Disclaimer: OUAT does not belong to me, sadly, but if anyone is willing to chip in and buy it for me I will not be opposed to that. The Titanic is not mine either,

A/N: I know, I'm horrible. I was never planning on starting another story, but its not my fault I swear! My muse attacked me in my sleep, and gave me a dream of Rumbelle on the Titanic. I wasn't going to do anything with it, but the idea sat in my head and wouldn't let up. So alas, here I am. It doesn't help that I've been interested in the maritime disaster since elementary school (seriously, and this was before James Cameron's movie). I hope you will all forgive me and enjoy this story.

A Night to Remember

Chapter 1: A Fated Encounter

April 18, 1912

It seemed wrong that so little time had been lost. It was actually the day everyone on board the RMS Titanic had planned to arrive in New York, but the great ship had made excellent time and was expected to arrive early. Now they were right back at their original time, just missing the ship, their luggage, and 1,500 souls.

Belle French could feel the ship begin it's slowing for arrival. The RMS Carpathia wasn't nearly as smooth on the sea as the Titanic. She may not have noticed had she not become attuned to the way ships moved. She could still remember when the Titanic's engines had come to a stop, her journey ending in the middle of the cold Atlantic.

Many of the passengers were on deck to see the promised return to land get closer and closer, but Belle remained in her borrowed room. She took the blanket she'd been given and tightened it around her. The room was warm, but she still felt cold. Every time she shut her eyes she could remember being on that tiny lifeboat, feeling the cold air bit into her skin and freeze her tears before they could fall. Worst of all, she could remember the groaning of the ship as it raised towards the night sky, the crack as it snapped in two, the final gurgle of it's dying breath as it disappeared beneath the ocean, and the cries of the drowning for someone, anyone to save them.

Sometimes she felt like she was one of them. She knew she survived, she knew she sat there on the rescue ship creeping into the harbor, but she also knew a piece of her hadn't survived. Her heart.

"This is true love. It can't end like this."

She had been so sure. Love like that was supposed to survive anything, could overcome any disaster. How could she have been so wrong? Belle looked at the ring she had in her palm, gold with a translucent blue stone. It was heavy, but the metal was warm from being clutched in her hand ever since the sinking. It was all she had left of him.

There was knock on the door, but Belle didn't say anything in response. A part of her hoped whoever it was would go away. "Miss?" a gentle voice said. It was the stewardess, Mary, was her name. "I brought you some hot tea."

"Thank you, Mary," Belle said.

"I also brought some soup. Mrs. Brown told me you are to eat all of it."

Molly was being stubborn as usual. She had taken on the role of Belle's guardian ever since the survivor's list was posted and Robert's name wasn't on it. She had insisted that Mary look after Belle when she couldn't. Right now she was delivering funds the Survivor's Committee had gathered to those who had lost everything in sinking.

Belle didn't want soup and she didn't want tea. The only thing she wanted was gone, brought down by the largest ship in the world. She didn't want to think about how terrible his final moments must have been. She didn't want to remember her last sight of him as she and her lifeboat were lowered into the cold, unforgiving sea. She tried to think about when she'd first seen him, when he'd bought her the blue lace shawl she kept tucked around her shoulders, the way he'd kissed her on the promenade deck, and that one glorious night they'd had before the iceberg found them.

But no matter how hard she tried, she still saw him standing on the ship as the bow was swallowed by the ocean, him struggling to swim in the icy waters, him gasping out his last breath before the sea claimed him.

"Miss?" Belle gasped when she felt Mary put one hand on her shoulder. She had been clutching his ring so hard in her palm that it pinched her flesh. The pain was enough to let her obstinate eyes finally release their tears.

"Oh, miss," Mary said, putting one arm around her shoulders, "It will be all right. Soon, everything will be back to normal."

She knew the woman was trying to be nice, but Belle knew better. Nothing would ever be the same again. The world had changed the second Titanic struck that iceberg, and she had changed with it.

April 10, 1912

Six months ago, Belle had been eager to leave Boston and tour Europe. Now she was ready to go home. Spending every day with her cousin Cora Mills was enough to test anyone's sanity. Cora had reminded Belle on numerous occasions that she was only accompanying her and her daughter Regina because she was "family" and she had all of the good breeding to not deny that fact. Belle rather wished she had.

