The Breath Between Waves

by Charlotte Anne Hamilton

  Ruby’s eyelashes fluttered.

  “Auntie Ruby!” Julia’s voice cut through the tension, and Penelope turned away as Ruby cleared her throat.

  Julia blinked owlishly up at them. Her brown hair was in long ringlets, pulled out of her face with a pale-pink satin bow that was nearly the same size as her head. Her face was round and soft, and she wore an adorable dress of pink cotton trimmed with a great deal of frills and lace under her dark-green coat.

  “What is it, dear?” Ruby asked as she straightened the lapels of Julia’s coat.

  “Me and Liam are hungry,” she announced.

  Penelope looked at the small watch that adorned her wrist and immediately darted to her feet. “Oh my, that can’t be right!” She turned her wrist so that Ruby could read the time, and watched as her pale, thick brows darted upwards.

  “Well, my dear, you’re in luck because it’s luncheon,” Ruby said to Julia before she looked at Penelope.

  Whilst Penelope had never been the best at understanding subtle social cues, she instinctively knew Ruby was asking her to dine with them. She nodded, watching as Ruby’s plump lips spread into a wide smile.

  “Excellent! Then let’s go and find your mammy, and we’ll get you and your uncle fed.”

  Just as they turned to walk away, a trio of young men came towards them.

  The other two pushed one of them into Penelope and Ruby’s path. He had short, dark-blond hair that was slicked to the side, and a youthful face, making Penelope guess that he wasn’t much older than she. Judging from his clothes—plain, a little bit ill-fitting—and the callouses and scars on his hands, he was from Third Class.

  Ruby immediately pushed Julia and Liam behind her back as her eyes warily danced over the man and then regarded his two friends off to the side. Penelope rather resented that her hands were occupied with her sewing box. Then again, if they tried anything, it was made of solid wood and would do some damage if knocked over their heads.

  The man raised both his hands in a placating manner. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” He smiled, his teeth crooked and yellow, but it lit up his face and made him look friendlier. “My friends and I just wanted to let you know there’s a little celebration in the Third Class common room tonight, on C Deck. A lot of us are heading to America for a new life, and anyway, we”—he glanced over his shoulder at his friends—“wanted to invite you both.”

  One of his friends laughed. “Aye, you can’t have too many pretty ladies at a party.”

  It was on the tip of Penelope’s tongue to immediately shut the idea down. She didn’t even want to think about the fallout with her parents if she went, but she noticed the way Ruby’s lips curved and stopped herself.

  “That is sweet of you, gentlemen, thank you,” Ruby said. She then took hold of Julia’s and Liam’s hands and stepped around the first man. He frowned deeply, turning to watch her as she walked away.

  Penelope swallowed as she followed Ruby.

  “Are you going to marry that man?” Julia asked as soon as they were inside the lift and heading down to D Deck.

  Her words startled a laugh from Ruby. “Why do you ask that?”

  “He asked you to a ball! It’s like a fairy tale!” Her sweet, innocent words brought a smile to Penelope’s face.

  “He hardly looked like a prince,” Liam announced, rolling his eyes at Julia, who in turn stuck her tongue out at him.

  Ruby’s blue eyes met Penelope’s briefly before they flickered back down to her niece and brother. “Liam, be kinder, looks do not mean everything. And Julia, fairy tales are sweet and all, but that man was not my Prince Charming, for I won’t even be attending this ball. Now, come! Your mother is probably worried sick because we’re so late.”

  Penelope tried her hardest to ignore the way her heart soared at hearing those words as they made their way to the dining room.

  Chapter Ten

  Back in their cabin after dinner, Penelope locked the door and moved towards Ruby, settling her hands on her hips.

  With a seductive smile, she tilted her head towards Ruby’s and kissed her.

  She released a soft whimper as her hands circled Ruby’s waist, adjusting the position of her head to deepen the kiss. Her hands travelled upwards, seeking out the small pearl buttons at the back of Ruby’s dress, but when they found them, Ruby pulled away.

