The Ship of Dreams

Chapter 1: Southampton

April 10, 1912

The sun was bright on Elizabeth's pristine face as she stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the massive, beautiful ship in front of her. 

She had never seen such a large piece of machinery before, and her cornflower-blue eyes widened in awe. 

"It's...incredible," she breathed.

Her daydreaming ended, however, when her mother, Violet, came up beside her and squinted her eyes in distaste. 

"She's a lot smaller than I thought she would be."

Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. 

"This ship was built by hand, Mother. How is that not impressive to you?"

"Because it was built by those 'vermin' that they call people," Violet gagged. "Those men are dirtier than the sewage lines on the streets."

"Quiet down, Mother," Elizabeth hissed through her teeth. "You could hurt someone's feelings."

She waved her daughter off and proceeded to retrieve her luggage from the household butler. 

Elizabeth could never understand why her mother was so cruel to those beneath her status. 

Sure, they may have dressed different than the average rich person, but that didn't mean she had to say such vile things aloud. 

They were just as human as anyone else.

She quickly shook her frustration off and grabbed her suitcase from the carriage. 

"Uh, Miss Collins," the butler spoke while cradling a heavy safe. "I can get that for you."

Elizabeth smiled kindly and replied, "It's okay, Mr. Jones. I'm perfectly capable of lugging my luggage."

Violet looked at her in disdain, but she ignored her mother and insisted that she could do it. 

Mr. Jones eventually relented, but not without a grateful smile on his face. 

Elizabeth's father emerged from the other side of the carriage and put on his top hat. 

"We should get onboard soon," he called out over the blaring horn. "The ship will be leaving in twenty minutes."

The butler swallowed nervously, but Elizabeth put a reassuring hand on his shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Jones. I know you get seasick easily, but I promise it'll be smooth-sailing from here to New York. Titanic was built for this."

"I sure hope so, Miss Collins," he shifted on his feet. "Any boat or ship makes me extremely nervous."

She squeezed his shoulder and walked with him as they started toward the ship.

 "When I'm nervous, I find painting to be a very calming distraction," she suggested. "I think it would help soothe your worries while onboard."

"I never thought about that before," Mr. Jones furrowed his brows. "Thank you for the suggestion, Miss Collins."

"Of course," Elizabeth nodded. "I'll teach you a few tricks if you're interested."

He was just about to reply before her mother interrupted them and said, "Elizabeth! Pick up the pace so we can get on before everyone else does."

She obliged with a sigh, but she quickly smiled when Mr. Jones leaned in and whispered, "I will gladly take some lessons."

Once they reached the White Star Line staff, the four of them handed their passports over and continued onto the ramp which led to the inside of the Titanic.