I DO NOT OWN TITANIC NOR THE GREAT GATSBY. I DECIDED TO GIVE NICK A LOVE INTEREST BECAUSE WE CAN NOT HAVE JACK AND ROSE HOGGING ALL THE ROMANCE; CAN WE?

FACE CLAIMS

MILDRED ASHLEY- LILY COLLINS

RMS Titanic. Later that day

Col. Gracie and his companions proved to be enjoyable company as we walked the ladies to their rooms after the Titanic had pulled out of Southampton. As we walked through the 1st class section of the ship, I couldn't help but be delighted by the fantastic decor that was built into the ship. I had heard many people consider the vessel to be like a floating palace and the reputation proved to be well deserved indeed. It seemed as though the ship, or at least the 1st class portion of it had been dipped deep into a pot of luxury and had been forever stained by it. Eventually, Col. Gracie brought the 3 ladies to another woman who was accompanying them: Edith Corse Evans. The Colonel and I bide the ladies farewell before heading on our way.

"Well Mr. Carraway, I must check into my quarters before I can enjoy myself. I hope you to see you later this evening." Col. Gracie told me as we shook each other's hand.

"That would be pleasant indeed." I said as I tipped my hat to the man as I began looking for my room. Naturally, I elected to take the scenic route to my quarters while most people were out on the upper decks; waving good bye and blowing kisses as the ship was towed out of the Southampton port. As I opened a door to the main part of the 1st class section of Titanic, I saw the ship's grand staircase: Tom had shown me a drawing of it and told me that it was the Titanic's crowning glory and now that I had seen said staircase with my own eyes, I was in no position to argue the matter.

The staircase had been constructed from oak that had been perfectly polished, wrought iron, and an assortment of boutique glass that caught one's eye with the greatest of ease. The grand staircase was situated below a fine glass dome, designed so that it gave an excellent illusion of natural light at all times. The center piece of the structure was a large carved panel with 2 wooden angels holding up a clock. I couldn't help but feel that there was a metaphor in there somewhere, but it still eludes me to this day. As I made my way down the stairs, there was a path to enter the first-class dining room when meal time came about and another towards the lifts; which were a marvel of engineering. The sound of a foghorn rang throughout the ship as I could see from the outer windows that the Titanic was finally moving.

As I was moving to leave the staircase area, my eyes were turned toward a sight that nearly brought me to tears of ecstasy. The creature who captured my eyes was a ravishingly beautiful young girl who could put the Roman Goddess Venus to bitter shame. She had a head of thick long and wavy brunette hair. Her hair was complimented by her delicate features, her deep green eyes with long dark eyelashes, her rosy lips, her splendid white teeth, and her slender physique. I felt compelled to make her acquaintance; so I walked over and tipped my hat.

"Excuse me miss, I don't mean to be so forward...but I must say that you're, well...the most beautiful woman that i've ever seen." I said with just a hint of awkwardness as I earned a melodic giggle for my efforts.

"If I had a shilling for every time I heard that from a man, I'd be richer than Mary of Teck. My name is Mildred Ashley." The woman remarked in a delightful English accent as she held out her hand to which I eagerly pressed a kiss.

"Nick Carraway, the pleasure is all mine." I replied as I tried to hide the blush that threatened to engulf my face.

"So, Mr. Carraway, what brings you to the grandest ship in the world?" Miss Ashley asked of me.

"I'm returning to Yale to finish my schooling. I took a holiday to England with a classmate of mine, but unfortunately he took ill and had to stay behind in London." I answered.

"I'm actually going to America myself. I...received a position that I simply could not pass up. My brother was supposed to accompany me...but he was unfortunately delayed." Mildred explained.

"If you are unaccompanied, may I escort you to your room?" I offered as Mildred happily offered me her arm as we began walking towards a series of state rooms on B deck. After a few minutes of chatting, we were pleased to discover that our rooms were adjacent to each other.

"Thank you for escorting me, Mr. Carraway. I hope I shall be seeing more of you throughout the voyage." she said before entering her room. When I entered my quarters, I was delighted by the luxury of it. Since we were going to be traveling together, Tom had purchased one of the parlor suites; which was meant for 2 people. Now that I was traveling alone, it felt far too big for me like an older brother's hand me downs. The suite comprised of 2 large bedrooms, 2 walk-in wardrobes, a private bathroom, lavatory, and a spacious sitting room The sitting room was quite lavish and allowed for receiving small parties of guests, if I were to have any to entertain. It featured a fireplace, a large card table, plush sofas and chairs, sideboards, and writing desks. As I set down my suitcases, I was convinced that I had never stayed in anything more luxurious in all my life.

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