She had thought Europe would be a grand adventure. She'd lived most of her life in Pennsylvania with her late aunt Lydia. Her mother had died when she was very young and her father had no patience to tend to a little girl, so she'd only visited him on holidays in Boston. She had adored living in the country. Aunt Lydia had been the best surrogate mother she could have asked for. Lydia March had never married, never wanted to. She had chosen to go a different path than the high society matrons who had decided her life before she turned thirteen.

"Men think they are entitled to rule the world," she had told her one winter when she was twelve, "that's why women have to be smarter. Polish that mind of yours, Izzy, read those books you love so much. Do something with that brain God gave you, try to find a man who can appreciate that about you. Don't fall into that trap of parties and china plates. You can do so much more."

She'd tried to follow her aunt's teachings. She did read everything she could get her hands on. And while she liked parties and dancing, she wanted to be more than just some shiny bauble up for auction to the nearest bachelor. Unfortunately, finding a man who could appreciate her mind had turned into an impossible task once the choice was ripped out of her hands.

Belle stared out the window of the White Star Line train bound for Southampton. Cora was napping, a relief to both Belle and Regina. There was certainly a worse fate than being betrothed to Gaston Knightly, the man chosen for her by Cora and her great Uncle Theodore after she'd failed to catch anyone suitable. She would much rather be married to Gaston than to be Cora's daughter.

Regina was twenty-five, only five years older than Belle, but Cora was despairing over her daughter's future. She was quick to criticize her daughter on many things, primarily her inability to land a proper husband. Cora had married Henry Mills, heir to a steel monopoly, so her standards were high. Belle had watched as Cora condemned Regina's French, the way she preferred to ride astride than sidesaddle, and her two left feet when dancing. All of that had earned Regina a short temper and a lengthy ability to carry a grudge. Belle didn't dislike Regina, but she was rather difficult to get to know. Cora on the other hand was prickly and cold like a frozen rose bush.

She wasn't eager to get married, but Belle had seen enough of Europe. It had not been the adventure she had hoped. Instead she'd been watched by Cora and her great Aunt Ivy the entire time. At least now that she was soon-to-be engaged, Cora had left her alone, assuming her job was done. The Titanic was her last week of freedom before she was forced to save her father by marrying a man her Aunt Lydia would never have approved of.

The train slowed at last, disturbing Cora from her slumber. Belle was the first one up, eager to get moving so she could enjoy the ship. "We have to find Daniel," Regina insisted immediately.

"He'll be with our luggage, Regina," Cora said, "Honestly, you pay far too much attention to our chauffer."

"I don't see why you couldn't have given him a first class ticket, mother," Regina said.

"Why should I? We won't have use of him while onboard. A first class ticket is expensive. Belle is lucky Theo paid for her way or I would have sent her down to steerage."

It wasn't the first not so subtle reminder that Belle was only worth her name and pretty face. Cora had pointed out Belle's lack of fortune ever since she'd collected her from her father's house. "I have a very strong sense of familial obligation," Cora said when she'd first gotten into the car six months ago, "I'm sure you're grateful for my generosity"

So Belle did what she'd done for the past six months. She gave her cousin a big, fake smile and said, "Your generosity is unparalleled, cousin Cora."

Indeed, compared to the factory workers who charge meager fees for dangerous work to their employees, Cora's generosity was unmatched by those standards.

"I have on good authority that Robert Gold has booked passage on this ship," Cora said as she urged Regina towards the exit of the train. "I want you to do your best to impress him, Regina. He would make an excellent match for you."

"Mother, he is nearly twice my age!"

"He is wealthy and available, you hardly have any reason to be choosy. Besides, I've known him for years, he's quite agreeable."

"Well, you would know that rather intimately," Belle heard Regina mutter under her breath. Belle frowned, her curiosity somewhat pricked. She'd heard of Robert Gold in the papers. He was an illustrious textile owner, who had managed to get a leg into real estate. Now he had a finger in many wealthy revenue pies, making him nearly as rich as the Astor family. She had never met the man though and hadn't been aware that Cora knew him. Well if he was an friend of Cora's then she doubted he would be at all an interest to her. Probably stuffy with the mentality that he deserved the rule the world.

