Letters from Elsewhere: Katie

It’s Friday again and time to meet Katie Button. It was supposed to be a new start for Katie and James but Jack’s arrival at Southampton forces Katie to board and travel alone to New York with the promise that James will follow as soon as he can. Oh and the ship Katie is travelling on is called the Titanic. Here’s her letter to James.

14th April 1912

Dearest James,

I am somewhere in the Atlantic, surrounded by nothing but blue sea as far as the eye can see. It’s been a calm sailing so far, a bit chilly today though but a bracing walk along the promenade is rather invigorating.

I’ve met and made a friend. Her name is Polly. She’s from Ireland and like me, travelling on her own. But downstairs (third class) they know how to make everyone feel welcome with wonderful music and dancing. I feel comfortable with Polly and her friends; I can talk to them about my life as it’s pretty similar to Polly’s. She was a maid too and is looking for a new life in America. I think we’ll stick together when we reach New York. It won’t be so daunting.

I’ve been thinking of you and your father. I hope he’s not suffering and I’m sure he’s grateful to have you there. You made the right decision to stay with him in his hour of need. You can also keep an eye on Jack but don’t be mad with him for his actions at the Southampton. He just wants what’s best for you. You’re his brother and the thought of you sailing away to the other side of the world is probably most upsetting for him.

I miss you so much. I will write again soon. I’m filled with excitement but I’m so nervous.

Lots of love,

Katie

PS My good friend, Polly wrote this letter for me and she is teaching me to read and write. She said her father helped build Titanic when it was in Belfast.

About The Adventures of Katie Button

What happens when your dreams collide with reality?

Katie Button doesn’t believe in soul mates. When charismatic Jack Masterson asks her out on a date, despite him being her new boss alongside his more aloof brother, James, she agrees.

But her romantic dreams about a dashing highwayman, heroic gladiator and Tudor lord are becoming more frequent. And, worryingly, they feel real. She remembers every detail, every touch, every kiss. Until she realises the man in her dreams is James.

But Katie doesn’t even like James. And what about Jack, who is whisking her away for sexy mini breaks in the here and now?

Katie knows she needs to put an end to her dreams before they ruin her life. But how?