  “Wait, wait, wait.” Ruby took a ragged breath, resting her forehead against Penelope’s. The strands of hair she had left loose to frame her face tickled Penelope’s nose. “If we start that, we won’t stop.”

  Penelope laughed breathlessly. “And why should we stop?” She pulled her head back and lifted her hand to cup Ruby’s cheek.

  Ruby’s lips grew into that sure smile that Penelope had come to adore. “Because we have a party to attend.”

  Penelope lowered her hand from Ruby’s cheek, cocking her head to the side as Ruby continued to grin at her. “Away and boil your head,” she said with a nervous laugh, almost expecting Ruby to declare it a joke. When that didn’t come, she pulled herself free from Ruby’s hold, stepping back to stare incredulously.

  Ruby shrugged elegantly with one shoulder as she fiddled with the black lace around the neckline of her underdress. The emerald-green silk chiffon of her overdress clung stunningly to her figure, draping her like some Greek goddess.

  “Why shouldn’t we go?” Ruby smoothed her hair, twirling those strands that had just been tickling Penelope’s nose around her finger.

  Penelope had no real answer to that. It just seemed so risky.

  Not only because her parents would be upset if they found out, but because they didn’t know anyone in Third Class. Whilst they weren’t wealthy duchesses decked out in diamonds and pearls, they were still better-off than those they’d be celebrating with.

  You sound just like Father, her mind hissed at her, and she was just able to hold back a grimace. She hated that she was judging these people before she even knew them based purely on their societal status.

  Ruby reached up and smoothed the wrinkles on Penelope’s forehead with her gloved hand. The action made Penelope smile and she relaxed, casting away her worries.

  She took Ruby’s hand in hers, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. “All right. But if you cast me aside for your Prince Charming, I will not be pleased.”

  Ruby laughed loudly, closing the distance between them. “The chances of that happening are as likely as Titanic sinking.” Ruby placed a fleeting kiss on Penelope’s lips, just enough for her to want more, to crave Ruby’s fingers on her skin, before she pulled away and made her way back to the door.

  Penelope watched as Ruby unlocked it and opened it just a little, looking from left to right to ensure that no one was around to see them. “Why do I feel you’ve done this before?”

  Ruby turned back around with a wide grin. “Maybe because I have. Not a lot, but once or twice I’ve sneaked out to attend a party thrown by the duke’s servants. And the odd time I wanted to meet a pretty girl without the risk of getting caught.” Ruby winked before turning to face the front once more. “The corridor is clear—I can’t see your parents or my family, so I think we’re fine.”

  Her expression softened when she seemed to notice how nervous Penelope was. She closed the door and came close to her again. “If you really don’t want to go, I won’t pressure you. I just didn’t want you saying no because of some misguided sense of propriety or honour or whatever other reason they use to prevent women from enjoying our lives.”

  Penelope shook her head. “No. I do wish to go…” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Come on. Before Father comes back from the smoking room.”

  Ruby’s smile was dazzling as she giggled, took Penelope’s hand, and led them out of the room.

  Penelope refused to release her hold on Ruby, even as they weaved their way towards the stairs i
nstead of the lift so that not even the staff saw them. They passed one or two people, but no one looked their way. For all intents and purposes, they looked like they were making their way back to their cabin after dinner.

  Music started to filter down the corridor when they stepped through the barrier that kept Third Class separate from Second Class.

  It was a melody that reminded her of home, of those rare nights she had attended dinners and she had been allowed to reel, with its lively fiddle, steady drumbeat, and tinkle of a piano. The only sound missing to make her truly feel at home was the wail of bagpipes.

  When they finally reached the Third Class General Room, Penelope and Ruby drew to a halt outside, their eyes wide as they took in the sight before them.

  The room was modest. Wooden benches covered the length of the walls with some in the centre. No one sat on those, though, instead moving around them as if they were some sort of centrepiece. A piano sat off to the side, and several people holding their own instruments stood beside it. There was a haze of smoke, a hum of constant chatter, and an alluring aroma of cigars, alcohol, and food. And every inch was filled with people expertly moving to avoid colliding with others.

