Samuel slid onto a seat in the ballroom of the South Western Hotel, Southampton, just as the Titanic’s Chief Officer walked to the front of the room. The talking and laughter of the crew quieted as a wave of hush swept over the hundreds of men present.
The Chief Officer looked to be in his late thirties and bore a strong jaw and a stoic presence that indicated a man older than his years. A man of experience, confidence and wisdom. Excitement hummed through Samuel as he waited to hear what the crew could expect once they boarded the Titanic.
But, as the officer talked, the focus remained on the importance of the passengers, the care and attention senior officers, crew and staff were expected to bestow on them. How vital it was that the press response to this maiden voyage stretched beyond every expectation.
‘The Titanic is the largest moving manmade object on Earth. It is White Star Line’s intention that this voyage be an experience no passenger will ever regret or forget. The current schedule means we will arrive in New York on the evening of 17th of April and the Captain wants the crossing to feel like a week’s holiday to the passengers, some of whom have paid thousands of pounds for the experience.’
Money. Of course, it was all about money.
Samuel looked along the row of men either side of him. Most seemed to be around his age, their weather-worn faces turned to the Chief Officer, hands tight around the hats they held, their faces sombre in concentration, confusion or disappointment. Sentiments that Samuel understood perfectly. He had expected a briefing on the mechanics of the ship, the individual responsibilities of the crew and procedures in case of an emergency. Yet, it seemed the eminence and press opinion of the Titanic was deemed most important.
When the talk had drawn to an end, Samuel brushed his hand down the front of his uniform jacket and stood, looking around for any familiar faces.
He spotted Archie as he neared the ballroom door and touched his elbow.
His friend turned, his eyes momentarily glazed in thought before he blinked, his face breaking with its usual quick smile. ‘Murphy. What did you think?’
‘Not a lot, if I’m honest. I can only presume we’ll learn about the running of the ship when she arrives tomorrow. I suppose we still have a week to get our bearings.’
‘Our bearings?’ Archie shook his head. ‘Seems to me all the powers to be are concerned with is making sure the uppity passengers are given the time of their lives. How the bloody hell do we know about what they’re going to want or expect?’
‘I have a feeling it isn’t all the passengers they want to ensure a good time.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean, all White Star are worried about is the aristocracy and the upper class. How are the poor buggers in steerage supposed to have a good time? I don’t care if they’re aboard the Titanic or a bloody tugboat, steerage is steerage.’
Archie frowned. ‘Yeah but, apparently, even steerage on the Titanic is a cut above.’
‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’
‘If you see it.’ Archie glanced at his wristwatch. ‘What are you doing now? Fancy joining me in town? There’s bound to be a woman to catch your eye for the night.’
They walked outside and made their way towards the quayside. ‘Don’t start that nonsense again, Archie, for God’s sake.’
‘What? I’m in love with my Nancy, but you’re young and free. Why not enjoy yourself before we sail out?’
‘Because that kind of life isn’t for me. You know that.’ Samuel stopped and stared out across the quay, imagining how New York would look the first time she appeared on the horizon. ‘I might not have a lot, but what I do have is loyalty, and the next time I’m with a woman she’s going to have the whole of me, not bits and pieces. The future is bright, Archie… New places. New people. New countries and new experiences. That’s all it’s going to be for me from now on. Who knows? I might even stay in America at the end of this voyage.’
Archie followed Samuel’s gaze across the water. ‘Yeah? And what about your ma?’
A horrible knot of guilt formed in Samuel’s gut. ‘Are my family supposed to be what anchors me to Bath forever?’ He glared. ‘I’m cutting the rope. On the 10th of April, my life becomes my own before I drown under the weight of other people’s.’
Turning away, he marched along the dockside towards town and Archie’s hurried footsteps followed before his friend slung his arm around Samuel’s shoulders. ‘Hey, take a breath, will you? You deserve a bit of adventure and I’m glad to be serving beside you on this trip. You’re a good bloke, Sam and I want you to be happy. Mark my words, once we’re aboard, we’ll be told everything we need to know and then it will be onwards and upwards.’
Samuel tried to relax a little of the tension in his shoulders, grateful to be away from the subject of his family. ‘I assume no one, including the senior officers, are entirely sure what’s what until they get onboard. The man who designed the ship – Bruce Ismay, I think his name is – and Captain Smith are due to arrive in the next few days. Once they’ve looked the ship over, it will be our turn.’
Archie shielded his eyes as he looked to the sky. ‘Well, if the weather stays as fine as it is today, we’ll be away right on schedule.’ He grinned. ‘We’ll soon be out in the Atlantic feeling like kings. Sod the first-class toffs, my friend, once we’re on the ship of dreams, we’ll be no different to anyone else.’
Samuel smiled, keeping further thoughts about his aspirations to himself. What did it matter that his mother and Archie couldn’t imagine what he could? All that mattered was that Samuel didn’t have a single doubt that the Titanic was the vehicle, the machine, he’d been waiting for to finally set him free.