One particular lad set his cap for me, though, and I almost forgot myself. His name was Robert and he was tall, handsome and English. He was a steward who worked up in first class but had been drawn down to the third-class deck by the sound of the music and the carry-on that was drifting up to the upper decks. I bombarded him with questions about first class, and he was happy to tell me all about it. I think it made him feel important and sure, what was the harm in that? When he promised to sneak me up to the first-class dining room the next morning at breakfast, I was over the moon with excitement.

I went over to Delia to tell her the good news. I was, of course, hoping to make her jealous. But when I got closer, I saw her talking to Dom. I was shocked. Delia always ran like a scared rabbit any time a boy came within a mile of her. And here she was now, laughing and carrying on with Dom. I shrugged. Let her have him, I thought. I have better fish to fry.

The next morning, good to his word, Robert came and fetched me. He knocked on the cabin door, and I opened it at once. He put his finger to his lips to be quiet; then he smiled. Ah, he had lovely dimples, so he did. He led me up to the steps to the second deck, then up a series of gleaming mahogany curved staircases. I noticed the difference at once. The air smelled fresher than down below, and the light was better. Instead of the noise and chaos downstairs, with people knocking each other over to get into breakfast, up here passengers sauntered about as if they had all the time in the world, murmuring quietly while soft music played in the background.

Robert led me across a carpeted floor and into a huge, formal dining room, where tables were decked out with white linen cloths, glistening drinking glasses and polished silver cutlery. Even the butter was carved in wee curls and arranged on a silver plate. There were flowers on each table and in big brass urns around the room. I’d never seen the likes of it. My eyes opened wide and I fought not to open my mouth as well. Then I caught a couple of older men staring at me and I straightened my shoulders, held up my head and tried to act as if I belonged there.

Robert led me to a table and gave a small bow as he seated me. I felt like the Queen of Sheba. If only Ma could see me now. Robert left me alone and I read the menu. Mother of God, you should have seen the lovely sounding dishes on offer. The variety available in third class had surprised me, but this was the last word. A waiter startled me.