A DEEP OCEAN OF SECRETS
Chapter Six
Elisabeth entered the A-Deck
foyer after her chat with Jack Dawson. She had looked better before—her hair
was windblown and out of the bun, her curls falling loosely down her back. Her
cheeks were red from the cold and she still had her blanket over her shoulders.
She stood where she was at the bottom of the staircase and looked up at the
dome above her. It lit the foyer like sunshine. She stood there for a couple of
minutes, until she heard someone clear his throat behind her. She turned and
looked at the person and found that it was a man.
And a very handsome man, in her
opinion. His light brown hair was slicked back, but a couple of locks of hair
had come out of place and lay gently on his forehead. His eyes were a deep
shade of green, like Elisabeth’s. His nose fit his face and his lips were pale
and small. He was much taller than her, at least six feet, dressed in an ironed
tux and polished shoes. "Excuse me, miss," he began, "but I was
wondering if you need some assistance?"
Elisabeth looked at the man for a
moment, then suddenly remembered her blanket and manners. She pulled off the
blanket, revealing her elegant dress and white gloves. "No, sir," she
replied. "I was just fascinated by Mr. Andrews’ designs." Did the man
think she didn’t belong here?
Elisabeth’s question was soon
answered when she saw the man’s eyes widen at the sight of her when she removed
the blanket. "Yes, my uncle does have a particular taste, doesn’t
he?" the man asked, looking up around the dome. Elisabeth looked at him
questioningly.
"Thomas Andrews is your
uncle?" she asked.
"I am his sister’s
son," he replied. "William Thackery. I’m traveling with him to New
York, back to my school." He held out his hand. "And your name, if I
may ask?"
Elisabeth shook William’s hand.
"Elisabeth DeWitt Bukater. Perhaps you have heard of my sister, Rose, who
is engaged to Mr. Caledon Hockley."
"Yes, I’ve heard of Mr.
Hockley, but I haven’t had the pleasure to meet your sister," William
replied.
"How come you did not dine
with our party? Your uncle has the pleasure of accompanying us," Elisabeth
said questioningly.
"I dine with my fiancée,
Annabelle Johansson, and her family."
"Engaged? Congratulations!
I’m afraid I don’t know who she is, however," Elisabeth said, smiling. But
on the inside, she was furious! She had already taken a liking to William
Thackery, and he was engaged!
"Thank you. Perhaps you
shall meet her. Her father is Lord Johansson of Dublin, Ireland."
Elisabeth falsely smiled. "I
wish you all the best," she said. William gestured to outside on the deck,
and they strolled out into the cold night air. Elisabeth put her blanket around
her shoulders again. She and William walked down the deck and could see each
other’s breaths in the still air.
William nodded. "And what of
you? Why are you coming to America?"
Elisabeth sighed. "My sister
and Caledon Hockley are getting married in Philadelphia. Five hundred
invitations have gone out, and the highest of Philadelphia society will be
there. You should see Rose’s wedding dress! The train is nearly a block
long!" William laughed.
"You don’t seem too thrilled
that they are getting married," he observed gently.
It took Elisabeth a while to
answer. "I do," she said slowly, "but I don’t think Cal deserves
Rose."
"Why?"
"All her life, my mother has
been pushing boys and men at her way. Rose can be pressured into things, and my
mother uses this to her advantage. You see, since my father died and left us in
quite a lot of debt, my mother is trying to marry me and Rose off to make sure
we stay wealthy. I have declined seven men, and Rose has accepted one--Cal.
They met at some lavish party in Philadelphia, and Mother thought it was an
excellent match. Cal took us to London, Paris, New York, Italy, Spain…you name
it, we were there. He proposed a year ago, and Rose said yes. And even now I
can see the regret written on her face," Elisabeth summed up. "But
please don’t spread this around. Rose doesn’t want anybody to know her personal
business. But I’ve shared it anyway."
"I won’t tell anybody,
Elisabeth," William said. "You can trust me, even thought you’ve
known me for a couple of minutes." Elisabeth laughed.
"Compliments to your uncle
for making such a marvelous ship," Elisabeth breathed. She looked out into
the dark water. A couple passed she and William; they were young and looked
madly in love. A big grin spread across her angelic face. "Many
compliments." William smiled as well. There was a moment of silence. Then
Elisabeth held out her hand. "Well, Mr. Thackery, it’s been a pleasure.
Unfortunately, I have to be heading back to my room."
William shook her hand.
"Yes, Miss DeWitt Bukater. Perhaps I will see you again."
Elisabeth smiled thoughtfully.
"Perhaps," she said softly, and turned away, walking down the deck,
leaving William Thackery smiling after her.