Fate's Passage ~3~

Chapter 3:Real Love, Almost Lost

      I awoke the next morning to someone knocking on my door. My head was pounding from drinking one to many bourbons the night before and I wasn't in the mood for company. So I laid there wishing for them to go away, but the knocking came again only this time with more urgency. I stumbled out of my cozy bed and threw on my robe before going to the door. I opened the door to find Mr. Lowden, my valet, standing there with his fist raised to knock again. "Good morning, Mr. Montgomery. How are you feeling this morning?" he asked as he breezed by me.
       "Come on in," I muttered. "I feel like hell and I would like to sleep a little longer. But since you are here then I might as well stay up."
       "That's the spirit, sir. I will get you bath ready and get your breakfast while you are doing that," he replied going into the bathroom.
       "What time is it?" I asked.
       "It's after ten, sir," he informed me.
       "Wow! I didn't realize that I had slept that long," I replied as I prepared for my bath.
       He gave me a quizzed look and said, "It's not that late and you have a big day ahead of you. Lots of business meetings and a late lunch with your brother and sister-in-law. What does the word 'wow' mean, sir? I don't believe that I have ever heard that said before."
       I felt the blood drain from my face when I realized that I had said a word that wasn't recognized at this time. But when I remembered that the day before I had said it in front of Katherine and she seemed to know what it meant. "It's just an expression that people say when they aren't sure what else to say at certain times. Don't think to much about it, Mr. Lowden. By the way, when did I make all these plans?"
       "They were all made last night in the lounge. Don't you remember making them, sir?" he asked a little worriment in his voice.
       "No, I don't remember. But then again I am not used to drinking that much bourbon either. But if you say so then it's probably right. When is the first meeting and who is it with?"
       As I relaxed in the tub he listed off the meeting times and who I would be meeting with and what would be discussed. After I had pruned long enough, I got out of the tub and dried off. Mr. Lowden then shaved my face, trimmed my hair and helped me dress for the day. By the time I had eaten breakfast it was almost noon and my first meeting was at 12:30. As I was getting ready to walk out the door, I remembered that I was supposed to meet with Katherine at one and I didn't want to make her think that I didn't want to see her. So I wrote her a quick note and gave it to Mr. Lowden and explained to him where she would be waiting for me. A guitly feeling made it's presence known in the pit of my stomach because I couldn't go and explain things myself. I decided that I would find her later and make it up to her by spending most of the evening with her. That made me feel better and I went to the lounge for the my conferences
       Throughout the rest of the afternoon, I sat through all the business, with talk of opening up new mills and I heard everyone's opinion on who they thought should run for governmental offices. More often then not I was sitting there half listening while my thoughts were filled with nothing but Katherine. I was hoping that she had received my message and that she understood.
       What I didn't know was that she didn't receive my message at all. I hadn't seen James intercept the message from Mr. Lowden as he was walking out of the lounge on his way to deliver it. Nor did I see him read the note and shove it in his pocket.
       When my last meeting finally ended it was almost six. Everyone had gone back to their rooms to change for dinner, but I went in search of Katherine. I took the elevator down to E deck and searched every floor with no luck. I walked back up to the boat deck and looked around to see if she was out walking. She was nowhere to be found at the back of the ship, so I headed towards the front of the ship where I had left her the day before. When I finally ascended the last set of stairs that would take me to the bow, I stopped in my tracks at the sight before me. There she was, standing at the railing looking at the setting sun. Her golden curls were floating freely down her back and she looked like an angel. I approached her slowly and peacefully as not to disturb her or my view of her. When I was standing directly behind her I stopped and gently wrapped my arms around her tiny waist. She spun around so fast that it almost knocked me backwards. The look on her face was a mixture of anger and sadness and I could tell that she had been crying. "Kat, what's wrong?" I asked quietly.
       "What do you mean? You know what's wrong. I knew that this was too good to be true. I knew that you wouldn't be for real. I should have listened to my instincts and all my doubts. I should have stayed away from you. I knew that you wouldn't actually fall in love with a third class girl. I have to go and I don't want to see you again," she cried as she started to walk away.
     When my brain had finally obsorbed everything she had said, I ran after her and grabbed her arm and turned her towards me. She tried to break free by pummeling my chest with her petite fists. After getting a hold of her wrists, I shook her and she stopped struggleing when I spoke, "Why are you saying talking like this Katherine? Didn't you get my message?"
       She looked at me with tears still falling down her silken cheek. "What message?" she fired at me.
