April 11 1912 2:42 pm.
Helen walked in the back of the group breathing in the salt sea air and let the captain's voice wash over her. She stood tall and presentable, shoulders back chest out and head up.
It was all she could do to keep from giggling herself senseless. Ismay puffed out his chest and strut energetically about the deck. It reminded her of James the first time he cracked a case on his own. To the public he was demure and humble. But among the 5, his friends he was arrogant and boastful. Almost to the point of annoying.
He finally settled down after Nikola took to following him around, puffing out his own thin chest
"2200 people are on board for the maiden voyage, but the Titanic is designed to hold more." the Captain smiled as several people nodded appreciatively. "Currently we are traveling at a good 22.5 knots."
"With all engines burning Titanic can go 24 knots - 28 miles per hour 45 kilometers per hour. Isn't that right Captain?" Ismay asked almost slyly. Helen looked to Captain Smith, who didn't hide his surprise and disapproval fast enough for her to miss it
"It can indeed. But for this the maiden voyage that won't be necessary." the Captain said smoothly. I've deemed our current speed sufficient. We are making excellent time. Smith smiled to the assembled crowd. "Even with the delay starting off from Southampton, we shouldn't be late getting into New York."
"Sir you said the last of the boilers aren't lit" one of the men asked. "Is that why there's no smoked coming from the last funnel?"
Helen looked up at the fourth funnel where no smoke issued forth
"Ah a good eye sir." The captain smiled. "But no, not at all. It isn't attached to any of our furnaces. The Titanic has 29 boilers and 159 furnaces. 24 double ended boilers and 5 single ended boilers there is over 8,000 tons of coal in the coal bunkers. The coal fired furnaces heat water in the boilers to generate steam. The steam is funneled to the triple expansion engines. Once the steam enters the engine cylinder it creates the necessary power to turn the propellers." The captain said proudly. "But we only needed three funnels for the smoke. The fourth one is quite useless. But there were complaints that the three funnels made her look. Unbalanced. So to appease the eye another funnel was added to the end. Completely useless of course."
"Begging your pardons, but I wouldn't say completely useless." A man came up to stand beside Captain Smith, wiping his hands on a dirty cloth. "It helps with ventilation, fresh air into the boiler rooms. And there's a ladder inside. Very handy.
"The Captain smiled at him and patted the man's shoulder."Ah. Mr. Bell. Our chief engineer. Ladies and gentleman, this is the fellow who keeps our ship running smoothly."
"I need a word with you captain. It's about Mr. Ervine."
Smith nodded and turned to Ismay. "Mr. Ismay. Do you think you can lead the group to the engine room? Mr. Murdoch will be waiting there for you." He nodded and turned to follow Bell a short distance away. Ismay nodded and lead the group in the other direction. Helen turned toward the stern wondering if she wanted to see the bridge or if she should strike out on her own and watch the propellers churn the water.
Helen shrugged and headed for the wheel house. The propellers were probably later on the tour. She slipped in just as Murdoch was talking avidly. "It cost $7,500,000 to build the Titanic and took three years to fully construct the ship.
When the Titanic set sail in Southampton, England were 40,000 eggs, 75,000 pounds of fresh meat and 1,000 bottles of wine. The Titanic's total capacity was 3547 passengers. As of right now we have 2,200 or so."
The assembled crowd murmured appreciatively and followed Andrews and Ismay back out to the open deck. Helen saw movement on the lower deck. She turned to see the children she met in third class that morning running along and beckoning to her. She broke away from the tour and headed down the stairs.
"Hello again." she smiled as the children crowded around. "And what might you be up to?"
"We wanted to see the ship." they cheered. "It's so big. It's like a city!" The eldest exclaimed "We saw you and we wanted to say hello. Will you be at the party tonight? At suppertime. Please do say yes"
Helen smiled and looked up at the top deck just as a brash laugh sounded above them. She craned her neck and recognized Cameron and several other men strolling along the top deck. Helen turned back to the eager faces of the children. "I would love to come." she smiled sincerely.
The children danced victoriously around her and ran off again. Helen watched them with a smile and turned to go back up to the top deck. It would be interesting to see how the other half spent their time. Hopefully they would be a little more lively.