  It was so bizarre to see—the lively dancing, the utter chaos of it all.

  “Wow,” Ruby whispered.

  Two young women stumbled towards the door, pushing past Ruby and Penelope with a muttered apology before resuming the conversation they’d been having.

  Penelope’s mind was torn. On one hand, she wanted nothing more than to step inside, to join in the revelry. The reckless abandon called to her soul. And yet, the other part of her wanted to run as far away from it as possible.

  The amount of trouble she could get into if she stepped over the threshold was terrifying.

  “Shall we go in?” Ruby asked in a soft voice.

  Penelope swallowed, her heart thudding out a rapid rhythm against her chest. “Don’t you think we stand out a little?” She took in the people around her, all of them wearing casual clothes, whilst she and Ruby were still wearing their nice gowns from dinner. And goodness, how would she explain any marks on her dress when they landed in New York and her clothing had to be washed?

  Ruby sharply exhaled. “Judging by how drunk they are, I don’t think they’re going to care.”

  “That is not reassuring,” Penelope replied sharply, before taking a deep breath in to try and calm herself. She closed her eyes as she placed her hand over her heart, feeling the relentless thud greet her fingertips. The hard outline of her grandmother’s locket was hidden under her dress, and she trailed her fingers over it, trying to draw strength from the touch.

  When she reopened her eyes, she nodded. Her fingers were still trembling, and her legs felt ready to crumble, but still she said, “Let’s go.”

  She was rewarded by Ruby’s stunning smile and a tight squeeze of her hand. Ruby expertly weaved them through the crowds until they were able to find a spot where they could stand.

  Three familiar figures appeared by their side.

  “You made it!” one exclaimed, a huge smile on his face. It was the same man who had invited them. “We just realised we didn’t properly introduce ourselves. I’m Mr. Daniel Lee, and these are my friends, Mr. Albert Wright and Mr. Joshua Wilkinson.” The three of them touched the brim of their caps in order, and despite her nerves being aflame, Penelope managed a smile in return.

  “Pleasure,” Ruby replied, easily taking the lead. “I’m Miss Ruby Cole, and this is my friend, Miss Penelope Fletcher.” Ruby glanced around. “This is rather lively.”

  “I bet it’s nothing like the parties you’re used to,” Mr. Wright said. He had a strong Welsh accent and a thick, blond moustache. Despite his warm smile, the bags under his eyes gave him a rather sickly appearance.

  “Not at all,” Penelope said, voice soft, almost drowned out by the music and cheers. She only hoped that the whisper of her tone hid the disdain that had crept in.

  “So… What do we do?” Ruby enquired, giving Penelope’s hand another soft squeeze.

  “Dance!” “Drink!” “Have fun!” the three men answered at the same time, then dissolved into laughter.

  Penelope glanced at Ruby and saw her lips curl just a little.

  “Dance wherever there’s a space, no fancy routine needed. There’s beer on a table in that corner there, you’re welcome to it. And, as we said, just have fun. Mingle. It’s up to you, ladies,” Mr. Lee said. “We’ll be here, so, if you need any help, or if someone is giving you a hard time, just come and find us.”

  “You’re…not going to stay with us?” Both Ruby and the men looked at her, so she clarified, “I meant… I almost expected you to assume that we were interested. I…”

  “I understand, Miss Penelope. But no. We invited you because you seemed like you needed a way to blow off some steam, so to speak. We’ve noticed you’ve been running around after kids for a bit now. I have a younger brother myself. However, if you’d feel safer having us around, we can form some sort of group…?”

  “No, that won’t be necessary,” Ruby said with a kind smile. “Thank you so much, gentlemen.”

  They tugged at the brims of their caps again and said their farewells.

  Ruby turned to Penelope with wide, rather shocked eyes. “That was…unexpected. I almost believed we would have to fight them off.” She tilted her head, watching them retreat and embrace their loved ones. “Now, shall we go and visit that table with the beer?”

  Chapter Eleven

  Penelope’s head was spinning.

