Queen of the Waves

by Janice Thompson

  Through the crowd he took note of a girl about his age standing at the rail. Even from such a distance, her beautiful face caused him to give her a second look.

  Nathan took in the picture of perfection standing before him. The young woman held tightly to the railing, looking out over the crowd below. The flowing blue-and-cream-colored dress showed off her figure, curving and regal, and emphasized a tiny waistline. Did she have any idea just how beautiful she was? She seemed content to stare out at the water. Her expression was calm, peaceful… until she turned to look at the swarm of people surrounding her. Then the anxiety in her eyes became evident.

  In spite of her beautiful gown and fine jewels, this girl did not have the same ostentatious manner so many of the girls back home possessed. No, unlike those in his circle, this one had a wide-eyed innocence that seemed genuine and captivating.

  Her sweet, curved lips tilted up in a smile as she glanced back out over the water, and a rosy hue swept over her cheeks. Her face—really, as lovely as a painting—conveyed both strength and delicacy. She had a wealth of dark hair swept up in a loose fashion, with tendrils playing about her neckline. Soft wisps framed her face, the wind blowing them about at will. She bent her head forward and studied her hands.

  In that moment, high-pitched chatter drew his attention away from her. Nathan turned to see three young ladies sashaying his direction, all flirtatious giggles and smiles as they drew near. Their gaudy gowns pinched so tightly in the middle that he wondered how they breathed. And those skirts! They were full and ridiculous.

  The girl in the middle wore an equally ridiculous hat with feathers so tall they rivaled the ship’s smokestacks, at least from this angle. Two of the girls carried in their hands parasols in bright colors—one yellow and the other a brilliant blue. As they passed by, one of them dropped her handkerchief. Nathan bent down to retrieve it and held it up to her. She took it with a flourish and the group disappeared into the crowd.

  The young woman at the railing looked on, seemingly amused by this turn of events. She glanced Nathan’s way and then looked back at the water as she spoke. “She did that on purpose, of course.”

  “Beg your pardon?”

  The young woman glanced his way again, her brows arched. “That girl. The one with the awful hat. She dropped her handkerchief on purpose. If I were you, I would have left it on the ground. In fact, I would have paid money to watch her try to bend down to pick it up. Chances are pretty good she would’ve injured herself in the process.”

  “You would’ve paid to see that, eh?”

  “Certainly. Might’ve been entertaining.” Tilting her head back, she peered at his face, clearly unaware of the captivating picture she made when she smiled.

  From the opposite direction an older lady strolled toward them, a duo of leashed dogs pulling her along. Nathan watched as the beautiful young woman in the blue-and-cream dress dropped to her knees in an unladylike fashion, her silk skirts pouncing in a flourish around her. She scooped one of the pups into her arms and nuzzled his long face against her cheek. The owner looked a bit startled but didn’t appear to mind.

  “What sort of dogs are these?” the young woman asked as she turned her attention to the other pup.

  “They are King Charles spaniels. Show dogs.” The older woman patted the first pooch on the head.

  “Oh, they’re beautiful. What lovely, shiny coats. And the coloring! Makes me miss Maggie so much.” Her beautiful eyes glistened as she petted the rambunctious dogs. They responded by licking her on the cheek.

  “Maggie?” Nathan knelt down and boxed the dogs’ ears, his gaze on the girl, not the pups. “You have a dog named Maggie?”

  “Yes, a sheepdog.” The girl sighed, a long, lingering, unladylike sigh, her eyes welling with tears above beautiful, rosy cheeks. “She’s not as well-groomed and certainly isn’t a show dog, but she’s been a part of my life since I was little. I didn’t realize how much I missed her until this very moment. If only I’d known I could’ve brought her with me…that would have changed everything. I’ve always found animals to be such a comfort.”

  “Yes, well…” The dog’s owner reached down to adjust the larger pup’s collar then nodded her good-byes and marched along the deck, garnering stares from many of the passengers.

  When the older woman was well out of earshot, Nathan took a closer look at the young woman now standing before him. She might not be the elusive girl from the opera, but the dress suited her as nicely. No, her eyes weren’t the same shade of blue, and she had a less polished look about her. Still, her outward beauty reminded him of a porcelain doll, one that appeared fragile on the surface but had an inner strength and fortitude.