       "I left a note with my valet this morning to have him deliver it to you letting you know that I wouldn't be able to meet with you until this evening. You should have received it around the time that we were going to meet. By the look on your face I would have to assume that you didn't receive it. Kat, I am so sorry. I had a bunch of meetings today that I couldn't miss, and I forgot to tell you about them last night when I left because I had forgotten myself until last nightwhen I was reminded after dinner. I apologize a thousand times over, but I thought that you would get my message and someone will have some explaining to do when I get back to my cabin later tonight. Please forgive me, I don't think that I could stand to have you angry with me for the rest of the trip." I explained and ended with a small plea in my voice.
       "I thought that you didn't want to see me again and that you stood me up on purpose. I tried to convince myself differently, but it just all seemed to be that way, the way it's supposed to be. Maybe it's not a good idea for us to see each other anymore Matt. I think that your brother might be right," she finished her statement and I felt the blood rising in my face.
       "What do you mean by that? How do you know what my brother thinks? How do you even know my brother?" The questions just flowed out of my mouth before I could stop them.
       "He came to me earlier when I was supposed to meeting you. He knew my name and everything and he told me that you didn't want to see me anymore, because you had realized that you and I weren't meant for each other. He said that you didn't want to see me again and that I should just stay away from you and I think that he is right. This can't work out Matthew, we are from different worlds and I would never fit into your world and you wouldn't fit into mine. So I think that it's better that we just say goodbye now and forget about it. So goodbye, Matt, it was a pleasure to have met you and I wish you the best for your future." After her lecture was finished she turned on her heal and started walking away again.
       The amount of anger that I felt towards my brother at that moment could not be described in words. I wasnted to rip his arms off and beat him over the head with them until he felt as much pain as I did at that moment. Instead of going to beat the hell out of him I ran after Katherine. I caught up with her just as she was crossing the deck to go up the stairs to the next level of walkways leading back to the third class passenger doorway. As she took the first step I grasped her around the waist and set her down in front of me so that I could look into her eyes. She had a startled and confused look on her face and so I began.
       "Katherine, I never said any such thing like that to James and I no idea where he would come up with something like that. I don't want to stop seeing you, in fact, I want to spend more time with you then I already have. You make me feel like a man again. Since I lost my wife almost two years ago I haven't felt this way about woman. I finally feel like I can love again and the person that I want to love is you. Please, believe me when I say that. I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it and I think you know that deep down. Please," I begged one more time.
        The tears that had been faint before I had my say were now flowing down her cheeks like a small creek. I wiped them away with my thumbs and ever so gently kissed her full lips. "I know that this might seem premature, but I think that I am falling in love with you, Katherine," I whispered when our kiss ended.
       She sniffed and a small sob escaped her mouth before she replied, "I know how you feel, because I feel the same way about you. People would think that we are crazy to say that we are in love after only knowing each other for one full day, but I feel like I have known you all my life. Why would your brother say those things to me? And why have you never told me that you were married? What happened to her?"
       "I think that my brother told you those things because he thinks that a man of my standards should be with a woman in the same class. I don't believe taht and I truely believe in the fact that you can't help who you fall in love with. I didn't tell you about my wife because it just never entered any of our conversations. I will tell you about it now if you want to know," I responded quietly.
       "I would like to know if it's not to difficult for you," she coaxed.
       We found an empty bench and sat down before I began my tale. "I met Rebecca at a ball when I was 17 and she was 15. I fell for her immediately, and she fell for me. We were married not even a year later. She was the sweetest and most generous person that I had ever met. She was the light of my life and we desperately wanted to start a family. When we found out that she was with child I was so happy, I thought that I would burst with joy. Seven months later she went into premature labor and there were so many complications that once she had delivered our son she dies. Her last words to me were, 'I love you with all my heart Matthew. Take good care of him for me.' Then she slipped out of my life and not long after our son went with her. I buried them next to each other and there is also a place there for me. Afterwards, I felt so lost that I didn't know what to do with myself or my life. Now after two years, I finally found someone that I can love with all my heart and soul without comparing her to my wife. Thank you for loving my Katherine," I finished as I held onto her hand and watched her tears fall freely down her face.
       "No, Matthew, thank you for letting me into your heart. I couldn't even began to imagine what you went through. I feel very blessed to be in your life and to have you be so open about your thoughts. I hope taht I can be the same for you," she responded with love in her voice.
