My Clarity

Chapter seventeen

The First-Class Lounge was one of the most ornate public rooms on board the Titanic, modelled in the Louis XV style after the Palace of Versailles. It occupied a large space mid-ship on A-Deck, offering views onto the Promenade Deck and the ocean beyond. Intricately carved English oak panelling with intermittent motifs of musical instruments were the dominant feature of the room. Bronze sconces and large rounded mirrors were installed throughout. A 49-light opaque glass and ormolu Electrolier with crystal embellishment occupied the central recess of the ceiling, which was itself elaborately melded with instrumental motifs. Adjoining the open seating area were cosy alcoves with inset mirrors and tall bay windows of leaded and stained glass.

The Lounge had an impressive height of 12 ft. 3 in., enabled by raising the ceiling above the level of the Boat Deck. Groups of tables and chairs, sofas, and armchairs upholstered in plush velvet with green and gold floral patterns were scattered throughout. At the centre of the forward wall was a gracefully carved grey marble decorative fireplace as it contained only an electric heater. A replica statue of the Diana of Versailles stood on the mantelpiece, with a large mirror above. At the opposite end the wall curved and contained a wide mahogany bookcase which functioned as a lending library for First-Class passengers. They could choose from a permanent collection of classics and the latest releases. The room was used primarily for socialising, play cards, read a book and the taking of tea, coffee and light refreshment before and after dinner, serviced by a small connecting bar. It was a largely female domain but available to both sexes; because of its size it was also convenient for holding concerts and other First-Class events.

The clattering of china, plates and the scent of cream cakes, coffee and the sound of the chatter seemed to be magnified as Jack was seated beside Molly in the lounge with a selection of buns and refreshments on the table before them.

‘’This is the worst thing you’ve ever done to me,” he told Molly, as she stirred her tea in the cup and shot him a piercing glance.

“Oh, not at all, I’m sure I’ve done worse things to you.” She replied in a mocking tone.

Jack considered that, running through a long list of remembered offences in his mind. “Never mind, you’re right you made me attend church. But to be clear . . . I’m only tolerating this to humour you.”

“Yes, I know. I do hope you’ll humour me further, and tell me why you look as though you've been hung, drawn and then quartered all in the time you went on a tour of the ship with Mr. Andrews?’’

He gave her a narrow-eyed glance. “One could almost infer that you are in need of a female companion to gossip with, either that or you enjoy toying with me.’’ Jack dropped the spoon which he had used to stir his cup of coffee.

 “Not at all. I was merely asking; we can discuss other matters if you like.’’

“Thank you,” he said dryly. ‘’How was tea with Mrs. Astor?’’

‘’Lovely, she is quite a woman with a mature head for such a young age. Perhaps marriage has mellowed out old John, too.’’

‘’They’re happy, let them get on with it.’’ Jack dismissed it, as he had done with Mr. Astor himself just that morning after their discussion.

‘’Oh, Jack, you have nothing to do but see how it can change the course of your life.’’

‘'I see that it can, and see how it can cause such ruin beyond repair it causes bitterness until the very end. Who wishes to remain married to a woman one can barely tolerate.’’

‘’You are from marrying stock, both your parents and your uncle and aunt had long, happy partnerships...’’

‘’Yes,’' Jack exhaled, ‘’but that was due in part because they met when both my father and my uncle had barely two dimes to rub together.’’ He gave Molly a warning glance. ‘’I am happy, leave it be.’’