Chapter 1

Introduction

Her mother was speaking at her again, frowning as she did so. "I don't understand you at all, a young lady in her prime of life and you ignore all the suitors that I introduce you to. You just seem to want to mix with the riff-raff of this country."

Elizabeth sighed at her words; she had heard them all before. 'Nobody understands me. What do riches in this world matter? I prefer friends for their own sake, not for what they can buy me.'

Mother was continuing with her sermon. "We have decided to send you away for a short time. It will be a good opportunity for you to meet some nice young men. We have booked you a ticket on a new liner which is making her maiden voyage to a land overseas."

Elizabeth looked at her in amazement. "Am I going to be chaperoned or will I be alone?"

"Good heavens my girl, this is costing your Father and I a great deal of money. You won't need a chaperone on this trip as all the elite of British society will be there. They will take care of you and make sure that you behave with the social graces that you have been taught."

She smiled at her mother impishly, "Oh, and so where am I going?"

Her mother smiled back, unable to resist her daughter's grin.

"Your father and I have booked you a trip on a new luxury liner that is making her maiden voyage to America. You will be travelling on a new ship called 'RMS Queen Mary' which is owned by the 'Cunard White Star Company'. You are due to leave in two week's time on May 27^th, which is a Wednesday. Your Father will escort you down to the docks at Southampton and will see you safely aboard."

Mother continued, "We need to pack your trunk and make sure you have enough suitable attire for the coming voyage. We will go and visit the dressmaker's later, once I have rested for a while."

Elizabeth's mother stood up and with a flourish, left the room.

Elizabeth smiled with delight. 'At last, freedom! Time to do what I want to for a change. I will not be dictated to by my elders.'

The morning of the voyage dawned and Elizabeth had travelled down to the docks with her father. All too soon for him, he was cuddling his daughter and wishing her well. He had a soft spot for her and her unladylike ways. He liked her impulsive streak which she often failed to control. He knew that it was one of his traits that he had passed onto her.

"Take care, my little one and behave yourself. Let your mother believe that you have turned over a new leaf and you have become a lady. Most of all have some fun."

With those parting words, he kissed her on her cheek and stood on the quay, waiting to wave her off on her great adventure.

The Departure

Elizabeth stood on the deck amazed at the sight on the quayside, the people gathered all around to wave the liner off on her inaugural passage. Flags and ribbons fluttering in the wind, all added to the joyful atmosphere of the occasion. A band marched along the seafront playing a rousing tune. She waved to her father as the ship hooters sounded and they finally departed from Southampton's docks.

She looked at her watch, half past four, in four to five hours they would be docking at Cherbourg in France, before setting off again in the early hours of the following morning. She smiled at the people who were milling around her on the deck and nodded to those that smiled back. A young man approached her and introduced himself.

"Good evening, my fair lady. Let me introduce myself, I am Richard, son of Lord Goldsworth. May I persuade you to partake in some refreshment in one of the fine bars aboard?"

She giggled before introducing herself, "I am Elizabeth, daughter of Lord and Lady Saxonby. Yes, I would like some liquid nourishment, thank you, kind sir."

He took her arm and led her along the Promenade Deck to the Observation lounge and cocktail bar. She marvelled at the fine interior, the sparkling ornate lights bouncing their beams via the wooden walls.

"Which refreshment can I get you? A fine tea or would you prefer a stronger beverage?"

"A small sherry would be just fine, thank you Richard."

He guided her to the lounge and sat down next to her as the attendant approached to serve them.

"A small Amontillado sherry for the lady and a whisky for me," he demanded abruptly.

Elizabeth looked at him incredulously, deciding immediately that she didn't like his abrasiveness. 'I have no need for people like this, ' she thought to herself before smiling sympathetically at the attendant. 'I will drink this with him, but that will be it. I will make my excuses and retire to my room."

She sat with him and made small talk while sipping her drink elegantly.

"What brings you here?" He asked her.

She replied, "My mother and father decided that I needed a rest from the countryside. The sea trip would be good for my well-being."

"Oh, have you been unwell, then?" he replied.

"Oh no, not me, I never get ill, this trip is for pleasure. My mother decided that a voyage like this would calm my erratic ways."

She suppressed her giggle which threatened to erupt, as she remembered the reason why she had been sent on the voyage. She took a final sip from her glass and made her excuses.

"Forgive me Richard, but the festivities of the day have tired me. I need to retire to my cabin. I look forward to meeting you again soon."

She held out her hand. He rose to his feet and kissed her hand softly before bading her farewell.

"I will look forward to it," was his reply.

As she passed through the lounge, she nodded and smiled at the attendant who had served them earlier. He bowed towards her, acknowledging her departure.

