A/N:We have reached the part of the story that many of you have dreaded, and in a way, so have I. You worry for the characters (and rightfully so) and I worry that I will make embarrassing mistakes regarding the history of the Titanic. So here's my thought process. I won't even try to get every minute detail right. The story is from Andrea and Miranda's POV, which it will continue to be during the horrific disaster too. This means, that since they are fictive characters, so are their experiences. Expect some artistic license regarding certain details-such as timeline, who they ran into, and what happened to throughout the disaster. But also expect respect and sympathy for the men, women, and children who died, or lost someone.

Thank you for all your amazing comments...it makes my day to read your response to this story that quickly became an obsession of mine.
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Dinner dragged on because of a delay, and the political discussion around the table grew heated. Miranda and Andrea merely watched in fascination how one man grew beat red in moments, when the other man across from him, expressed opposing views.

"I suppose we could add fuel to this fire and bring up how unfair it is that women aren't allowed to vote," Andrea whispered to Miranda, making her chuckle.

This didn't escape the belligerent man across the table. "Something funny, Lady Miranda? I fail to see the humor in this."

"So do I, Mr. Halbrook, trust me." Miranda aimed her best glare at the man who, satisfyingly enough, pressed his back against the chair. "I'm glad you at least allowed us to finish our dessert before you decided to plague us with your anachronistic opinions." Miranda tilted her head. "I especially found your views of what women can or cannot do quite archaic. You, my good sir, are born in the wrong era."

"Lady Miranda!" Halbrook looked scandalized. "Those are preposterous notions, and unbecoming a woman of your breeding."

Miranda made a face at the word breeding. She was ready to snap at the insufferable man when Andrea spoke.

"Have you ever considered the concept of adaptability and change, Mr. Halbrook?" She smiled angelically. "There are several people, with greater minds than all of us combined, who have, and if I, well, express their consensus, I can assure you that those of us who are able and willing to adapt, learn, and reevaluate our views through life, and thus change when we gain more knowledge or insight—there's a good chance that we might evolve into enlightened beings. If we stagnate, stick to our guns, as they say …we may as well dig our graves, instead of just our heels, don't you agree?"

Miranda could tell she wasn't the only one who stared at Andrea, who had been content merely being a spectator earlier in the evening, much like Miranda had.

"That's…that's blasphemous," Halbrook spat. "You. A speck of a girl, attempting to lecture me—"

"Oh, come on, Mr. Halbrook, let's not make a fool of ourselves by being a sore loser." A voluptuous woman had stopped by the table just as Andrea delivered her point of view and now placed both hands on Halbrook's shoulders, actually shaking him a little. "Lighten up now, it's a beautiful evening, and free of clouds so we can see the stars. No need to act like a pompous fool just because you were outwitted and out-educated by a young woman." The woman, who Miranda now recognized as Mrs. Brown, a wealthy nouveau riche woman from America, patted Halbrook vigorously and then rounded the table. She extended her hand to Andrea who took it, looking startled at the unexpected support.

"My name is Molly Brown. You're a brilliant young thing, aren't you, dear?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Brown. I'm Andrea Sachs." Andrea stood and so did Miranda. It was definitely time to leave the table, even if it was a ridiculous faux pas to do it before the men decided to go off and enjoy a brandy.

Molly Brown extended her hand to Miranda. "And you need no introduction, Lady Miranda. Lovely to meet you."

"Likewise," Miranda said and took the woman's hand. Her grip was firm, which won her another point—standing up for Andrea was the first.

"I'm off to look at the stars and get some air. Stuffy in here tonight." Molly Brown sent Halbrook a smile. Returning her gaze to Miranda and Andrea, she motioned with her hand toward the entrance. "Would you like to join me?"

"It sounds wonderful," Andrea said. "I need air too." She lowered her voice. "And to find my bearings."

Molly Brown led the way between the tables, and as soon as they had cleared the dining room and entered the space where the impressive grand staircase led to the upper decks, Miranda felt Andrea fumble for her hand. She took it and placed in the hook of her arm as they made their way up the stairs and onto the promenade.

The evening was cool, and Miranda pulled her shawl closer around her. Molly Brown was right. The stars were visible all over the night sky, and around them, the sea was at a dead calm. She shuddered and felt Andrea step closer to where they stood at the railing.

