12th April 1912

I woke the next morning to the sound of someone knocking on my door. After a moment, during which I was completely confused about what was happening, I shook myself awake and rolled out of bed. I never seemed to wake up on my own anymore; someone always seemed to think it was a good idea to wake me by knocking.

I pulled a dressing gown over my nightdress, and stumbled out to the door – and opened it to reveal Bruce Junior. He was grinning and, yet again, holding a single red rose. I groaned out loud without thinking, and his face fell slightly.

"Please, Miss Banks! Would you care to accompany me to breakfast? Don't," he stopped me as soon as I opened my mouth. "Don't tell me you already have company. I was just on the bridge and overheard the first officer talking."

"Mr Ismay, I intend to eat breakfast alone, so if you don't mind..." I started to close the door.

"Miss Banks, I am asking you in complete earnest – please accompany me to breakfast."

I shook my head firmly, "No. No, Mr Ismay. It's not right for you to press me in this manner when you know perfectly well that I am engaged to be married."

He frowned slightly, then his face cleared. "Very well. I might see you at lunch then."

He pushed the rose into my hand before turning to leave. I shut the door and flung the rose down. Why wouldn't he leave me alone? I made up my mind there and then – I would have to tell Will. Maybe, if Will knew, Bruce Junior would start leaving me in peace.

I rang for Lizzie. I was tired of being dressed by someone else when I was perfectly capable of dressing myself. It made me think – why was I putting on this ridiculous show of having Lizzie dress me? I just shook my head sadly. Lizzie was being paid for this, and I didn't have the heart to tell Will to get rid of her.


Half an hour later, after rushing Lizzie and insisting that my appearance didn't matter, I decided I couldn't stomach any food. I just brushed my hair up into a loose bun, picked up a shawl and left to find Will.

He wasn't on the bridge. Lights greeted me, looking like he hadn't slept in days.

"Good morning, Miss Banks, how can we be of service?"

"Good morning, Lights. I'm just looking for Will."

"Ada, might I suggest that you develop a new interest?"

"Beg pardon?"

"I apologise, Ada...but you always seem to be trailing Will."

"Lights! I do not!"

He grinned and shrugged, "Sorry, Ada. You're quite right – you spend most of your time getting dressed!"

"That's hardly my fault!"

"True, I suppose. I spend most of my time sleeping and standing. Who am I to judge? Your fiancé is in his cabin, by the way."

"Thank you very much. We got there eventually!" I winked at him, before hurrying in the direction of Will's cabin.

It was surprisingly quiet around this part of the ship. Then again, it wasn't so surprising when I thought about it – most of the seamen were probably collapsed in their bunks with exhaustion, while the men who were forced to stay awake were propped up and barely conscious. Still, it wasn't fair of me to think of them like that. They were doing a wonderful job so far, considering their lack of sleep.

I arrived at Will's door and hesitated. I fixed my hair, straightened my dress and knocked lightly. I heard a muffled voice coming from inside.

"Will? Can I talk to you for a minute?"

The muffled voice replied again, and I could hear a loud rustling and thumping, before the door was opened. Will looked exhausted, and his uniform – which he had slept in, apparently – was completely dishevelled.

"What's wrong, Ada?"

I was taken aback, "Wrong?"

"There must be something wrong. Why else -"

"I just wanted to speak to you, darling," I smiled up at him.

He just stared for a minute, then stepped back, "Would you care to step inside, lovvie?"

I peered through the doorway, into the darkened room. It didn't look particularly comfortable at that moment – the blankets on the bunk were on the floor, and he could obviously do with opening the window for half an hour.

"Aren't you hungry, Will? We could walk to the mess if you'd like."

"Aye, just give us a minute!"

He retreated back inside and I could see him running a comb through his hair, perching his hat on top and straightening his uniform. When he had finished, he walked came back outside and closed his door behind him. He smiled down at me, kissed my nose and offered his arm to me. I took it and we walked towards the bridge. Lights was still standing there, gazing out ahead. Will tapped his shoulder.

"Would you like me to bring you some tea, Lights?"

"Tea?" Lights looked confused.

"Yes, tea. I am going to get some breakfast."

"Oh. Right. Well, in that case, if it's no trouble to you..."

"I'll have someone bring it out to you. I'll see you in an hour!" Will grinned, slapping Lights' back, and we continued to walk towards the mess.

Once we were inside, Will pulled out a chair for me, sat down himself and then looked at the menu. He rubbed the back of his head as he scanned the list.

"What would you like, lovvie? I think I will settle for porridge and tea."

"I would just like some tea, Will. I'm not too hungry."

He looked up in concern, opening his mouth to speak, but he stopped when a steward arrived and hovered beside the table.

"What are you 'avin', sir?"

"Two teas and a porridge, thank you," Will replied.

The steward nodded sharply and sauntered away. Will turned back to me.

"What's the matter, Aid?"

"Oh, it's really silly, Will. It's just...there is a man who is..." I trailed off.

"A man?" He raised an eyebrow. "Good Lord, Ada, you're not referring to one of the lads are you?"

"What? No! This man is bothering me, Will. He is always asking me to dine with him, he brings me roses...I told him about you and he is still persisting -"

Will laughed, "So you have an admirer, lovvie? Can't blame him, I must say. I feel quite flattered, to be honest. Who is it anyway?"

"Mr Ismay."

He froze for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Ismay? Mr Isamy is pestering you?"

"Yes. Well, to be specific, it is his son."

"Junior?" He scoffed. "He wouldn't dare! Not after..." He trailed off.

"After what?"

"It doesn't matter. Don't let him worry you, lovvie."

"But he does! He keeps sitting at our table for meals -"

"Would you rather eat in here?"

"I don't mind, really, Will. I know it sounds silly but as long as you're there..."

"Are you sure, lovvie? I don't want you doing anything you're uncomfortable with."

"I'm sure, darling," I smiled at him.

"Right then. We'll try eating in first class again," he took my hand and smiled. "You'll be alright."

The steward brought the breakfast at that moment, and we sat in pleasant silence until we had both finished.

"What will you be doing today, lovvie?"

I hadn't considered that. I thought about it.

"I expect I will spend some time in the library and maybe write to my sister."