Heart of Disaster: A Titanic Novel of love and loss Read online

  Kate didn’t comment on the irony of being told to avoid alcohol by someone who smelled like he slept in a vat of it.

  Chapter 4

  Wednesday, April 10th

  T he next morning, Kate woke early but Nell was still up before her, standing at the fire stirring the porridge. Kate washed and dressed before sitting at the small table to eat her breakfast. She swallowed hard to get rid of the lump in her throat.

  Nell taped Kate on the shoulder. “Eat up, now, you have a long journey ahead of you. It was mighty good of Cathy’s father to offer to drive you to Galway. He had his head screwed on the right way when he asked the Burkes to allow you to share their lift. Traveling as a group and sharing costs will keep expenses down. You will need every bit of your savings when you get to America.”

  Kate couldn’t speak. She swallowed the oatmeal, not tasting any of it. She wasn’t hungry, but she couldn’t offend Nell by refusing to eat.

  Nell stirred the pot on the fire.

  “I couldn’t believe it when I heard Margaret and the children were going to America with John Burke. It will be a huge change for all of them. Ruth and Niamh will probably be upset at leaving their friends but sure they are bound to meet new ones.”

  Kate ate as Nell filled the silence with chatter.

  “Want more?” Nell asked when finally, Kate finished the last of her oatmeal.

  “No, thank you, Nell.” Kate stood up. She hated goodbyes at the best of times, but she couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that this was it. She would never see this woman again. Nell took something from the box, she kept on the shelf above her bed.

  “I got something for you. Don’t be telling Father Curry as he doesn’t approve of superstitious nonsense as he calls it. But keep this about you. All the time. You hear?”

  Nell handed her a small bag and her rosary beads.

  “Yes, Nell.” Kate took the small bag, but she wasn’t about to take Nell’s favorite rosary beads. “I can’t take these.” She protested.

  “You can and you will. Your mother, God rest her soul, gave them to me when you were born. She’d want you to have them.”

  Kate couldn’t respond. She put the rosary beads into her pocket before opening the small bag. She looked up in surprise when she saw the clay inside. “You want me to bring some dirt with me?”

  “Dirt! It’s not dirt from the yard, you silly girl. It’s clay from St Mogue’s shrine to keep you safe from drowning or boilers. My father, God rest his soul, used to take it with him out on the boat and he died in his own bed.”

  “But Nell, they said the Titanic is a giant ship, it will be safe won’t it?” Kate’s stomach had a whole heap of butterflies dancing around in it.

  “Sure, it will.” The old woman couldn’t mask the concern in her eyes. “But it doesn’t hurt anyone to be careful. Take it with you. It’s all I got to give you. That and the love I hold for you in here.” Nell pointed at her chest, her eyes suspiciously bright.

  Kate couldn’t remember ever seeing Nell cry. Locals said she hadn’t shed a tear at her own children’s funeral. Both Nell’s sons had died with Kate’s father in a skirmish against the British.

  Kate hugged her. “I promise to keep them both close to me. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Alannah. You are the child of my heart.” Nell straightened up, her tone back to normal. “You best get on. You don’t want to keep young Cathy and her family waiting.”

  Kate gave Nell one final hug. She then placed the little bag in her pocket next to the rosary. Without looking back, she left the humble cottage she had lived in for as long as she could remember. She walked down the lane to the crossing where Cathy, Seamus and Daniel, were waiting. Cathy’s father Michael was driving the cart. Michael greeted her, his eyes filled with sadness despite his attempt to be cheerful.

  “Grand morning isn’t it?”

  Kate sniffed back the urge to cry. “Yes, Mr. Madden.”

  She didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of the two lads who took every opportunity to tease her. This morning was different. Daniel jumped down from the back of the cart and took Kate’s small bag. He put it on the cart and offered her his hand to help her up to her seat. As she took his hand, he squeezed hers gently. She glanced into his eyes and saw an understanding. She held his gaze for a couple of seconds.