Regina waved over to Daniel when she saw him handling their luggage with the steward. It really was a pity that he wouldn't he traveling with them in first class. Regina was far more agreeable when Cora wasn't around, but was actually friendly when Daniel was present. He was a nice young man, very hard-working. He was very fond of Regina, much more than Cora realized, or at least Belle hoped so. He would lose his job if she ever found how the two snuck out at night to go driving.

Belle knew her trunk and parcels were safe in Daniel's hands, so she turned attention towards the harbor. She immediately gasped at the sight.

The harbor has several ships anchored and tethered to the docks, but it was impossible to miss the Titanic. She towered over all of the other ships, making them look like children's toys. She was painted red and black with white upper decks. She had four gold and black funnels standing at attention like seasoned soldiers. She was truly a beautiful ship sitting in the harbor like she was queen of the ocean.

Even Regina stared at the enormous ship with a jaw-dropping look of awe. "It's amazing," she gasped.

"It is impressive, I suppose," Cora said coolly.

"It's eleven stories high," Belle said, remembering the articles she'd read in the newspaper, "the largest ship in the world."

"Honestly, Belle, you read far too much."

She bit a hole in her tongue to keep herself from screaming.

Cora led the way to the gangway that brought them up to E deck. There was the chief steward there who inspected their tickets and had another steward escort them up to D deck. They had three connecting cabins, each with their own bathroom. Belle gasped when she walked into her private room. It was as finely furnished as any hotel with a magnificent sleigh bed. There was a cherry wood writing desk tucked in the corner by a plush two seat sofa. She had her own dressing table as well. The walls had a beautiful dark paneling below and an elegant pattern up top. When she looked out her portal she could see the harbor and the sea. The bathroom was fully equipped with fluffy towels, tiny bars of scented soap, and could provide her with hot and cold water. She could have a hot bath every night if she wished.

Belle could have marveled over it all for much longer, but she was eager to see more of the ship. She heard there was a fully equipped gymnasium and even a swimming pool. She could hear Cora directing Regina on how to fix her hair properly through her adjoining door. Well, now that her trip was over it was time to begin her own adventure. Belle took off her hat and unpinned her brown curls. Let them talk about how unfashionable it was. She wanted to feel in the wind in her hair.

She giggled at her own daring before dashing out of her cabin. She didn't tell Cora where she was going.

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Robert Gold hated to travel. He had tried to avoid this trip to London all together, but partners of the company had refused to deal with his lawyers. So he'd had no choice but to book the earliest passage to England to settle the deal. If the foreseeable profits had not been considerable then he wouldn't have bothered.

Now, three months later and he was anxious to return home. His son had sent him several telegrams and letters during his absence. Apparently he'd met a girl, a Miss Emma Swan, and was courting her. He was bitterly annoyed in missing another part of his son's life, even though he was twenty-six now and had inherited his independence from him. He had missed too much of Bae's life as it was because of their troubles in the past. But now he was finally in a good place with his son who was eager to play a part in his business. He wasn't ready to retire yet, if ever, but he was considering giving Bae a full partnership soon. Perhaps if he was serious with Miss Swan he would make it a wedding present.

Titanic was the earliest booking back to New York. Gold preferred more veteran ships rather than vessels straight out of the shipyard. At least the Titanic was a modern ship, complete with sixteen watertight bulkheads to make her unsinkable. He could appreciate her sound engineering, even if she was fresh on the water.

He had a private car bring him to the Southampton harbor. A second car carried his luggage and his valet, Kent. He couldn't very well miss the ship when the car pulled up to the dock. She was enormous, clean and elegant with fine lines and sturdy construction. Even he couldn't help but privately admit his admiration of such a glorious vessel. He supposed there were some perks by sailing on such a new ship.

He stepped out with his cane first. An old injury to his leg forced him to walk with a limp, a blow to his dignity he made up for with meticulous clothes. He tipped the driver well for his job well-done and turned to Kent who was calling a steward to deal with the luggage. He didn't carry much with him and was only returning with one extra suitcase than he'd had when he'd arrived in England. He hadn't come here to shop, but to do business. He had no wife, not since his divorce many years ago, and he was grateful for that now since Kent's job would be quite simple.

"You finish seeing to the luggage," Gold instructed him, "I'll make sure they've give us suitable accommodations."

"Yes sir."

He was careful walking the gangway with his cane, but at least the climb wasn't too steep. The stewards inspected his ticket and showed no indications of there being any problem. He saw he was on E deck when his suite was on B deck. A long climb up the stairs his leg did not particularly relish.

