My Story: R.M.S Titanic [Completed]

2: Captain Edward J. Smith

Thomas and Mr. Ismay talked about things that women of higher standing would have no knowledge of knowing but I was a third class. Passenger of sterage. I had helped at the newspapers when the Titanic started building and the last paper I sold was one that announced that Captain Edward J. Smith was to sail the beautiful ship to the port of New York.

"Miss Morgan, you must meet our wonderful captain, Captain Edward J. Smith," Mr. Ismay said as he opened the door to the brigde and there stood the man that I thought that I would meet in my dreams but never in person.

"Mr. Ismay and Mr. Andrews, how are you today? And Miss," Captain Smith said as he looked up from the maps that he was studying intently.

"Captain Smith, may I introduce Miss Mae Morgan?" Mr. Ismay asked as he gently pulled me forward to present me to the captain. I was in complete aw.

"Would I be wrong to assume that Miss Morgan here is any relation to the J.P Morgan family?" Captain Smith asked as he took my hand.

"You would be, Captain Smith. My father is one of the honourable men that is in the boiler room for the ship's power," I said as carefully as I could so my 'third classness' wouldn't shine on through to the captain and the men that built the ship that would change the world. The captain gave Thomas and Mr. Ismay a look but nodded.

"You definitely could pull off as one of the Morgans related to Mr. J.P Morgan," Captain Smith said. I blushed under the compliment. He was flattering me to much to be for show.

"Thank you Captain Smith," I said as I took in the bridge of the Titanic that Captain Smith would use for the trip.

"Miss Morgan, would you like to look around the bridge?" Mr. Ismay asked. I nodded and stepped away from Thomas in order to look at the equipment that was aboard the Titanic.

"May I ask how many life boats Titanic has on her?" I asked.

"She is carrying 20 lifeboats," Mr. Ismay stated, proudly.

"And how many people can travel on one life boat?" I asked.

"65 people," Thomas stated. I did the math in my head.

"That's only 1,300 people. The ship can carry a little over 3,000 souls," I stated as I looked at the three men that were in charge of the ship.

"I wanted to add a row of rowboats in the centre of the ship but I was vetoed," Thomas said.

"They take up more than enough space on the ship. Plus lifeboats for an unsinkable ship? That's absurd," Mr. Ismay said.

"All due respect, Mr. Ismay, but the Titanic is made of iron, correct?" I asked. Mr. Ismay gave Thomas and Captain Smith a look.

"That would be true. Only the best iron," he told me as I walked around the bridge.

"Iron will always sink to the bottom of water. That's how metal works," I stated.

"Joseph, she does speak the truth that the Titanic is sinkable," Thomas said.

"But your designs made it so it's nearly impossible to sink," Mr. Ismay said.

"Unless the ship is ripped open from the boiler rooms where my father is," I stated. Mr. Ismay put an arm around my shoulders and walked me towards the window that over looked the decks.

"This is the ship of hopes and dreams and futures. Titanic offers everyone a way to feel like they are going to change their lives once and for all," he said. Something in me believed him and I smiled. The idea of the Titanic sinking and people dying left my mind as I looked up at Mr. Ismay and thought about America where I wanted to start my life again.

***

I sat on the first class deck with my drawing book. My father thought I was better than some of the men we saw in Paris when he took me for art lessons, like Degas and Picasso even though I drew from life. Capturing the curves and dips of males and females was the most beautiful thing. Of course, Father didn't enjoy Paris because nudity was the main art that I did and French people were willing to get undressed for art. Especially males.

I was focused on the crew members that were cleaning deck and talking. I drew all the curves and lines of their bodies and clothes that was sad perfection.

"Miss Morgan, are you enjoy the dock?" Captain Smith asked. I looked up and stood, closing my folder.

"Indeed I am, Captain," I said. He looked at my folder and then back at me.

"You're an artist and a mathematician," he said. I blushed and nodded.

"Artist by trade and mathematician by requirement," I told him.

"May I?" he asked, nodding towards my folder. I opened it and gave him the drawings of families and the crew that I just finished since they were considered decent compared to the French males. He observed them and nodded before handing me back my work. "Those are quite beautiful," he said. I smiled.

"Thank you Captain," I said.

"Mae!" Father yelled. I turned and saw him walking towards me.

"Father, may I present to you, Captain Edward J. Smith?" I stated as Father put his hand on my back.

"Captain Smith, it is a pleasure to meet you. I'm William Morgan," Father told Captain Smith. Captain Smith shook his hand and Father pulled his cap off his head.

"Your daughter draws very well," Captain Smith told my father.

"Her Paris age or London age?" Father asked, looking at me.

"I would assume her London age since I am fond of Paris art of the younger generation," Captain Smith stated. I looked at the ground as I hugged my folder.

"I found work in Paris to let my girl pursue art. Then she heard of American art and so I found work here to get her to America," Father said.

"I would love to have a piece of her work to keep just in case some day she is famous," Captain Smith said. I took a deep breath.

"I would love to draw your portrait, Captain," I told him. He smiled.

"Tomorrow. Meet me on the bridge so I can wear my uniform," he said. I nodded and Captain Smith nodded to my father. "I will see you later, Mr. Morgan."

"Certainly, Captain Smith," my father said as Captain Smith walked away from us.