Heart of Disaster: A Titanic Novel of love and loss

by Rachel Wesson

  “I shouldn’t be laughing. It’s not kind.” Eileen took a deep breath. “Mary is just very annoying.”

  “True. I wonder why she’s really going to America.” Kate mused. “Eileen, it must have been hard for your mammy to miss your wedding.”

  “It was. Andrew wrote to Daddy to tell him he would look after me. He also helped me pay for Callum, my younger brother to go to the seminary in Maynooth. Mammy was happy.”

  Cathy looked up, her expression suitably impressed. Kate had to look away. She knew Cathy couldn’t care less about someone becoming a priest.

  “What a lovely thing to do, Eileen. Maynooth turns out the best priests in Ireland. That was kind of you.”

  Kate bit her lip. Cathy sounded so sincere. Maybe, she did belong on the stage.

  Eileen flicked a thread off her dress. “It’s every Irish mammy’s dream to have a son in the priesthood.” Eileen picked up her bible and began to read.

  Kate and Cathy exchanged glances before standing up. They made their excuses and left the cabin.

  Chapter 14

  “Miserable Mary and her friend are going to be great craic on this trip, I don’t think,” Cathy said as they walked away.

  “I wonder why Mary is really leaving Ireland? Maybe her heart is broken, and it is making her appear mean?”

  Cathy snorted. “That’s your trouble, Kate Maloney. You always see the good in people. Like you never saw that the only reason Blake talked to you was to get you to lay with him.”

  “Cathy!” Kate looked around for fear someone had heard her friend.

  “Well, it’s true. I told you he had an ulterior motive for being friendly.”

  Kate didn’t reply. Cathy was right as usual but that didn’t mean it hadn’t hurt. She had believed the landlord’s son was her friend and all the time he was just looking for someone to keep his bed warm until he found a suitable wife. She wished him the best of luck but was still thankful Cathy had followed her that day. She didn’t want to think of what could have happened if Cathy hadn’t come along when she did. She could still see the incredulous look on Blake’s face when she had refused to sleep with him.

  She owed Cathy so much she thought as she took her arm. They kept walking until they reached the central area Mr. Burke had mentioned. Kate came to a standstill, causing Cathy to walk into her.

  “What? Oh, my word, Kate look how big it is. We’ll have the most amazing parties. Look at all those seats too. And it looks like we will have plenty of men to keep us dancing, too.”

  “Cathy!” Shocked, Kate tried to ignore the smiles on the faces of the men to whom Cathy referred. A few of them winked while others smiled.

  She dragged Cathy who was almost skipping with excitement over to the wooden benches and sat down. Cathy sat but only for a second before she stood up again.

  “Kate, there are all sorts on board. Some French, German and Italians as well as those from Finland and Sweden. I’ve never met anyone from outside Galway until now.”

  “Cathy, will you be quiet. They can hear you.”

  “They can’t understand me. I heard some of them speaking English, but I couldn’t understand their accents.”

  “They still might know what you’re saying.”

  Cathy rolled her eyes but took a seat beside Kate and they were joined by some other Irish ladies, including their cabin mate, Mary.

  Mary complained as soon as she sat down. “That steward over there was quite rude to me just now.”

  Kate glanced toward the man she indicated but he seemed nice to her. He was smiling and his eyes were gentle. She couldn’t imagine him being rude but in the short time she had known Mary, she could imagine their cabin mate trying the patience of a saint.

  “What did he say?” Cathy asked.

  Mary sniffed. “He called us immigrants.”

  Kate tried not to look at Cathy, sure if she did, she would burst into a giggling fit.

  Cathy’s dismissive reply to Mary didn’t help. “It’s true. We are.”

  “We are hardly the same as that lot.” Mary puffed out her chest and threw a dirty look in the direction of the French and Italian travelers, Kate had been wondering about seconds before.

  Kate wanted to say something clever but she didn’t get a chance. Mary was talking again.

  “Eileen, it seems we are traveling with some bigwigs. John Astor the millionaire is aboard. They reckon he is the richest man in the world.”