"You might try our elevators, Mr. Gold," the chief steward suggested.

"Thank you very much."

He was now exceedingly grateful that the ship was so modern to have elevators. They would save him a lot of trouble when walking the ship. He instructed the operator to take him to B deck. The elevator began a slow climb upwards, but stopped after going up one floor. He was about to object, when the gate suddenly open and a whirlwind of rose scented perfume and brown curls swept inside.

"Thank you very much," an enchanting voice said, "I'd like to go to A deck, please."

Gold stared at the new occupant. This wasn't a woman, she was a fairy creature sprung to life. She had the most glorious wealth of sable curls, tinged with red. Her skin was pale with a rosy complexion that set off becomingly by her green day dress. She smiled at the operator with a lush mouth that belonged on a doll not a human being. But what struck him most were her eyes. They were a startling shade of blue, the same color as the cloudless sky outside, large and rimmed with long black lashes. He had never seen such eyes before and he was quite certain he would never get tired of looking at them.

Those bewitching eyes alighted on him and that rosebud mouth turned up with a smile. "Hello," she said.

He blinked at her, for some reason unable to speak. By God she was young, so young he actually hated her for it. No, he hated himself. He shouldn't be thinking such thoughts about her beauty, not when he was old enough to be her father. But she truly was magnificent.

"Bonjour," the girl said again, "êtes-vous français?"

He was tempted to play along. Her voice was alluring in English, but far more hypnotic in French. But he gave her a slight smile and replied, "No, I'm originally from Scotland, but I live in America."

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said. Her cheeks bloomed with pink, making her look even more young and lovely.

"Nothing to be sorry over, dearie, I was far too entranced to return your greeting."

"Entranced by who?"

Now he couldn't help but smile. "Who else?"

Her blue eyes widened when she took in his meaning and her blush returned. "B deck, sir," the elevator operator said. He was tempted to thump the man with his cane for doing his very job.

"Thank you," he said, biting back the sting of disappointment. He wasn't quite ready to leave this enchanting creature behind. He smiled at the girl. "Thank you for riding with me, dearie. You're far lovelier to look at than these walls."

Her pretty lips opened in a silent gasp which only made him smile even more as he exited the elevator. He was quite glad he'd booked passage on the Titanic now. Hopefully he'd see her again on this ship. He could fill the right pockets to find out who she was. Of course, the danger in that was she could turn out to be a pretty face with an empty head. That would be disappointing. Oh but a what a pretty thing she was. He was still smiling over her innocent blushes as he made his way to his suite.

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Belle wondered if her cheeks would be permanently stained pink. There was an odd fluttering in her stomach, not an entirely unpleasant sensation. She had the urge to leap off of the elevator and join the strange man, but the operator was already closing the gate to send her on up.

He was an interesting man. Older than her, but still quite handsome. He had long brown hair that fell almost to his shoulders, so unfashionable for most men but she got the idea that he didn't care to follow the mold. He was impeccably dress in a suit of the finest linen and wool. She'd noticed he used a black cane with a gold head. His hand that had rested on the cane was adorned with a large gold ring inlaid with a translucent blue stone. He was only a little taller than her which she liked. Gaston was so tall she sometimes thought she would need to stand on a stool just to talk to him. She liked looking at a man in the eyes, and what fine eyes did he have. They were a rich, chocolate brown with a bit of amber hiding inside. His eyes had such a heat to them when he spoke to her that the just the memory of it made her blush again.

"Have a good day, miss," the elevator operator said.

"Thank you."

She knew there was a reading and writing room on A deck and a lounge where she was certain Cora would want to visit after dinner, but she chose to find them later. She immediately went to the promenade astern to look down at the docks. There were many people gathered there waving off the great ship. Passengers were also gathered out on the decks to wave goodbye to Southampton.

Six tugboats came around to help the massive ship weave it's way out of the harbor. She had thought the Titanic dwarfed the other passenger liners, but she positively dominated the tiny boats. Belle wasn't entirely sure how such little boats could pull a giant ship like this one. But somehow they did, managing to slowly turn the ship away from the harbor and out towards the vast sea.

