An Officer's Love {Titanic}

Two

It was now two days until Titanic set off on her maiden voyage. Ella was too excited. She couldn't wait for her first proper officers job.

Ella walked to the officers mess. Will, Charles and Henry were there. "Morning gents."

"Morning."

"Hello."

Will didn't say nothing. He offered Ella a smile. Ella grinned. "Well Mr Murdoch. Seeing your smile as truly brightened my day," she said.

Henry and Charles sniggered. Will glared at them. They soon stayed quiet. Ella smiled and walked in to get breakfast.

The captain kissed Ella's hand. "How are you this morning?" he asked.

"Very well Captain. Thank you. And yourself?"

He smiled. "I'm very well. Please, do sit down and grab yourself a bite to eat."

Ella sat down. All the officers soon joined them. Ella poured herself a coffee. "Would anyone else like a coffee?" Ella asked.

"Me please," Will mumbled. He was a lot quieter than normal. Ella thought it strange.

Ella poured Will his coffee. She handed it to him. "How did you sleep?" Will asked.

Ella smiled. "I slept quite well thank you," she replied. She sat down and drank her coffee.

...
When they'd eaten, Ella and Will went for a walk. Ella smiled. "I see you're not married."

"You're right there lass. I'm not but I was," Will replied.

Ella frowned and bit her lip. "I'm so sorry Mr Murdoch. I had no idea," she said.

"It's fine. She didn't like me going out to sea," Will admitted to her. He looked at her and smiled. "How about you?"

Ella giggled. "I've never been married. I've had a few partners, yes. But nothing more."

"Well that's their loss then."

"Indeed. A bit like your ex-wife," Ella said. Will smiled at her and nodded.

They walked around the decks. The sun was shining brightly.
"It's due to rain tomorrow. But our sailing seems clear," Will told her.

"That's something at least."

Will smiled and nodded. "Doesn't your mother mind you being on a ship?" He asked.

Ella sighed. "She died when I was three. My father brought me up," she said.

Will felt bad. "Oh. I'm sorry."

"That's okay. I had my father. He's been an amazing role model. And the reason I became an officer," she said.

...
Will and Ella were checking out the steerage. Ella knew it was better then what most third class sleep areas were like. "This ship is truly a wonder."

"It really is. This is the crew passage down here," Will said. They were back to where their rooms would be.

Ella smiled. She realised her room was right next to Will's.
"That's freaky," Ella said.

Will chuckled. "Just a bit. Would you like to meet the boiler staff?"

"Oh yes please."

Will smiled at Ella's compassion for everyone who worked on the ship. He took her towards the boiler room. They were all on their breaks.
"Mr Murdoch," a cockney accent said.

"This man is head of the boiler room," Will said. Ella shook his hand.

"Ella Hanson."

He smiled. "Sorry Mr Murdoch, we've got to get back ready for sailing."

Ella left with Will. Will smiled. "I do believe you're the first person who's acknowledged them," he said.

"Well we're all aiming for one thing aren't we? To get to New York safely," Ella replied.

"Aye."

Will smiled at Ella. He was starting to fall for her.

Ella and Will walked back up to the officers deck. Ella breathed in the air.
"I can't wait to smell the sea air," Ella told Will.

Will nodded. "It's amazing. Apparently we'll see some dolphins."

"Ooo!" Ella said with a grin. Will chuckled. They walked back to the wheelhouse.

Charles was there. "Where have you two been?" He asked.

Ella smiled. "Mr Murdoch was showing me around the lower decks. We were talking to the people in the engine room," she said.

Charles nodded.

...
Ella went for a walk around with the captain. Tomorrow, they were having a practice of their watches and rounds. The captain explained how Will was her superior and she was his subordinate. "You'll be doing all your rounds and watches with Mr Murdoch. I trust that won't be an issue?"

"Of course not Sir," Ella said. He nodded.

"You and Mr Murdoch are getting along a lot better," the captain commented.

"Yes we are indeed. He's a very nice man."

"Yes. He'll keep you right."