  Kate turned to have one last look at her home. Nell wasn’t standing outside. A couple of hens pecked at the ground outside the door just as they had every other day. Maisie, the cow swished her tail as she munched on the dew-covered grass. Kate stifled the urge to run back to the house and hug Nell once more. She gripped the side of the cart as Mr. Madden signaled the horse to move out. Nobody spoke. Kate stared at the thatched cottage until it faded from view. She closed her eyes trying to commit the picture to memory.

  Daniel squeezed her hand. “You’ll be able to write to her soon. I heard that you can have your picture taken in New York so you can send that home to her. She’ll like that.”

  “Thank you. You’re being kind.”

  “Don’t sound so surprised!” His smile suggested he was teasing. “If I was kind, I wouldn’t compare Cathy to a new-born puppy.”

  Kate put her hand over her mouth to try to stop a giggle escaping. Cathy was bouncing up and down with excitement. “Cathy’s always wanted to go to America.” Kate didn’t add Cathy wanted to go on the stage.

  “Herself and Seamus couldn’t be more different. He’s so somber and quiet and Cathy, well she’s great craic.”

  Kate agreed. Cathy was good fun, most of the time. Seamus never seemed to smile.

  “Wonder if he will become a priest. You know, in America.”

  Daniel stared at Seamus for a couple of seconds. “Maybe. He could marry the woman of his dreams.” Daniel moved closer, his clothes touching Kate’s.

  She didn’t want to be rude but she didn’t want to talk about love and marriage either. “Have you been to Galway city before? I’ve been once but it was years ago. I can’t remember much about it.”

  They chatted for a couple of hours before Mr. Madden stopped the cart and suggested lunch.

  “Mam had some of the ham left over from the wake,” Cathy looked at Daniel. “She thought we might be hungry so made a picnic. There’s soda bread with ham and some buttermilk.”

  Kate was amused by Cathy’s attempt to flirt with Daniel. Daniel didn’t seem interested in anything but the food in front of him.

  “She is some woman, your mam.” Daniel sank his teeth into his sandwich.

  Kate couldn’t face food. Her stomach threatened to heave at any second. She sat on the grass watching Mr. Madden take care of his horses.

  Cathy followed Kate’s gaze. “Daddy’s mad about those horses. Mammy says he treats them better than he does his family.”

  “Cathy! Your daddy is one of the best men I know. He never took the belt to ye, not like some in our village.”

  Kate couldn’t help but defend Mr. Madden. He was everything she would want in a father.

  Cathy sucked in her cheeks. “I know.”

  Kate’s cheeks burned. “Sorry, Cathy. I didn’t mean to sound harsh.”

  “No, you’re right. I don’t appreciate him. He’s always stood up to mammy too. She gets annoyed with me for running here and there. Daddy always said…he said God made me this way.” A tear ran down Cathy’s cheek. She brushed it away.

  “Go over and talk to him. Bring him a sandwich and give him a hug. Go on. While you can.”

  Kate watched as Cathy did as she was bid. Mr. Madden’s face lit up with the biggest smile. Kate had to turn away from the tender moment.

  It took a few minutes for Cathy and her father to join the rest of them. Mr. Madden put his hand on Kate’s shoulder. “Seamus will look after you as well as Cathy, Kate. I promised Nell he would. And a Madden never breaks a promise.”

  “Seamus can look after Cathy, I will watch Kate.” Daniel’s comment and tone earned him a look of censure from Mr. Madden.
Daniel stiffened but before he could respond, Kate spoke up.

  “Thank you, Mr. Madden. I’m sure we will all stick together.” Kate didn’t want an argument to break out. Not today.

  Chapter 5

  When they reached Galway, they all jumped down thankful to stretch their legs a bit.

  “There’s John Burke and his family.” Mr. Madden pointed to a group of people. He led Kate and the others over and made the introductions. A small boy stuck his thumb in his mouth causing Kate to bend down to say hello.

  “My name’s Kate. What’s yours?”

  “Sean. I’m five. How old are you?”

  Mrs. Burke glared at her son. “Sean Burke! I am sorry, Kate, he is a bit overwhelmed. I hope you don’t mind us calling you, Kate.”

  “Not at all, Margaret. Are you ready to leave?” Immediately, Kate regretted speaking. Margaret’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, as she looked back toward the city.

  “John says it will be the making of us. Lots of opportunity in America for the children,” Margaret said.