"It's beautiful, but also a little terrifying," Andrea said quietly. "How small we are when compared to the sky—and the sea."

"We are." Molly Brown stood on Miranda's other side. "I'm glad I was able to introduce myself. We have seen so little of you, Lady Miranda. And when Miss Sachs is out on deck, she is working, taking care of your beautiful little girls."

"Yes, I have work to do also. My time isn't always my own," Miranda said lightly. "Mrs. Brown—"

"Molly, please. If you don't mind?" Molly smiled warmly. "I can't say I'm very fond of all this…being formal. It stands in the way of genuine conversations."

Miranda had to chuckle. "Agreed. Please call me Miranda."

"And I'm Andrea." Leaning forward against the railing to meet Molly's gaze, Andrea smiled broadly.

Miranda felt Andrea slip her arm around Miranda's waist under her shawl. There she gently stroked up and down, no doubt sensing Miranda's shivers in the cold.

"Andrea. You are a well-educated, brave soul." Molly looked pleased. "And Halbrook is an ass if you pardon my French. He is stuck in the previous century, and I'm sure he was reactionary even then."

Miranda nodded. "And astute observation. I must admit, my appetite diminished when we were directed to that table. Tomorrow, I'm going to bribe the Maître d', something I should have done from the beginning. I wouldn't mind sharing a table with you, for the rest of our journey, Molly."

"Good plan, Miranda. I look forward to getting to know you better—and your brilliant governess who I can tell you value very much." There was no judgment in Molly's eyes, merely kindness.

"I think I'd like that." Miranda shuddered. "As lovely as the starlit skies are, I think I need to go inside. I'm not built for this climate." Miranda could feel goosebumps erupt along her back and legs.

"Yes, let's get you warm," Andrea said and pulled her along toward the door. "Are you coming too, Molly?"

"In a minute, dear. You go inside. I just want to stargaze a little bit longer." Molly made a shooing movement with her hands.

Inside, Andrea kept her arm around Miranda until they heard voices approaching in the corridor leading to their suite. Shifting her grip, Andrea went back to walking arm-in-arm but stroked Miranda's lower arm. "You're really cold. Perhaps we should run you a bath?"

"Don't fuss, darling. I'll be fine. I just need a blanket and perhaps some hot cocoa." Miranda pressed her lips together. "It is entirely unfair that you don't seem as affected by the cold, though."

"I am built differently." Andrea shrugged. "And I know several nice ways to keep you warm if you're still cold after you go to bed. After your cocoa." She only laughed when Miranda pinched her.

They found Serena and Emily in their nightgowns and robes, sitting on the couch. In front of them, they had the drawings girls' had completed so far.

"Good evening," Miranda said. "Everything gone well tonight?"

"Yes, Milady," Emily said and stood. "We took the liberty of getting ready for bed, while we waited for you, as we understood from the steward that dinner was delayed tonight."

"Good. And Kipling?"

"Has retired for the evening, Milady" Serena said. "Anything else we can get for you, Milady?"

"I want hot cocoa. Ask the steward for an entire pot in case you or Andrea would like some."

"Very good, Milady." Serena rose and pressed the call button.

"Very well. Emily, if you could just assist me out of this dress—not sure what Madame Tatiana did with the built-in corset, but it's been pinching me." Miranda motioned for Emily to accompany her. In her bedroom, Emily deftly unhooked the dress in the back and smiled when Miranda drew a deep, liberating breath. "Better."

"Do you wish to change into your nightgown, or should I find another dress?"

"Another dress, please. I'm not sure if Andrea will want to stargaze again, and I will not allow her to go up out on the deck alone in the evening. I want my dark blue dress, with long sleeves."

"Very good, Milady." Emily opened the closet and hung the dress Miranda had just stepped out of and pulled out the other in one fluent movement."

"Emily?" Miranda bit her lip, not sure how to put her question into words that wouldn't make her lady's maid uncomfortable.

"Yes, Milady?" Emily answered automatically as she hooked the minuscule buttons in the back of Miranda's dress.

"You and Serena have shown immense loyalty and kindness toward Andrea ever since she arrived at the house in London. I want you to know, both of you, that it hasn't gone unnoticed by me either. I know Andrea treasures your friendship."

