Clara stood clutching the banister to the Grand Staircase and people glanced at her strangely when they saw her tears. Nate would be better off if he returned to his family and asked their forgiveness. A heavy hand fell on her shoulder and she tried to ignore his whispering. His arms slipped around her waist hugging her body to his as he kept whispering, she didn't hear what he said.

"Clara, I'm sorry. I didn't know she was going to say such harsh, wicked things about you. Never again though, she won't bother us ever again after this voyage has ended, we'll get off in New York and find your father."

"What if my father has already died? If we land in New York and there's nothing there for us what will we do?" She sniffed, her body still tense beneath Nate's arms, he felt sorry for her.

"Then we'll struggle to build ourselves up until we're flourishing, Clara, nothing is impossible when you love someone." He turned her to face him, his eyes looked concerned she Clara almost gave in, almost said okay.

"Nate, I've spent my life fending for myself. I-I don't know if I can open myself to you and let you help me." She avoided his gaze, she didn't want to let him go but she was so confused, so afraid for the first time in her life.

"What can separate us, Clara, when we fight together we'll get past the barriers."

"I'm tired of this argument. I'm tired of caring about being 'wealthy' or being 'deprived.'" She finally looked him in his sincere green eyes, she gently rose and kissed him and a tremor ran through her.

"Why are you suddenly so quiet?" Nate asked after a moment, he enjoyed the surprise kiss he only wondered what compelled her to do it. A very attractive grin flashed across her face before she spoke.

"Why do you care if I'm quiet?" She flicked his nose with her index finger before she wormed out of his grasp.

"Where are you going?" Nate stared at her as she pranced away from him then she turned and winked.

"Why don't you follow me, show me what the rest of your suite looks like?" Nate couldn't help but let a slow smile inch across his lips.

Nate strolled along just behind Clara. He studied the way she carried herself, the way she swung her hips as she marched along. He had no clue what she was up to but he would do anything to see such a happy look on her face. She struck him as a woman who got everything she wanted but paid a high price for it, a woman who had little happiness.

Clara cast a curious glance over her shoulder at Nate who seemed very fascinated with watching her. She knew what she wanted and this time she wasn't going to be afraid to ask for it. She always accepted what was dealt to her, not this time, not anymore because for once she was going to be greedy. She deserved it and even if Nate was just like everyone else...she didn't care. It was her turn to kick fate in the face.

They hit the corridor where Nate's suite was and he finally caught up to Clara who was still smiling. He whipped her around so fast that she tripped over her feet and tumbled into him with a shriek of laughter. He wanted to start kissing her and not stop until she begged him to. Her eyes sparkled as he stared into them. What were they doing?

"Are we going to go in or not?" Clara giggled as she tugged on his belt loops until he finally unlocked the door.

"Welcome to our palace malady Clara." Nate said as he escorted her into the main entrance.

Clara stood for a moment taking in the size of the sitting room where they had entered. It was grand but for some reason she was used to grand, it was something about the ship that made her feel that way. There were dark mahogany walls with gold fixtures and the furniture seemed to match.

"Tis nothing I haven't seen before Lord Nate, perhaps you'd best impress me." Clara stuck her nose in the air and held up her hand in mockery of the women she'd seen. Nate burst into a small round of chuckles as he took her hand and bowed, he was very attractive when he grinned.

"I have not done so already Queen Clara?" Nate asked. He liked playing her little games, it lessened tension.

"Nate, Clara, might I ask what you are doing?" Maxwell asked from the wardrobe entrance and Nate laughed.

"We're play acting Maxwell. Here's a few dollars, treat yourself at the Palm Court." Nate held out a handful of money to the butler who studied his pleading eyes then nodded.

"I see what is going on here, Nate. I'm no fool but I will not tell your parent's. I respect you too well for that." Maxwell took the money, donned his jacket and swiftly left leaving Nate and Clara alone.

"He wasn't very amusing." Clara pouted and Nate chuckled again as he drew her towards him.