  Kate didn’t yet know how Mary and Eileen knew each other. They weren’t from the same part of the country, with Eileen from Cork and Mary hailing from Dublin. Yet Eileen seemed content to let Mary do the talking.

  “Yes, and he married a girl younger than his son. My friend worked at a big house in Dublin and she said it was the talk of the drawing room. There were articles in the paper and everything. He divorced his first wife, the mother of his children and then married this young one. They had to go to Europe to honeymoon. No decent family would receive them in America. Rumor has it, many of Astor’s friends and colleagues snubbed him when they did come into contact. Nobody acknowledges her as his wife. Quite right too. Didn’t they know divorce is a sin?”

  Kate turned away from the conversation. She didn’t like gossip and this particular lady seemed to have an opinion on everyone. Not only did Mr. Astor, whoever he was, not live up to Mary’s ideas of a suitable traveling companion but neither did those who were sharing steerage. Mary continued to gossip but now her subject of interest was the foreigners around them. Kate shifted in her seat, in the hope that their traveling companions didn’t speak English.

  “I’m looking forward to learning more about those sharing our quarters. America is full of people from all backgrounds. It will be good practice. Have a nice day, ladies.”

  Kate could feel Mary’s eyes on her as she walked away. She didn’t regret speaking out. Learning about the Italians and other nationalities might take her mind off Nell and her beloved home.

  Chapter 15

  K ate watched as some of the men started playing instruments, from spoons to regular fiddles. Her feet tapped the floor.

  “Cathy, look at that woman dancing. Do you know the dance?”

  “Looks like a jig to me. Oh, I don’t know that step. Maybe, she’ll teach us.” Cathy stood up. “I’m going to join in. Coming, Kate?”

  “No, thanks. I’ll sit here and watch you make a fool of yourself.”

  Cathy stuck her tongue out, before throwing herself into the middle of the dancing.

  Kate soon regretted her choice. The noise of the music and laughter didn’t dissuade Mary from talking, her voice rising above the noise, Kate looked around for other people she recognized but the lads must have gone exploring.

  Disgusted with the conversation, she pleaded tiredness and made her excuses to go back to her cabin to take advantage of the relative quiet. As she walked, she met the same steward Mary had complained about earlier. Up close, he had a nice smile and kind eyes.

  “Everything okay, miss?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “My name’s John Hart. It’s my job to see you have a comfortable trip. So, if you need anything just ask. Do you know your way around yet? If you are going up on deck, wrap up warm.”

  “I’m learning but my friend has been showing me the way around. I’m tired and am off to bed. Tomorrow, I would like to go on deck for a walk, I think.”

  “Well, take this way, miss. That way leads to Second Class and they have a gate. You can’t get through.”

  Kate thanked him and having decided she was too wound up to go to bed, she took a walk out onto the deck. It was only slightly colder outside, but the fresh air was wonderful.

  “Are you feeling all right?”

  The priest's voice startled her. She’d believed she was alone.

  “Oh, father, I didn’t see you there. You put the heart across me.”

  “My apologies for scaring you. My name is Father Byles. I fancied a bit of air. It’s a great
thing to see everyone having fun but it can be a bit overwhelming.”

  Kate agreed. She stared at the sky as the priest kept talking about the wonderful view and the lack of cloud cover.

  “Have you been to America, father?”

  “Yes, child, more than once. It’s a fine place. I take it, it’s your first time traveling away from home?”

  “Yes, father.”

  “Are you traveling with friends?”

  “Yes, father, my friend Cathy, her brother Seamus and a friend of his.”

  “Good. They will no doubt look after you but if you should need me, please call upon me.”

  “Thank you, Father Byles.”

  Kate watched as the priest walked away. She didn’t imagine needing the priest, but it was nice of him to offer. She turned her attention back to the sea and the sky. It was hard to distinguish where one ended and the other began.

  Daniel walked toward her. “There you are. I thought you had gone to bed?”

  “I was fed up listening to that woman. She was obviously behind the door when they gave out instructions on how to be kind.”

