Leaving England

Harold took my hand and assured me that leaving his company will have a profound effect upon his business. I had worked for Harold’s Watches for a little over five years. He offered me more money and a flatlet on Thames Street, however, I assured the little man that a new life waited on the other side of the Atlantic. If things did not work out, I would return to England at the first opportunity. That night, in the confines of my bland Soho flat, I opened my diary on the 8th April:

“...I have left Harold’s and about to embark on the most exciting adventure of my life. I am elated and sad, as London is my home. Tomorrow I will leave for Southampton. Daniel, my neighbour, has kindly volunteered to take me. I shall miss his unexpected laughter and bouncy walk; the seven freckles on his right cheek, and those bright, brown eyes. He has been my pillar of strength all these years. I have told him that I wish to leave for one reason alone; a better life. I lied. I deliberately omitted any mention of Jordan. I know Daniel knows. However, I cannot wait for Daniel forever. He is unsure of his desires. One moment he loves me, the next moment he loves Jennifer.

I remember the day I met Jordan Getty. Daniel introduced us at Jennifer’s birthday party. Jenny is a merry woman who dresses up in loud colours of red and green and wide, bouncing frocks. I could hardly keep my eyes off Jordan. The bluest eyes I have ever seen, alive and dancing. His nose resembled that of a Greek soldier. His hands were large and I imagined them massaging my neck and back. His voice was clear, distilled like mature brandy as he rolled his R’s. Whenever I glanced at him, those eyes stared right back at me. He had arrived in England from New York several weeks before on a three month business trip. The Getty family wished to expand their business and he had met with several bankers and potential business partners. After some time of chit chatting, it occurred to me that I would give anything to be alone with him, just a few moments. I liked him. I wanted to know whether or not he felt the same way about me.

As it happened, Daniel was pulled away by the hysterical Jennifer who had spilled red wine on her yellow frock and both rushed off to the kitchen. Then Jordan did a strange thing; placed his glass of wine on the table, and walked away from me, but before walking away, assaulted me with a lingering stare. I followed him out of the flat up to the roof, and, no sooner had we arrived than he had me in his arms kissing me wildly. I returned the passion and we spent the next three weeks together.

The ticket arrived three months ago and I was flattered that he should like me enough to send for me. I immediately sold off my furniture, paintings and odd memorabilia, and now I have left my job. Tomorrow night I shall sleep in Southampton, and make ready to board the ship first thing on Wednesday morning, 10th April. I have heard so much about this ship. She is the largest and most luxurious in the world. The pride of the British Empire. One whom the press defines as unsinkable. R.M.S Titanic. Hmmm, I love the name..."