"Mother, if you are ready, it's time to go down. Cal is meeting us there."
Ruth stepped out of her powder room pulling up her evening gloves. "Rose before we go I have something to say."
"What is it, Mother?"
"Whatever it is you have going on with the boat builder, it ends now."
Rose rolled her eyes, "Mother, I-"
Ruth hissed, "Do not interrupt me." she took a moment to compose herself. "What we have with Cal is all we need. He will provide us with status, financial security, anything you could ever want."
"Love?"
She scoffed. "What is love? It can't feed you, shelter you, clothe you."
"Oh Mother, listen to yourself!" Rose was angry, her temper flaring in a way she hadn't allowed in a while. "Material things, things that while you can't live without you can at least live with less! You're scared of what society will think! Scared of working for once in your life! Scared of living without the little pleasantries you call necessities!" Rose was pacing now. "What about what I want? I don't want to spend my life in a loveless marriage, tied to a brute, no freedom to do as I please, at his beck and call to warm his bed and cater to his needs!"
"You would see me destitute for the sake of affection?"
"It is not affection, it's love! And for your information Thomas Andrews is not some ruddy potato farmer from the middle of nowhere! He's the perfect gentleman, honest and kind. Which is more than I can say for Cal!"
Ruth looked affronted. "If you think you can just leave him, you are wrong. Look at the stone around your neck. That makes you his!"
"I am not some prized bitch to be bought and sold to the highest bidder, Mother! This isn't a collar around my neck, I'm my own person with my own mind and heart!" She turned and stormed out of her mother's cabin and only stopped when she reached the outer deck rail. She drew in a deep breath to steady her nerves, not noticing Thomas approaching with Lissie in his arms.
"Rose, darling?" The worry in his voice caught hold of her heart. She could tell he was worried about her going overboard.
She wiped her eyes, wondering how long she'd been crying. "I'm fine Thomas, just had an argument with Mother." she smiled at Lissie who until then had a worried look on her face. "Do not fret, my dearest, Mummy is alright." The little one squealed and reached for Rose who happily took her.
"I'm sorry to hear about your argument. Anything I might be able to do?"
She shook her head. "No, I will say that this evening she will be watching you like a hawk with snide comments at every turn."
"Oh, perhaps I should steer clear of supper tonight." Thomas looked as though the air had been let out of him.
"No! There would be no reason for me to go if you and Lissie weren't there." She took his hand.
He smiled, looking down at their entwined fingers before trailing up to see the massive jewel at her neck. "Wherever did you get that?"
Rose looked down, following his gaze to the necklace and sighing. "Cal. Apparently it's my engagement present and he could not wait to show it off."
"It's beautiful."
"It's dreadfully heavy and obnoxious." Thomas's thumb rubbed over the ring he gave her and Rose knew what he was thinking. "My love, expensive gifts and money mean nothing to me. The only reason I even bothered wearing it was to abait him."
"I worry you will grow bored of me."
She pulled her hand from his and placed it on his face, "Never. You two are my life now, and such an exciting life it will be!"
Thomas turned to kiss her palm. "Shall we?" he asked.
"Yes, but do take Lissie. I feel that if we are to be successful in our plans, it might be for the best that Cal not suspect." She said handing the child over.
Throughout dinner the couple maintained their lively interactions with the dining party as they had the entire voyage. Molly was consistently throwing out jabs at Cal, Ruth and Ismay which kept Rose giggling like a child. By the time the dessert course was served she was sore from laughing but in a jovial mood.
"Ismay, I was speaking to Astor before and he and a few others were interested in learning more about investing as well." Cal mentioned over the rim of his wine glass.
"Excellent! We'll amass in the smoking room this evening."
Cal leaned in to whisper in Rose's ear, "Don't wait up for me sweetpea, I believe we will run long tonight."
She looked to his face to see lustful eyes and felt a blush flood her face. She only nodded, trying to seem coquettish. It seemed to work if the lecherous smile on his face was any indication.
Thomas looked on with a mix of animosity and resentment. But not for her. Never for her. No his barely withheld rage was for the cad whispering lewd words to his young Rose with a carnal glint in his eyes. A whimper from his daughter broke his concentration. "Yes, sweetheart, what is it?" he bounced Lissie lightly. Lissie reached for what was left of the cake in front of them. "Alright, here let me."
Rose turned to watch Thomas spooning bits of cake to the little one with fondness. The warmth in her belly chased away the shiver from Cal's forward speaking. How she couldn't wait to dock in New York and slip away from his slimy grasp and into Thomas's loving embrace.
"Are you alright, young Rose?" he said too quietly to be overheard by anyone else.
She nodded and smiled. "I am now."
"Do you plan on Joining us tonight, or any night, Andrews?" Ismay asked.
"Perhaps tomorrow evening, Bruce. I'll leave Lissie with Helen if she isn't in attendance." Thomas held in his distaste for the ritualistic nightly meetings the so-called gentlemen attended. The mark of a true gentlemen in his opinion was how he treated others around him, including those below him. Thomas would not forget his humble beginnings no matter how successful he became.
