Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Violet

Baby's Breath

She unwraps the makeshift blanket parcel and stares in amazement at the baby in her arms. The surprise soon turns to concern.

She wraps the eiderdown she has borrowed to keep her warm around its tiny form. She wonders where the baby's parents are. She looks around the boat as if expecting to find the baby's mother or father there, and is surprised to see they have already launched and are rowing away from the ship.

All night as they drift, helpless in the cold, the tiny baby in her arms is her anchor. When the Titanic gives out a rending moan, splits and sinks, she soothes the baby as she cries.

She carries the baby close to her heart, tucking her hands around her tiny fingers. She sings an old song her mother taught her, the words muddled, her voice a whisper– but it helps to dampen the sounds that wash with the waves towards their boat.

As the night progresses and an awful silence settles, she and the sea rock the baby, and sometimes the baby sleeps. Then she holds her face close to hers, breathing in the scent of the baby's head. She remembers holding her baby sister like this, and the thought brings her closer to her.

She reaches into the pocket of her skirt and runs her fingers over the stiches of the sampler she has tucked there. A precious gift– just like the baby in her arms.