There wasn't much else to see from the aft side of the deck, so Belle moved on to the port to get a better view. The harbor was slowly moving away, but the Titanic was kicking up a good wave from her propellers. Two smaller passenger ships were lashed to one side of the dock. When the massive rush of water hit them, Belle heard the snap of rope breaking. The Titanic kept moving forward, but now this other ship chose to follow. It got closer and closer and closer until Belle was certain the two ships would hit.

She stepped away to brace for the impact, but then the Titanic slowed down into a stop. Slowly she moved back astern towards the harbor. This gave the free floating ship move to turn away so she didn't hit the larger vessel. Belle watched as a tugboat hurried along to throw a line onto the escaping ship. The other tugs did the same until they finally had the ship under control. Now the Titanic was free to continue her trek towards the ocean.

It was an unbelievable stroke of bad luck. Belle couldn't help but wonder what damage the other liner could have done to the Titanic. It wasn't a little tugboat, but still not near as large as the ship she now stood on. Probably it would have been only minor. Still, she shivered at how close it could have been.

The whole ordeal seemed to take no time at all, but when Belle heard the bugle call for luncheon she realized she had been out on the deck for over an hour. Her luggage could have arrived in her room by now, and since Cora and Regina had only paid for the services of one maid she would have to unpack directly after her afternoon meal. Belle dreaded the prospect as she made her way back inside. She didn't mind dressing herself or even taking care of her own room, but she always hated unpacking and repacking.

When she saw the elevators, she smiled. Perhaps the man she'd met before would be in the saloon. She could only hope.

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Gold had enjoyed a late breakfast before he had arrived at the harbor, so he skipped the call for lunch and requested a light meal in his cabin. He saw no need to see who else might have embarked at Cherbourg when the ship docked in France to pick up more passengers. He had never been a social man, only did what was required of him when it came to social niceties. In that regard, dinner could not be avoided.

He dressed accordingly and let Kent retire for his own supper at the dining hall reserved for servants. The First Class dining saloon was on D deck so Gold took the elevator, not feeling the need to make an entrance on the Grand Staircase. There was a good number of elite present, lingering outside of the saloon to mingle with acquaintances. Gold saw Benjamin Guggenheim, a wealthy banker, the owner of Macy's Isidor Straus, and the current leader of the Astor clan, John Jacob Astor IV in the crowd, all business associates of his. He hadn't had the pleasure of meeting the new Mrs. Astor before the couple had embarked on their honeymoon. Her gently swelling belly indicated why their trip was cut short.

Gold was discussing his business dealings in London with Guggenheim when he heard someone call out, "Robert! How delightful to see you here!"

He clenched at the voice he recognized just before Cora Mills came up to kiss his cheek. The woman eye's sparkled with a cold light, a false smile curved her painted lips. "I had no idea you would be on this ship."

Gold recognized a lie when he saw one. She had planned this little encounter and he had a sneaking suspicion as to why.

"You remember my daughter, Regina?" she pushed the lady in question forward so he had not choice but to bow to her in greeting. His hunch was right, as always.

"Yes, but it has been some time," he said.

"Far too long," Cora said.

"They do say absence makes the heart grow fonder." If only she would remain absent. He'd last seen Cora in the summer of the previous year at some party he couldn't remember which. They had barely spoken as was their custom ever since they broke relations nearly ten years ago. He had no desire rekindle anything with her. He would much prefer to swim back to New York than sail with her.

He was left with no choice but to greet them both with clenched teeth and suppressed a snarl when Cora left to speak with Lady Duff Gordon. "You and Regina hardly know one another," she said, "Do talk. I think you'll have a lot in common."

One look at Regina told him she wasn't happy about this either. She was wringing her hands and glaring at her mother's back. He knew the girl was getting up there in years, but he didn't realize Cora was desperate enough to hope he'd take an interest in her. She was delusional. Even if he were looking for a wide, which he wasn't, he certainly would not pick the daughter of a former paramour.

"Have you had a pleasant tour of Europe, Miss Mills?" he asked because he had to do something besides stand there in awkward silence."

"Pleasant enough," she said it like the words cut her teeth.

"I'm delighted to hear it," he said. He was going to kill Cora for this. Perhaps he could discreetly slip away with the notion he had to say something to Straus about a card game.

"I trust your son is well?" Regina asked. At least that was considerate of her.

"Very well," Gold said, "I'm eager to get back to him." And tell him that he is free to marry any woman he wishes, as long as she is not a Mills.

