One day, however, her fortunes take an unexpected turn for a better when a wealthy, privileged woman named Mrs. Carstairs expresses the desire for a companion for her upcoming trip to the States.

The job, which involves simple tasks such as dressing her and walking her dog, is easy, and Margaret accepts readily.

Within merely a few days, Margaret and Mrs. Carstairs board the Titanic, the newly built and highly glamorous liner deemed to be supposedly "unsinkable," as first-class passengers.

She quickly becomes best friends with a handsome, young steward, Robert, and their relationship gradually turns romantic, though the two are too shy to tell each other.

Though her life is hanging in precariously on the line, Margaret is averse to leaving Robert, who is part of the crew and must remain on the ship, and runs back to him.