"Well in that case, shall we, Hockley?" Ismay and Cal left the dining room.
"Rose, I'm tired. Shall we retire?" Ruth's pinched expression irritated her daughter to no end.
Rose sighed heavily, making it evident as to her opinion. "Yes, Mother." while she tickled Lissie on the belly, Thomas slipped her a small piece of paper. He winked at her, drawing a small smile from the young woman. "Good night, everyone."
Following her mother to their cabins she peaked at the slip of paper, a note. 'Dearest one, if you can slip away, please join me in my cabin. -Thomas' She blushed and smiled but hid it quickly behind her usual apathetic mask when her mother turned around. "Yes, Mother? What is it?"
Ruth scowled a moment before shaking her head. "Nothing, Rose."
"Well if you don't mind I think I'll take a bath and go to bed. Goodnight, Mother." She entered her cabin before her mother could say otherwise.
"Trudy, help me out of this dress please, and draw me a plain, warm bath. I would like to bathe quickly and get to bed." She moved to lock the doors between her room and her mother and Cal's.
"Yes, Miss Rose."
A short time later, bathed, dried, and dressed in her nicest night gown and slippers, Rose bid her maid goodnight. She rushed to her vanity and check her reflection. She decided on no make-up, opting for a more natural look. She swept her hair into a simple chignon and fastened it with a comb. Approving of her appearance she slipped into her fur coat to cover her ensemble and slipped into the empty hallway. She locked her door and dropped the key into a pocket. On her way to Thomas's cabin she encountered only a few maids and a hallboy who ignored her as per their training.
Rose steeled herself at the door with a steadying breath then knocked. She waited only a few heartbeats before he opened the door with a smile. "Rose."
Thomas ushered her in. "I was worried I had been too forward in my request." He took her coat to reveal a night gown and not a dress beneath. "Well, aren't we cozy!"
"That dress, though elegant, is far from comfortable. I much prefer the breathing room not wearing a corset affords me. And what about you, sir? Quite cozy yourself in pajamas and a housecoat!"
"Aye, but I haven't traversed the corridors of First Class cabins in a wispy night dress!"
Rose laughed openly, "Hence the coat!" She stepped closer and he hugged her to his chest. "I have wanted to do this all day."
"Oh, my dearest, myself as well." he pulled away and looked into her eyes. "What had you so unsettled at supper earlier?"
Rose looked away, "It was nothing. Only Cal's impertinent nature rearing its ugly head in public."
"What did he say to you?" Thomas's voice was tight.
"Do not worry yourself, Thomas." she tried brushing it off but he wouldn't budge. "Fine. He told me not to wait up for him to night, that I could thank him tomorrow night for the necklace. Presumptuous fool, as if I could ever go to bed with him." she looked up to find anger boiling in his normally soft eyes.
"How dare he! The nerve of that cad!"
Rose pulled him toward the settee "Darling, please, forget it. He has never had me and he never will! Now come, sit down and I will fix us a drink." She shoved him lightly backwards into the cushions with a kiss. She fetched the two glasses and decanter. "Here you are." She settled herself with her own glass beside him, snuggled into his embrace.
"I cannot wait for this to become a regular occurance." Thomas pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
She giggled. "For a short while at least. A woman in delicate condition should not consume alcohol. And I plan to be in a delicate condition as soon as possible."
"Mmmm. That I can certainly get used to as well." he held her tighter. "So darling, what kind of wedding would you like? Helen already started the divorce process so it should be less than a month before I am free."
"Something small if you don't mind. I have no family beside my mother and I doubt she will be in attendance. What about you? Do you have any family?"
"Oh my dear! I'm Irish, that means more family than you can count! My mother will love you I do believe. "
"Are you sure? I would not think so seeing as I am replacing her current daughter-in-law."
He chuckled deep from within. "She has never cared for Helen, thinks her too stuffy. You have a much more open, loving nature which she will love. I cannot wait for you to meet her."
"Well if you believe she won't despise me, I look forward to it." she took a sip from her glass and continued. "A small wedding with your family in attendance and Lissie as our flower girl. Speaking of, how is my little darling?"
Thomas smiled affectionately, "She is fine. Helen took her this evening. I suggested she spend a little time with her daughter while she could. If I had to guess she will have Lissie in bed shortly." he stood and moved to turn on the gramophone, a delicate string piece flowing from it softly. He turned back to find Rose flipping though his sketching notebook.
"Thomas, these are absolutely splendid! And here I thought you only drew ships," she giggled. "Is this Lissie?" she asked as he sat back down.
"Yes, shortly after she was born. And every few weeks I would do more. Photographs are wonderful but they are so staged, unnatural. These are quiet moments at home, undisturbed. I like them better that way."