He didn't dislike Regina. He didn't know her all that well, but he could already see she at least had some warmth to her unlike her frigid mother. He wished no ill on her, but he had no desire to be Cora's son-in-law. Thankfully, she seemed just as appalled by the idea.

"I'm eager to return home too," she said, "I miss my horse. Daniel assured me the grooms will take care of her, but you can never be certain."

Gold blinked at the unfamiliar name. "Daniel? Is he a relative of yours?" He knew Regina didn't have a brother, a cousin, maybe?

"Oh no, he's our chauffer," Regina said. A tint of pink bloomed on her cheeks. "But he's close to family for us."

He almost laughed at the notion. Cora? Making family with the servants? Heaven forbid she align herself with her origins. But he didn't mistake the sweet tone Regina spoke of this Daniel. Well, it looks like he discovered the reason for her lack of interest in him. He'd love to see Cora's reaction when she found out about her daughter's association with the hired help. She'd likely have a heart attack if she knew. One could only hope.

Regina continued to talk about Daniel as any lovesick girl would, but he didn't listen to her. He was anxious to get away. Soon they would have to go to the saloon and he sure as hell didn't want to have to escort her or Cora. He was seriously considering making a swift retreat back to his room under the excuse of having forgotten something. His eyes drifted up longingly to the magnificent staircase. His eyes widened at what he found.

The woman he share an elevator with was snow standing at the top of the staircase. He had thought she looked pretty that morning in her traveling dress, she looked absolutely ravishing in the blue and cream evening gown. The rich blue at the shoulders and bodice of the dress brought out the sparkling color in her eyes. While the cream skirt, embroidered with gold and blue, made her skin look glow like candlelight. He couldn't look away. She had him hypnotized.

"Oh there she is," Regina's voice finally reached his ears. The woman had met his gaze, and…she looked pleased to see him. Was that a blush that still lingered on her cheek? He smiled at the thought.

"Belle, what took you so long?" Regina asked when the lady was in earshot. He actually frowned at Regina. How did she know her?

"I'm sorry, Regina, but with Fiona helping all three of us, it took her a little time to help me dress. I didn't realize Cora was so impatient to get down to dinner," she spoke in that beautiful, lilting voice. She never took her eyes off of him.

"Oh, Belle, this is Mr. Robert Gold," Regina began the introductions. He saw by the lift in her brows that she recognized his name. "Mr. Gold, this is my cousin Miss Isabelle French."

Miss French smiled at him and held up one gloved hand. He took it and gave it a gentle shake. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss French."

"I have heard a lot about you, Mr. Gold."

"You'll have to tell me so I can sort out the lies from the truth," he said with a smile.

"I read about your rivalry with George Spencer," she said, "Did you really call him a 'flea on a pile of elephant dung'?"

His brows rose to his hairline and a chuckle escaped him before he could stop. My, she was a frank young woman. He could admire boldness, especially in one so young. "Indeed, though it wasn't meant to be repeated to lovely ladies like yourself."

She smiled again. "If it helps, I quite agree with your opinion of the man. He is decidedly insufferable."

He knew right then that he liked this young woman. She wasn't afraid to have her own opinions, but she wasn't the cool viper like Cora. She was a gentler sort, but just as bold and strong.

"I was unaware of Cora having any cousins," he said, "A pity we have never met before."

"My mother was the late Xavier Mills' niece," she said, "Regina is my second cousin."

"Ah," that explained how Cora had never introduced them, but not why she had agreed to chaperone the girl through Europe. "Do you live in New York?"

"No, Boston," she admitted, "but I spent most of my childhood in Pennsylvania with my aunt after my mother died."

"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss."

She shook her head. "It was a very long time ago. Now I am returning home to my father."

"And has your trip in Europe been everything you hoped?"

Her brow furrowed a bit as she thought about her answer. "I had hoped to see more of the world beyond a ballroom, that didn't really work out, but I did enjoy myself as much as I could."

"I'm glad to hear it."

Now he could see everyone moving towards the dining saloon. It appeared in the middle of his conversation with Miss French that Regina had wandered off to speak with Madeline Astor. His lips curled up in a pleased smile. "May I escort you to your table?"

"Yes, that would be lovely," she said and gladly accepted his arm.