  As the dogs disappeared from view, Nathan gave the girl another glance. “You’ll pardon me for saying so, but you don’t strike me as the sheepdog sort. I find it hard to imagine you rounding up the sheep with a dog in tow.”

  “Well, appearances can be deceiving.” The woman’s cheeks turned pink. “And for your information, Maggie drinks from a silver bowl and takes her kibble in a crystal dish.” She clamped a hand over her mouth and then laughed as she pulled it away. “I have no idea why I just said that. None of it’s true. Just being silly, I suppose.”

  As they stood talking, the ocean breeze lifted the woman’s hat and sent it sailing through the air. She gasped and ran after it, but Nathan managed to grab the plumed wonder before it tipped over the railing and into the sea below. He offered a gentlemanly bow with hat in hand and then passed it her way. “Your hat, miss.”

  “Thank you.” Her cheeks turned red as she slipped it back on. “I have such a time getting hats pinned into place.”

  “Oh, I understand. I have the same problem myself.”

  She looked at him as if to ask, “Are you quite serious?” and he felt his lips curl up in a grin. This one would be easy to tease. Not that he was usually the teasing sort. But something about her amiable way made teasing come naturally.

  Slow down, Nathan. You don’t even know this girl.

  As she attempted to pin her hat back into place, Nathan did his best to look aside. Only when she gave up and looked as if she might toss the ornery headpiece overboard did he chuckle. “I’m Nathan Patterson, by the way.” He extended his hand, and she flinched. Seconds later, she offered her gloved hand as well, and he lightly took hold of her fingers for a shake.

  “I’m…Jacquie.”

  She hesitated to such a degree that he wanted to ask, “Are you sure?” but did not. In spite of her vivacious approach to canines, she appeared to be shy around humans.

  The young woman’s gaze shifted to an approaching couple. After the duo passed by, Jacquie drew in a deep breath and plopped onto a deck chair, a delighted look on her face. “Do you smell that?”

  “Smell what? The ocean?”

  “No.” She giggled and waved her hand in front of her nose, as if trying to drink in the aroma. “That woman. The one who just walked by with that well-heeled fellow. She smelled—”

  “Like fish soup?” Nathan tried.

  “No.” Jacquie closed her eyes and released a lingering breath. “She smelled like heaven.”

  “You know what heaven smells like?” he asked.

  Jacquie’s eyes popped open. “I do now. It smells of honeysuckle and roses. If I close my eyes, I can almost picture them growing on the trellis in the garden. My brother’s a gardener, you know. He does the most glorious things with bushes. Shapes them into animals.” She immediately clapped a hand over her mouth and her cheeks pinked. “Oh.”

  “No shame in gardening.” Nathan stifled a chuckle. “Though I’m not sure I would agree that heaven smells of honeysuckle and roses. I would like to think it smells a bit like my grandmother’s apple pie.”

  “Oh, Mum bakes the best apple pie you’ve ever tasted.” Jacquie’s eyes sparkled with youthful merriment. “With fresh-picked apples too. Well, whenever my brother could swipe them from our neighbor’s tree, anyway. He was quite the ra
pscallion as a boy.” She put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, sorry. I don’t believe I was supposed to say that either.”

  “I’ve never met a boy yet who didn’t steal apples from a tree, so your secret is safe with me.” He did his best not to laugh at the childlike expression on her face. “I do find it fascinating that your version of heaven smells of perfume while mine smells of food. I suppose that says something about us.”

  “Maybe you’re just hungry.”

  “I am, at that. It’s been a long day. Quite the adventure getting here, and then that crowd at the dock. I can’t wait for dinner tonight. You will be there, won’t you?”

  “Well, I…” She rose and walked to the railing, her gaze shifting out to the water below. “I’m not sure if I’m up to it. My stomach has been a bit unsettled.” She turned back to him with her nose wrinkled. “In fact, I believe I should go back to my room and rest awhile. Perhaps I’ll decide later if food is a good idea.”