"Does he have to be?" He nuzzled her enjoying the smell of mint in her hair, she must have bathed before she came. If she did it must have taken her awhile due to the fact third-class only had two baths.

"Who cares about him?" Clara murmured as she studied him, her fingers brushed across his forehead as she closed her eyes.

Nate felt himself shiver as Clara touched him; he pulled her close and brought his lips down to hers. She relished the warm feeling of him as he pressed himself against her and his lips mashed against hers but she didn't care. His tongue flicked against hers and she kissed him back, passionately. He wanted to touch her, wanted to show her how he felt, but wasn't that wrong?

"Show me the rest of this place." Clara murmured as she broke off the kiss with a sheepish smile. He took her hand almost glad she had interrupted his thoughts...he didn't need to get in deep now.

"Well here is our wardrobe where we keep our suits, father and me that is. Mother keeps her dresses in her room. My room is through that door, the bath and lavatory are through there, want to see them?"

"Why not?" Clara squeezed his smooth hand as he opened yet another door which led into a rather large room. There was a tub for a bath, a well maintained lavatory and electric lights adorned the room.

"If you like you may take a bath before dinner, we're expected to dine with my parents, act as though nothing happened." Nate watched as a funny look of mixed anger and dread spread across her face.

"Are you saying I stink, Mr. Nathaniel West?" Clara's seriousness broke and he visibly relaxed.

"Of course not, I plan on washing up before dinner so I thought you might like to also, now where to next?"

"I would dearly like a nap, if you wouldn't mind." She said and Nate half expected her to wink but she didn't. Perhaps he was imagining what she wanted, maybe she was being innocent and he was taking it wrong.

"Of course, take a nap if you wish, I need something to drink...would you?" He shed his jacket and laid it on the vanity's chair.

Clara sat on the bed, its softness felt wonderful after standing so long in the painful shoes and she nodded. She did want something to drink, perhaps lemonade and she told Nate as she kicked off her shoes. She watched as he disappeared and she took the time to explore his room a little.

Standing, she walked over to the bureau and gently pulled open the top drawer where she looked inside. Among the clothes she saw a piece of paper and curiously she withdrew it. Scrawled in what she presumed was Nate's handwriting was a list.

Get out on my ownFind a woman who will understand me, who I can treat as my equalWork hard for my livingQuit taking things for granted

The door opened just then and Nate entered with two glasses of lemonade, when he saw her he smiled. She thought for a moment he might yell at her but as the smile hit his face she knew he was happy she found the list. He almost felt like blushing when he realized she was reading his "dream" list. She deserved to know what his plans were and they even had a date on them...the day before they boarded the ship.

"I made that list the day before we boarded Titanic, at my Uncle Fenwick's house. He's independent. An outcast West just like me, he says I can come back and set up business with him anytime."

Clara replaced the list and shut the drawer before she walked over to the windows overlooking the private promenade deck. Things looked well cleaned, well arranged and she felt like she stood in a room never used before. Nate stood in the middle of the room watching her explore, he figured she should be able to feel at home.

"Is it to your liking My Lady?" Nate winked when Clara turned around and she shrugged with a playful expression.

"It is like everywhere else Mr. West, now shall I have a drink of that there lemonade?" She reached for the glass and he gladly handed it to her.

The two sat down, her on the bed, him in the chair and they drank in silence.

"Clara, I love you. I have since the day I saw you watching us board... how can I prove it?" Nate suddenly said as he sat his empty glass on the vanity. She swallowed, she wanted to have a promise from him that he would never leave her.

"Promise me, promise me that no matter what happens, if this ship should sink or if once we reach New York you have second thoughts...promise you won't leave me." Clara whispered as she pulled her legs onto the bed and relaxed against the pillows.

Nate stood, walked to the bed and leaned over her until his face was even with hers; his russet hair tumbled into his eyes.

"I will promise you, Clara, I don't know how, how can I show you that?"

She surprised Nate when she pulled him on top of her and lay staring at him, it was as though she was trying to speak to him without words.