"Thank you, Milady," Emily said, her eyes wide now. "Andrea has been nothing but sweet and helpful to us as well. She has quickly become family." She blushed as she straightened Miranda's sleeve and made sure the dress fit perfectly.

"Hasn't she just? The girls adore her." Miranda adjusted her hair after a glance in the mirror. "And as do I." She turned and looked intently at Emily, hoping the woman who had worked for her the last five years would understand.

Emily's lips trembled for a few moments, but then she gave a shy smile. "We have noticed, Milady. Serena and I are delighted to see you so happy." She lowered her gaze to the floor for a moment but then raised it again. "Serena and I understand we owe Milady our entire happiness. We can't think of another household that would do the same."

"Well, you will always be safe in my home. No matter what you choose for the future, either of you, you will always be welcome." Miranda began walking to the door, but as she passed Emily, she reached out and placed her hand around her upper arm, just briefly.

Returning to Andrea and Serena, found the hot cocoa had arrived. She gave a small shudder but knew the hot beverage would help.

The ambiance around the table was amicable, and Miranda could see how Andrea relaxed and laughed in ways she normally only did when it was just her and the girls. Yes, they were a family of sorts, including the staff. This was also why Miranda had decided to offer Kipling, Emily, and Mrs. Serena to join her in America. They had proved their loyalty, and she genuinely cared for them.

Just as Andrea had poured them all a second cup of the heavenly beverage, there was a large bang, and the ship seemed to stomp under them. Something thundered against the starboard side, but not as loudly as that first sound.

Andrea stood and rushed to the closest porthole and gazed out into the darkness while framing her face to block out the light.

#

It was pitch-black outside, not counting the distant stars Andrea had admired only moments ago. She felt tremors in the ship, only very faint now, and wondered what had happened. Did something break in the engine room? She kept looking at the window and was about to turn back to the table when she gasped. Stumbling back, she fumbled for Miranda who had joined her.

"What is it?" Miranda said and grabbed Andreas's arms. "What did you see?"

"We just passed and iceberg. Huge. It was so close!" Andrea freed herself and went back to the porthole. "I can't see it anymore. We must've passed it."

"Are you sure that's what you saw?" Miranda frowned. "The captain wouldn't let the ship get so close to an iceberg. That's dangerous."

"I know. And I'm sure. It was dark blue on one side, and white, shiny parts caught the moonlight. It wasn't another ship. I could tell that much."

"The ship is still moving," Serena said. "If something was amiss, surely, they'll let us know?"

"I'm sure you're right," Andrea said absentmindedly. Resuming her seat, she drank the cocoa, allowing it to warm her belly further. She cast a glance at Miranda's hands, but they had stopped shaking.

"Tell me, Andrea, do you intend to go outside stargazing some more? You looked entranced by the moon and the stars earlier?" Miranda asked.

"I think I will." Andrea intended to bundle up when she did.

"I will accompany you." Miranda gave her a stern glance. "You're not going out there alone in the dark."

"You're not doing anything of the sort," Andrea said. "You've just stopped shivering." She gave Miranda a stern glance of her own before she remembered they had company.

Emily covered her mouth with her hand, and Serena seemed absorbed by the cocoa in her cup.

"Then that's your choice. Either you go with me, or you don't go." Miranda raised her chin. Then she relented, extending her hand. "Please?"

Melting at record speed, Andrea shook her head as she took Miranda's hand. "This is going to set a terrible precedence. Very well. I don't have to stargaze tonight. I'd rather keep you warm. Eh. I mean, for you to remain warm, Miranda." She wanted to thud her head against the table for getting tangled in what she meant to say.

"I think we all understand what you meant to say, Andrea," Serena said softly, but her eyes glittered.

"Hm." Andrea shook her head. "Wait. Can you hear that? Or not hear that?"

"No, what?" Emily blinked and straightened in her chair.

"The engines have stopped." Miranda frowned.

Andrea got up and strode over to the door, opening it. When she stepped outside, she realized that it was suddenly noticeably quiet. The engines had indeed stopped. They were drifting.

Down the corridor, someone opened a door and poked their head outside. It was a man, clearly dressed in his sleepwear. When he saw Andrea, he called out. "Ma'am? Do you know why the engines have stopped?"

"No, sir, I don't." Andrea didn't volunteer having seen an iceberg. "I'm sure we'll be underway momentarily."

"I hope so." The man disappeared and closed the door.

