Chapter 1

1904

A new century, a time of new and fabulous inventions, a time of allies and foes, a time of coming war. Thrust into this are a pair of 19 year olds from opposite ends of society's scale. Our hero, Danny Dart is a common seaman, born of potato farmers in Ireland. Our first class girl, Elizabeth Hascombe is an English lady, born of statesmen and Earls. The pair are thrust together by the fates and a little help from Mother Nature. Read how they argue, become victims of a freak storm, persevere and finally accept each other and become one.

Now our story takes us to the South Pacific aboard the Steam powered freighter "Florence Wright", only a few days from her destination in Sidney, Australia. Elizabeth is on her way to join her father; British Ambassador to Australia while Danny is, more and more, just trying to stay out of Elizabeth's way and still perform his duties. It's been a long voyage and tempers are running high...

Danny Dart:

Danny languished over the most recent 'punishment' he had been given by the First Officer. He was swabbing the deck during his off time, when he was usually asleep. It's all because of that royal pain Elizabeth. She had been 'knocked down on purpose' by me, according to her. Actually I had been carrying several boxes, and couldn't see when she had walked into my path. The result was some broken stuff and less time for Danny to sleep.

He looked up as he saw Elizabeth walking arm-in-arm with Ensign Foreward. He was not looking where he was going, his eyes staring straight into her deep, blue eyes.

"Beg your Pardon Sir, wet deck", Danny called out. The Ensign kept on walking, chatting with the young girl who was throwing herself and her charms at him. I've seen Bombay whores acting more subtle. Danny called out again in a louder voice, "Ensign Sir, the deck is wet and could be dangerous."

Perhaps the officer couldn't hear him or, was more likely, ignoring him. Danny tried one last time. This time addressing the 'lady'.

"Excuse me mum, but the deck has been recently swabbed and is still wet. A person might slip."

Danny's addressing Elizabeth finally registered with the young Ensign, but it was too late. He had already hit the offending wet deck and was losing his footing. Elizabeth instantly let go of the officer's arm, so she wouldn't be dragged down with him. Did I see her give him a little push?

The Ensign hit the deck with force. His white uniform stained and ruined. As he yelled from the deck in front of Danny, Danny looked at Elizabeth. Her innocent eyes were looking away from him and her scarlet lips were addressing the not-so-nimble Ensign with a less than impressed tone.

Danny just shook his unkept brown mane; he knew that he was 'for it' again.

Elizabeth Hascombe:

It had been a pretty rough trip thus far to get to Sidney. Elizabeth hadn't really wanted to go in the first place but father dearest said she had to. Since her mother had been taken ill, he needed to have someone from the family there with him. Elizabeth was the only other one, so she did her civic duty. The trip would have been fine had it not been for Daniel Dart. She felt as if he was out to make her life a living hell! Everywhere she was, there he was. Was he stalking me? I sure as hell hoped not! He was not of my standard.

Elizabeth decided to take a walk on the upper deck when she ran into Ensign Foreward. He seemed very nice so they struck up a conversation. The bell for tea was rung and so the two started making their way to the dining hall. As they did, Elizabeth could see that Daniel was there again. She leaned over to the Ensign's ear and whispered for him to ignore the young man. He did just that and she could hear Daniel calling after they had passed. Then Elizabeth heard him calling to her. Elizabeth turned her head to look over the Ensign's shoulder only to glare at him as she listened to what the Ensign was saying.

Before long I knew what Daniel was trying to do. He was trying to be civil, but I was being a stubborn bitch. I could feel the Ensign falling so I let his arm go and pushed him forward slightly. Just so he wouldn't pull me with him or get my dress tangled in his feet.

He started to yell back to Daniel and once on his feet he went to him. He stood before him and gave him the third degree for everything. Elizabeth did feel bad, but just shrugged it off and awaited the Ensign. When he returned to her side, she just slipped her arm back in his. Elizabeth looked over her shoulder to Daniel with a slight look of empathy.

Danny:

Potatoes, potatoes, I hated peeling potatoes. That stuck-up wench had me busted for sure. I not only had punishment duty, I was now relieved of my duties as Seaman and put to work in the galley. I was sure that she had fixed me up good. I almost wish I could be alone on deck with her to throw her overboard!

Danny took the pan of peeled potatoes and dumped it in the big pot. This crew ate an amazing amount of potatoes! Danny was only half done with the potatoes for lunch. The cook kidded him about cookin' for his girlfriend. Danny told him to take a long walk on a short pier. The nerve of some guys, his girlfriend indeed!

Someone said somethin' about a coming storm and battenin' down. That used to be my job!

Elizabeth:

Elizabeth sat at tea with the other ladies as they waited for dinner. I could see the men wandering the ship and it made me feel a little nervous. I shifted in my seat as I sipped my tea.

"So Ms. Hascombe, what brings you on this trip?" Elizabeth heard someone ask. At least it brought her back to reality.

"Oh ... my father is in Sidney..." Her voice trailed off as she saw Ensign Foreward start running. "Excuse me ladies." Elizabeth said as she excused herself from the table. She walked to where Ensign Foreward was. Elizabeth could see him giving orders and looking a little flustered. "Why Mr. Foreward, if I may ask, what is going on here?"

"Well ... ma'am", he started and looked around before continuing, "not to worry anyone, but we have a storm coming. It is worse than we have ever expected. They have already had some ships lost at sea. We pondered the thought of turning around, but the storm would catch up with us no matter what. I suggest you go to your room and get your lifejacket on. I am not saying that something is going to happen, but I wouldn't want something to happen to someone as pretty as you. Now if you would please excuse me." He finished as he took off to help the other men.