Mr Andrews had disappeared by the time that I got to the bridge, and I discovered in a matter of minutes that the other officers were either on duty or sleeping. I couldn't blame them – Harry Lowe, for instance, was standing on the bridge looking exhausted, like he hadn't slept in weeks.

"Harry, do you remember our first night in Southampton when Will said that would be the only proper night's sleep?"

"Yes," Harry replied ruefully. "And we didn't even get a proper night's sleep that night anyway."

"Yes, well...I didn't believe him then. Obviously that was true."

"Be grateful that you are not one of us," he yawned. "I'm only on about four hours sleep a night. Or day. I don't even know anymore."

I laughed softly. "I suppose you'll be hoping to sleep non-stop when we get to New York then?"

"Something like that."

I left him then, deep in thought. It was Sunday. We would arrive in New York on Wednesday morning, possibly Tuesday night – according to the rumours. I felt surprisingly comfortable with the knowledge that I would be on this ship with the Ismays for another three days at least. No, I didn't want to be near them and the memory of that night repulsed me. Now though, I felt oddly stronger, more confident in myself. It was strange really, considering the circumstances. I had always kept to myself more often than not and in truth the incident should have destroyed me. But...it hadn't. I had surprised myself – and Will too, most likely.

I found myself wandering down the first class promenade deck. I was completely lost in my own thoughts, when I saw Mr Andrews and his tour group not too far ahead. Mrs DeWitt-Bukater was looking around frantically and I could hear her shrill voice.

"Rose? Rose?"

I felt a smile spread across my face. At least my parents had never been like this woman. I turned to walk into the first class entrance, deep in thought.


Will arrived at my room at half six, his greatcoat collar pulled up around his ears and his hat forced down as far as possible. His nose and cheeks were flushed red with the cold.

"How is the weather now, Will?" I asked cheerfully.

"Bloody freezing...sorry. It's cold. Very cold," he scurried over to the fire which Lizzie had built and huddled over it for a moment. "Where's the food?"

"I rang for the steward a while ago. He should be here soon."

I tidied my writing desk again, putting all the paper into one neat pile. I turned back to Will brightly.

"You know that awful woman who we dined with on a couple of occasions?"

"The red-head?" His voice was muffled.

"Yes. Ruth, I think. Anyway, she lost her daughter today. I thought it rather amusing."

"Huh? Amusing?" He glance at me sideways. "I don't follow."

"This girl is an adult, Will. Or almost anyway. She doesn't need to be permanently attached to her mother – no wonder the girl runs off whenever she gets the chance."

"She's a red-head too, isn't she? I think she was the girl who was allegedly 'violated' the other night," he turned to look at me. "Yes, that Mr Hockley came out to her. Strange girl."

I looked at the clock. "I rang for a steward ten minutes ago!"

Will stepped towards me and touched my hair gently. His hand slipped down to caress my neck.

"Are you really hungry, Aid? I don't mind if we miss dinner tonight."

He bent down to kiss my neck, but I instantly pushed him away.

"What are you doing?" I demanded.

"I'm trying to take your mind off that Ismay cad!"

"Well...I don't want you to do that."

He turned, looking incredibly awkward. An impish grin crossed my face and I jumped up to kiss him on the lips.

"Don't touch my neck, but if you really want to miss dinner..."


Quite a while later, Will and I sat on the couch in my suite, munching on sandwiches. I gazed into Will's eyes happily.

"You know, I'm not a lady anymore Will."

"Yes you are."

"I'm not. Honestly. Especially after that other night."

"Forget about the other night. It's not worth your time."

"I can't help it. I'm surprised you still want to marry me. I wouldn't."

"Don't be silly, Aid. I love you and nothing anyone else does can change that. Tell you what, I was thinking about this wedding. What about the church in Dalbeattie?"

"Why not?" I smiled at him. I didn't care where we got married as long as it was soon.

Will put his plate down on the table, then looked across at the clock.

"I'd best be on my way, lovvie. I have to make sure everything's going smoothly on the bridge before my watch. Lights thinks the water supplies could freeze in this cold."

"It's perfectly miserable, isn't it?"

"It's beautiful and calm out though. You should see it."

He kissed my nose and I shook my head. "I don't think so, Will. It's far too cold out."

"Never mind me, though!" He laughed as he got to his feet. "Duty calls. I shall come in to see you when I finish and then we can have breakfast together in the morning."

"I'll see you in a few hours then," I smiled as he wrapped me in a warm embrace. "I love you, Will."

"Love you too, Aid," he kissed my nose, then pulled his greatcoat, gloves and hat on.

I opened the door for him and sighed as he walked out. I missed him already.


A/N – two chapters! I've been a bit sick over the last couple of days, but at least I got them done! I keep getting random inspiration for future fanfics, which I hate – it distracts me from this one! Anyway, thank you for the reviews and I hope everyone is enjoying this so far!