Rose continued flipping through the book, watching Lissie's age progression, enjoying seeing her daughter grow where she may not have before. She reached the most recent set of drawings: about a dozen of Lissie and herself curled up from last night. A soft sound escaped her mouth and tears welled in her eyes. "Thomas…"
"I hope you do not mind, I could not resist and before I noticed I had filled several pages." He waited on baited breath for her reaction.
She hastily set aside the book and threw herself into his arms. "Oh, my dearest! They are perfect, of course I do not mind!" she peppered his face with kisses.
Thomas roared with laughter and pulled her into a real kiss. Rose's excitement quickly melted into passion. She deepened the kiss further, taking charge in coupling. Thomas let her lead and was not disappointed. He felt her ease onto his lap, her soft legs on either side of his, and settle herself further into his embrace.
His hands traveled from her back, down her sides to rest on her hips where he pressed his thumbs into the soft flesh. Rose moaned into the kiss and pressed her body closer to his.
The man gasped, breaking the kiss "Rose! Keep that up and…" he trailed off as she looked into his eyes. From her height perched above him she was liken to an angel. His personal angel flushed with passion, lips swollen and red, ruby ringlets escaping their loose coil. And her eyes! Always soft and full of love when turned on him, they now burned with desire and need for him.
"And?" she prodded and sank lower into his lap, feeling how much he wanted her while knowing how much she wanted him.
He moaned at her movements but held himself in check. "And I will pick you up, take you over to my bed, and ravish you." he pressed open-mouth kisses up her neck and nibbled her ear.
Rose giggled gleefully before rocking her hips forward again. "Then begin ravishing Master Shipbuilder."
Thomas wrapped his arms about her and stood, spinning her petite form around. She squealed excitedly and held on tight till her toes touched the ground. Rose untied his robe and let it slip off his shoulders before his lips crashed into hers, his hand going to the comb and freeing her hair.
"Thomas, have you seen Elizabeth's dollie, I ca- Oh!"
Thomas broke the kiss but held Rose to him. She didn't bother to pull away, holding tight to what was now hers.
Helen, for her part looked slightly embarrassed with Lissie perched on her hip. "I'm sorry, I…. I was looking for Elizabeth's doll and thought she might have left it in here. I can't get her to settle down without it." Thomas loosed his grip on Rose and began searching his suite, leaving the women staring silently at each other.
Lissie squirmed in her mother's grasp and reached towards the Rose. "Mumma! Mummummumma!"
"Shhhh Elizabeth. I've got you." Helen tried calming the child to no avail. Lissie began to cry and wriggle harder. "Elizabeth, what has gotten in to you!" she seemed exasperated with her daughter.
"Mummummumma, Mumma!" Rose's heart broke at her baby's tears. Her resolve broke and she made her way to Lissie, easily scooping her out of Helen's arms and tucking her into a tight embrace.
"Shhhh Lissie girl, it's alright, I'm right here, mummy's got you." Rose bounced the sniffling child and laid soft, comforting kisses to her curly head. "There's a good girl, no reason to be upset."
Thomas, having found the doll, wasn't sure what to do or say when he saw the situation at hand. Helen pulled her eyes away from the young woman holding her daughter. "Thomas?" she questioned him.
"Helen, I don't know what you would like me to say? Rose has been nothing but loving and affectionate to Lissie. When our divorce is final, she and I are to be married."
"You need not worry about Lissie, Helen. I love and adore her and will do so as long as I live" Rose tried to sound genuine, wanting to convey sincerity to the woman whose child she was going to mother.
Helen still looked a bit put out but more accepting of the situation. "I do love her, you know. I don't show it well and I can't be a mother, not the kind she needs. But I do love her."
"And I will make sure she knows it." Rose said. She looked down to the child in question and found her fast asleep, little hand curled around a tendril of her fiery hair. "Would you like to take her? I will try not to come between the two of you the rest of the voyage." She moved toward the other woman, gently untangling the slumbering babe and handing her over. Thomas handed her the doll as well.
"Thank you, I appreciate that, Miss." Helen turned to leave but hesitated at the door and facing the couple once more. "I do wish you two the best. You seem very happy. I won't disturb you again tonight, nor will I speak of this to anyone."
"Thank you, Helen." Thomas said, drawing Rose into his side. When the door was closed once more he turned to Rose. "Well, that went well. Much better than I could ever have hoped for."
"She's no monster, darling. And I am so grateful she won't cause us trouble." Rose hugged him tight.
He sighed into her hair, "If you would like to leave now, I wouldn't blame you."
She leaned away to level him with a serious gaze. "You aren't getting rid of me so easily, Mr. Andrews. I believe I was about to be ravished prior to the being interrupted."
Notes:
A/N: So…. Next chapter will be steamy. I thought that was where this chapter would go but I thought that it was best to cut it here before it got any longer. I think this is already the longest chapter yet. Please drop a review if you like, I'd love some feedback, good or bad! Next chapter will be up Friday or Saturday!
Much love,
Nanahbelle