“Come along,” Daniels said. He did not know what he was to do with this large group of passengers headed off to explore the below-decks like a bunch of mystery-hunters. They did not understand he had orders to carry out.
A fellow steward hailed Daniels, “You’re going the wrong way, Mate. We are to go fill the boats.”
“I’ve an errand with these passengers.”
“Ah. It is no madder than anything else. We’ve the call to gather everyone at the boat deck and more have stopped at D to have a drink or play cards. Everyone is quite daft.”
“What’s the Captain saying?” Daniels asked, “Has he given any orders or spoken to anyone? What are we being told now?”
The other steward shrugged, “He’s not talking, much less givin’ orders. I’ve heard it’s chaotic except for Mr. Murdoch and Mr. Lightoller.”
They were the strongest and most sensible of the officers. Daniels felt relieved to know they were both taking control of the situation. “They will know what to do. They are the best officers….”
“But we know nothing, still,” Helen said.
“I know this is a smart idea that we are going to see for ourselves,” John said, “If y ‘all do not wish to go along, I will personally come find you and tell you what is going on.”
“I know you would, Mr. Morton, but we want to see,” Maggie said.
The large group descended the grand staircase, watching as many other passengers ascended in coats and life belts. Jenny always enjoyed the staircase, pretending to be a princess, but tonight, she hardly saw the exquisite details and opulence of the stairs.
Some of those going up the stairs carried small leather or embroidered bags or purses and wore coats but most carried nothing. Many women had donned furs as the ship had gone chilly.
“Mr. Astor. Mrs. Astor,” said Stead as he bowed a little as he greeted them. His eyes twinkled. “Out for a stroll this late?”
“I see they’ve awakened you.”
“Yes, they have. Mrs. Astor, I am sure everything is fine,” Stead told her, but she was all but burying her face in her husband’s shoulder.
“This is quite the farce,” John Astor declared, “Maddy is upset.” He slid to one side as she stopped to cling to an older, female friend she had made on the voyage. She whispered frantically, and the other women nodded in sympathy.
“Is she all right?” Maggie Brown asked.
“Her nerves are delicate. Being awakened like that… and we left her dog in the room. She is easily frightened.”
“It will all be fine,” Daniels said, “Sir.”
Astor was frowning, having left his warm bed in the palatial rooms. They had time to wash their faces in the private bathroom and dress before being led out.
His room had a private promenade and from there, he said, he had looked down; he confided in whispers so his wife could not hear; he had seen the queerest things.
Howard leaned forward, “What did you see?” He was curious, hoped to be backed up on his observations but was also afraid.
“The sea is closer. I would wager we are lower in the water. Is that not mad? And there seems to be a list to the ship. But that is not of concern as the ship cannot sink and we have lifeboats if needed.” He brushed the idea away with a wave in the air, “but what I saw was unbelievable,” said Astor.
“I feel I would believe, Sir, for I have had strange experiences and seen oddities,” Howard said, encouraging Mr. Astor.
“I have long enjoyed studying fish and have done my share of fishing in fresh water and salt, and I have seen some oddities, but nothing like this,” John Astor told them.
Howard, Stead, John, and the others listened.
“ A giant fin broke the calm waters, and its dorsal fin was seven or eight feet tall, maybe taller. I think he might have been a hundred feet long or longer.”
Stead laughed, “You’re having a jest.”
“It’s no jest. I saw it tonight as well when I was taking air earlier, and it frightened me. It is that large, indeed,” Howard said, “and it’s true what he is saying, about the fish, I mean, but there is far worse out there.”
“You are both serious? You did not say it was a fish you saw. You said one of the crewman was injured, and one fell into the water.”
Howard nodded at Stead, “I could not say it then, you’d have thought me addled, but the fish took the man when he fell into the sea.”
“And the other?” John Morton asked.
“They are the more loathsome, dangerous creatures imaginable. I fear we have traveled into a most horrid place. And time. There are horrid, dead creatures is all I can say. You would have to see them for yourself, but I do not wish that upon any of you.”
“Impossible,” Peter Cavendar said, “it’s no more than your nerves and a case of writer’s imagination.”
“But you said it was impossible anything was amiss until John confirmed we had hit ice,” Jenny said.
“Ice? So it’s true?” Astor asked.
“We’re going down to check on things ourselves in a great adventure,” Maggie Brown said, “so we know the facts, but John here confirmed that the ship indeed hit an iceberg as there is ice on the top deck, and we are lower in the water and listing a little.”
“And because of that large shark, I fear the waters might not be safe for us in little life boats,” Howard added.
“Good God,” Astor whispered, “I’ll take Maddy up at once and see what’s going on above us. Carry on and God speed. I agree we might be safer here than on the little boats.”
“God speed to you as well, Sir,” John said.
“I’ll take Maddy up and we shall have a brandy and then see what the business is. Hopefully in a short time, we shall be able to return to our rooms. Our dog, Kitty, gets nervous when left alone,” he said loudly.
Maddy Astor clung to her husband, her face pale.
“Are you alright, Dear?” Maggie Brown asked.
Maddy clandestinely touched her lower stomach and made a shhh sound. Maggie nodded with a broad smile. “You take care of her, John; she’s a doll. You be strong now, Mrs. Astor.”
John Astor clasped her with his arms about her, “I shall.”
They followed the steward and were out of sight within seconds. Benjamin Guggenheim and his group walked up the stairs, followed by Isidor Strauss, the founder of Macy’s, Bruce Ismay, head of the White Start Shipping Line, the Thayers, and Countessa de’Rothes.
On D deck, Daniels grinned, “Even if we take on water, the bulkheads are beneath this deck, and the water can go no farther. We’re all quite safe.”
“Unless the bulkheads have been breached,” John said.
“Oh, Sir, I am sure….” However, he did not finish. It was impossible.
Passengers streamed into the Reception Room, seeking warmth and human contact. Families and couples burrowed beneath blankets before the fireplaces. Some of the stewards made pots of tea and coffee, took out more blankets, and spoke in soft, calm voices. They served wine, fruit, and cheeses.
“Scotland Road, we call the walkway along this deck. It is the nickname for it; it’s the busiest passage in the ship,” Daniels said as they walked lower. “Third class and crew are always about the walkway. “No one was rushing about but standing around on E deck, confused and dazed. “This is where we gather, see, in the salon.”
The crewmembers seemed calm and unconcerned, unsure of what was really happening. The idea of sinking was a vague thought. Passengers, awakened from their bunks, stood about, asking questions in other languages; answers never came.