Altered Fates: The Titanic free porn video

AF: The Titanic By Bashful and Julie Randal and Sarah Witherspoon were arguing again. Randal wished that his sister would find a man who met her high standards and get married, then his life would be much easier. Sarah was complaining about his choice of steamships now. The siblings had just spent 6 weeks in Europe and Great Britain. They were to return to America and Randal had booked passage on board the Philadelphia of the American Line. Now Sarah was upset because he had not booked them onto the Titanic. Randal had considered doing so but it was the maiden voyage. Since it was the first trip, too many things could go wrong, new crew, new ship with new engines. Better to travel on Titanic when she had a few crossings under her belt and all the problems had been worked out. Sarah had demanded that he change the tickets. Randal tried to ignore her, hoping she would run out of steam shortly. She didn't. She complained for hours. Finally, much to his chagrin the Philadelphia's crossing had been canceled due to the coal shortage, which was the result of the recently settled strike. Randal had to accept passage on the Titanic. "Sarah," Randal said, exasperation filling his voice, " you have got to accept your position in the world or you will never find a husband. These are not matters for a woman to concern herself with. Your husband will be making the important decisions and you will have the responsibility to raise the children. Now help Jane get our things packed, I want to buy some cigars before we leave for the ship. Randal left the room. Sarah felt like screaming but resisted the impulse. She went into the bedroom and checked on the valet to make sure he was folding Randal's shirts properly. Sarah's mother had taught her all the things a woman of wealth needed to know concerning how to manage a household. She had attended one of the finest ladies finishing schools money could afford. She was a good cook and could sew and knit. She was a voracious reader of English literature not because it was considered ladylike to be knowledgeable in such things, but because she loved the stories. Her mother had brought her up to be the best wife and mother she could be for the 'right' man. That man would be wealthy and well educated, from one of the best families, of course. And if Sarah liked him as well, so much the better for her. Marriage was the only acceptable calling for a young woman of Sarah's social standing. Once she had produced the correct number of children and had them properly raised, she would be allowed to take up a hobby such as an acceptable charity or a ladies club. Sarah and Randal were fraternal twins. Born at the same time but conceived from different eggs. While there were some similarities, as twins, they could not have been more different. Randal was tall and dark. He had always been a god looking boy and had grown into a handsome young man. He had his choice of several young women as prospective brides. He would have probably married by now had it not been for the accident. Sarah was his opposite. Petite and feminine now, she had been an ugly duckling. Small even for a girl, she had not had as happy a childhood as her brother. Children have always been cruel and Sarah's playmates had been no different. Her skinny, bony body had made her the subject of jokes and nicknames she refused to even think about now. The boys she grew up with were just as mean as the little girls. As a result, most of the young men she would have been courted by had so angered her as a child, she would have nothing to do with them now. Sarah had grown into a ravishing young woman. A figure that needed little help from the confining corset her mother made her wear anyway. Her skin was clear and creamy smooth. Her hair was light brown, thick and long enough that she could set on it. Of course she wore it up when in public. Sarah had become a lovely young woman but she was still small, only 5' 4", nearly a foot shorter than her brother. A brother she had come to despise for his luck at being born a man. When Sarah and Randal were growing up, they were treated much the same until they turned 8. About that time, their father started spending more time with Randal and Sarah was in the company of her mother most of the time. This was the normal course of things. The mother would see to the social education of the daughter and the father would bring up the son to be a man. Sarah immediately grew jealous. She was confined to long dresses and learning how to care for her hair while Randal was fishing and hunting with his father. When Randal turned twelve, Robert, his father, began taking him to the family business for a day every so often. Robert Carlton Witherspoon was one of the biggest railroad magnets in America. His holdings stretched from New England to Texas to California. It was a family business dating back over 75 years to Robert's great grandfather Randal Witherspoon, whom he had named his son after. One thing that aggravated Sarah to no end was the dinner parties. Their parents would entertain often and as small children, they would be fed in the breakfast room while the adults ate in the formal dining room. When the main course had been cleared. Randal and Sarah were escorted in to be displayed as the perfect children of the perfect family. The guests would compliment Robert and Mary on their beautiful daughter (though sadly, at that time she wasn't beautiful) and their fine handsome son. Sarah did as her parents told her to even though she really didn't want to. It was unheard of to disobey one's parents. She dreamed though of someday being her own person. Why had she not been born a boy also? Why should Randal get everything? Then came the day they turned 13 years old. Randal was already a head taller than Sarah. Sarah received a party dress for a date she would never have and a lovely silhouette charm made of ivory and gold. Randal received an expensive, European shotgun and informed of the hunting trip he and his father were scheduled to take the following week. That night Sarah cried herself to sleep. It was so unfair how much better Randal was treated. The following week her parents had another dinner party and once again the children were brought in to be shown off. This time though, it was different. Robert placed his hand on Randal's shoulder and announced to the table that he was now thirteen and he should be allowed to set in the dinning room for coffee and cigars. All the men agreed and the ladies all arose and left for the pallor. Of course Randal was not given a cigar and his coffee was mostly cream but he was allowed to sit and listen as some of the most powerful men in the state and the country discussed their personal businesses and told jokes. It was just another step in his preparation to run one of the largest companies in the United States. Sarah was allowed to sit in the pallor with the ladies and be quiet. She was sent to bed a full hour before Randal. None of this was lost on Randal, his attitude toward Sarah and other women began to shift. Randal was being groomed to manage the family business when his father was ready to turn it over to him. They were building a legacy and Randal was being schooled in the keeping of a sacred trust. He was sent to the best prep school and then the finest college. He received a degree in business. He returned to the family home in New York, a polished young man. Any family would be proud to call a son or a son-in-law. Sarah had begged to be sent to university but it wasn't considered acceptable for young ladies of breeding and class to get an education. That was meant for those women who had to work for a living. Of course, no Witherspoon woman would ever have to do any work that she did not chose to do. Sarah's mother had a garden that she tended and, except for the very