She rested in her cabin before the grand banquet which was going to be held that night to welcome all the guests on board. She thought about her parent's marriage. Yes, her parents were happy but she didn't want a life like her mother. She was determined that she wasn't going to run a large household with dinner parties and everything that followed. She would much rather have a life that meant she could make something of herself and not just bow and make small talk to the upper classes. No, she wanted a life far removed from that of her parents.

A loud whistle from the liner disturbed her from her thoughts. She realised that the ship was docking in Cherbourg. Glancing at her cabin clock, she noticed the time, ten to nine at night. 'Had she only been on board for four and a half hours? It seemed such a long time ago, that she had waved her father goodbye.' Elizabeth looked at her itinerary. The liner had anchored for a few hours and a grand dinner would be provided shortly. After that, they would be cruising throughout the night.

A tap on the cabin door woke her from her thoughts.

"Appetisers are now being served in the cocktail lounge. Dinner will be available in 45 minutes."

"Thank you, I will be along shortly," she called out, before looking into her trunk for the evening gown that her mother had chosen for her to wear on her first night. She quickly discarded it to one side and pulled out one of her favourite ones instead.

She put it on quickly and smoothed it down over her hips before looking at her reflection in the full length mirror. She quickly brushed her hair and decided to leave it hanging loose over her shoulders. Her mother always liked her to pin it up but she wasn't here to lecture her tonight.

She smiled to herself. 'You'll do, ' and then opened her cabin door and made her way along to the cocktail lounge.

As she stood in the doorway, the attendant who had served her earlier came over. "This way, madam," he said as he escorted her to one of the tables. "What can I get you to drink? A fine wine or would you prefer a fruit juice?"

"Oh, an orange juice please," she replied as she sat down. "Certainly, madam," replied the attendant before he walked towards the bar.

"Is this chair taken?" A voice asked. She looked up at the stranger; his smiling face looked back at her.

"No, I am unescorted tonight. Please, sit down," she replied.

The attendant returned with her drink and placed it on the table in front of her.

"Anything else I can get you, madam?"

She looked over at her new companion, "could I get you a drink?"

"A glass of fine ale, thank you," he replied.

He sat down next to her, introducing himself as he did so. "My name is David, how do you do?" She smiled back, "Very well thank you. I'm Elizabeth," before she extended her hand, which he kissed lightly.

'At least he hasn't the airs and graces of Richard, ' she thought to herself. 'He seems a lot more down to earth, much friendlier.' The attendant returned to their table with the ale.

"Anything else I can get you, madam?"

"No, thank you," she replied.

A gong sounded and a voice rang out throughout the lounge. "Ladies and Gentlemen, dinner is now served." David stood up from his seat and ushered her along the deck and down into the dining room.

Elizabeth gasped with delight when she entered the room. She saw a giant map of the Atlantic Ocean on one of the walls.

"The sea looks so big, I never realised it before."

"Yes, it does," David replied. "But if you look closer, you can see where the liner is, and how much further we have to go."

"Oh, how clever." Elizabeth smiled.

"Could I have the pleasure of dining with you tonight?" David asked her.

"Thank you. The pleasure is mine."

David pulled out a chair for her as they took their seats at one of the smaller dining tables. They sat talking to each other as they waited for the courses to be served. She found his company enjoyable and started telling him more about herself as the banquet progressed. He laughed at her tales and started telling her a few of his own.

She found herself telling David about Richard and his abrasive attitude to the workers on board.

"I wouldn't speak to anyone in that way, but the attendant didn't even seem to notice though."

"Oh, the attendant is probably well trained not to rise to the bait. They selected the crew very carefully for this voyage," replied David.

"Well, I still thought he was very rude."

David nodded, "Yes, I'm afraid some people are nowadays."

As she sipped her coffee at the end of the meal, she looked at David and smiled at him. She was surprised how quickly the time had passed, 'it must be because of David, ' she thought to herself. 'I haven't had such an enjoyable evening for a long time.'

They left the dining room, arm in arm, and walked to her cabin. As they reached the door, a man stepped out of the shadows and spoke to her.

"Have you enjoyed your meal tonight? I am sorry that I could not escort you myself, but as you know, I was otherwise engaged."

Elizabeth glanced at David, pleased that he was by her side.

"Very much thank you. Please let me introduce you to my new companion, David. This is Richard. He was kind enough to buy me a drink just after we departed from Southampton."

David nodded towards Richard, "Pleased to meet you."

Richard replied, "I'm grateful to you for looking after Elizabeth tonight. Tomorrow though, she will be dining with me."

Elizabeth looked at Richard in amazement and found herself saying, "No Richard, you are wrong. I have already made my arrangements for dining tomorrow."

"Well, change them," Richard replied curtly.

She felt herself getting annoyed at Richard's rudeness.

"No, thank you but as I just said, my arrangements have already been made, Sir."

David noticed the sharpness in her voice and took her arm. He looked at Richard, "You heard Elizabeth, now leave her alone. Say goodnight to the lady."