  “You are even prettier when you are mad.” Daniel moved closer. He reached out to push a strand of her hair behind her ear. She stood, her feet glued to the deck. She couldn’t move.

  “Kate, I know I should have said something before now but…”

  Cathy appeared on deck. Kate wasn’t sure whether she was relieved or upset when she spotted, Cathy, walking toward them.

  “There the two of you are. I thought I would have to put up with Miserable Mary for the rest of the night. Thank goodness she found someone more important to speak to.” Cathy didn’t seem to realize she had intruded on anything. “Isn’t this ship amazing?”

  Daniel glanced at Kate, but there was nothing she could do. She couldn’t very well tell Cathy to give them some privacy. She wasn’t even sure what Daniel wanted to talk about.

  Cathy yawned. “I’m that tired now, I could sleep on the deck. Daniel, Seamus has gone looking for you. He thought you had gone ahead to your cabin.”

  A flash of annoyance crossed Daniel’s face before he walked away without saying goodnight. Cathy didn’t seem to notice.

  “Come on, Kate, let’s see if we can be asleep before Miserable Mary joins us in the cabin. I've got a feeling she might be going for a swim if she keeps on moaning. I might just throw her overboard myself.” Cathy laughed but Kate wasn’t really listening. She was still trying to guess what Daniel was trying to say before Cathy arrived.

  Chapter 16

  Friday, April 12th. Third Class

  K ate woke early, astounded she had slept so well. Cathy was also awake and the two of them headed to breakfast where they found Seamus and Daniel.

  Daniel looked up to acknowledge them. “Did you see the menu? We could be dining in one of those fancy restaurants they have in Dublin.”

  “What would you know of Dublin, sure you haven’t been out of Galway until now?” Seamus teased back before shoving mouthfuls of Irish stew into his mouth.

  Cathy made a face. “Stew for breakfast?”

  Kate opted for the oatmeal to start and asked for some Swedish bread as well.

  Cathy followed her example. “Might as well get used to foreign food.”

  Daniel stared at Kate. “What are you ladies planning on doing today?”

  Something about the way he looked at her, made her cheeks go hot.

  “Kate hasn’t any plans but I’m going exploring. There has to be a way to see First Class.”

  Daniel shook his head. “You won’t get through the locked gates.”

  Cathy simply smiled. Daniel shook his head.

  “You can try using your feminine charms, but it won’t work. The steward told me it’s an American government requirement to keep the Third Class away from the First and Second Class passengers. It’s their way to keep control over the spread of disease.”

  “Disease! They have a nerve.” Cathy slammed her knife and fork down on the table. “I’m telling you, Daniel Donnelly, I will see First Class.”

  Kate intervened. “I’m sure you’ll find a way, Cathy. In the meantime, why don’t we go for a walk. I fancy some fresh air.”

  Daniel stood up. “We’ll head to the deck at the stern of the ship. Cathy and Seamus walked ahead but Kate stood still.

  “Where?”

  “Sorry, Kate. I meant the back of the boat. We have our own deck and the views of the sea are amazing. I wish I had some pencils to draw it.” His cheeks turned pink as he seemed to realize he had spoken aloud.

  “You’re an artist?”

  “Not really. I mean I like to draw but me da, he said it was a waste of time. Nobody makes any money from drawing.”

  Kate was about to mention a couple of famous artists but the look in Daniel’s eye stopped her. “What are you going to do in America?”

  “I would love to work with horses. I’m good with them. Got plenty of practice at the big house and the head groom, Foley, he told me I had a gift. The master, he bought this one racehorse, a magnificent animal he was. But nobody could ride him, he kept throwing anyone that tried. The master was beside himself, he threatened to send him to the knacker’s yard.”

  “No, he couldn’t do that. Why would anyone destroy a healthy animal?”

  Daniel’s eyes turned to flint. “The rich have too much money and not enough sense. Anyway, I worked with Red, that was his nickname due to his temper, every day. Foley let me stay late. We didn’t tell the master. He’d told Foley not to let a boy like me handle the horse. But Red and I had a connection. I’d love to own a horse like him one day,” Daniel sighed. He stared out to sea for a few seconds before turning back to her. “You probably think I am an awful eejit.”