"Love me." Clara murmured, her lips gently brushed his and he shuddered once again, she made him want her.

"How?" He mumbled and she gently ran her hands up his back, he felt cold and she snuggled against him.

"Make them anyway that you can. Make them with your hands, your mouth, your body or with oaths made in the name of Heaven or on your soul."

Nate smiled as he rolled off her and lay flat looking at the ceiling of the canopy bed, he didn't know what to do. If he made such a promise could he keep it even if things got rough? A little voice deep inside him whispered "yes" and he suddenly wanted to do everything Clara mentioned. Leaning towards her, he toyed with her hair, the trundles felt soft beneath his touch.

"I want to love you Clara, I want to love you like neither you nor I have ever loved."

"Then don't hold back, and if we don't work out even if we've tried everything in our power, I won't hate you." Clara closed her eyes reveling in his gentle touch, she was scared but she knew she had to do this.

"Are you sure?" Nate asked as he toyed with her hair some more, he enjoyed being so close with her.

"Yes," Clara said. She was sure, she had been sure from the moment he started following her. In life you find things one must take a chance at and then there are things one just knows are meant to be.

Nate was clumsy as he played with the buttons to Clara's dress; his fingers shook with excitement. He wanted to make this the first and best time for both of them even if he had no idea what he was doing. She ran her fingers along the buttons on his shirt and gently began popping each one out of the hole. He closed his eyes as her smooth hands ran across his bare shoulders as she slipped his shirt off.

He tugged her dress off then stared at the corset with the undergarments and he grinned.

"Why do women have to wear so many layers?"

Clara giggled as she threw aside his belt and stared at him with laughing gray eyes.

"Because society says we must, trust me, my 'third-class' dress is much less complicated." She noticed he had kicked off his shoes as well, that was all the better for her.

Nate fought to keep his heart rate down as he carefully untied Clara's corset, which involved her having to sit up. The thing was a wicked contraption and he was suddenly glad he was a man and didn't have to wear one. As Clara slid his pants over his hips and down his long legs, a blush crept across her face.

"Embarrassed little lass?" Nate whispered and she trembled as he ran his hands over her. Her undergarments were on the floor next to his, he had locked the door so neither Maxwell or his family would interrupt them. It was just them, two people who were about to make an indescribable promise.

Nate kissed her long, hard and warm until she was running her hands all over his body, she wanted him. She pulled him on top of her and gloried in the warmth that came from his body. Nate kissed her neck and began moving lower, his lips soft and moist on her skin. She was beautiful to him and he inched open her legs until he lay between them, his body already sweating.

Clara urged him on with her hands and gasped as he gently nipped her here and there, a tender look in his eyes. He planted a soft kiss between her breasts then kissed his way to her bellybutton before returning to her lips. They paused and stared at each other in the way only two people truly in love can. Clara brought her lips to his and flicked her tongue inside his mouth until he pushed her away and hesitated.

"Please." Clara whispered and Nate nodded, he gently did as she asked causing her to quietly yelp.

"Are you ok?" Nate asked and she nodded with a gasp.

"Don't stop!" Clara gasped as she groped at his back, her nails digging into his flesh and he closed his eyes.

She felt wonderful, he licked his lips as he tried to please her and she let him know he had. Clara had never felt so euphoric as he made love to her until she hurt. Clutching at the sheets she could think of nothing more then the feel of Nate, the smell of his body so close to hers. He kissed her, this time it was almost a frantic kiss. A loud knock interrupted them and she almost panicked but Nate shook his head.

"Nathaniel, are you in there? Maxwell said you had returned to take a nap. I am coming in for I simply must speak with you." Emily didn't wait for a reply before she unlocked the door with her key.

Nate and Clara didn't know what to do or say as Emily gracefully walked into the room, saw them and stood horrified for a moment.

"Good Heavens!" Emily said as she fled the room in a much faster pace slamming the door behind her.