hardest digging, she did all the work herself. That was a proper pastime for a mature woman who had raised her children though. Sarah's mother had never been inside her husband's office. As a result of her attitude, the few young men that she would have been interested in were not interested in her. They wanted a woman like their mother who ran a household gladly and without complaining. Who would bear and raise children and not complain, a woman who knew her place. Sarah's life was further complicated by the untimely death of their parents. Robert and Mary were killed on a trip to Boston to visit friends. They were riding in their private rail car and there was a derailment. Robert and Mary were the only fatalities. Sarah and Randal were both 23 years old by then. Sarah should have been married and with children of her own but she had resisted even the most ardent suitors. She was not ready to become some man's property. Her parents had been embarrassed by the fact she was single and over 20. Robert's will left everything to Randal with instructions to care for his sister if she had not married by then. The will had been written when the children where 16. Robert had hoped to be a grandfather by the time Sarah was 21. Sarah was deeply hurt by the will but it was the nature of the time. Women did not own property to a great extent. They owned their clothes and personal items and perhaps a dowry. Randal gave his sister a generous allowance and was actively seeking her a good husband, as was his duty as her only relative. Sarah was being very difficult about the whole thing. She wanted to go to the university and get an education in business and help run the railroad. As a joke, Randal brought home a toy railroad set from a toy store one day and told Sarah she could run that railroad. Sarah was furious at Randal and refused to speak to him for a full week. Only when he apologized, did she forgive him, but she still felt the sting of his prank. Randal refused to finance her education. It would not get her married so it had no place in her life. Six months after the death of their parents, Randal announced they were going to Europe for a holiday. Their parents had planned the trip and many of the arrangements had been made. Randal had spent the last six months making sure he knew what was going on in the railroad. He left his father's orders in place, seeing no reason to change what was working well. Sarah actually looked forward to the trip. She had wanted to go to Europe for years. Randal gave her plenty of money for new dresses. He was hoping Sarah would meet a count or a duke or a prince that would turn her head and he might get her married off. He wanted to start his own family but felt an obligation to is father to see to Sarah's happiness and security first. They spent six weeks in Europe and Great Britain. Sarah met several young men who she found attractive but European attitudes toward women were even more repressive than what she had experienced in the United States. She allowed herself to be courted and she even kissed one you Austrian count but she did not meet a man she could even think about living the rest of her life with. She wondered if she ever would. Randal had a much better time than Sarah. He escorted several beautiful women to the opera and plays. He was introduced to the cream of the available daughters in 6 different countries. He was one of the wealthiest men in the United States and that fact was well known. He had delightful times with many of the young ladies and he was always a gentleman. He preferred to marry an American girl though. There were several he was considering. He knew, without an inflated ego, that he could have his pick of at least 8 daughters of wealthy families. Randal sensed that war was coming to Europe sooner or later. It concerned him deeply as a man of his wealth and position should be. He felt the fewer ties his company had to Europe, the more stable his business would be. When they had seen all that they had wanted to see in Europe, they came to England. They had distant relatives in London. They visited them for a week and even had an audience with the queen. That impressed even Sarah. Finally they decided they should return home. Randal had enjoyed the trip as had Sarah but Randal was disappointed. Sarah's attitude had not changed at all. She still wanted to go to college and get a degree. He didn't know why, but that was what she wanted. Randal discussed it with his English cousin, Sir Mallory. "Randal," Sir Mallory told him, "Sarah is a beautiful girl and she has a quick, sharp mind. It may be that the life of a housewife is not one she can accept. On the other hand, if she were to attend a university, mostly male students and instructors would surround her. Maybe she will get a degree but then maybe she will get a husband. What could it hurt, my boy, to send her off for a year. If she does well enough to continue, then let her. If she comes home with a young man on her arm, you have succeeded." Randal thanked the man for his advice and shook his hand. He had heard the wisdom in Sir Mallory's words. He would let Sarah attend the best university they could find that would accept her. He would surprise her with the news on the ship. Their birthday, April 16th, was approaching and he would have a party for her in New York. He sent several telegrams to Harvard, Yale and his own alma mater, William and Mary. He left instructions with the concierge at their hotel, asking him to forward the replies to their ship via wireless. Sarah would be thrilled to have received a wireless as well, wireless messages were quite popular. This would hopefully give him a telegram he could show Sarah at the party. Randal returned to the room with box of cigars under his arms. Sarah hated the smell of the cigars and Randal was a gentleman enough to not smoke in her presence. He had the box wrapped in oilpaper to keep the sea air out. Randal handed the box of cigars to the valet and told him to pack then in his valise so he could find them on board. Soon after, the bellboys came for their bags. Sarah was wrapping up since it was a chilly day and they had a long carriage ride to the train, which would take them to Southampton to catch the Titanic. Randal helped the two ladies, Sarah and Jane into the carriage and they were off. They arrived at the train in time for a tour of the ancient station. Randal wanted to read the paper so Sarah and Jane explored until it was time to board the train. They arrived at the station in Southampton and took another carriage to the dock. When they got out of their carriage, Sarah and Jane were awed by the sight of Titanic. It was tied up to the dock, huge even from the distance. Randal called a porter over to have their bags loaded on the Titanic. Sarah felt her heart skip a beat, Titanic! Oh how she had wanted to sail on her. She had not told Randal this, but she felt destiny at work here, Fate, if you will. She knew something special would happen on board Titanic that would change her life. Maybe she could find a man who would agree with her ideas about a woman's place in society, someone that she would want to spend the rest of her life with. Sarah did insist that he attempt to get them each a stateroom so she and Jane could have their privacy. Sarah had seen the advance advertising for the ship and knew that first class staterooms had either a private bath or an extra bedroom. If they did not get three staterooms, there would only be one bath for the three of them. She did not want to have to share a bath with her brother although she had no objection to doing so with Jane. Randal did succeed in obtaining three adjoining first class staterooms on B deck. Rooms B70, B74, B76. Randal arranged to have their luggage delivered to their rooms. Sarah and Jane began a tour of the ship. They entered through the gangplank