The Lost Sister by Kathleen McGurl (i can read book club .TXT) 📕

her back on Emma and began flinging items into drawers. After a moment she turned back again, her face red with fury. ‘Honestly, Emma. You’re so controlling. I’d never open your trunk and go through it. It’s private. Yet you thinks nothing of rummaging in mine. You treats me like a 6-year-old. I’m only three years younger than you, and now we’re both grown women that means nothing.’

‘Rubes, sorry, I didn’t think you’d …’

‘You didn’t think. Listen, Emma, if we’re to get along while we’re both on this ship you needs to start acting as though I’m your equal. Who’s the girl you used to share with? Mary? Treat me as you would treat her. You wouldn’t have gone through her trunk, would you? So don’t go through mine. Otherwise we’ll fall out, you and me. And that would be a shame, especially as we’re stuck here together now.’

‘All right. I do take your point. Calm down, Ruby. I won’t touch your things again.’ Ruby was overreacting, Emma thought. They were sisters, for goodness’ sake. They had no secrets from each other. At least not now all that trouble with Harry Paine was over.

‘Just go away, will you, Emma, while I finish this? Give me a bit of space?’

Emma stared at her sister, then turned and left the cabin. If Ruby was going to be like that there was no point staying. She had so much she wanted to tell Ruby about life on board ship, but clearly Ruby wasn’t in the mood to hear it now. You’d have thought she’d have made the most of having a sister who knew the ropes, but no. Ruby, as usual, seemed to want to do things her own way. Well, at least Emma had tried to help her. She wandered off in search of Mary or Violet. Anyone from her previous voyages.

Halfway along the galley she spotted a familiar face, but not one she’d expected to see. She broke into a broad grin. ‘Martin! What on earth … I thought you’d sailed on the Olympic!’

‘Hello, Emma my love. After you left with Ruby on sign-on day, I pleaded to be allowed to swap. The clerk grumbled a bit but when he realised how experienced I am he agreed I’d be of more use on this ship. So here I am!’ He took a quick look up and down the galley as if making sure they wouldn’t be seen, then flung his arms around her. ‘We’re together again! I hated the idea of being apart from you for weeks.’

She snuggled into his embrace. ‘So did I. I’m so glad you’re here with me.’

‘Always.’ He kissed her, then let go quickly as a nearby door opened and another steward came out of a cabin. ‘See you later. I think I’m working with your sister on this voyage. I can help look after her.’

‘Thanks.’ Maybe Ruby would settle down with kind, steady Martin at her side showing her the ropes.

It wasn’t long before the first- and second-class passengers began to embark, and the stewards and stewardesses had to be on hand to greet those they’d be looking after. The Captain – Emma was pleased to see it was the jolly, bearded Captain Smith again who’d been in charge on a number of Olympic sailings – greeted all the first-class passengers personally. A nice touch, Emma thought. It made those who’d paid such a lot of money for the crossing feel special and secure in the knowledge that the Captain himself was looking out for them.

As they set sail, it seemed as though everyone was on deck, including the crew. The first- and second-class passengers and their stewards were on the promenade deck, the third class thronged the poop deck, and what must be half the population of Southampton were on the quayside waving the ship off – more people than had come to see the Olympic sail, a year before. The Titanic had been billed as being even more luxurious than her sister and the publicity had obviously paid off. Emma spotted J.J. Astor and his new wife on board – Violet had told her he was one of the richest people in the world. She also saw a young woman in first class who looked familiar. ‘Why do I feel like I recognise her?’ she said, as she pointed the woman out to Ruby.

‘Because you’ve seen her at the pictures,’ Ruby answered. ‘That’s the film actress, Dorothy Gibson. My, the rich and famous really are on board, aren’t they?’

‘Told you they would be,’ Emma replied, with a triumphant smile, glad that she and Ruby seemed to be friends again, after the argument over unpacking.

That first evening in their cabin, Emma smiled at her sister. ‘Like old times, isn’t it, you and me sharing a room?’ She’d shared with Lily on her visits home ever since her first voyage. It felt good to have the chance to reconnect with Ruby.

‘Yes, I suppose so.’ Ruby flopped down onto her bed, looking exhausted. ‘Did you forget to tell me it was so tiring, or had I forgotten?’

‘I think I mentioned it. Don’t worry, you’ll soon get used to it,’ Emma replied. She wasn’t sure whether Ruby had forgiven her yet for the incident with the trunk. Maybe she’d forgotten all about it. That was the thing with Ruby – her moods could change in seconds, from happy, loving, and friendly to wilful, grumpy, and stubborn. You never knew how she’d react to anything you did or said.

‘I hope so. Your friend Martin’s been helpful.’ Ruby rolled onto her back, an arm flung across her face.

‘Good, I knew he would help you. You’re very lucky being paired with him.’

‘Mmm. Yes, I think I am. He’s a bit of a dish.’

Emma’s mouth dropped open. Was there a danger that Ruby would flirt with Martin and turn his head? Ruby was prettier than her, and livelier, and maybe he’d think her more fun to be with. Had Ruby not realised