       "You are the same to me, Kat. I haven't felt this close to someone in a long time and I don't want to loose that again. I am going to have a chat with my brother tonight and make him understand what is going on and if he pulls something like this again I will never speak to him again," I said with disdain.
       "I don't want to cause any animosity between you and your brother, Matt. That was not my intention when I told you about our meeting," she said quickly.
       "I know that and it's not your fault that he is an ass. I had some words with him yesterday and I wanted to pop him one but I didn't and now I have a good reason to. Don't worry aobut that. Are you hungry?" I asked changing the subject.
       "Yes, actually I am. Are you?"
       "Yes. What should we do? We could go to my cabin and eat there or we could do something else. Do you have any ideas?"
       She thought for a second before answering. "Well, my sister and brother would love to meet you, so we could go to the dining room and eat there. There are always fun partyies afterward with dancing and games. Are you interested?" she asked with a sly smirk.
       I matched her smirk and nodded my head enthusiastically. She beamed at me and I stood up swiftly and almost dragged her behind me on the way towards the third class dining area. Her squel of delight echoed into the night and we almost ran to get there faster. When we reached uncharted territory for me,she lead the way and before I knew it we were entering the large room. The room was filled with laughter and fun. We got in line where the food was being served. "We got here just in time. They will stop serving food in about fifteen minutes. I know that you are not used to this type of environment so if you feel uncomfortable at any time just let me know and we will leave. Okay?" she said as we waited.
       "Okay. But I think that I will be just fine and besides it's kinda nice not to have to be all aristocratic and stiff for once. The only complaint I might have is that the smoke is pretty thick in here and that you may refuse to dance with me later," I replied with a twinkle in my blue eyes.
       "I don't think that you will have to worry about that because I have wanted to dance with you since the first time I laid eyes on you. But you will have to save at least one dance for my sister," she answered with a smile.
       "Sounds like a deal to me! Now, what are we eating tonight?"
       After we got our almost overflowing bowls of delicious smelling beef stew and a large chunk of bread, we found a table to sit at. Not long after we sat down I heard two voices coming up from behind me. "Katherine there you are. We looked all over for you and when we couldn't find you we just came and had dinner without you. Can we si with you and keep you company while you eat?" a young pretty girl asked.
       "Sure, sweetie. Matt, may I introduce you to my sister Dorothy and my brother Teddy. Dorothy, Teddy, this is Matthew Montgomery. He has decided t join me for dinner and us for the festivities tonight. Isn't that great! Well, you could both say something to him and not just stand there gaping at him with you mouths open," Katherine stated when her siblings didn't respond.
       "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Montgomery. I hope that you will save at least one dance for me tonight," Dorothy responded shyly.
       "It's a pleasure to meet you as well Dorothy. But please call me Matthew and of course I would love to dance with you later. Teddy, I assume that it's okay for me to call you that?" When he nodded his head I continued. "Well, it's nice to meet you as well. You are strapping young lad. How old are you?"
       "I am 11 and I will be 12 in July," he informed me proudly.
       "I would have guessed you to be older then that, for you are very tall for your age. Perhaps we could have a game of cards later, would you be interested in that?" I asked.
       "It would be my pleasure, sir. I am pretty good at whist and poker, so the choice is yours. But I must warn you that I might beat you more than once and I hope that you won't hold a grudge," he warned trying to sound older then his young face revealed.
       "I will make sure to keep that in mind. Now have a seat lad, so that we can finish our meals," I replied and he sat next to me so that I could eat the hot stew.
       There was chatter all around the table as Kat and I finished our dinner. Her brother and sister were so much like Katherine that I feel in love with them right off the bat. When all the dishes were cleaned away and all the tables were pushed along the preimeter of the room the music and dancing began. The music was made from drums, irish flutes and bag pipes. In every corner there was a different card game going on and the dance floor became packed with couples dancing to jigs that I had never seen or heard before. The laughter that echoed throughout the room was almost deafening and I couldn't help but smile at the pure joy that was written on their faces. It dawned on me as I sat there, taht money didn't mean being happy, it was just life in general and being loved that makes a person truely happy.
       Katherine and I danced the night away. As promised, I danced with Dorothy a few times and she was beaming by the end of the night. I had not had such a wonderful time in so long that I couldn't remember the last time. I escorted the trio back to their cabin after the music had ended and everone walked sleepily or drunkinly back to their cabins. Dorothy and Teddy both gave me a quick hug before disappearing into the cabin, leaving me alone with Kat. We stood there in silence for a moment before we both started talking at the same time.