for first class passengers and first located the staterooms they would stay in for the six-day trip. Sarah and Jane were both impressed with the elegance of the furnishings and the decor. They walked down the corridor to the grand staircase and up the stairs past the clock with the carving of allegorical figures of Honor and Glory crowning another hour of Time. Jane marveled at the beautiful chandelier. They walked out onto the Boat Deck, so named because the lifeboats hung there, and toward the bow of the ship. Sarah and Jane asked for a tour of the bridge. A young, handsome officer named James Moody very politely refused but promised them both a tour soon after the ship set sail and had cleared land. Sarah could tell the handsome young man had smote Jane. Jane didn't have much chance to meet young men and she was anxious to find herself someone before she got too old. The two young women walked away excited and happy. Sarah knew Jane would find a young man to marry soon and she would then lose her friend. However, if she married a ship's officer, she would have to remain home while he was at sea, maybe she would remain with Sarah? It was silly to try and plan others lives, Sarah knew, but she loved Jane like a sister. She told her many of her secrets and hopes. When Jane left her, it would be very hard on Sarah. She really did need to find a man she could love. Sarah wasn't against marriage or having children, she hoped to have at least three or four. She just didn't want to be a rich housewife with nothing interesting to do other than raise the children and keep an eye on the staff. Why couldn't a woman run a business. Just because men didn't want them to, that was why. Sarah was still stung by the fact that her father had left everything to Randal. Sarah and Jane toured the rest of the Boat Deck, so called because the lifeboats hung there, and found the gymnasium. It had the usual weights and rowing machines but it had something Sarah had never seen before. A mechanical camel! They laughed at the thought of riding such a device. They found the dinning room, again, very elegant. It was approaching lunch time and the two young ladies enjoyed a delicious meal from a magnificent buffet. As they left the dining room after eating, Sarah caught the eye of William Carstairs III, heir to the Carstairs fortune and the future Lord Carstairs. William was the son of the current Lord Carstairs and he was on his way to America to finalize some business dealings with a shipping company. He also hoped to meet a young American woman and perhaps marry her. He had no idea who she would be but he hoped to find a woman who would want to be his equal, not someone to follow in his footsteps. English women he found to be too set in tradition. Hopefully an American woman would be more progressive. He had not told his parents of his hope to find such a woman. It would be insulting to his mother and probably to his father as well. If he came home with a lovely young woman on his arm, he was sure they would accept her. William felt something when he saw Sarah. She was beautiful, small compared to many of the women he knew, but when he heard her speak he knew she was American. He asked a member of the dinning room staff who she was and obtained her name. Sarah Witherspoon. She was on board with her brother Randal. William knew the name. Rich American railroad owners. Parents killed less than a year ago. She was at least as wealthy as he was. Now to meet her. He would have a ship's officer introduce them tonight at dinner, as decorum demanded. A man did not walk up and engage a woman in conversation, unless they had been properly introduced. William ate his lunch quickly and returned to his stateroom on "B"deck. He selected his best suit and had his man press it. He then set off to find the one person who would know something about everyone on board ship. Lady Pricilla Smythe-Worthington. Lady P, as she preferred to be called, loved to know everything about everyone. It was her hobby and a harmless one since she would not spread harmful or mean spirited gossip, whether it was true or not. That made her very popular amongst the upper caste. Many people could confide in her because they knew she would not violate their privacy. Her husband Sir James Smythe-Worthington, had passed away several years ago and Lady P. used her hobby to amuse herself. She was on board the Titanic and William was a family friend. William knocked on Lady P.'s door. Her maid answered his knock and smiled to see a familiar face. She announced his as young Mr. Carstairs. Lady P. was very happy to see William, she thought him one of the finest young men she knew. On more than one occasion she had wished herself younger so she might pursue this tall, handsome future Lord. When he explained the purpose of his visit, Lady P smiled. She had begun to worry this young man was not interested in women. Not a common occurrence but it did happen. She didn't object to such things, she felt those kinds of things were up to the people who did them. She did so hate to see fine old family names brought to an end because the only male heir failed to produce a son. Lady P was in somewhat of a quandary. She had information she could share with this young man but it wasn't exactly what she considered pleasant. She didn't like to spread rumors and hateful stories, even if they were true. This was a very intelligent young woman, Sarah was. Lady P. had met Sarah and her brother just a few days ago at a reception in London. Sarah was beautiful and smart, her brother handsome and very well read. They were both courted by some of the most eligible young people in London. Randal responded to the attention but Sarah backed away. Lady P had an opportunity to speak to her and found out that Sarah wanted a life less ordinary than her mother had. She wanted to be involved in the family business. She wanted a husband that would treat her like his equal. These were hard things for Lady P to understand. She couldn't imagine any woman not wanting to be treated like a lady. While Sarah was certainly attractive and intelligent, she wasn't sure that she was the kind of girl Lord and Lady Carstairs envisioned as their daughter-in-law. Lady P did not make decisions for others though, she shared what she believed to be suitable information. She never broke the word she gave to hold something in confidence and she didn't talk badly about anyone. Now, this fine young man wanted her assistance in meeting and wooing this young woman. She felt it was a mistake, but that was not her concern. If they weren't right for each other, they would discover that for themselves. What to tell young William though? The truth might be too unflattering, lying was not an option. After some thought, Lady P decided to tell William the truth. Just not all of it. Miss Sarah Witherspoon was not shy about her opinions, she would not hesitate to tell William her thoughts on the way women should be treated. That would likely end the matter before it got out of hand. "William," Lady P began, "She is a sweet girl in many ways but she is a little outspoken on some matters. I'll leave it to you to discover what those matters are. Do not worry she will tell you all you want to hear and more on those subjects. Her parents were killed a number of months ago in a train accident, she has spent the last several weeks in Great Britain and Europe. They have distant relatives here. I believe you know Sir Mallory Wainscot?" William nodded; his father was good friends of Sir Mallory. "Lady P, do you know if she has a male friend that she may being waiting to marry?" William asked. "No dear, she has no plans to marry anytime soon. Of that I am sure." Lady P was reluctant to say more than that. "Lady P, you have met her, will you introduce me to her tonight at dinner?" William asked. He seemed as eager as