  “If you do come to dinner, please look for me. I’ll be the one asking for second helpings.” He shook his head. “I’m sure my mother will be thrilled to meet you.” Perhaps intrigued would have been a better word. For, while this young woman appeared to have money, she did not possess the social graces Mother so admired.

  “If I’m able.” She glanced back out toward the water.

  “The first-class dining saloon is on D Deck,” he said. “Between the second and third funnels. But I believe we’re meeting in the reception room prior to dinner for appetizers. Say the word and I will save you a spot at the table.”

  “Perhaps.” Her lashes took to fluttering in a most appealing way.

  “That’s enough for me. You will have the seat to my right.”

  “Hmm.” She glanced his way for a second and then turned back to the water.

  Just about the time he started to say something brilliant about the dinner menu, she reached into her little purse and retrieved her boarding pass.

  “So sorry, but I really must find my room now.” Her eyelashes fluttered as her gaze darted about.

  “Yes, well, it’s been nice meeting you, Jacquie.” He reached for her hand, but she did not let him take it.

  “And you as well.” Turning on her heels, the vision of loveliness disappeared through the crowd.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Wednesday, April 10, 1912, Midafternoon

  Aboard the Titanic

  Tessa fought her way through the boisterous crowd on the Boat Deck, finally landing back at the stairway. From there, she somehow managed to find her way to B Deck. Her breath caught in her throat as she anticipated facing Iris for the first time. When she landed in front of B-54, a gentle rap on the door was all she could manage.

  No one answered for a moment, and she wondered if perhaps she’d knocked on the wrong door. The very idea made her feel ill. Just about the time she turned away to ask for assistance from a steward, the door swung open. Iris met her with an undeniable glare.

  “So. You made it.”

  “I—I did.” Tessa swallowed hard and stepped inside the room.

  Iris moved with deliberation across the drawing room. With her heart in her throat, Tessa followed behind her. She wanted to take in the beautiful room, to gaze at the exquisitely carved furnishings, but she couldn’t seem to focus on anything but the angry young woman in front of her.

  Iris stopped and turned to face her, arms crossed over her chest. “Let’s come to an understanding right away, you and I, just so we’re clear about where things stand.”

  “An understanding?” Tessa fussed with her hat, anxious to be rid of the cumbersome thing.

  “Yes.” Iris planted balled-up fists on her hips. “I’ve agreed to play along with this charade, but I will not go above and beyond the call of duty.”

  “I—I see.”

  Iris snatched the hat from Tessa’s hands. “When we get to New York, you go your way, and I’ll go mine. When we must be together on the ship I will do my best to play my role, but it won’t be easy. I’ve never been asked to lie before, you see. I doubt I’m any good at it. Do you understand?”

  “Well, I—”

  “And another thing. Jacquie left the note for her grandmother on the desk. I don’t plan to stay with the woman, so what you do with that note is up to you.”

  Before Tessa could respond, Iris tossed the hat onto the settee and stormed off into one of the adjoining bedrooms.

  Tessa stood alone in the drawing room, unsure of what to do next. She found herself half terrified at Iris’s cold reception and half thrilled by her opulent surroundings. Her gaze landed at once on the ornate wood-framed mirror above the elaborate mantel. She took in the red velvet wallpaper and the gilded sconces on the wall. Then her attention shifted to the desk with its letter holder and glass cruet with crystal drinking glasses.

  Tessa walked over to the small desk and examined the crafts-manship then glanced at the settee. She could almost imagine herself seated on that settee, enjoying an afternoon cup of tea while waiting on a steward to deliver a tray of scones. A half giggle erupted as she thought about it. Her gaze traveled to the envelope on the desk, the one with the word GRANDMOTHER written on it.

  Easing her way into the second bedroom, Tessa sighed as her gaze landed on the four-poster bed with its grandiose canopy. Is this really to be mine? The red brocade coverlet spoke of royalty, as did the plush velvet draperies on the nearby window. Rich green carpet covered the floor space beneath her feet, giving an invitation to kick off her shoes and bury her bare toes in it. Perhaps she could do that later.

