Hello all,
According to Eva's autobiography, "Titanic Survivor", Esther Hart had been in an abusive marriage for many years and had something like twelve children, all of whom had died because of her husband's treatment. I think the implication was that they were born unhealthy because of Esther's physical condition stemming from her abuse, rather than that their father harmed them directly.
As Eva tells it, after being liberated by her husband's death, Esther gave up all thoughts of marrying again, until Benjamin Hart pursued her and finally won her over.
I have no idea of whether or not it was a shotgun marriage. I'm sure it's easily enough to verify either way.
Regards