Forget Me Not by Sue Lawson Read Free Book Online Page A

have just the poem.”
    “That would be good.” Eve studied the doll’s shoes. “Thank you.”
    Meggie asked the barber for a pen and signed, her tongue poking out as she completed a sketch to accompany her words.
    Hugh flipped through the book checking the other entries before adding his own. Eve pretended not to be interested in what he was writing, but Thomas saw her glances.
    “Done,” said Hugh, handing the book back to Eve. “Why don’t we show you the poop deck, Eve? Perhaps more dogs are being walked.”
    “I suppose so,” said Eve.
    Thomas wondered if Eve was a little sweet on Hugh. It would explain why she had started to emerge from her bad mood. He smiled as he held the door open for her and Meggie.
    “What?” snapped Eve.
    “Nothing,” said Thomas. “Nothing at all.”
    He watched Eve and Hugh talk as they climbed the stairs to the poop deck. Thomas stopped. It was one thing for his sister to have feelings for his new friend, but what if Hugh felt the same about Eve? Hugh was his friend, not Eve’s.

Friday, April 12, 1912

DAY THREE

16
EVE GILMORE
    To my friend Eve
,
“Life is mostly froth and bubble
,
Two things stand like stone
,
Kindness in another’s trouble
,
Courage in your own.”

Australian poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon
Warmest wishes, Evelyn Marsden,
RMS
Titanic
, 11/04/1912
    “What do you two have planned for today?” asked Father. He leaned back in his chair, contented after his breakfast of grilled ox kidneys, bacon and fried potato, three pieces of toast with butter and marmalade and a cup of tea. Mother was not so contented. She had watched him eat with narrowed eyes.
    “A walk in the fresh air for starters,” said Thomas, his eyes bright and ready for action. “Will you accompany me, Eve?”
    I felt the weight of Mother’s scowl. “Fresh air and exercise would be marvellous,” I said.
    Mother folded her arms. “What has brought about your change of mood?”
    “Leave the girl be,” said Father. “Fresh air sounds like a splendid start to the day, Eve.”
    “But after morning tea, Evelyn, you will care for Bea.”
    “Certainly.” I turned to my sister. “You, Ted and I could explore a little, Bea.”
    Bea nodded.
    “Only in the permitted areas,” said Mother.
    “Of course,” I said.
    While Thomas talked about the fiddlers accompanied by men with tin whistles and a squeeze box he’d seen on the poop deck, I finished my cup of tea and wondered about Mother’s mood. Or moods. Eyes lowered, I watched her bird-like movements and her drawn face. There was no sign of her old softness.
    With us, especially Father, she was angry and snappy, but when other passengers or the
Titanic
stewards were around, she straightened her back and with her head high, waved her hands around like royalty. She really was too confusing.
    I lowered my cup and realised for the first time in days, months, I felt quite happy. Perhaps it was because I hadn’t dreamed at all the previous night.
    After breakfast Thomas and I met Hugh and Meggie outside the dining room.
    “Good morning, Eve,” said Hugh, bowing his head. It was difficult to tell if he was genuine or making fun at my expense. “What do you two have planned for today?”
    “A walk to take the air and to admire the view,” I said.
    “Would you and Meggie care to join us?” asked Thomas.
    “Or perhaps you and Eve would like to accompany us to the swimming bath.” Hugh stared into my eyes as though daring me. I would like to see first class just as much as them.
    “I can’t think of anything more pressing,” I said, refusing to look away from him. “What about you, Thomas?”
    “Sounds wonderful,” said Thomas.
    “However,” I added. “I refuse to go anywhere …” I searched for words to describe the places I wouldn’t stray.
    “I won’t dream of taking you anywhere crass, your ladyship.”
    I sucked in my cheeks. What was it about him that infuriated me so?
    “The key to this,” said Hugh, holding open the