It was over as Nate rolled away from Clara and lay panting on the sheets while she tried to fight a smile.

"Did you see the look on her face?" Clara finally said after a moment and Nate broke into a grin as he lay on his side staring at her. She was blushing and he noted she sometimes turned her eyes from him. He thought it was cute, more then cute and he reached out to trace circles on her stomach.

"Mother won't bother us again, although I do think we should prepare for supper. I don't want to leave this atmosphere, Clara, you are amazing and I love you." Nate planted one more kiss on her lips before he stood up. He gathered his clothes and tossed Clara's to her before he turned on the bath.

Clara laid waiting for her turn to bathe. This time she might get to soak longer then when she took a bath earlier. There was such a call for the tubs below that she scarcely had time to rinse her hair. She thought about what she and Nate had just done. She didn't feel the least bit remorseful about it. If two people truly loved each other then what was so dreadfully wrong about making love? There wasn't, at least not in Clara Forsyth's book and she was proud.

"My dearest, the bath is warm and ready for you, take your time." Nate said as he entered the room, a towel wrapped around his thin body, his hair dripped water.

She rose and walked over to him, flung her arms around his shoulders and stared into his deep green eyes.

"I love you." Clara whispered as she ran her hands across the towel making him shiver.

"I love you as well Clara, now hurry least I be tempted to throw you down right here and make love to you again!" Nate said in a very seductive voice. She smiled shyly and made her way to the bath.

She sank into the white, porcelain tub, the steaming water felt wonderful against her sweaty, chilled skin. The water smelled of lavender and Clara closed her eyes in pure bliss as warmth flooded her. She heard Nate going through the wardrobe outside the bath and she smiled. He was good to her. He was the one man she knew she could trust but something still didn't feel right. Nate's family didn't truly want to disown him and Clara couldn't help but feel he didn't really want to leave.

Taking the lavender smelling soap, she rubbed it across her skin until she was sudsy; she did the same with her hair. Dunking under the water, she held her breath as she rinsed her hair then resurfaced. Standing, she let the water drip from her as she carefully climbed out of the tub. Wrapping a towel around her body, Clara dried off before stepping into her undergarments. She wriggled into the corset and finally decided she would need Nate to help tie it.

Nate was leaning against the bureau when she appeared from the bath, her corset only half on her. He stared at her; her beauty to him was like that of an un-trainable wild animal. He didn't want to "tame" her, he'd rather have her companionship. She didn't have to ask him for help because he already knew what to do as he crossed the room.

"Augusta sent over that dress this morning in the rare event you should actually stay. I had hoped you would. We are to dine with my parents tonight, heaven forbid mother says anything." Nate gestured to the bed where a beautiful violet and white dress awaited Clara.

"Oh Nate, I shall never be able to repay Augusta, she's a dear, she really is!" Clara gasped as he tightened the strings to her whalebone corset.

"Then don't, those are dresses she doesn't fit into any more besides, she'd rather they go to you then her maid." Nate tapped her rump letting her know he was finished tying the awful contraption.

She rushed to the bed and picked up the dress lapping up the way the fabric felt as it touched her bare skin. The matching shoes were at the foot of the bed and she began fidgeting into the dress. Nate did the buttons in the back, there were thirty, and he breathed deep the smell of her. Her excitement made him want to spoil her until she quit looking so gleeful over one thing.

"I think you should leave your hair down for the evening, you might as well. Mother won't like you no matter how stunning you look, especially not after this afternoon." Nate winked as he handed her his silver handled brush.

She did a swell job, Nate thought, combing her hair and sweeping it up off her neck and topping it off with the clip Augusta gave her. The whole ordeal took a good half hour though and he had plenty of time to talk. After they dined he wanted to try his hand at cards once again. Perhaps she would like to stroll around with Augusta, speak to some of the other ladies.

"You might like to meet Mrs. Madeleine Astor; she has some large dog you might enjoy. I know how you love dogs." Nate called as he found his second pair of shined, black, dress shoes.