a puppy dog. Lady P could not refuse such a request, even though she believed they would not have anything in common. William decided to take a stroll around the First Class promenade. He was keyed up and needed to work off some excitement. He heard what Lady P said and read between the lines. Knowing Lady P's abhorrence of passing unpleasant gossip, he knew she was hiding the whole truth. IF she said Sarah Witherspoon was outspoken and would elaborate, it meant she held views Lady P did not believe in. William hoped and prayed that meant she was not an ordinary girl. William made two circuits of the deck before returning to his stateroom for a bath and a nap. He was too keyed up to meet Sarah in this condition. Randal was walking the promenade as well at this time. He was lost in thought. Wondering how his business might be effected by a strike. What would happen to the railroad if they were unable to run for weeks at a time. How do you prevent a strike? It was something he would have to discuss with his board of directors when he returned. Randal stopped at the rail and gazed out at the receding shoreline, just barely visible. He liked the sea. It was always so peaceful and resting. He had no bad memories he could associate with the ocean. He decided he would build a home by the shore somewhere, maybe in Massachusetts. Lots of nice shoreline there. He noticed several attractive young women on board. Anyone of which could have been a diversion for him during the voyage. He choose not to approach any of them. He had several young women vying to be the next Mrs. Witherspoon. He would wait until he was back home and try to make his decision soon. When he got Sarah into college, he could start his family with a clear conscious. He walked past the radio room and checked to see if he had received any wireless messages from the colleges he had inquired to. None had came in so far. After walking a bit after lunch, Sarah and Jane returned to their staterooms. They marveled at the d?cor and furnishings. Sarah decided to have most of her good jewelry stored in the Pursers safe. Sarah sent Jane to the Purser's office to have her good jewelry stored and Jane became lost. She was helped on her way by the young bridge officer, Mr. Moody, who escorted her to the Purser's office. After she had taken care of her errand, Mr. Moody escorted her back to her stateroom. He suggested she might benefit from a guided tour of the ship and offered to give her one that evening when he was off watch. Jane asked Sarah and she was given the evening off for the tour. Sarah and Jane were in Sarah's room dressing for dinner. Sarah was dressing early because Jane was going to be out with Mr. Moody. Sarah had found out that he was the 6th officer and from a good family in England. He was well thought of by the other officers. When Sarah was dressed, she helped Jane dress for her date. She loaned Sarah a nice dress and some jewelry. She helped her fix her hair and made sure she knew how to resist any untoward advances. Sarah doubted that would happen but better safe than sorry. She wished Jane a good time and Jane left for her date. Sarah had little to do for more than an hour so she read a book until then. She anticipated a boring meal since Jane would not be with her to talk to. Randal would probably rush through dinner to run off to the smoking lounge so he could make new friends. He had admitted there were some very wealthy people on board that he wanted to meet. He had been disappointed to discover that J.P. Morgan had reserved a suite but then canceled at the last minute. When it was time for dinner, Randal knocked on Sarah's door. She answered and explained that she had given Jane the evening off. Randal nodded, not overly concerned with Jane's whereabouts. She was just a servant to him. Randal and Sarah entered the dinning room and were escorted to their table. They were sharing a table with the Comptons, Mrs. Mary Compton and her daughter Sara and son Alexander Jr. Some humor was made of the fact that two young women with the same name were seated at the same table on such a large ship. They made polite conversation until desert had been served then Randal excused himself and left for the First Class smoking lounge. Sarah was not surprised. She had known this would happen. She was now alone until Jane came back from her tour of the ship. Mr. Moody had to be back on duty in less than 2 hours. Sarah decided to go back to her room and read. As she was leaving, the maid for Lady Pricilla Smythe-Worthington approached her. She asked Sarah if she would visit Lady P at her table. Sarah jumped at the chance to meet Lady P again. She had so enjoyed talking to her in London. Lady P welcomed Sarah to her table. She then introduced Sarah to a very tall, handsome man. He had coal black hair which he wore short but neatly combed. He had warm brown eyes with a glint that spoke of adventure. He was over 6' 4, nearly a foot taller than Sarah. She was used to being so much shorter than her male companions though. He bowed and told her how happy he was to meet her. She could tell by his voice and his eyes he meant it. Sarah felt an immediate connection to him. Lady P, having handled the introduction as promised, said her goodnights and left the two young people alone at the table. They barely noticed her leave. Sarah and William talked for hours. In less than half an hour, William knew she was probably the girl he wanted to marry. They both wanted the same things in life. A home with children filled with love but also friendship. They each wanted a spouse that would compliment their lives, not to control or be controlled. They had made their way to the library where they talked. William had a brandy, Sarah had nothing to drink. It finally became so late they reluctantly agreed to return to their rooms. William escorted Sarah to her stateroom and bade her a goodnight. Sarah took his hand in hers and squeezed slightly. She had found a man who believed as she did! She had a hard time finding women who agreed with her. Even Jane didn't think Sarah's ideas were suitable for a young woman. William invited her to lunch with him tomorrow. He explained he had agreed to have breakfast with Lady P. Sarah accepted the invitation and they parted company with smiles. Randal was just coming down the corridor, smelling of cigar smoke and brandy, although he was not intoxicated. He observed William and Sarah exchanging goodnights. Randal paused in the hallway until Sarah went back in the room. When William approached Randal he stopped him and introduced himself. William and Randal spoke for a few minutes. After William left, Randal felt better than he had in years. Hopefully Sarah had finally found someone. It might actually lead to Sarah getting married. He would do everything he could to help this along. Th Carstairs were a fine family with extensive business holdings on both sides of the Atlantic. A marriage could be very good for all concerned. Randal went to bed, whistling. Sarah closed the door behind her and sighed. She had not been this happy in her entire life. She knocked on the connecting door to Jane's room softly. Jane did not answer so she was probably asleep. It was after midnight. Sarah pecked in her room and saw Jane asleep in her bed. Sarah really wanted to talk about her new beau but she would wait. She would not see him until tomorrow at 11:30am, an eternity. How could she last. She undressed, smiling the entire time, replaying the evening in her head. They had even talked business, she had made a suggestion about a shipping problem that William was struggling with. He had looked surprised and wrote it down. He told her he was going to send the suggestion to his father by wireless. Sarah fell asleep and dreamed of William and being held in his arms. The next morning, the two girls couldn't wait to tell the other