FINDING LOVE ON THE TITANIC
Chapter Seven
Ross reached the corridor on
A-Deck just as Rachel’s stateroom attendant, Violet, shut the door to Rachel’s
stateroom. "Is Miss Green available?" Ross, by now somewhat out of
breath, inquired of the attractive attendant.
"Last evening Miss Green
advised the second steward to reserve her and Mrs. Candee a table for breakfast
in the Café Verandah," Violet politely informed Ross.
"Thanks. I will try to catch
up with her later," a somewhat confused and disappointed Ross replied.
Rachel was thankful for the
opportunity to meet Helen Churchill Candee for breakfast. An important part of
a fashion representative’s job was to promote and get feedback from the social
elite. Helen Candee filled that category. The meeting, along with the vivacious
atmosphere of the café, would relieve her mind of any thoughts pertaining to
Ross. Rachel knew he had some unresolved issues that might take him some time
to sort through.
A waiter guided Rachel to a table
in the Café Verandah. The café, decorated with green trellises and climbing
plants, provided a tropical atmosphere. Palm plants in wicker baskets
periodically lined the walls. The tables were bright wicker tables surrounded
with chairs cushioned with red and brown fabrics. The atmosphere was further
brightened with black and white-checkered floor tile.
"What would you like to
order for breakfast?" the waiter inquired.
"I would like to order baked
apples, buckwheat cakes, and tea."
"Very good, miss. I will
place your order."
"Rachel! What is new in the
fashion world?" a strikingly beautiful Helen Churchill Candee inquired as
the waiter seated her at the table. Helen was dressed in a soft yellow lace
dress fitted at the waist and with a high collar.
"Due to women attending more
outdoor events, a need for lighter weight clothing has become the biggest
demand or trend. Outdoor items such as capes, jackets, and wraps have replaced
the shawl. The S type fashion is slowly being replaced with a raised waistline.
If you attend the Easter Races in New York City, more new fashion trends will
be presented," Rachel replied while observing Helen’s noted approval of
the latest fashion trends.
"Helen, are you enjoying the
cruise?" Sixth Officer James Moody inquired as a waiter delivered Rachel's
requested breakfast order.
"This has been the smoothest
crossing so far. James, I would like to introduce you to Rachel Green. She is a
fashion consultant for Women’s Wear." Helen stood while politely making
the introductions.
"Pleased to make your
acquaintance, Miss Green. Have a pleasant trip, and I hope to see you
again." The handsome officer politely nodded while turning to leave.
"Would you have time to join
us for a cup of tea?" Helen boldly inquired.
"Thanks. Since I was just
relieved of my duties, a cup of tea might relax me," Moody answered as he
pulled out a chair to join them at the table.
"Are there any secrets we
need to be aware of from the bridge?" Helen inquired of Officer Moody.
"Daily, we have been
receiving cablegrams from other ships warning us of icebergs that would be
directly in our path. Captain Smith decided the proper way to avoid the bergs
was to change the course of direction southward," Moody replied while
taking his last sip of tea. "Ladies, thanks for inviting me to join you. I
have enjoyed the conversation, but I believe it is time for me to go to my room
to catch some sleep. Nice to have made your acquaintance, Miss Green," the
officer replied as he stood up to leave. Before leaving, he leaned over and
shook Rachel’s hand.
Ross walked by the café just as
the officer was shaking hands with Rachel. He could not see anyone else at the
table. Was she having breakfast with him instead of Helen Candee, as her
stateroom attendant had previously informed him?
"Rachel, I have enjoyed this
time together, but I need to meet some friends on the boat deck," Helen
informed Rachel as she stood up to leave the table.
With some free time available,
Rachel decided to write and send a postcard to her boss, informing him of her
successful meeting with Helen. With that in mind, she removed the white cloth
napkin from her lap and left for the reading and writing room.
To further clear his head, Ross
decided to take a walk on the boat deck. He passed by the reading and writing
room. Through the window, he spotted Rachel. She was sitting alone at one of
the tables, writing a note.
Rachel looked up and noticed Ross
standing outside of the window, gazing directly at her. She raised her hand,
motioning him to join her inside.
"I talked to your stateroom
attendant this morning and she informed me you were joining Mrs. Candee at the
Verandah Café for breakfast." Ross was digging to find out what had really
happened.
"Yes. We met for a light
breakfast and then she left to join some friends on the boat deck," Rachel
replied while continuing to write.
"Was there anyone else
there?" Ross knew he had no hold on Rachel, but he would like to know if
she had developed any other male interests.
"Yes. An officer that Helen
had become acquainted with joined us at the last minute. I believe his name was
James Moody," Rachel informed Ross.
"Was Helen there the whole
time?" Ross inquired as he pushed for more information.
"Yes, she was. He left
first, and then her. What are you trying to find out?" Rachel was
beginning to feel irritated that she had to explain her actions.
"I was not spying on you. I
just happened to be passing by the café and noticed him shaking hands with you.
I did not see her presence," Ross answered, by now starting to feel
slightly embarrassed, knowing the officer must have been blocking her view.
"Last night, it was me who
felt rejected, and today it is you," Rachel replied, slightly lightening
the conversation with a smile.
"Well, I guess it is my turn
to do some explaining. I took the time to think my situation through with
Carol, and early this morning, I answered her cablegram, informing her that it
was over between us," Ross at last informed Rachel.
Rachel sat there for a moment as
she slowly comprehended what Ross had just informed her of.
"I think we have some making
up to do, don’t you?" Ross asked her as he took her hand, leading her back
to his stateroom.
Ross closed and locked the
stateroom door. He walked over to her and they began kissing, at first softly
and then passionately. She slowly removed her jacket and petticoat.
Ross stood there for a minute,
taking in her beauty. He followed her lead by removing his jacket and then his
shirt. He walked over to her. She began running her hands over his chest and
then slowly moved down and slowly removed his pants and underwear. He picked
her up and laid her on the bed. Their passion continued until early morning.
Ross laid awake, watching Rachel
as she slept. He rose out of bed and walked over to the porthole. He knew at
last what being in love was.