The afternoon passed without any particular excitement (unless you count Freddie getting stuck in the laundry room, and me having to call on the assistance of a porter to get him out) and soon I found myself getting ready to go down to steerage.

Ann had promised to cover for me, and I was feeling rather excited at the prospect of the party. My only concern was my lack of clothing; for I only had my uniform with me. However, Ann said my clothes would fit in just fine down in steerage. I decided that this wasn't a compliment. I had directions of where to go, and, at eight thirty, I made my way down.

I met nobody on the way there, and I felt lucky for this. After all, I did not want to bump into Archibald Gracie, or Mr Andrews, for they would surely inform Mr Lovejoy, or Cal. I was surprised to see that steerage passengers were locked behind gates; their areas completely segregated from the second and first classes. I thought at first these would be problematic, but then I remembered Ann telling me to use the gate of the far right, as this was always left open for some reason.

And indeed it was open, for I slipped in with ease. The steerage corridors were much, much plainer than the ones I had seen in the first class, and there was a slight unpleasant smell around. I could hear noise quite close; music and laughing. I followed the noise until I reached a door that was ajar. Opening it, there was a rung of steps, leading into a basement-like room, full of people. They were dancing everywhere, even on the tables. Adults and children were among them, and there was the overall smell of alcohol. But, I was already absorbed by the friendliness that was felt down here; much more than in first class. Everyone was jolly with one another, and it looked like everyone was having fun.

I descended the steps into the room, and as soon as my feet touched the floor, I was swept up into some sort of jig, which had no official steps, it appeared, and everyone just seemed to be doing their own thing. The music had a jolly beat, and I was soon able to move around with everyone else, dancing and laughing.

When that number was over, I found a drink pushed into my hand by a man who looked as if he had had too many to drink himself. In fact, as soon as he had passed me the drink, he slumped, head first onto a wooden table.

"Now, there is no example to set in front of a young lady" said a voice from behind me.

I turned so see a young man, of around nineteen. He was smiling at me, his blue eyes twinkling. He had spoken with a slight American accent, and, at this very moment, he swept his sandy blonde hair from his face. I smiled back at him.

"Perhaps you could set a better example?" I said, joking. The man laughed. People definitely had a better sense of humour down here.

"But of course" he said, bowing low "Jack Dawson at your service, fine lady. Perhaps you would care to try our new Dry Imperial Champagne?" The man, Jack, mimed pouring out a glass of champagne, and I put down the mug of what seemed to be beer, and pretended to take a sip.

"Oh Sir, this is most wonderful, truly exquisite!" I fought back the urge to laugh, as I mimicked Lady Horsaw and her friends perfectly.

"But fine lady," said Jack "I know not of your name". I blushed a little at being called, "fine lady".

"Scarlett" I said "Scarlett Monty"

"Well then, Miss Scarlett Monty" said Jack, mock bowing again "May I have this next dance?"

I giggled, "Why, of course, Sir, I would be delighted."

Jack grinned at me, and I grinned back. The band; consisting of three drunk men, two violins and a fiddle, started up again, and Jack reached for my hand. His touch had a pleasant coolness about it, and, unlike whenever I was close to Cal, I felt extremely comfortable at his touch, and gripped his hand back, as he dragged me to the middle.

The next tune was, if possible, even jollier and rowdier than the first, and it seemed to involve being spun around a lot. Luckily for me, Jack held me tight when he spun me, unlike some unluckier women, who ended up on the floor, as their partners were too drunk. By the end, I was too puffed out to speak, but instead laughed, as me and Jack collapsed onto wooden stools.

"You are quite the dancer, Mr Dawson" I eventually managed to say, when my breath had returned.

Jack looked at me "You're not bad yourself." And we both fell about laughing again, even more when a man dropped his dance partner, and then proceeded to fall on top of her in the next dance.

"I haven't see you around before" said Jack "Which room are you in? Maybe I could pay you a visit."

I looked down at my shoes, which were now in good need of a shine.

"I am not in third class" I said in a small voice "I am servant to Mr Lovejoy and Mr Hockley. I am normally up in the first class."

Jack's eyes when wide, "Ohh" he said, dragging out the "oh" sound.

"But I should love to come down here again" I said, quickly "The people down here are wonderful, much better than those in the first class"

"Yeah" said Jack "You'd be surprised who you can meet down here". Jack was looking at me, and his blue eyes were so compelling, that I was drawn into looking back. I dragged my eyes away to a clock on the far wall. I leapt up when I saw the time; it was a quarter to midnight.

"What?" said Jack, startled, when I leapt up.

"It's late...I've got to go...Mr Lovejoy" I said, not really making any sense. I started towards the steps.

"Wait!" cried Jack. I turned.

"Will I see you again tomorrow?" he asked. I looked around the crowded room, and back into Jack's face and decided that I wouldn't miss it for the world.

"Of course" I said, smiling.

Jack smiled back at me. "Until tomorrow then, Miss Monty" he said, lapsing back into our game earlier. He leaned closer to me, and I tensed slightly. He brushed my cheek with his lips, and I felt my legs go all wobbly at his touch.

"Until tomorrow" I said, breathless.

I turned, up the stairs, to the door. I turned for one last look at the room, and saw that Jack was still looking at me.