Will came over and smiled. The captain left them to talk. Ella informed Will that they would be on all the watches together. Will didn't seem to mind. He wanted to spend time with Ella. He knew all the other officers wanted to do the same.

Ella and Will went to the officers mess. Ella smiled. "I can't wait to get started," she said.

"Your first time can be quite tricky. Especially with the watches," Will explained.

Ella nodded. "Yeah. I got that Sir. Trust me, I can handle it."

"Good."

...
While they were standing in the wheelhouse, Ella looked at Quatermaster Hichens. "Can I have a go?"

"Do you even know how to steer?" He asked.

Ella nodded. "Mr Murdoch showed me."

"Fine."

Ella grinned and took the wheel. They were on their way to Southampton from Belfast.

Quartermaster Hichens went to Will and told him about Ella. Will nodded and went to the wheelhouse. He was impressed at how well Ella was handling it.
"You're very good," Will commented.

Ella turned her head and smiled at Will. "Thank you."

Will nodded. "Very welcome."

Ella grinned. She loved being able to have fun while working. Will came and stood by Ella. "Will your father be joining us on this voyage?" He asked.

Ella shook her head. "No. Sadly, he's staying at the office's," she told him.

...
Ella went to get some lunch. Harold was there. "Hello Ella."

"Hello. How does it feel knowing in two days, we'll be travelling to New York?"

"It's quite exciting," he admitted.

Ella grinned and nodded. "I've never been to America. I can't wait to just get a glimpse of it."

"I've been once. But never again. This will be my second time."

Harold and Ella sat down together. They talked about their jobs and the Titanic. Soon the other officers joined them.

Will sat down beside Ella. Ella smiled at him.  "Hello Mr Murdoch."

"Miss Hanson."

Ella grinned at Will as he had some coffee. Henry walked in. "Hello lovely lady."

"Mr Wilde. Anyone would think you're flirting."

Henry laughed. "Of course not. Just taking an interest in our only female officer," he replied.

"Yeah, we know what sort of interest that is," Harry joked.

Henry smirked and sat down by Ella. Will felt jealous that Henry was flirting with Ella.
"Ella, after this, will we take a trip up to the look out?" Will asked.

Ella smiled and nodded. "I'd like that. I must confess, I've never been up one."

Henry began to tell Ella about the look out posts. Will ate his lunch quietly. He wanted Ella to himself. Henry was handsome, yes, but Will didn't know if Ella liked him or not. He hoped that she didn't.

Ella stood up and looked at Will. "Let's go Mr Murdoch. I've always wanted to see the crows nest," she teased.

Will stood and left with Ella. He took her outside. Ella climbed the ladder into the crows nest. "Oh wow. The view looks amazing," she said.

"Aye. It does. I don't have reasons to come up here," Will told her.

Ella smiled. "Well, you should. The view looks amazing."

"Indeed. Unfortunately it's not our job to be up here. When the men in here see something ahead they'll ring this bell to inform us," Will said.

Ella nodded and smiled at the view. "It truly is breathtaking."

"It is. Seems like Henry thinks so about you too."

Ella looked at Will and laughed. "Please. Henry is handsome, but not really the type I'm looking for."

Will felt relieved at Ella's statement. He was glad she didn't like Henry in that way.

"What's your type?"

Ella grinned. "That would be telling. Wouldn't it?"

...
When they had gotten down, Ella walked to the front of the ship and looked down at the water. "I love being able to be on a ship. It's different to being on land."

"More peaceful," Murdoch commented.

Ella nodded. "It is. It's like you've got a whole future ahead of you. On land, you feel trapped."

"Yeah. I knew that feeling."

Ella smiled at Murdoch. She liked him. He wasn't as arrogant as he first made himself out to be. She liked how she could relate to him.

Murdoch sighed. "My ex-wife hated the sea. I took her on to one of the ships I was sailing on once we first got married. She immediately wanted off it."

Ella was shocked. She looked at Will. "My ex fiancée, he was against me working on a ship as an officer. Apparently all I'm good for is cooking and cleaning."

Will sighed. "Don't let anyone say anything bad about you," he said.

