The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic

Madeleine tells Jakey the press discovered them again in Rome, so they hid in their hotel for Easter. At least among the first-class passengers on the Titanic, there would be no journalists. They wait for hours in Cherbourg as the Titanic was delayed in Southampton. They encounter Margaret Brown, who is called home to attend to an ill grandson. Madeleine says it was a relief to see her, but in retrospect, she would not have wished that voyage on anyone, much less a friend.

April 10, 1912. Madeleine feels hot and sick in the crowded waiting room. She meets a friend, Mrs. Bucknell, who claims she has “the most foreboding feeling about getting on that ship” (196). Jack assures her the Titanic is the safest ocean liner in the world. Finally, the Titanic sails into sight, and they take the tenders out to board her, as the ship is too large to dock. It feels treacherous, walking the gangplank, but once aboard, the Titanic feels firm and steady. The reception room is enormous and opulent; Madeleine feels she has stepped back in time. Ismay welcomes them, and Jack asks for a tour of the ship. It feels more like a hotel than a ship, Madeleine thinks.