about the evening they spent with their companions. They took turns and detailed the entire evening for each other. Mr. Moody took Jane on a tour of the ship. They toured the bridge and the bow. Jane having her breath taken away by the sight of so much water and the speed at which it flew past. She spoke excitedly of the dolphins they sighted swimming along side the ship. She was shown the wireless room and Mr. Moody had the operator send a message to Jane's mother, wishing her well. Mr. Moody knew this gesture would be a real prize to Jane's mother. The receipt of a wireless communication from the Titanic! Mostly they walked about the promenade and talked. James lived with his uncle who was a solicitor. His family had been in the funeral business in the past. He had always loved the sea. He took pride in his job and he took his responsibilities very seriously. When he was on duty, he had the lives of everyone on board in his hands. He returned Jane to her room thirty minutes before he was due to go back on duty so that he might freshen up and not be late. They had another walk planned for the following afternoon, when he was off duty. Sarah related her night with William. Jane was happy her lady had found a man who she could speak to. She didn't care much for some of what Sarah said but she loved her like a sister and wanted her to be happy. They took turns bathing and then they dressed for lunch. William came for Sarah right on time and they all three went to the dinning room. Sarah asked that Jane join them for lunch, she would be leaving just after eating. William gladly accepted the idea, telling Sarah and Jane he would be the envy of every man there with two such beautiful women sharing his table. Sarah and Jane both blushed at the compliment. The three set off to the dinning room. It was Friday morning, April 12th, 1912. The great ship had less than 3 days to live. Sarah and William spent most of the next two days together, getting to know each other. The ship had no pre-planned activities, each passenger was left to their own devices to amuse themselves. There was a reading and writing lounge and a library. A fencing room, a squash court. Turkish baths, the gymnasium and the smoking lounges. Mostly though, you could find Sarah next to William, strolling the deck, enjoying the fresh air and each other's company. For Jane and Sixth Officer James Moody, it was much the same. Jane had her duties to perform as did Mr. Moody but every available moment was spent together. They strolled the decks and ate meals together, happy just to be close to the other. Jane knew her heart was stolen from her and she was very happy about it. Meanwhile, in another part of the ship, Michael and Bridget O'Gabbin were having another argument. Bridget wanted to walk on the deck and look at the ocean. Michael wanted to lay in his bunk and die peacefully. A large, powerful man, he was humiliated by the fact that he was seasick. He was as sick as a wee child and had no control of his stomach. He hadn't eaten since the day before yesterday and he was miserable. Like many so called tough men, when he was sick, he was a baby about it. Bridget was tired of waiting on him hand and foot. She loved him, deeply and truly, but when he was like this, she didn't like him very much. "Come now Michael, get offa your arse and lets go up on deck, you'll feel better. Laying in bed like a wee bairn with a cold isn't befitting a man such as yourself." Bridget's green eyes were alive with anger beneath her flaming red hair. She was excited about her life to come in America. She had dreamed of immigrating for years. Now they were on the Titanic, bound for New York! But Michael was laying in bed like he was dying, over an upset tummy! She would leave him alone to his inflated misery except he would make her pay later on. Bridget was not going to sit in their tiny cabin while the entire ocean awaited her. she did something then that changed their lives, and the lives of others, forever. "Michael darlin', if I were to be making you feel better, would you be agreeable to coming up on deck with me?" Michael moaned and rolled over on his side. "Leave me be woman, I've no interest in slap and tickle just now. Let me suffer in silence." "Michael Clancey O'Gabbin, you don't suffer in silence, you moan and you groan like you're on your death bed. Now I have a way to make you feel better, would you be interested in giving it a whirl? It 'tis a bit strange I admit but it will be making you feel better." Michael was tired of hearing her complain and tired of being sick. He knew she wasn't tell him everything but if she would leave him be or make him feel better, he would try it. "Okay woman, and what do I have to do for this miracle to occur? Will St. Patrick touch me with his staff and cure me?" Bridget was digging through her suitcase, she came out with a small medallion on a chain. It was cheap looking, maybe made of copper. It was crudely made and quite old. On the face it had a figure that could have been a fairy or and angel that held a wand in it's hand. "Michael darling, let me put this around your neck." She slipped the chain over his neck and then she touched the medallion with her finger. Instantly they both felt a tingle run through their bodies. Bridget looked startled, she then began to undress rapidly. Michael snorted at her. "I told you I wasn't interested in any fooling around Bridget, so keep your clothes on!" Bridget ignored him, quickly stripping herself bare. She was blushing red at being so exposed, even in front of her husband of 3 years. Bridget was a comely lass, a trim figure and good skin, her red hair gave her a cream like complexion. But Michael noticed something wrong. Bridget seemed to be changing. Her hair was shorter and darker. She had hair growing out of her chest between her beautiful...they were shrinking as well! What was happening? Bridget looked scared , she had was staring at Michael. He was feeling funny himself. He looked at his hands and noticed they were almost hairless. He had dark brown hair that normally covered the backs of his hands but it was gone. He stood up. He no longer felt ill, but his clothes seemed to have gotten much looser. Michael was almost 10 inches taller that Bridget but they were nearly looking into each others eyes and as he watched, she became taller than he. "Mother of God! Bridget, what is happening to us?" Michael shouted. "Quiet now Michael, don't be telling the whole ship and I'll explain. My grandmother gave me the medallion you're wearing. It changes people into each other. We can change back, so don't you go worrying now." Michael lost control, he was faced with the fact that his manhood was being stripped from him by witchcraft and his wife was to blame. He lashed out and struck Bridget in the jaw. He had shrunk so much though that the blow had very little effect. However, Bridget jerked her head back to avoid his fist and banged her head on the steel shelf behind her. She collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Michael knelt by the person who now looked exactly like he used to. Bridget was breathing but she would not wake up. He needed to get her some help. He stood up and his trousers fell down around his ankles. He looked down and nearly passed out himself. There between his legs was...nothing! Well, something was there, but it didn't belong, not to him! Michael knew he must go fetch help for Bridget but he couldn't wear what he was wearing, damn the girl she looked like him now. For the first time in his life, Michael wished women wore britches. He had to put on the dress that Bridget just took off. Humiliated beyond words, he dressed. It took him much longer than it took Bridget, not knowing how to hook and fasten and the buttons being on the wrong side. Finally he was done. He glanced in the small mirror and saw his wife's