A New Beginning

Chapter 10: New Plan

Chapter 10: New Plan

The night is quiet. The water as still as glass. There is no moon, but the stars are as beautiful as diamonds that light the way of the Titanic as she is cutting through the water at almost breakneck speed. The watch just comes on in the Crow's nest, shivering and trying to keep their eyes open for icebergs.

Caledon Hockley makes his way down to the lower decks. He knew if there was any place to find Rose, it would be with the two brats from the second class. He knew that Rose was clever and knew that hiding in second class, instead of the third with the gutter rat, was well thought out and the last place Cal would think to look for her. He knew the young couple supported the pairing of Rose with this inferior man and would be willing to do anything to help them escape from Lovejoy. His manservant had followed Rose to the impromptu wedding on the bow and then chased the two lovers around the ship, but they had managed to get the better of him and escape. The redeeming factor is that Lovejoy learned through a few bribes, the cabin the couple was staying in. If Rose was willing to stay with that gutter rat and enjoy the company of the second-class menaces, she was bolder than either Lovejoy or Hockley had first thought. Lovejoy directs Cal to the correct room down a quiet hallway. The only thing to pass them on their way was a steward, like leaving as his shift was over.

"Stay out here Lovejoy," Cal orders. "I'll call you when and if I need you."

"As you wish..." Lovejoy murmurs.

Opening the door, Cal finds the room empty and dark. His curiosity still is getting the best of him and he wanders inside, otherwise, he would not be caught dead in such a low-class cabin. He thought there might be a clue to where Rose might be within the room. He rummages through some of the papers on the desk, searching for anything that would be useful to him. He does find interesting documentation on the girl's recently deceased father. He pockets the piece, thinking a method of blackmail could force the girl to reveal Rose's location to him when he hears a small sound that startles him.

Adjacent to the desk is a cradle, in which an infant lay asleep inside. Cal takes a step closer. He peers down at a rather small child; her tiny delicate face resembling a porcelain doll that he had seen another child in first-class playing with on deck earlier. Her rosy red cheeks contrasted the pale blankets she lay asleep in. A small knitted bonnet is fitted over her small head and the child slept in matching lace dress that was far too big in size for her.

How could second class even afford lace? He was thinking to himself.

He leans in closer and feels the material that the infant is sleeping in. The little imp makes another soft noise and fidgets in her sleep. Her tiny mouth opens into a yawn and Cal is almost touched by the cute nature of this gesture. Almost touched, but his mind is formulating a new plan, something that would give this new discovery purpose. Obviously, the infant is alone, unguarded and unsupervised, a rather foolish decision in the long run if Cal had anything to say about it... He finds a pen in the dark and scratches out a note, leaving it on the desk.

Cal reaches down and gently puts his hand on the infant's neck and back. He's had no experience in handling children at all. That was what nannies were for and he had not been around a baby since he, himself was one. Of course, Rose, who was soon to be his wife, would have to provide an heir for him, but his job ended before it even began. The responsibilities of carrying and raising the child fell to the mother and nannies; he was to be in charge of an entire empire in which the family would be raised upon. Yet, despite the lack of experience, Cal knew that this infant would be vital in getting Rose back and ridding himself of the gutter rat and this child's guardians.

He lifts the tiny thing up and awkwardly positions it in his arms. Although not totally heartless, Cal knew the infant requires blankets if it is to survive the trip it would go on. He grabs a woven grey blanket and places it on top of the child's sleeping form. He had to be very careful because the last thing Cal needs now is a screaming child to signal someone and give away his plan. He walks slowly and quietly to the door and creeps out into the hall. The infant seems to squint but remains asleep at the sudden change of lighting. Lovejoy gives Cal a horrified look, clearly never imagining his master would even consider carrying a child. His second thought is why Cal is bringing the child to him, had the purpose of the mission become lost on his master? The servant couldn't tell.

Cal puts a finger to his lips with his free hand and then attempted to pass the child to Lovejoy. The little thing moans uncomfortably, but she settles again once Lovejoy has her in a proper cradling position.

"As long as she remains asleep..." Cal whispers. "She is useful to us."

"But sir..." Lovejoy asks softly.

Cal cuts him off. "Shh! I will explain everything else promptly."

Lovejoy nods and follows with the child in his arms.