table while they made polite conversation with eachother and enjoyed the meal. I wasn't paying much attention, the men generally lead them and they are usually talking about money.
I never cared much about money, maybe because my family had so much, but times were changing and if you wanted to protect your wealth, you find another wealthy family to marry your daughter into. That is what my father was doing to me, but I was determined to think about that later.