"I noticed that, I just might though I wish I had brought Poppet with me. Do you think I could? After dinner I mean, bring him up from the bowels of the ship to speak with the pampered pooches?" Clara turned around and smiled, she looked brilliant in the velvet, which outlined her figure. She wasn't skinny yet she wasn't plump and combined with the hip-hugging corset she looked perfect.

"If you would like to go ahead of me I'll go fetch your pup for you." Nate winked as he pried open his wallet.

"Here's a few dollars, get something from the gift shop if you wish."

"Nate, I don't need anything!" Clara exclaimed as he shoved the money into her hands.

"Then spoil yourself, I hear the gift shop is located in the barber shop, go have fun dearest." He drew her into his arms once more and stared at her until she giggled.

"Perhaps I will find Augusta and explore with her, she's very likable you know." Clara said after a moment and squirmed away from him.

Once in the corridor, she whirled around enjoying the feeling of her dress as it swished around her legs. With a laugh she trotted to the entrance and looked around as people passed. A few young men gave her approving looks as she strutted past them and put a gloved hand to her mouth to keep from laughing again. At the rail she saw Augusta watching the waves as they rolled past the large ship.

"Augusta, I'm glad I found you." Clara called as she sidled up to the woman who smiled and patted the railing.

"Come join me, Clara, I am glad to see you returned to us."

"I couldn't help but come back when I realized what I really felt." Clara felt herself redden at the mere thought of the past hour.

"I take it you and Nate are getting along swell, aren't you? I swear it's becoming colder as we go along. Come, let's retire inside."

Augusta took Clara by the arm and led her into the stairwell leading to D-deck. They took the steps almost two at a time until they landed in giggles on D-deck. Passing passengers looked at them with disapproval but neither woman cared.

Clara peered interestedly into the room that Augusta was leading them into. It was quiet and woman as well as young girls looked up as they made their way to some vacant chairs. Rose-colored carpet spread across the floor while pink draperies matched as they hung over the large windows. The chairs were large and comfortable looking and Clara couldn't wait to sit in one.

As they sat down, Augusta picked up a piece of paper and handed it to Clara who instantly recognized the White Star Line emblem.

"I know you are a writer, take some of these sheaves of paper, you must be running low on them by now."

"Thank you Augusta, now why are we sitting in here?"

"We are in here because it's for ladies. Men and their chauvinistic ways are not allowed in here. Or rather they just don't come in." Augusta winked as she picked up a pen and some ink and began composing a letter.

Clara decided she could start piecing together her journal and as she did so a thought came to her mind. If she wrote it well enough she could turn it into a story, one about two unlikely people becoming lovers. A smile turned the corners of her mouth and for the first time in a long time she began writing from her heart. The words flowed onto the paper and she soon found herself with five pages.

"Goodness Clara, slow down, lest the Titanic runs out of paper!" Augusta chuckled after what seemed only minutes. She glanced at the clock and realized she'd spent fifteen minutes writing.

"Should we find Nathaniel and Clayton?" Clara asked as she gently folded the now dry papers and placed them in the folds of her dress.

"I think so, besides my stomach is growling and I am nearly famished! I skipped breakfast." Augusta stood and held her arm out to Clara who took it with a small smile. The women climbed the Grand Staircase. Clara watched the way the other woman of their age acted and she began to understand it.

Nate stood in front of the first-class dining saloon, his tuxedo itched and he hated the shoes, they pinched his feet. When he saw the women chuckling and tittering a smile lit his face. She looked so happy, he wanted to make that look appear more often and he swore he would. Clara glanced up and noticed him watching, she held out her gloved hand, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"My parents are seated near the entrance, hold your head up and please keep the scandalous look hidden." Nate said nervously as he took her hand with a nod of thanks to Augusta.

"Don't worry Nate, even if they hate me they won't be able to say I am third-class after they see how I react. I'm ready to prove to them that I can fit in anywhere, from the streets to the palaces of England, I always find a way." Clara lifted her chin and stared down her nose like she'd seen so many others do.