  Kate glanced at the girls clutching their mother’s skirts. They didn’t seem keen to go either. Not that it mattered. If the man of the house wanted to leave Ireland, his family followed him. Mr. Burke’s animated tone suggested he was as excited as Cathy.

  Sean pulled at Kate’s hand. “Do you know the ship is bigger than a city? Imagine that, Kate. It’s so big it takes you two days to get from one end to the other.”

  “Sean Burke, don’t be telling stories. It is big but not that huge. Now mind your manners, lad. Kate doesn’t want to be putting up with you running around her like a mad dog.”

  “Sorry, Mammy, I’m a bit excited.”

  “You are, my darling boy,” Mrs. Burke responded, ruffling his hair and giving him a kiss. Kate looked on, amused at Sean’s response to his mother. He pushed his hair back into place and moved closer to his father, clearly trying to be like the man of the house. His two sisters looked overawed by what was going on and clung onto their rag dolls. Kate smiled at them hoping to make them feel a little better.

  Mr. Burke had brought a horse and cart and was planning on selling them when they arrived in Athlone. From there they would take the train. Cathy’s father had paid Burke a few shillings to take his son, daughter and their two friends. Kate was relieved. It was faster and slightly more comfortable than walking.

  She bowed her head as Cathy and Seamus said goodbye to their father. A small crowd had gathered to wish the Burkes good luck.

  “It’s a big adventure you are off on now, lad,” a man said to Daniel. “Is that the wife going with you? Fine looking woman.”

  Kate blushed as Daniel took her hand and said, “She is, isn’t she?”

  As the cart, piled high with the family’s trunks and their bags, drove out of the town, the well-wishers waved them off.

  Kate tucked her hand back into her skirts. She looked up to catch Daniel grinning at her.

  “Sorry about that, Kate, but I couldn’t resist. And he was right. You are a fine-looking woman.”

  Kate didn’t reply. Was what Cathy’d told her true? Was Daniel fond of her? Realizing she was staring, she looked down. Her breath caught when he took her hand. She risked glancing up but he was looking back toward the city. He was a tall man, his broad shoulders almost blocking her view. His calloused hands were gentle, her skin tingled as he rubbed his thumb up and down hers.

  She caught Cathy’s knowing look, her friend’s eyes dropping pointedly to Kate’s hands. Face flushing, Kate pulled her hand away and used it to pull the collar of her dress free from her neck. Was it her imagination, or had the weather become warmer?

  She sensed Daniel look at her. She didn’t move a muscle. He didn’t try to take her hand in his. Instead of being relieved, her stomach clenched with disappointment.

  Chapter 6

  Wednesday, April 10th. Dublin.

  Delia Furlong picked at a loose thread on her gown. This was it. In less than ten minutes she would be married. In her dreams, she had imagined a full church with people she loved wishing her and Conor a wonderful life together. She never guessed she’d elope, but her aunt had left her no choice.

  She told herself she didn’t care there was nobody here save Cook, Mrs. Fitzgerald and Conor’s mother who acted as the witnesses.

  “Are you sure this is what you want, Delia?”

  “Yes, Father Andreas.”

  The priest nodded and began the service. Father Andreas may not have believed Delia if Lady Fitzgerald hadn’t been so forthright in her views on Aunt Cecilia and her plans for Delia. The ceremony was over very quickly and the four of them went to a small café for tea and cake paid for by Lady Fitzgerald. Cook had to get back to Aunt Cecilia’s house before she was missed. Delia hugged the large woman close, their tears mingling as they said goodbye. This kind-hearted woman had saved Delia on numerous occasions from the wrath of her aunt and made her miserable existence as happy as she could.

  Cook handed Delia a present and clasped her hand.

  “You be happy now Miss Delia and forget all about the mistress. You have a good man in Conor Brennan.” Cook left as quick as her little legs would take her.

  Delia stared at her retreating figure until the woman disappeared from view. Then she opened her hand to find a five-pound note stuffed inside. “Dear Cook, she was always so kind to me.”