"I threw a vase off his head and told him we were done," she said.

...
Henry, Charles and the captain were on the bridge. They saw Will and Ella. "Well, that's certainly a change. William talking with a girl," Charles said.

Captain Smith sighed. "Nothing can come of this. It would be frowned upon."

"Are you forbidding it?" Henry asked. Charles was wondering the same thing. 

"We'll see."

Charles frowned. "See about what?"

"Whether they can keep it secret if something comes from it," the captain said. All the officers knew the captain was a reasonable man. Henry and Charles nodded. They needed to warn Will and Ella separately.

Will and Ella walked back to the wheelhouse. The captain was speaking with Harry.

Henry walked over to Ella while Charles called Will over.

Ella smiled at Henry. "Is everything okay?"

Henry sighed. "The Captain has seen something developing between you and Will. He said it's forbidden," he said.

Ella frowned. "So, you're saying I can't have a relationship with Will?"

Henry nodded. "Professional yes. Personal no."

...
Ella went to find Will. Will looked at her. "We can't be anything other than superior and subordinate," he said.

"B-But, I want us to be."

"No. I'm not risking my job for a lass," Will said.

Will walked off, pushing Ella slightly with his shoulder. Ella steadied herself. She walked to her room and locked the door. She felt tears roll down her face.

Ella was sobbing when she heard a knock at the door. She covered her mouth with her hand to stop them hearing her crying.
"Ella, its Henry," he said. Ella didn't answer. "Please come out. All the officers are wanting to see you. Even Will."

Ella said nothing. She heard Henry sigh and walk off from the door. Ella uncovered her mouth and cried more. She loved Will. He clearly didn't love her enough.

...
Henry walked back to the dining room. He sat down. It wasn't the same without Ella at the table. The captain looked at Henry.
"Where is Miss Hanson?" he asked.

"She's not feeling well," Henry mumbled.

The Captain nodded. "Let's hope she's well enough soon."

Henry smiled. He looked over at Will who was eating his dinner with Charles. "Sir, should something become of the relationship bewteen Murdoch and Hanson, what would happen?" He asked.

Captain Smith sighed. "They would more than likely lose their jobs and never be allowed to work together again," he said.

...
Ella sat in her room and cried. She didn't want to be around anyone. She curled up on her bed after getting into her nightdress. Her makeup had all been removed.

Ella wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. She didn't want to come out of her room again, as childish as it sounded. She couldn't stand to work with Will or face him again. Everyone knew about her and Will. How would any of them treat her the same again?

...
The officers and captain finished dinner. The captain went to his room. Will walked off outside.

Henry looked at Charles.
"Those two have to work together tomorrow. Ella's refusing to come out of her room," Henry said.

Charles nodded. "I'll try and talk with Will. You need to somehow get in to Ella or get her to come out to you."

Henry agreed. They parted ways. Henry went down the crew passage again. He knocked on Ella's door. He could hear her crying and trying to cover it up. His heart broke.
"It's me again Ella. Can I come in and see you or can you come out and see me?" Henry asked. Ella didn't reply. Henry sighed. He pressed his forehead against her door. "I know how you feel. The captain is worried about you. He doesn't know we told you both what he said. At least let me in to try to cheer you up."

"Go away."

Henry sighed. "Come on Ella. I'd hate to fetch Mr Murdoch."

Ella stood and opened her door. "Henry, leave me alone. I am fine!"

...
Henry went to the bridge. All officers were there. "Where's Miss Hanson? She should be here," The Captain said.

"She's a little upset right now sir. I'll go and collect her soon," Henry said.

"Thank you," Captain Smith said. He looked at Will knowing something had happened. Will looked straight on ahead.

Henry stood with Will.
"You okay?" Henry asked when the captain left.

"I'm fine."

Henry sighed. "Maybe you should go and see Ella."

"Maybe you and Charles should leave me alone Henry."

Will walked off. Henry sighed. He knew he needed to go and get Ella. He walked down that way.

...
Ella looked at the time and knew she needed to get on duty. She dried her eyes and washed her face. She walked to the wardrobe and got her uniform on.