"Good, now let's get this over with, just think only three days until we can kiss it goodbye!" He ushered her into the dining saloon where his parent's scarcely looked up when they entered.

"Good evening Nathaniel, your parents were just telling me how you had plans to try your hand at a business yourself." Mr. Astor said as Nate pulled out a chair for Clara, she smiled politely at the millionaire.

"Yes Mr. Astor, I plan on branching out and trying something new even if it means starting dirt poor." Nate sat down with a satisfied look at his mother who ignored him and the look didn't go unnoticed.

"I see. Who is the beautiful young lady?" Astor asked as he drank from his wineglass, a smile on his lips.

"This is Clara Forsyth. Her father owns the business I would like to try. Clara this is Mr. John Astor."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Clara, this is my wife Madeleine."

The two women smiled and nodded brief hellos before Clara took the reins to the conversation.

"Madeleine, I hear you have a dog?"

"Yes, her name is Kitty, she's an Airedale. Are you interested in dogs, Clara?" Madeleine looked to be about her age and was obviously with child.

"I have a keen interest in them, Madeleine, in fact I have a saint bernard whom I call Poppet. He's with me on this voyage. Newly found in France, he's kept me great company."

Madeleine nodded as though she understood. Her hand strayed to her belly as she sat straighter in her chair.

"Dogs are often great company, especially when Astor leaves on business. Perhaps I shall meet this Poppet of yours soon, you must meet Kitty." Madeleine politely excused herself saying she was tired. Clara reluctantly watched her go. She was hoping to find a friend this night.

"Clara, tell me, what is it that your father does, truly?"

Clara turned her attention to Emily who sat with a slight smirk on her face as she asked the question.

"He deals with ceramics, but as you wish me to speak truly I'll admit he makes pottery most of the time. It's a meager living but it makes him happy. Life's about happiness, not about wealth."

"But wealth encourages happiness, without it you are constantly working to maintain a simple life."

Clara sat a little straighter, women were the best lawyers of mind battles, they were never afraid to get out their claws.

"Wealth can encourage that you will never want for something again, it does not ensue that true pleasure will come. If you have the person you love and a roof that keeps most of the elements out, then that is all that you need."

Astor raised his glass in a miniature toast and Molly Brown did the same as Emily sat glaring at Clara. Nate didn't want dinner to turn into a scene so when the waiter brought the Hors d' Oeuvre, he felt relieved.

"What is this?" Clara asked then grimaced as the waiter explained, she politely declined thinking some people ate the most disgusting things.

Nate found himself involved in multiple questions and Clara sat quietly, left to fend for herself. She noticed Molly staring at her for some moments before the woman actually spoke up.

"Well Clara, looks like you an' me better start doing some talkin'!" The woman laughed and Clara took to her instantly.

"So Molly, what is it that you do?" Clara asked, she leaned forward slightly, intrigued.

"Well, my husband recently came into contact with a very successful gold mine. Most of these folks around here think they own everything, it gets very disturbing to listen to them." Molly spoke her opinion and Clara couldn't help but smile.

"I agree, if they found out who I really am..." Clara paused and Molly nodded her agreement.

"They would tear you apart like sharks to an injured animal! So tell me, what have you done Clara?"

"I've tried my hand at writing, that's my goal is to become a published writer. I've traveled to France, Egypt and London. It's in France where I found my dog, my constant traveling companion. I believe women should have the right to vote, the right to be more than just mothers."

"Amen!" Molly shouted and Emily looked disapprovingly at the two women.

"If women had the same rights as men we'd no longer have a stable society!" Frederick West cut into Clara and Molly's conversation while Astor nodded in partial agreement.

"No, you men are just unsure of what to do if a woman commanded you to do somethin'!" Molly playfully joked with Nate's father. Nate didn't like the way the discussion was going once again.

"Maybe, but I still believe a woman's place is in the house tending the children."

"That may be, Mr. West but you should truly try bearing children and raising them. Men are like bucks. They breed then they leave making the women rear their offspring."