  “I wonder if she will finally come and work for me now that you’ve gone. She is easily the best cook in Dublin. I don’t know why she stuck with your aunt for so long,” Lady Fitzgerald said. “She used to make your mother and me, the most delicious cakes when we were younger.”

  Delia’s mouth watered at the thought of Cook’s baking. “She stayed because of me. She protected me. Said it was because she loved my mother so much. I do hope she doesn’t get into trouble with Aunt Cecilia. I don’t trust that woman.”

  “I will look after Cook, don’t you fret, Delia. Now, let me look at you, a married woman! Your mother would have been so proud of you.” Lady Fitzgerald hugged Delia, her eyes glistening. “Your father, too, I’m sure.”

  Delia hugged her mother’s friend back. “Thank you, Lady Fitz- I mean Geraldine. If it wasn’t for you, I would never have gotten away from Aunt Cecilia. You convinced her to allow me to accompany you.”

  “Cecilia is a silly woman. She actually believed your proposed engagement to that pompous Reverend, somehow elevated your social status.”

  Delia thought she saw amusement in Geraldine’s expression, but she didn’t know her well enough to be sure.

  “Let’s get going. Your train won’t wait for you.” Geraldine turned to Conor’s mam. “Mrs. Brennan, why don’t you sit beside me in my cab? Conor and Delia can share the seat opposite.”

  Poor Mrs. Brennan almost curtsied to Lady Fitzpatrick. Delia nudged Conor to help his mother into the cab. He assisted Geraldine too, charming the older woman with his smile. Then he turned to his bride.

  Conor’s hands lingered at her waist a few seconds too long. Heat rushed to her cheeks, as he kissed her before helping her into the cab.

  The foursome traveled to the train station to see the young couple off. Conor’s mam cried buckets and even Mrs. Fitzgerald dabbed her eyes.

  “Look at us, all married now. How are you feeling Mrs. Brennan?” Conor asked, causing Delia to look at his mother. A nudge from Conor set her straight as Mrs. Brennan and Geraldine exchanged amused glances.

  “We are having a honeymoon in style. Nothing but the best for my wife. A trip on the RMS Titanic no less. We sail tomorrow afternoon.”

  The newspapers had been full of stories about the Titanic and its maiden voyage. Conor had kept copies of all of them for Delia to read on the train. No ship had been built like it.

  “My word but I am jealous. The Astor’s and other famous people are traveling on her. I asked my husband to buy tickets, but he said he was too busy at work. Delia, darling you will have a wonderful time.” Geraldine kissed her on the chee
k, but Delia was still staring at Conor.

  “We don’t sail until tomorrow.” Delia bit her lip. “Aunt Cecilia may track us down.” Delia hated lowering the mood, but she was worried about her aunt. She wouldn’t put anything past the woman.

  “Darling, nobody is going to part us,” Conor took her face gently in his hands, pressing his lips against hers. “I promise you. Put a smile on your face and say goodbye to everyone.”

  Delia did as she was bid, promising Conor’s mam she would make him write home once they got to New York. She also promised to write to Lady Fitzgerald.

  “Live a long and happy life, Delia darling. Your parents would want that for you.” Geraldine pushed a small bag into Delia’s hands.

  Delia protested. “You gave us a gift already. You bought my clothes.”

  “You can’t go to a new country without having a nest egg. It’s only a small amount. By rights, you should have an inheritance from your grandfather. He was rich enough. Off you go and don’t think about the past. You have found yourself a fine young man.”

  Lady Fitzgerald held out her hand to Conor.

  “Thank you again for everything, Mrs. Fitzgerald. I will look after my wife,” Conor said, proudly shaking the woman’s hand.

  Delia liked the sound of that. His wife.

  Chapter 7

  Wednesday, April 10th. Southampton

  Gerry Walker shut the door of the house behind him as he set off on the walk to the docks. Passing a pillar box, he dropped in a letter to his mam back in Ireland.

  He shivered as he pulled his jacket closed, thankful it wasn’t raining. As he marched down in the direction of the port, he passed a number of the brewery houses. No doubt his mates were still inside taking advantage of their last few hours of freedom. They had heard the work on the Titanic would be easier than that involved on older ships, but they would still be in the belly of the ship for most of the duration facing the melting pots of the boilers.