The dining room tables were numbered and guests were expected to sit at their assigned table. Gold's table was number seventeen. He asked Miss French where she was assigned to sit and she voiced up the same number. He knew that couldn't be a coincidence. Cora must have had that arranged as well, but he didn't care. Now he had the perfect dinner companion for the evening. Only Cora stood in the way of that.

He could see right away that she was trying to trap Regina into sitting next to him. He couldn't exactly wait to pull out Belle's chair, but once she was seated he knew Cora was going to push Regina into the other chair. He was saved by an entirely unlikely source.

A hand clamped down on his shoulder and spun him around. "Robert Gold, right?" a boisterous woman said, "You know my husband, J. J. Brown."

"Oh yes," he said. He'd met the Colorado mine owner when he went out west to consider investment into one of the mines. He was a quiet sort of man, very much salt of the earth, but likeable. He never met Brown's wife because they had separated amicably in '09, but he had spoken affectionately of her during their brief acquaintance. "A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Brown."

"Oh please, call me Molly," she insisted, a large smile on her face, "Jim mentioned you in his letter, said you were nice to your friends, deadly to your enemies, and have excellent taste in scotch. With all of that in your box, I figured I should make your acquaintance."

"I'm delighted to meet your approval," he said and then ushered towards an empty chair, "please sit."

"My, and a gentleman to boot," she said with a laugh. Now with her in a chair, he was happy to take up the seat between her and Miss French. Cora wasn't going to win this round. He even raised his glass towards her in a mocking toast, relishing her furious scowl.

Dinner was a pleasant affair. Molly proved be quite the conversationalist, not afraid to bring up any subject or jump her way in into any topic. Miss French wasn't quite as vocal, but she could carry on with the dinner conversations. He wondered what she might be passionate about, but that was answered when Straus mentioned a French writer who was working to publish a lengthy novel of his soon.

"He shows a great deal of promise," he said, "Mark my word, Marcel Proust will replace Hugo as the greatest French writer of all time." He let out a chuckle. "Which wouldn't be hard, that revolutionary piece of Hugo's was utter drivel."

Gold felt the young lady tense next to him. "I'm not sure I agree, Mr. Straus," she began politely, "I'm sure you're right about Monsieur Proust's capabilities, but I suspect Hugo's work will not be eclipsed. His writing is far too vibrant, and he was never afraid to dabble into subjects that others shy away from."

"Are you saying you've read Hugo's works?" Straus looked utterly perplexed by a notion that a woman could read.

She nodded. "Les Misérables is one of my favorite books. Hugo captured such amazing characters and truly wrote an inspiring piece that speaks to the heart."

"He spoke of disassembling a government," Straus said, "That is anarchy."

"No, that is a revolution. Our country had one as well."

"Not like that."

Miss French smiled a little. "I beg to differ. In 1770, five citizens in Boston were killed for being revolutionary, one of the many sparks that stared our break from Britain. Our own founding fathers agreed that it is a citizen's duty to overthrow a government that has become corrupt. Hugo showed us a depiction of just that, ordinary people fighting to end the corruption of their government."

Straus turned a vivid shade of red, but Gold smiled at Miss French's success. She was quite intelligent. "You got him on the ropes, girl!" Molly cried with glee.

"Forgive my cousin," Cora broke in to say, "She is very passionate when it comes to her books. I'm certain she meant no offense."

"None at all, just expressing my own opinion," Miss French said.

The matter was dropped when Mrs. Straus mentioned their plans to expand more of their department store in the city, perhaps open up another. Business worked to get the men interested, while the ladies discussed the latest fashions in Europe. Gold noticed that Miss French showed little interest in the trivial topics.

"Même la nuit la plus sombre et se terminera le soleil se lèvera," he said quietly to her.

He heard her slight gasp. "You've read Les Misérables?"

"Indeed, and I quite agree with you. I find it to be the superior of Hugo's works."

"Yes," she said, "My father disapproved entirely when he found me reading it. He said it wasn't appropriate for young ladies. Then again, I suspect he disapproved of the notion of me reading to begin with."

"You like to read then?"

"Books are my favorite thing in all the world," she said with a wistful tone to her voice, "I would much rather spend my time in a library than a ballroom."

"Then you are unique among debutantes," he said.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

He let out a chuckle. "You most definitely should."