As Ella left the room, Henry came down the corridor. Henry could see how much Ella had changed. It was obvious she was now wearing a corset. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun and she had no makeup on. She didn't look like their Ella anymore.

"What happened?" Henry asked.

Ella rolled her eyes. "I'm wearing my uniform aren't I? Problem?"

...
Ella walked out to the bridge. Will looked at her. "Are you alright?"

Ella nodded. "Yes. I'm fine thank you Sir," she said. She didn't look at him. "What do we need to do?"

"Keep an eye out for other ships. Now we're nearing Southampton, there might be smaller ships," Will said.

"Fine," Ella mumbled. Will sighed. He wanted Ella to be the way she was with him again. He hated what he said.

Ella and Will stood in silence. They switched with the binoculars. Ella took them off Will. Their hands touched. She quickly pulled away.
"Sorry," she mumbled.

Will nodded. "It's fine. Here you go."

Ella took the binoculars carefully.

Ella looked at Will. "Let's just make this working relationship as amicable as possible," she said.

Will nodded. He didn't want to ruin the relationship with Ella. Henry walked over. "Hello lovebirds."

Ella glared and walked outside to get a better look.

...
Will and Ella started their practice rounds. There was quite a lot of tension between them. "Look, lass. I can't risk my career for you."

Ella didn't reply. She handed Will the binoculars and walked on ahead.

Will sighed and caught up with her.
"Ella, I'm sorry."

"I don't want to talk about that any more. We're professional. Let's keep it that way. That's what you want anyway isn't it?" Ella spat.

Will nodded. It wasn't what he wanted but he needed a job. He still had extremely strong feelings for Ella.

They walked around quietly. Henry came out with two cups of tea.
"We thought you two could use it. Charles heated the water up for the captain so we all snuck a cup of tea," Henry said. Ella laughed and took the tea.

"Thank you Henry."

Henry grinned. "I knew I'd make you laugh," he said.

"No."

Henry smiled and walked off. Ella stayed silent and looked out to sea. She found the noise of the sea relaxing. "It's truly remarkable."

"Aye."

Ella sighed. "I'm sure in New York, I'll find some man who wants to satisfy me."

"Ella-"

"Don't," Ella said. She didn't want to hear Will's excuses.

Will sighed. He didn't continue what he said. Ella and Will walked around together in silence. Ella sipped at her tea.

Will finished his tea. He took the cup off Ella when she finished.
"I'll take them back."

"Thanks," Ella mumbled. Will looked at Ella before he walked off.

"You don't look the same since what happened. I can tell you're wearing a corset too," Will said with a smile.

Ella looked at him. "You saw that?" She asked.

Will nodded. "It's obvious lass."

Ella smiled a little. She looked at Will. "Well I've no one to impress. Why wouldn't I wear one?" She asked.

"Aye. Good point."

...
The next morning, Ella walked to her room. She had been up all night on watch with Will. Ella laid down in bed. She smiled as she laid down on the pillow. The door knocked and she groaned.

Ella opened the door and Henry stood there.
"Here's your breakfast. Get a sleep before this afternoon," Henry said.

"Thank you."

Ella closed the door and ate her breakfast. She laid down and fell asleep.

...
That afternoon, Will was standing waiting on Ella.
"She's changed," Will said to Charles.

Charles nodded. "Yes. She's withdrawn."

Will sighed. "She said in New York, she's going to find a man who can satisfy her."

"A good looking girl. I'm sure she will."

...
Ella walked onto the bridge. Will smiled. "Sleep okay?"

"Can't complain."

Will nodded. "That's good."

Ella smiled and stood at the bridge. The captain came out.
"Well done last night Miss Hanson. Very glad we have you on board."

"Thank you Sir."

The captain walked back inside. Charles followed. Will and Ella stood there in silence.

Ella smiled at Will. "It's a calm day," Ella commented.

"Aye. It is."

"Let's hope it continues on the voyage."

Will nodded in agreement. Somehow he hoped while Titanic made her voyage, he and Ella became how they were.