pretty face reflected. Without a thought, his hands gathered his hair up and pinned it in place. He had only thought that it looked wrong hanging down like it was. He didn't understand how that happened but it made him look closer to normal, for Bridget that is. He spent some time putting on her shoes as well and then had to steel himself for the trip to the 3rd class medical station. He had to pretend to be Bridget. He couldn't tell them what happened, they'd lock him up for being daft. He practiced what he would say and discovered he sounded like Bridget as well. Steeling himself for the ordeal ahead, Michael opened the door and stepped out into the corridor. Just then a crew member in a white jacket passed Michael called out to him. "Steward, my wi... I mean my husband has hit his head, I need a doctor, could you be helping me please." The steward saw the small woman pleading for help and rushed into the cabin she had just left, there, laying on the floor was a naked man, unconscious. "Cover your husband madam, I'll go get the ship's doctor." he ran off. Michael threw a cover over Bridget's still body. He knelt by her again and whispered how sorry he was for striking her. She moved slightly at hearing her name. This gave Michael hope. Soon the ship's doctor, assigned to the 3rd Class section came into the room along with 3 stewards. They helped place Bridget in the bed and cover her up. The stewards then left. The doctor examined Bridget thoroughly. "Your husband has what we call a concussion. He has suffered a severe blow to the head. His breathing is strong and there is no indication of any broken bones. I would just let him sleep until he wakes up and he will be fine in a few days. If he hasn't woken up by 10:00pm, have a steward come get me again." Michael sat down beside the bed and waited for Bridget to wake up so he could find out how to change back. While he waited, his mind wondered. He began to think about the opportunities for him in America. Michael had worked hard all his short life. At 24, he had nothing except what fit into his suitcases. They had saved up for 3 long years, since their wedding day, to go to America. Now they were on their way. Michael vowed Bridget a rude awakening for what she had done to him. She stirred and rolled over. He thought that was a good sign. He knew the medallion was the cause of the witchcraft but he wasn't sure how. He thought about how it had happened. She had placed the medallion around his head and then she. . . she touched it. That was it. He was wearing the medallion and then she touched it. Michael took the medallion from the pocket of the dress he was wearing and put it around Bridget's neck. Then he touched the medallion. Nothing happened, he waited several minutes and then he tried again, still nothing. Michael took the medallion off of Bridget and put it around his own neck, resting between his new breasts. He picked up Bridget's hand and touched the medallion. No changes began. Michael began to worry that he was stuck. Bridget may have got it wrong. Maybe he could change with someone else though. Why not try that, get up on deck, find a rich American and trade bodies with him. Then he would be set for sure. Of course Bridget would be without her husband, and she would be a man, but she caused this, she should bear the brunt of the punishment. Having made his mind up, Michael prepared for his trip up to first class. He would need to wear a nicer dress. Bridget had a green dress that set her hair off. I had been a present from her parents. Michael had wished they had given them the money, now the dress would come in handy. It was easier and quicker to change clothes now. Michael wasn't panicked and he relaxed enough that his hands seemed to know what to do. When he was as ready as he would ever be, he made his way up the staircase to the poop deck and from there he got up to first class by smiling nicely at a young man at a gate. Michael began strolling around the deck, looking for an American gentleman, not too old, not too young, wealthy looking. He saw plenty of English men but there was no English man alive Michael O'Gabbin would choose to be! He finally spotted a young man with a thoughtful look on his face. Staring out over the ocean. Michael approached him and touched his shoulder. "Begging your pardon sir," he said in his wife's sweet, high voice, "are you an American?" "Randal looked at the pretty girl standing there. She was dressed rather shabbily for First Class and with that Irish brogue he suspected she was really a 2nd or 3rd Class passenger. She was attractive with shining red hair and bright green eyes. "Yes miss, I am, how may I help you?" Randal asked. Please sir, my luggage was lost and all I have is this dress I'm wearing and this medallion. 'Tis old but not very valuable. Could you look at it and tell me is it is worth much of anything?" Randal reached out for the medallion. He stopped before touching it. He reached into his wallet and extracted a twenty dollar bill. He handed the bill to the girl and advised her to return to the proper deck before the steward caught her. Randal walked away then. Michael took the bill and walked off hoping the American wasn't going to report him. He tried for another hour and could not locate another American man that was suitable. He was about to give up when he had a thought. What about an American woman? If he changed with a single woman, he could always change with a man later, he just had to make sure he had the medallion when the change was done. Plus, by changing with a woman, he would already be dressed and wouldn't have to worry about being a man in a dress. Michael walked around the deck a little longer and found two young women chatting. One was dressed much better than the other, in fact, one seemed to be in a maid's uniform. Michael approached them. He heard them discussing two young men named James and William. "Begging your pardon Miss, could I trouble you for some advice?" Michael asked Sarah. "Yes, how may I help you?" she replied. "I have heard it said that it is possible to earn as much as three whole dollars a day as a maid in New York. I have had some training, so where should I be looking for work when I get there?" Michael asked. It was a weak excuse for talking to her but it was all he could think of. Sarah was unsure why this girl wanted to ask her this. She felt sure the girl didn't belong in First Class. Sarah suggested she try the hiring agencies that specialized in domestic help. The girl thanked her and turned to go. She stopped and turned back. "Miss, you have done me a kindness. Please let me return it. I would like you to be having this good luck charm. It has done much to change my life and I must pass it on to another or it will become bad luck. Will you accept it, please?" Sarah looked at the medallion. It was very ugly but she also looked into the eyes of the girl. Such green eyes. She saw an intensity that she had not seen often before. This was very important to her. Sarah agreed to accept the medallion from her. Michael handed the medallion to her and Sarah put it on. She looked down at the medallion and shuddered mentally. She would remove it as soon as possible. Michael felt himself trembling. He reached over to touch the medallion with his finger. He was just inches from the medallion when his arm was grabbed by a large hand. "Okay young lady, lets be getting you back to 3rd class where you belong." A large steward said as he began to drag Michael away. "But, my medallion, I need it back. Please sir, my medallion, let me get it back!" Michael was horrified, he had lost the medallion. If he couldn't get it back, he would be a woman all the rest of his days! "Now lass I heard you give it to that fine lady, so shut up" The steward was smaller than Michael as a man but much larger as Michael in Bridget's body. He felt