I'll never let go..| A titanic inspired story 🚢

Making it count (Chapter 12)

Dining room

My green, laced high heels clacked pleasingly on the wooden flooring as we approached the dining room. Joel clung to my arm nervously, I could tell this wasn't his usual crowd. He wore a luxurious tailcoat that was suspiciously big. Maybe he borrowed it off someone to make a good appearance.

A kind gentleman held the door open for us and we were greeted by the pleasant glow of the chandelier above our heads, beckoning us over.

Various tables already had men and women seated at them but a lot of people were moving around and greeting other passengers. I decided I would do the same to make a good impression. We were staying onboard for a couple of weeks after all and I would have to get used to their company.

"Follow my lead." I whispered to Joel. He nodded.

We approached a stumpy, kind looking woman. She smiled warmly at us and curtsied at us.

"Isobel! I know your father, he has told me so much about you. My name is Annie..... I mean Margret Brown." She said.

What a fine you gentleman you are. What is your name?" She asked.

"My name is Joel. Joel Davis. It's a pleasure to meet you."

He took her hand and kissed it lightly. I wondered where he had picked that up from.

"Oo! You're such a charmer. You two are so lucky to have each other."

Joel and I turned to each other. I blushed fiercely and so did Joel.

"Oh no ma'am. We aren't together. Joel and I are just friends. James is my husband to be." I turned to capture the sight of James and I found him sipping on champagne.. already. So much for a good impression.

"Hmm. Alright. Well good luck to you, it was lovely to meet you both." She waved a gloved hand and walked away.

I stood idly; not wanting to take a seat next to James. The sound of classical orchestra flooded my eardrums and suddenly I couldn't think of much else. I did not like the idea of marrying James one bit, that was quite apparent but maybe.. just maybe.. there was a way out of it. Where James wouldn't be hurt.

"Isobel? Are you okay?" Joel questioned me whilst resting his hand upon my shoulder.

Nodding quickly, we reached the table. To be polite, Joel pulled out my seat and I took a seat. He was such a gentleman. There was a spare seat opposite me and he took that seat. Unfortunately, James was sat directly next to me.

At the table was my father, a few of his colleagues, James, his friends and their wives and it turned out Margret had been invited to the table too.

"Good evening." I said politely.

"Good evening." Everyone at the table said in unison.

"This is-" I started but was rudely interrupted.

"This is Joel Davis. A guest for tonight. Why don't you tell everyone of your... heroic encounter." James said with a confident smile. I couldn't tell if he didn't know if he had interrupted me or just didn't care.

"Well it wasn't much really." He leant closer to the table and looked at the crowd with a cheeky smirk.

"There she was. The most beautiful girl I had ever seen.. attempting to get a better view at the...."

"Propellers." I said.

"Propellers. She leant a little too far and her foot slipped. Maybe if someone would've been up there they could've saved her." Grinning, he looked at James with a side eye. He was insinuating that it was his fault. He continued.