As he pulled away, she cocked her head to one side, the soft skin of her alabaster cheek brushing his and said in a breathy whisper, “Well then, dance with me.”
Smiling a crooked grin, Charlie nodded, saying “All right, then, Miss Meg.” Taking her hand in his, he led her out to the makeshift dance floor, muttering quietly under his breath “but you’ll be sorry you asked.”
Except she wasn’t sorry. As the rhythm of drums and violin increased, he wrapped one arm tightly around her waist, still holding her other hand in his and began to move her swiftly around the dance floor. Neither of them had any clue how to do the steps the Third Class passengers around them knew so well, but that didn’t stop them from trying, and when they couldn’t figure it out at all, Charlie would take the lead in one of the many ballroom dances he did know, which oddly enough, from his perspective, she seemed to know as well. He twirled her around with the grace of a trained, yet unchoreographed, dancer until they were both laughing so hard their sides were aching. Finally, the music shifted, the beat slowing a bit, and Charlie pulled Meg’s body close to his, beads of sweat beginning to glisten on his forehead, as he led her into a sensuous Tango.
Meg smiled a mischievous grin, and as she followed him with the expertise only one well-versed in such an intricate dance could surmise, she couldn’t help but giggle at the confused expression on his handsome face.
Charlie spun her around so that her back was pressed against him, her head resting on his shoulder. Leaning in closely, his lips pressed closely to her ear, he whispered, “How do you know the Tango?”
With a wicked smile, Meg pulled away, unfurling herself in a passionate crescendo, one arm raised above her head, the other hand still firmly grasping his. As he pulled her back toward him, she replied, “My mother taught me.” Her eyes were locked on his, and rather than continuing with the intricate steps, she let him lead her in a steady rocking motion back in forth with the beat of the music. After a moment, she continued, not sure why she felt compelled to further her explanation but feeling a bit of solace in those now familiar green eyes. “Mother always loved to dance. She probably knew all of the proper steps we’re supposed to be doing as well,” she added as a redirection.
Charlie smiled, releasing her hand and sliding his arms around her more tightly. Still entranced by her eyes, he laughed, “You’re a remarkable dancer, especially for someone who claims to have no idea what she’s doing.”
Meg was very aware of just how tightly he was holding her, and while she knew she should be cautious, particularly because of the alcohol she had consumed, there was something so familiar about Charlie, so reassuring, she was neither hesitant nor apprehensive at his touch. Placing her arms around his neck she replied quietly, “Thank you. You are also highly skilled at the art of pretend dancing.”
Charlie said nothing in reply, only continued to stare into her eyes, shaking his head in disbelief. As Meg leaned her head against his shoulder, her soft breathing caressing his neck, all thoughts of his life before Titanic began to fade, and all he could think about was how very lucky he was to have met such a remarkable young lady in such perfect timing.
Meg wasn’t sure how much time had passed as she melted into the solace of Charlie’s embrace, but after what could have been minutes or hours later, a sharp poking on her shoulder brought her out of her trance, and she turned to see familiar Irish eyes squinting at her. “Excuse me, for a moment, won’t you Charlie?” Kelly asked as she pried Meg out of his arms, pulling her away a few steps. In a harsh whisper, she asked “Meg, darlin’, what are you doin’?”
“I don’t know,” she replied honestly. She was fully aware that just a short time ago, she had insisted that Kelly prevent her from going anywhere near Charlie Ashton, and now, here she was wrapped in his arms, dancing the night away. “But I’m not drunk anymore, that’s for certain. And… I really want to be with him.” She nervously raised her hand to her mouth, beginning to chew on her fingernails as she waited for a reply, much like a young child waiting to see what punishment her mother had in store.
Kelly absently brushed Meg’s hand away from her mouth, the fire in her voice evident as she asked, “So you are choosin’ to break this kind man’s heart? Again?”
“No, I’m not… I’ll… figure it out….” Meg replied, adamantly shaking her head, her hands neatly folded in front of her.
With a loud sigh, Kelly placed both hands on Meg’s shoulder and looked her squarely in the eyes. “All right, well as you do so, please bear in mind he is now my husband’s employer, okay, love?”
“I know, Kell. I know,” Meg assured her.
“I need to get back to the girls, so Jonathan has offered to walk me to the cabin. Do you feel all right about me leavin’ you with Charlie?” Kelly asked, crossing her arms across her chest and glancing over her shoulder to where Charlie was standing, speaking to Jonathan who was now at his side.
“Yes, of course,” Meg nodded.
“All right. Jonathan will probably come back once he’s got me home anyhow. Please be careful, love. I don’t want to see either one of you be put through any more foolishness if it can be avoided,” Kelly warned
Once again, Meg nodded and gave Kelly a quick hug before she met up with Jonathan, who concluded his conversation with Charlie and gave Meg a small wave goodbye. With one last glance in Meg’s general direction, Kelly made her way over to the stairwell alongside the valet and disappeared into the crowd, leaving an indecisive Meg to her own devices.