  Tessa gazed at the beautifully designed wallpaper in the deep wine color, and her breath caught in her throat. Truly, she had never witnessed such luxury. The vaulted ceiling gave the room the appearance of being overly large, and the delicately carved furnishings made her feel like a princess settling into her room at the palace.

  The sound of someone knocking startled her to attention. She walked back out into the drawing room and opened the door leading to the hallway. A maid holding an armful of sheets and towels greeted her with a smile. “Beggin’ yer pardon, miss.” The maid offered a half curtsy. “I’ve come with extra linens. The young woman said you would need them.”

  “The young woman?” Tessa repeated her words.

  Iris emerged from her bedroom. “I told her to bring them. You can put those down anywhere you like.” She gestured to the maid with the wave of a hand as she disappeared into her room once again.

  The maid gave her an odd look. Well, no doubt. Perhaps she was confused by Iris’s unwillingness to help. Or maybe she wondered where Jacquie had gone. Regardless, she carried the linens into Tessa’s bedroom, placed them on the dresser, and then offered a nod before leaving. With a sigh, Tessa perched on the settee, gazed out the window, and willed herself to keep from crying.

  Iris flung herself onto her bed, refusing to give in to the temptation to cry. How she had landed on this godforsaken ship with a young woman who did not deserve to be here remained a mystery to her.

  “Why?” She shook her fist at the ceiling, anger mounting. Why did the opportunity to travel to a new land have to come with strings attached?

  To play the role of a servant came naturally. But to bow the knee to a person of a lower class than she? To pretend that Tessa Bowen was anything other than a pig farmer’s daughter? The plan seemed ludicrous at best. How could Jacquie Abingdon expect such a thing after all she had done for her over the years?

  Iris released a slow breath then dried her eyes and examined her reflection in the mirror. Her blond hair was a mess and her red-rimmed eyes puffy from crying. Off in the distance she heard Tessa moving around in the drawing room. Iris rose and made her way to the door, opening it with a flourish. “Are you leaving?”

  “No. I thought I might take a little nap before dinner, but I have to get out of this corset first.” Tessa’s gaze shifted to the floor. “W–would you mind helping me? I can’t reach the buttons at the back of this blouse.”
>
  Iris did her best not to groan aloud as she took a few steps in Tessa’s direction. She mumbled a few choice words under her breath as she reached to unfasten the buttons. Had she been doing this for Miss Jacquie, she would have used greater care. Tessa was not Miss Jacquie, however, and never would be, in spite of the fancy dresses and rushed etiquette lessons.

  The force at which Iris tugged at the little pearl buttons caused one of them to break off in her hand. She shoved it into her pocket and continued her task, not saying a word. When the time came to untie the laces on Tessa’s corset, she did so with little care for the young woman’s comfort.

  “There you go, miss.” She couldn’t help the sarcasm that laced her words.

  “I’m so grateful.” Tessa turned to gaze at her with genuine compassion in her eyes. “I want you to know that. I really am grateful.”

  “Hmph.” Iris flung the corset on the settee and turned back toward her bedroom door, ready to put an end to this charade before it even began.

  With an hour and a half remaining before their arrival in Cherbourg, Nathan decided to have a look around the ship. The splendid weather called out to him, so he started by touring the Boat Deck in its entirety. As the Titanic headed out across calm seas, he found himself relaxing and enjoying the ride. So much so that after a few minutes of trying to make his way through the crowd, he finally gave up and settled into one of the wooden deck chairs.

  A few feet away, a young man with a black camera took photographs of passengers. Nathan looked on as the man snagged shot after shot—of fellow passengers, the ship, even a bright-eyed little girl who danced across the Boat Deck.

  “Nice camera you’ve got there,” Nathan said as the fellow took the seat next to him. “A Kodak?”

  “It is.” The young man grinned as he passed the camera Nathan’s way. “Are you interested in photography?”

  “My father is. He’s always looking at new ways to expand his insurance business and feels that photographs will aid in that quest. In fact, he has a Kodak just like this, which is why I recognized it.” Nathan gave the camera a solid look and then passed it back. He extended his hand. “Nathan Patterson.”