Andrea walked back inside. Miranda stood in the center of the floor with her hands on her hips. "We must be drifting," Andrea said.

They slowly resumed their seats at the table. "Do you think this has anything to do with the loud bangs before?" Emily asked.

"Perhaps," Miranda said. "I do not intend to retire for the evening until I know what's going on.

"We should wake Mr. Kipling," Serena said. "He might be able to inquire for us?"

"Good idea," Miranda said and nodded. "Please knock on his door, Mrs. Serena."

Serena walked over to Mr. Kipling's door and knocked. After only a few moments, Kipling opened, dressed in his robe. "Mrs. Serena?" His eyes fell upon the rest of them. "Lady Miranda. He stood still, listening. Something's wrong. We've stopped."

"We don't know what's going on," Andrea said. "We're drifting. It wouldn't be so worrisome if we hadn't heard one large bang and several smaller ones just before the engines stopped. And I—I looked outside and saw something I think could only be an iceberg close to our side of the ship."

"I will get dressed and inquire about the situation." Mr. Kipling returned to his room and rejoined them less than a minute later. He wore a jacket over his suit. "I'll be back shortly, Milady." He disappeared out the door and all four of them stood motionless for a while.

Andrea turned to the others. "Hopefully this delay won't take too long." She smiled. "I'm just going to look in on the girls." She walked over to the girls' bedroom door and opened it. One night light was on, and the girls seemed to be fast asleep, Caroline in her usual perfect position, and Cassidy upside down and with her pillow on Caroline's feet. Her sister didn't seem to mind. Closing the door, she then turned and walked right into Miranda who caught her just in time before she fell into the doorpost.

"Stop doing that. Falling around me," Miranda said and smiled faintly. "I saw. They're asleep."

"Yes. Whatever that loud noise was, it didn't stir them." Andrea returned and sat down by the table again. She tried to remember exactly what she saw and hoped Mr. Kipling would return soon with answers.

Miranda sat down next to her, and Andrea could see from the way she played with the ends of her sleeves that she was unsettled. She couldn't blame her. Being without propulsion in the middle of the Atlantic somewhere, and if that indeed was an iceberg that made that awful sound, help could be far away, depending on where the closest ship was located.

They sat in silence, merely waiting, and when Mr. Kipling returned about fifteen minutes later, his serious expression showed that it was not encouraging news.

"I tried talking to members of the crew, but everyone was quite busy," he said after accepting a chair at the table. "Then I ran into one of the other butlers I know from London. He in turn is on good terms with the steward serving Mr. Thomas Andrews, the chief naval architect, who built this ship. Miss Andrea was right. We have hit an iceberg, and they are in the process of assessing the damage. What I find concerning, is that Mr. Andrews had returned briefly to collect something from his quarters, and then told his steward to start pulling out lifebelts."

Gasping, Miranda flew up from her chair. "But why? This ship is unsinkable. It's—" She sat down again, her face so white, Andrea feared she might collapse.

"Miranda," she said, and took her gently by the shoulders. "As unlikely as it is that this could ever happen, this is a ship—and all ships can sink, depending on what's happened to them. Let's not jump to conclusions. Let's just prepare, just in case." She looked up at the others and saw Mr. Kipling nod solemnly at her. Andrea's heart plummeted, but she needed to stay strong while Miranda regained her bearings. "Emily, Serena, get dressed. Warm dresses. Put out coats for everyone. Mr. Kipling, can you keep an eye on what's happening in the corridor?"

"Yes, Miss Serena." Kipling looked like he was relieved to have a task.

"Miranda. Come with me," Andrea said and shook Miranda lightly.

"What?" Miranda still looked stunned.

"You must come with me and wake the girls without frightening them. Let's tell them that we might just go outside in a bit to watch the stars." Andrea smiled through threatening tears at the desolate look on Miranda's face. Then it was as if Miranda found the strength to pull herself together. Standing, she kissed Andrea on the lips, clearly not bothered by the fact that Mr. Kipling stood by the door, having just returned inside.

"Yes. The girls. They need to dress warm also," Miranda said as they walked into Caroline and Cassidy's bedroom. She took Andrea's hand and squeezed it hard. "No matter if this is a false alarm, something trivial, or pending disaster, we face it together, Andrea."

"Yes, Miranda. Together."


Continued in part 18