Page 115 of Haunting the Deep

“TheTitanicsinking?” Uncle Harry says. “Come now, niece. Maybe you have had a bit too much excitement tonight.”

“It’s my fault. We were drinking sherry to celebrate,” Matt says. “TheTitanicwould not and could not sink. But do not fault my fiancée; if you cannot drink on your engagement night, then—”

“And you, Countess,” I continue before he can turn the conversation. His fingers dig into my arm. “You are much the same kind of woman. Strong, kind. You raise money for people in need, especially for schools, hospitals, and women. You got your nursing training so you could better assist the Red Cross. And when the ship went down, you rowed your lifeboat, too. And encouraged everyone, to keep their spirits up. After it was all over, when people called you a heroine, you responded by saying, ‘I hope not. I have done nothing.’ ”

The Countess of Rothes tilts her head, like she’s considering my words.

“Maybe we have all had a bit too much to drink, eh?” Alexander I says.

“Guilty,” Matt says.

“No.” My voice is more insistent. “Mr. Stead. I took your spoon.”

“My spoon?”

“My apologies, everyone,” Matt says. “I should have insisted Samantha take rest. She was just so excited to tell you all.”

“We understand completely how alcohol and a shock could upset someone,” Alexander I says.

I talk over him. “In the café, Mr. Stead, that day you were having lunch and discussing President Taft’s invitation. I took your spoon.” My voice is edging on frantic, and now I do try to yank my arm out of Matt’s grasp. “You published a story in the 1892Review of Reviewscalled ‘From the Old World to the New.’ It was about an accident involving a White Star Line vessel and an iceberg. Everyone was saved. But that doesn’t happen here. This is not that story. And when it really happens to you, and theTitanicsinks, you don’t chase down a lifeboat. You sit quietly reading a book in the smoking room.”

“I think this poor child is hysterical,” Alexander I says. “She is clearly not well. She must be hallucinating.”

Matt nods, like it’s all very sad that I’m delusional.

Alexander I steps toward me. “I think we should take her directly. This is a most serious case.” He secures my arms. The whole lounge has stopped to watch.

I try to pull away from Alexander I, but he’s stronger and bigger. The women all look horrified, and my aunt has her hand over her mouth.

“Let go!” I shriek, but he drags me away. “Your dog!” I yell at my aunt and uncle. “Where is your Pekingese? Where is he? He was on board with you! He survived!”

Matt follows as Alexander I pulls me.

I dig my heels in, but that makes no difference. “TheTitanicstruck an iceberg at eleven-forty p.m. on April the fourteenth!” I scream to the entire room.

Alexander I clamps his hand over my mouth. “You put us in danger, all our years of hard work. Careless!” he says to Matt. “I will handle this from here.”

Matt flinches. “She is unwell,” Matt says loudly to the room. “She does not know what she is saying. Forgive her.”

The ship lurches, and for a moment we’re still. Still and quiet, like the engines stopped. Two crewmen throw open the lounge door, and bitterly cold air billows into the room.

Ismay comes through. “Everyone just keep calm now! We need you all to make your way out onto the boat deck.”

The cold air…but I didn’t think…the boat lurching, the engines stopping. I did affect his spell. I just never thought it would be like this.I make eye contact with Matt. His expression is panicked.

The next second stretches like everything is in slow motion.

Between the cold air, Ismay’s announcement, and my words, the lounge passengers panic.

I yank and twist. Alexander I’s eyes are threatening. He pulls a small knife out of his coat pocket. Fear blurs my vision.

Matt steps forward to block me from people’s view. “Your father will suffer for—”

I lift both of my legs and kick Matt straight in the chest. He flies backward into a table.

“Mollie!” I scream. And she’s there, swinging a crystal decanter at Alexander I’s head. He falls.

Mollie grabs my hand, and we run through the crowd as fast as we can.