  Even as she stood still, her head resting against the metal wall, everything in front of her moved in a slow, orderly fashion to the right. It was so disorientating that she had to close her eyes.

  But then a hand landed on her shoulder. Ruby’s face came into view, yet there was a second Ruby standing beside her, which was a little confusing. Not that Penelope minded; if there was anything better than one Ruby, it would be two.

  “I think…we should go now,” Ruby announced with a tiny hiccup, her hand immediately flying to cover her mouth. The sound was so high-pitched and sudden that it pulled a giggle from Penelope’s mouth, even as her hand sought out Ruby’s so they could entwine their fingers.

  “You are adorable,” Penelope said as she stumbled forwards into Ruby’s arms.

  “Are you two going to be okay?” a man asked and even though Penelope was looking right at him, she couldn’t tell whether it was Mr. Lee, Mr. Wilkinson, or Mr. Wright. They all looked very much the same to Penelope in that moment.

  It wasn’t until a pretty, ginger-haired woman came up beside him, wrapping her arm through his, that she realised it was Mr. Albert Wright. His fiancée, Betsy, gave them a concerned look.

  “Are you sure you can manage her?” she asked, her accent rather similar to Ruby’s, but just that little bit deeper. She had spent the night dancing with Mr. Wright and had periodically checked in on Ruby and Penelope when she’d discovered that her fiancé had invited them, making sure that they were well and still felt safe.

  “Aye, have no fear! Thank you for the invite! It was grand!” Ruby wrapped her arm around Penelope’s waist and led her towards the door.

  “Well, there’ll be another tomorrow night, you’re more than welcome to come then as well!” Albert called out after them. “In fact, there’ll be a party every night until we arrive in New York! We’re going to celebrate this voyage for what it is!”

  Penelope let out an undignified whoop, waving at him with a silly grin on her face.

  Ruby shook her head. “I should have known you’d never had a drink.”

  “I get a glass of wine at dinner!” Penelope replied indignantly, before dissolving into giggles. “The beer was disgusting, though. I don’t know why people drink that.”

  “Then why did you keep drinking it?” There was a deep frown on Ruby’s fa
ce as her hands tightened their hold on Penelope, no doubt in response to the way Penelope kept stumbling over her own feet.

  Penelope didn’t have an answer. Every drink she had taken had been horrible—but she had just mirrored Ruby, who had drunk it with no problem. And, after a while, the taste had faded a bit anyway.

  Of course, that was when the room had started to sway and her body had started to feel like a live wire.

  “You are half-cut. We need to get you to bed,” Ruby said as they stepped into the stairwell. She led them towards the descending stairs, but something stirred within Penelope. She had no idea if it was all the alcohol and the dancing that had made her feel so utterly carefree, all she knew was that the last place she wanted to go was room E-56.

  She ripped herself free from Ruby’s embrace—a feat more difficult than she cared to admit—and stumbled over to the ascending stairs.

  “Penelope! What are you doing?” Ruby whispered sternly, her eyes darting around.

  Penelope grinned over her shoulder at Ruby, then extended her hand. “I do believe you said something about wanting a keek at the Grand Staircase.” Her smile stretched wider as she watched Ruby’s mouth fall open. She stood like that for several seconds as she surveyed the stairwell.

  Ruby licked her lips and took a small step towards Penelope. “Are you certain about this?”

  Penelope giggled, the sound echoing around the empty stairwell. “When else are we going to get the chance? And besides, it’s not fair, all those snooty toffs getting to enjoy all the fun.” Penelope swayed just a little as she spoke. She knew it was definitely the alcohol talking now—she would never have dared say such a thing aloud before.

  It took only another second of contemplation before Ruby skipped forwards and entwined her fingers with Penelope’s. A careless laugh bubbled free from her lips, and all Penelope wanted to do was capture it.

  So she did.

  She leaned forwards and pressed her lips to Ruby’s, swallowing the laugh and enjoying the taste of Ruby’s lips. She wasn’t too drunk to know that this was still a dangerous game they were playing, however, so she pulled away before she lost herself completely in the kiss.