April 18, 1912

At last, the Carpathia ended her journey and docked in the New York harbor at the Cunard pier. All of the passengers were gathered to leave the vessel, but Captain Rostron insisted that his passengers should disembark first so they would not be crushed by the tumult of questions and reporters that was sure to be out there. Belle didn't care. She would gladly stay on the ship forever. She knew once she left she would be forced to live again and that was not her wish.

Molly Brown had hugged her tight and promised to write her soon before she returned Belle to her cousins. Cora was eager to leave the ship, but Regina looked just as miserable as her. Both had loved and lost on the Titanic.

Finally, it was time for the survivors to make their appearance in America. First class was allowed out before any of the others, a practice which seemed unfair to Belle after what they had endured. They slowly moved forward as they inched towards the exit. Belle could hear the roar of a thousand questions just outside, like a colony of bees hovering around the hive.

They finally reached the gangway and she could see the crowd of reporters and onlookers. Bulbs from hundred of cameras blinded her. She stared at them all, hating every single one of them. Go away, she thought, people are dead and all you want is a headline.

But they had no choice but to move into the crush of chaos. Questions flew through the air like punches. "What's your name?" "How did you suvive?" "How many people were lost?" "What do you think of this disaster?"

Belle put her hands over her ears to block them out. She just wanted to go far away from this place, away from these horrible people.

Cora waved them away and carried them out of the crowd to where another sort had gathered. Belle could see Madeline Astor with her stepsons, as well as other passengers reuniting with their worried families. Belle searched the crowd for one face in particular. She had never been close to her father before, but now his was the only face she wanted to see.

At last she found him, pushing his way through. She broke free from her cousins and called out, "Papa!" just as she had when she went home for Christmas as a child. He opened his arms for her and she buried her face into his chest.

"Take me home," she begged him, "Take me home."

"Of course, Belle," he whispered into her hair. Cora and Regina walked up to them both, but Belle knew a car would be waiting for them as they had no other family. "Thank you for looking out for her."

"Well it turned out to be quite a trip," Cora said, "I'm glad it is over."

Moe French smiled into his daughter's face. "You have no idea how worried I was for you. Gaston was beside himself when we heard about the sinking."

Gaston. The mention of her waiting fiancé made fresh tears fill her eyes. She didn't want him to be waiting for her. She only wanted one man, but he was gone now. Everything had changed in such a short span of time, so much joy ripped away all in an instant.

"There, there, sweetheart, we'll go home and everything will be all right."

No, Belle thought, it won't.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

The reporters lingered for the second-class passengers, but few stayed behind to question the third class survivors who disembarked. There were none to greet those who were still injured from the disaster. Those poor souls were immediately escorted to the nearest hospital. Including the one man, still unconscious and yet to be identified.

"There's little hope for this one," the doctor of the Carpathia said to the men who came to collect him, "But he's lasted this long, which has surprised me. Perhaps he may come around."

"Any idea who he is?"

"None, I'm afraid. They thought he might be a crewman, but his clothes weren't a uniform, though they were ruined so it's hard to say. All I know is he said something about a bell before he lost consciousness fully."

"Wonder what that is about."

The poor man could not answer their queries.

Historical Notes: I actually have no idea where the gangway from the Titanic began. One book I read suggested it was on B deck, but since I so wanted Belle and Gold to meet on elevator I decided to make it on E deck.

There really was a near collision with another steamer, the New York, just as Titanic was departing Southampton. Many now see is as a bad omen for what was to come.

The Titanic really was scheduled to reach New York on April 18, but reports suggest she was going to arrive early on the 17th instead. Of course, that never happened.

Another note some of you may not know, the famous unsinkable Molly Brown was NEVER called Molly. Her actual nickname was Maggie, the name Molly came about when the writer of the musical decided the Unsinkable Maggie Brown just didn't have that zing. However, I chose to keep her nickname as Molly because everyone knows her as that nowadays.

A/N:So who do you think the unconscious man is? Any guesses? LOL. I'll be switching in and out of the the voyage and what follows after. Eventually things will shift to where there will be no more flashbacks to the voyage, but the disaster will continue to play a pivotal role until the conclusion, I promise. Please, tell me what you think.

Next chapter: Belle returns home and has to dodge reporters, her fiance and her father who are all eager to hear more about the disaster. Back on the Titanic, Belle and Gold talk some more and Regina shares with Belle some interesting history Cora has with Mr. Gold.