       "I had a good..." she said but halted when she noticed that I was talking as well.
       "Thanks for the evening..." I broke off at the same time as she did and we both laughed out loud.
       "You first," she said when our laughter had died away.
       "I was just going to say that I had a wonderful time tonight and I wanted to thank you for inviting me here. Hopefully we will be able to do it again sometime soon," I finished.
       "I had a great time as well and you are a wonderful dancer even though you said that you weren't. I would love to do it again sometime as well," she replied quielty.
       I took her inot my arms and kissed her passionatley. Our bodies molded together and I didn't want to let her go. The idea of taking her back to my room for the night passed through my thoughts briefly, but I pushed them aside, because I knew that it wouldn't be appropriate. Maybe some other night my mind said and I agreed. Hesitantly, I pulled myself away from her and looked into her now passionate eyes. "GOod night, my sweet. I will see you tomorrow at one o'clock. I promise that I will not stand you up this time," I whispered.
       "Good night, love. I am already counting the hours until I will see you again. Sweet dreams," she breathed against my ear as she hugged me.
        I planted one last kiss on her luscious lips before turning and walking towards the stairwell. Before climbing the first step, I turned and took one last longing look at the beauty that had stolen my heart. She waved her long fingers at me and I returned the gesture before climbing the stairs. Images of her from throughout the night filled my head as I sauntered back to my cabin. Then all of the things that we had discussed earlier came to me and I knew that I needed to speak with my brother. I didn't have to look very far since once again he was waiting for me in my room.
       "Hello, brother," he started when I entered the room.
       I held up my hand to silence him before he could elaborate further. I shrugged out of my suit jacket and removed my tie before faceing him. "Would you mind explaining to me why you told Katherine all those things about me that aren't true? Or should I just assume that you are just a plain old fool for thinking that you know what is going on between us?" I asked calmly.
       "Now, look here, Matthew, I was just doing what I thought was best for you. If there is more going on between the two of you then I am sorry for meddling in your personal affairs. But I figured that you wouldn't want to be seen in the company of someone that isn't in your class."
       Before he could continue on I jumped in and said, "You had no right to assume anything about me and Katherine. What I do with my time is my business, not yours. I don't care taht she isn't in the same class as me, because she has more class then most of the ladies that you consider to be upperclass. Why does it matter so much to you? Nevermind, I think I know the answer to that. What should matter to you James, is that I have finally found a woman that I can truely love for the first time since Rebecca past away. Don't you want me to be happy?"
       "Of course, I want you to be happy, Matt. That's all that I have ever wanted for you since you lost Rebecca. But how do you know that this girl isn't after you money and that she is not just using you to get a higher place in society? Has that ever crossed your mind?" he questioned.
       "Yes, that has crossed my mind, but I don't htink that she is doing anything like that. She seems very happy with her life so far and I don't think that she really cares wether or not if she has money or social standing. Perhaps if you would take time out for a minute to actually talk to her, then maybe you would realize that. I know you will think that I am crazy for saying this because I have only known her for a little more then a day, but I am falling in love with her and I don't want to see that messed up. So if I hear another thing about you telling her some fib about what you think I am feeling I will knock you into the middle of next week. I actually thought about doing it right now, but I decided against it since you did apologize to me. Do you have anything else you would like to say?" I asked giving him a hard stare.
       "No, I don't. Once again I am very sorry about trying to ruin things with her. I didn't realize that you had such stronge feelings for the lassie. Maybe we could all meet tomorrow and chat so that she can get to know me and Madeline and we can get to know her. You name the time and place and we will be there."
       "I am meetting her at one tomorrow afternoon, so why don't the two of you messt us be the gym around three and we can sit and talk. Would taht be all right with you?" I asked as he headed towards the door.
       "That sounds wonderful. By the way, Matt, I must admit that I haven't seen that much radiance twinkle in your eyes for a long time. This girl must be very special and it makes me happy me very happy that you have opened your heart again. I hope taht everything works out for the two of you in the future. Have a good sleep, Matthew, " he finished before walking out the door and shutting it behind him.
       It warmed my heart to know that I had him on my side now. After all the anger that he had built up in my veins, he came out as the nice person that I knew he could be. My mind rested easy and I fell asleep quickly. My dreams were filled with memories of the night and I knew that there was a smile on my lips as I slept.

Chapter 4: A Touch of Love
Fate's Passage Index
Stories Index