fear like he had never experienced before. Yesterday, he would have pounded this man into the ground and not broke a sweat. Today he was trembling in terror. Besides beating him, there was something more terrible the man could now do to Michael. The steward pushed Michael along, not releasing his grip on Michael's slim arm. They reached the third class stairway and the steward shoved Michael down the stairs. When they reached the deck Michael and Bridget's cabin was on, the steward allowed Michael to lead the way. The steward wanted to speak to Michael's "husband" about his being on the wrong deck. Michael protested his "husband" was asleep and couldn't be disturbed, the steward forced his way into the room. It was empty. Michael was scared something had happened to Bridget. He forgot that just two hours ago he had left, never intending to return, willing to strand his young wife in his male body. Now he desperately wanted her to come back. The steward stepped closer to Michael and pulled him close. Michael struggled but could not break free. The steward kissed Michael roughly on the mouth. Michael tried to scream but the steward was holding their mouths together and Michael was not strong enough to escape. Just then the cabin door opened. "And what do you think your doing with...my wife there bucko?" It was Michael's voice but Bridget was controlling it. Michael was released and the steward felt himself lifted off his feet and flung backwards. "Touch me wife again and you'll land in the ocean." Bridget said, menace dripping from each word. The steward scrabbled to his feet and ran out the door. A much relieved Michael wrapped his arms around the man who was his wife. "On thank God you got here in time Bridget, that man meant to... to... he meant to have relations with me! Oh Bridget, how can we change back, please tell me." Michael was nearly crying. "Give me the medallion Michael." Bridget said. Michael cast his green eyes down and turned away. "I lost it." he mumbled. "What?" Bridget bellowed. "How did you lose it?" Michael explained. Then he sat down and cried. Bridget was stunned. She was trapped in this huge body that she did not want to be in. She was looking forward to bearing children. What would she do now? How could Michael be so stupid as to try and change bodies with a stranger without knowing how the medallion worked. But she was to blame also, she should have told Michael what she was going to do. Now, without the medallion, they were condemned to live each other's lives. Bridget sat down and wept for her loss and the loss of the children she would never suckle. Sarah watched the woman dragged off, protesting. She shook her head but the incident was quickly forgotten as William approached. He had some business to take care of and had agreed to meet them on deck at this time. Jane was waiting for Mr. Moody as well and he appeared soon after. The two couples went their own way and were soon lost in their own conversations, forgetting about the strange girl and her medallion. Sarah and William spent the entire day together, walking, talking, falling in love. Sarah knew she was in love that night as William said goodnight. Feeling bold, Sarah stepped close to him and he took her in his arms, they kissed and her heart melted. A thousand thoughts ran through her head, they said, I love him. The kiss lasted forever but ended much too soon. Sarah wanted to never leave his side but they to part and Sarah went inside her room. She undressed and crawled into bed. While undressing, she discovered she was still wearing the medallion. She took it off and placed it on her table. The next morning Randal escorted her to breakfast, William having to meet with some business associates who were also traveling on the Titanic. They chatted about the weather and the ship and then Sarah told Randal she thought she was in love with William. Randal was happier than she had ever seen him. He told her William was a fine man from a good family and he hoped they would be happy. Sarah reminded Randal that she had no way of knowing if William was in love with her. Randal offered to ask him. "You'll do no such thing. Don't you dare say a word to him." she was very angry at him until she saw his smile. He had been making a joke. Randal never joked, this must be more important to him than she knew. "I do love him Randal. I don't know what I'll do if he doesn't love me." Sarah said with a sigh. Randal wanted to help the matter get settled but he wisely knew he should stay out of it. He would trust that something would happen to resolve the matter one way or the other. Randal and Sarah returned to their staterooms. She had told William she would wait for him there. He had warned her it might be afternoon before he could get away. She had resigned herself to playing cards with Jane or reading when Jane was away with Mr. Moody, as she was now. Randal and Sarah went to their own rooms and Sarah looked for the book she was reading. It had been moved by the cleaning staff. She spotted the medallion and smiled at how ugly the thing was. She changed out of her dress. Since she was going to be waiting several hours, she didn't want to be trussed up in her corset the whole time. While she liked the way it made her look, she was just as uncomfortable in them as any other woman. After putting on a dressing gown Sarah again picked up the medallion and put it on. She went to the connecting door between her room and Jane's. She then walked across Jane's empty room to the door that connected to Randal's. She knocked on the door and called his name. Randal opened the door and stepped aside to allow his sister to enter. "Randal have you ever seen anything uglier than this medallion?" Sarah related the story to Randal of the girl's approach and strange question and how she was escorted back to third class. Sarah held the medallion out for Randal to see. He took the medallion in his hand and they both felt a tingle. Randal dropped the medallion. It hung about Sarah's neck. Laying against her dressing gown. "Did you feel that?" Randal asked. Sarah nodded. "I felt it all over my body. It was very strange." she looked at Randal and gasped. "Your hair, it's growing!" she exclaimed. Randal reached up and felt his hair, normally short, it was now over his ears and still progressing. Randal was shocked. "What could have caused this?" He wondered aloud. Sarah noticed that her robe was becoming tight in places. She loosened the sash, but a moment later it was tight again. She could also tell she was growing taller. Or Randal was growing shorter. She felt her hair starting to smart as if someone was pulling it. She undid her hair clips and pins and her hair fell to her shoulders. It used to fall to her waist. "Did you cut your hair?" Randal asked in a strangely high pitched voice. "No, not for over a year." Sarah replied with a much lower pitched voice than she was accustomed to having. The changes continued, many hidden by clothing but felt by the siblings. Sarah stared at her brother, he looked exactly like her! she turned to the mirror and saw her brother's face staring back at her. they had traded bodies somehow! How could this have happened? Randal had discovered the same thing Sarah had, they were now in each other's bodies. He started to panic, he couldn't be a woman, he was a man, he had to find someway to get back to his real body. "Randal," Sarah said, "this must be because of the medallion. That tingle we felt when you touched it. Try touching it again." Randal reached out with Sarah's slim hand and touched the medallion with trembling fingers. nothing happened. they tried putting the medallion on Randal and Sarah touched it but to no result. "I must go find the girl who gave me the medallion, she must have been trying to change places with me. I'll find her and we'll pay her to change us back if we have