Richard grunted his farewell and walked off moodily along the deck.

Elizabeth smiled at David, "Thank you, do you see what I mean about him?"

David nodded. "Yes, a thoroughly unpleasant chap. Would you like me to see you safely to your cabin?"

She smiled as she replied, "Yes, please. I do feel a bit shaken."

David opened the cabin door for her and escorted her inside. She sat down in one of the chairs beckoning David to sit in the other. She still felt shaken by the rudeness and abruptness that Richard had shown towards her.

"I knew he was unpleasant, but he is even worse than I imagined." She stated.

"I know, now are you feeling alright or would you like a small brandy to calm yourself?" David enquired.

"Oh, I'll be fine in a minute, thank you." She replied.

She looked and smiled at David, grateful that he had been there in her hour of need. The situation would have been a lot more difficult if she had been alone.

"In that case, I will take my leave. I'll see you tomorrow at some point?"

He rose from his seat and kissed her lightly on her forehead, "

Bye Elizabeth, take care." He closed the cabin door quietly behind him. She quickly rose from her seat, removed her clothes and made her preparations for bed.

The liner's whistle's sounded; the adventure to New York had begun. It has been a long day, she thought to herself. She laid her head on her pillow and thought through the events of her day. She wondered about the two men she had met and knew which one she preferred. She hoped that Richard was not going to cause her any trouble; he seemed such a pompous one. David, on the other hand, seemed a lot friendlier. A much more likeable man.

She felt tired but her sexual feelings were aroused. Her fingers stroked along her body. As she stroked her bosom, she felt her nipples harden. Soft strokes along them aroused her feelings even more. She sighed and moved her hands along and down her body. Caressing and touching herself. Wondering how David would touch her. How would she feel? Would he arouse her? Her fingers stroking her stomach and then her inner thighs. Feeling her tender spot before succumbing to her desires.

Her thoughts drifting... Imagining.

A yawn. Soon she was fast asleep. Deep inside her dreams.

The Exploration

The next morning she rose from her slumber early, excited thoughts running through her mind. She sung to herself as she pulled out a skirt and blouse from her trunk. She washed herself quickly and hurriedly dressed before leaving her cabin. She made her way up to the Promenade deck, smiling and nodding at people who acknowledged her presence.

She recalled her thoughts from the night before and sighed. 'Was that the reason why she had been sent on this voyage? Was her Mother trying to find her an eligible suitor?' She wasn't sure if that was what her Mother had been planning. Elizabeth sighed, 'Well, it won't work. I am not looking for a husband yet.'

"Elizabeth," she heard someone calling her.

She looked around and saw Richard walking towards her. She sighed as he approached, and then rebuked herself, 'I was a bit hasty towards him last night, I shouldn't have been so rude with him.' He smiled at her, "I apologise for my behaviour last night, I shouldn't have startled you. Can I accompany you to dinner tonight or tomorrow to make up for my tardiness?"

She smiled at him, still unsure about his motives, "Apology accepted, Richard. I am sorry but I won't be able to accept your invitation tonight. I have a prior engagement."

Richard nodded at her.

"Perhaps we can meet up for a drink later in the bar then."

"Yes," Elizabeth smiled at him politely.

"Sorry, got to rush, see you later."

She watched in amazement as he quickly disappeared, leapfrogging the railing before running back along the deck.

'He must be in a hurry, ' she thought to herself.

She strolled along a bit further, before deciding to relax for a while on the Sun Deck. She made her way up the stairs and sat down in one of the deck chairs. She lazed back into it and as she felt the sunshine beam down on her face, closed her eyes. Her thoughts started to drift again.

"Hello." A voice jolted her back into reality. She opened her eyes slowly to see David gazing down at her. She smiled back at him.

"Hello David, it's nice to see you."

"It's good to see you as well," he replied.

She glanced at her watch. "Goodness, is that the time? I have been out in the sun for far too long. Would you like to accompany me to the bar? David."

"Yes, certainly, Elizabeth, then I can return the drink which you so kindly got for me yesterday."

She rose from her deck chair and they walked down the stairs back to the Promenade deck. As they entered the bar, Elizabeth was surprised to see how lively it was.

"It's only late morning," she whispered to David, "Do these people party all day?"

"It seems that way," David replied, "But remember, it is a celebratory voyage as well."

An attendant approached to serve them. She smiled at him and asked for a small white wine, David requested an ale. While the attendant was serving their drinks, Elizabeth studied David's face. He was certainly good looking and she was attracted to his personality. He made her relax and she certainly didn't do that with most of the men that her mother thought were possible suitors.

She sipped her drink slowly as she started to tell David more about her life at home. David smiled in sympathy as she recounted tales of her mother's efforts to make her more ladylike. He laughed when she told him of her attempts to act like one; she always failed, unable to reach the heights her mother desired.