Molly chuckled and Mr. West even smiled ever so slightly, Astor looked amused, Emily was seething and Nate stayed quiet.

"Well, seems to be a little bit too much tension in the air. Ah, here comes our fish." Molly winked at Clara who finally relaxed in her chair and stole a glance at Nate.

"When are we leaving?" She mouthed and he couldn't blame her for wanting to. If she thought this small encounter was bad she would hate to see the West's in an all out discussion.

"Soon." Nate whispered, Molly caught them staring at each other and she smiled knowingly.

"Well, I think I'd best be getting back to my bed, I feel tired, it was nice talkin' with you, Clara." Molly stood and excused herself with a smile at Clara who returned it.

Emily eyed Clara with suspicion while Nate. Mr. West and Mr. Astor chatted about politics and business. Clara finally turned her full attention to Mrs. West, she knew what she had to do but she didn't want to. At first Emily eyed her as though she wanted nothing more than to call the stewards on her.

"So what do you think of the turn of events?" Clara decided to skip treading on safe ground.

"There is nothing impressive about the turn of events. I find the past couple of days appalling."

Clara refused to let the comment cut her like Emily had intended it to do instead she nodded.

"Tell me, Emily, why do you hate me?"

"Hate is a strong word child, I simply believe my Nate is making a terrible choice with you, or so he already has."

"Emily, Mrs. West, I am worthy of Nate. I work harder then you probably have ever thought about. I am strong and I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. I'm not afraid to get out in the world and prove who I am."

Emily stiffened and Clara saw the hurt flash across the older woman's face before it was replaced with pure hate.

"I have accomplished more in the home then you ever shall! I have raised a son, loved a husband and kept track of our company finances."

It was then that Nate and his father noticed the woman squaring off, both holding dark, evil looks. Nate knew what Clara was capable of when she was angry and at the moment she looked furious. With a sad smile, he reached across the table and touched her hand.

"Shall we take a stroll on deck?" Nate asked with questioning look at his father who nodded approval. Astor looked on with amusement on his mustached face as he reclined in his chair.

"We will meet up with you later. Nate, Clara, enjoy your evening." Frederick said as he stood, shook Astor's hand then assisted Emily out of her chair.

Clara felt foolish as she leaned on Nate's arm, he was silent while they climbed the staircase. She bit her lip as her hair began falling wisp by wisp out of the pins until she finally pulled them out. At last they reached the deck where the cold air seemed to bite them in the face. She watched Nate for a few moments then she pushed away and strode down the deck towards the stern.

Nate let Clara go, he was furious at her for starting an argument with his mother. He had no chance of convincing his family to accept her. He knew he shouldn't care however when he saw his family...Nate almost wanted to stay with them. Slamming his fists against the rail he thought this shouldn't be such a hard decision.

"Are you having a hard time deciding whether you truly want to risk the life you know for one with her?"

He glanced at Augusta before he nodded and sighed with anger.

"I shouldn't be wondering like this, I should be there with her right now planning the future. I'm afraid that if I fall in love with her I will lose her even before the end of this voyage."

Augusta placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled as though she knew exactly what he felt.

"Look at her Nate, what do you think when you see her?"

"I think that she will be better than I can ever hope to be. I think that I do not deserve someone as grand as her."

"You are the other side of the circle for her. I believe you got drunk and stumbled into third-class for a reason." Augusta patted him on the shoulder once more before she retired indoors.

Clara didn't turn back to stare at him as she stood on the rail watching the black waves glide past. The cold didn't bother her too much. She'd spent enough time living in cold weather eating little, so a slight chill was nothing. Warm breath cascaded across the nape of neck and she felt Nate's strong arms slip around her. He nuzzled her hair awaking her body and making her shiver with happiness.

"I will always choose you over them. I realize that now, Clara. I'm in love with you." He murmured in her ear as he pressed them against the rail.

"I know." She whispered back, but her mind was already thinking differently.