  “No, I don’t. We all have dreams. Nell always said it didn’t cost anything, so what’s the harm?”

  The expression on his face softened as he looked into her eyes, “What are your plans, Kate?”

  “Cathy said her sister, Bridie, knows someone who will give us a job in a sewing factory. Bridie’s worked there for a long time and seems to do just fine. She has a place for us to stay too but in time I will have to find my own lodgings.”

  Kate didn’t want to admit she was terrified. Cathy insisted Bridie wouldn’t throw her out on the streets, but Kate remembered Cathy’s older sister. She wasn’t the nicest woman. Nell said she had a mean streak a mile wide.

  “What is it? You look scared?” Daniel moved closer taking her arm in his.

  She was tempted to tell him she had read Bridie’s letter. She hadn’t meant to, but Cathy had left it lying on her bunk in the cabin. She wished she had never seen it. Then she wouldn’t know Bridie had only offered to put Kate up for a week or so.

  I don’t have the time or money to house all the unwanted orphans from back home.

  She closed her eyes trying to clear that sentence from her mind.

  “Kate, tell me, please. If there is anything I can do, you know I will.”

  She glanced toward Cathy and Seamus. She didn’t want them to overhear her. Daniel must have realized she wouldn’t speak in front of their friends as he called over to them.

  “Kate and I are taking a walk.”

  Cathy stood as if she wanted to join them.

  Daniel took Kate’s arm, steering her toward the opposite side of the ship. “See you two, later.”

  At Daniel’s comment, Cathy sat back down again but her inquisitive gaze told Kate she would have to answer questions later.

  Chapter 17

  Daniel held onto her arm and steered her away from the others. He led her to a deserted bench and took a seat. She followed his lead. They sat in silence for a couple of seconds. Daniel turned to look at her.

  “So, tell me why you look terrified?”

  “Cathy’s sister doesn’t want me.” Kate blurted out.

  “Of course, she does. I heard Cathy telling you how Bridie was looking forward to making a fuss of you all when yo
u get to New York. She sounded lonely to me.”

  Kate looked at her fingers wondering what he would think of her if she admitted to reading someone else’s letter. Maybe she didn’t need to confess.

  “That was all Cathy’s doing, she has a heart of gold,” Kate replied. “Bridie doesn’t feel that way.”

  His fingers stroked her hand as they spoke. She liked it.

  “Kate, I know Bridie wasn’t the kindest girl back in the village but that was years ago. America must have changed her. She is very generous to offer you a home and find you a job.”

  Kate grabbed her hand back, feeling ashamed. He took it again and clasped it in his.

  “Take that look off your face, please. I wasn’t blaming you or trying to make you feel bad. I’m not good at talking to pretty girls.”

  She smiled at him though her eyes had filled up with tears.

  “Kate, don’t cry. I know you are scared, we all are. It’s a new land and miles away from home but it will be fine. Better than that. We will all make our fortunes and in time we can go back to Galway, build a house and raise our families.” He stopped talking, his face crimson now. “I mean if that’s what you wanted to do of course. You might prefer to stay in America.”

  She had to tell him.

  “I read Cathy’s letter. The one Bridie sent to her about the jobs. Oh, Daniel, she complained about having to find a job for me and she said she wasn’t providing lodging for me on top of everything else.”

  He looked shocked, his eyes widening as answered, “She wouldn’t do that. You’re Cathy’s best friend and us Galwegians have to stick together.”

  “She did. In fact, her exact words were “I don’t have the time or money to house all the unwanted orphans from back home.”

  Rage filled his eyes as he stared at her. She moved back instinctively trying to put distance between them. He pulled her closer.

  “I don’t know why anyone would write something so horrible, but you don’t need her. Kate, I have feelings for you. I have had them for a long time. I know you don’t feel the same as I do but in time you might. I swear to our Lord I will look after you in America. You will never be alone. I promise.”