to." Randal said he should handle the matter. "Okay, Randal, which of my dresses would you like to wear, and then, what does the girl look like? An Irish girl with red hair and green eyes? How many are there on board do you think?" Randal agreed he would have to wait in the room. "But you need to wait in my room. Jane would find it very strange to find you in your room, naked, and thinking it was me." Randal was mortified. He was going to have to pretend to be Sarah if Jane came back before Sarah did. "I'll make a slip if I have to speak to Jane for long." Randal told Sarah. She agreed and told him to tell Sarah he was feeling ill. She would leave him alone then. Randal helped Sarah dress in one of his suits. they were embarrassed about seeing each other's naked bodies, but they quickly realized they were really looking at their own bodies. Sarah promised to be back soon and she headed for the third class section. she found a ships officer and described the steward who had escorted the girl away. Sarah fund the man and he told her what cabin the red haired woman was in with her husband. Sarah knocked on the door of the cabin. a large man, about Sarah's age opened the door. Sarah saw the woman sitting in a chair, she looked like she had been crying. Sarah asked to speak to the man alone. the man told the woman to stay put and they went up on deck to talk. Sarah told the man his wife had given the medallion to "his" sister and a change had occurred. They needed to know how to reverse the change. the man asked if they still had the medallion. Sarah had it in her pocket but told the man it was back in her stateroom, in a safe. The man explained the properties of the medallion, it could change one person wearing it into another person by touching a piece of clothing to it. the wearer would become who ever had last worn that piece of clothing. two people could trade places also. one would wear the medallion and the other touched it, they would then change places. you could change back, but you had to wait at least 12 hours although the medallion could work on another person immediately. The only time waiting 12 hours wouldn't work was in the case of women. A pregnant woman could not change nor could a woman who was in the midst of her 'monthlies', as the man put it. Relieved that she knew how to return to being Sarah, she thanked the man and began to leave. he stopped her. he wanted the medallion back, it was a family heirloom, Bridget shouldn't have tried to give it to anyone. Sarah explained they could have it back when they reached New York, assuming her sister was back to normal. the man looked upset but he agreed. they shook hands and agreed to meet when the boat docked. As the man walked off, Sarah called out, "Bridget." the man spun, he was caught. Sarah smiled and turned to go, the man called back, good day Miss. Sarah turned and knew she was caught also. they smiled at each other. Sarah returned to her room. Jane had not returned yet and she explained the situation to Randal. "I see, we just stay in our rooms until about midnight and we can change back. That's easy enough to do." "Well, I'm going to try out being a man for the day and you are going to see William for me. I don't want to take a chance of losing him." Sarah announced. "I am not going out of this stateroom Sarah, you can forget that idea right now. I am a man and I will not walk around the ship in a dress on the arm of another man. It would not be seemly." Randal attempted to look stern but succeeded only in looking cute, in Sarah's eyes. Sarah laughed at her brother. "Randal, I am going to spend the day being you and you are going to spend the day being me. If you do not do so to my satisfaction you will remain in my body until we reach New York. Plus, if you don't convince William, you could find me living in your home for quite some time. It is to your advantage to be convincing. We will meet tonight at midnight and we will change back then. This experience will give us both some valuable insight into what it feels like to be each other." Randal wanted to argue the point but he had no bargaining position. Sarah held all the cards. Sarah had the medallion and she had the male body. as long as he was in her body, he was without property or any real money. She was right, it would give him a look at the world through his sister's eyes, but he didn't care for the view. Resigned to spending the day as Sarah, Randal asked her to help him dress. Sarah smiled and selected all the clothes her brother would need to put on. it took him awhile to dress but finally he was presentable. He had always known his sister was an attractive woman so it came as no surprise to see the beautiful young woman staring back at him from the mirror. "What shall I talk to William about?" Randal asked. "Business, England, America a woman's place in the world. He agrees with me by the way. I'm sure you can find a common ground. I will want to know what you discussed and how you appraise his kissing ability, I think he is quite good at it." Sarah laughed at the look on her brother's pretty face. It was priceless. "You don't expect me to kiss him, do you?" Randal said, with a quake in his voice. "Of course not, I have my reputation to think of. But when he kisses you, and he will, I expect you to kiss him back. You will find it fairly nice, I do." "I am not kissing a man, that is final." "Okay, but if you don't, we don't change back until we reach New York." Sarah was enjoying this very much. Sarah smiled at the sight of the woman her brother had become. She realized now how attractive she really was. She mentally sighed, wishing she were going to be spending the day with William but the chance to experience life as a man, even for just a few hours was too tempting to pass up. she planned on spending time in the smoking lounge this evening talking to the OTHER rich important men who were on board. It occured to he rthat she was now one of the richest men on earth and thereby a very powerful man. That much power is very heady stuff. But Sarah did love William and she enjoyed being a woman, although she had not yet sampled carnal love. That of course was something reserved for her honeymoon. Sarah reminded Randal to remember "her" name and set off to find out what being a man was all about. She returned to Randal's room and became aware of a slightly different yet familiar type of discomfort. She had to use the toilet. Well, it would be much easier this time, not having to disrobe practically, but she was going to have to touch something she had never seen before today. While dressing before going to look for the girl "Bridget", Sarah had found out that men had there pants cut a certain way depending on how they "dressed", right or left. Randal preferred to "dress right", his right pants legs being cut just a little fuller than the left. Sarah stepped into the bathroom and took care of the business at hand. when she finished she was relieved in more ways than one. Sarah decided to head up on deck. she patted the pockets of her, rather Randal's jacket for his wallet and found his leather cigar case. It was designed to hold three cigars and keep them from being crushed. She opened it and observed two cigars in it. she took a cigar out and inhaled it's aroma. Sarah hated the odor of cigar smoke but she found this to be pleasant, comforting. She had a sudden urge to sample this vice of her brothers, she found his box of cigars and placed a cigar in the empty slot of the case. She then headed up to the promenade deck. Arriving on deck she cast about for any one she might know and seeing no one she strolled about for a while, building up the nerve to light a cigar. she finally imitated what she had seen Randal and her father do many times. Take the cigar out, use a small silver pin to poke a hole in the end of the cigar, and apply a lit match t