Disclaimer: I don't own anything, unfortunately. Matt Miller does, and so does someone else who's creation I stole a line from.

AN: Hope you enjoy this chapter, the delay was a little more than I'd planned.


New Dawning

~1905~

Having contented himself into a life of bachelorhood, a comfortable lifestyle by all accounts, Henry was enjoying its freedoms. The New World was proving a good place for a new life, with so much expanse one could spend an eternity in the nation without worry of unfortunate encounters. But now was not the time to consider future travels, for now he was happily settled in New York City.

"I knew it was far too easy getting you here." The other doctor at his side noted as they watched the bodies moving about.

"Nonsense, James, I enjoy a good dance as much as the next man."

"Is this what passes for enjoying in England? Standing around, not dancing?"

"I have yet to see you out there."

"Ahh, but you know I can't dance. I know you can." Henry had long ago taken to acquainting himself with the dances of each changing era. They were simpler than those of his youth and in many ways more enjoyable, though he had to admit some part of him still founded in 18th century propriety was always scandalized as he wrapped his arm about a woman's waist.

"I have spent my entire life being the gentleman and fulfilling my duties as such at dances. This evening I intend to revel in the simple pleasure of watching." James gave him a look that clearly conveyed his opinion of this excuse. "Alright, I shall join the next dance." James smirked widely with satisfaction when briefly after Henry's promise the music changed, beginning the next dance. Henry sighed in exasperation at his friend, before setting off across the floor toward the woman James had had his eye on since entering. She was dressed in a yellow and white striped frock her red hair securely fastened in a pompadour, a few curling locks falling around her face. With a polite bow, which he had found was rarely used in America, he inquired. "May I have this dance, Miss?"

She turned to meet him with a wide, warm smile. "Of course." Taking the hand offered to her she walked with him onto the floor. With as little hesitation as he could manage he held her close and her left hand came to rest on his shoulder. They joined the ring of waltzing pairs. "How do you like it in America?" She inquired kindly, having noticed his prominent accent. He had found that women of this new century were bolder than those before them. Now they begin conversation soon they'll be chaining themselves to gates in protest; not that he disapproved of this advancement of their place, mind.

"Quite well, thank you. It is a unique country and very beautiful."

"Have you been here long?"

"Several years in total."

"Oh." She let out shortly. Her conversational inquires now seemed very silly indeed, she having been under the assumption of his recent arrival on American shores. "I- I-"

"It is quite understandable, Miss. I fear I shall be thought a recent import for some time to come."

A smile returned to her lips. "What do you do?"

"I'm a doctor."

"Oh. My my old neighbor was a doctor. A good lot, all of you."

"I'm sure I speak for all of my profession when I thank you for the compliment. If I may return it you are a lovely dancer."

"Thank you Doctor…"

"Do forgive my absence of manners. I have failed to introduce myself, Henry Morgan."

"I'll tell you mine but you must promise not to laugh."

"You have my word."

"Scarlett O'Hare." Admitted the fiery haired lady.

"It suites you." Henry assured politely, trying very hard not to let his smile grow any wider.

"You know, Henry." He blinked, surprised at the abrupt use of his given name. "You're quite the dancer too."

"Thank you."

"So where are you from?" He could give a hundred answers to this question, and each would be true in some capacity; but he had found that Americans were much harder to lie to, at times a troublesome trait.

"London, originally."

"Is it nice there? Do you ever get homesick?"
"In the city, not so much as it used to be; but the countryside is charming. And sometimes I do, yes. But I just think of it as the big, damp, foggy island and I suddenly miss it less in comparison." They turned in silence for a moment, taking in the music and atmosphere. "I hear the hills of Ireland are quite stunning, your parents must miss them."

"How did you-?"
"You retain a slight accent. You also work for a scotsman, you've picked up the harder 'r'. Susceptibility to accents is common in the children of immigrants."

"I'm a nanny on 91st; used to be a secretary there, a rather bad one. That was extraordinary, what you did, like you're Auguste Dupin."

"The result of many years of practice." The melody was now in its last hurrah, livening in pace and tune before it came to its end. "Miss O-" She gave him a stubborn look of warning and request. "Scarlett," he relented, mentally cursing Americans for their seeming ability to sway his judgement. "This dance has been very enjoyable, but I fear it is coming to an end. Before we part might I beg a favor?"

"Shoot."

"I have a friend here this evening who can't dance."

"Scarlett took full advantage of his pause. "And you want me to have a go at him."

"It is my belief that you would enjoy eachother's company. He is also an admirer of Poe's work. And is a fellow doctor."

She nodded her agreement to the proposition. When the song ended he led her over to where James stood. He'd appeared rather morose as he had watched the pair gliding around. He was unsure whether to be hopeful or furious when Henry approached, a satisfied smirk on his face and a beautiful woman on his arm, but he was leaning toward the latter.

"What are you smirking about?"

"Now now, James. Is that any way to talk to a friend who's done you a favor?"

"What would that be, Henry?"

"Scarlett, I would like you to meet Doctor James Carter. James, this is Miss Scarlett O'Hare."

"Nice to meet you, James."

James' mouth opened and closed for a moment like a fish, as he stared at the vision in front of him, before he was rescued. "Scarlett has agreed to dance with you."

"But-"

"I'll teach you." Scarlett said, anticipating his remark.

James' face had light up at her words and his eyes had grown clouded with dreams. "Henry, if I ever let this lady go, we're going to the card tables and I'll let you win."

"Sounds like I'll be needing someone to keep me occupied until such a time." Henry said, a smile reaching across his face.

"Let me take care of that." Scarlett assured, waving a dismissive hand toward Henry. "Marge," she called. A young woman with light brown hair came quick efficiency over in response to the summons.

When she arrived Henry was surprised to recognize her. "Nurse Templeton?"

"Doctor Morgan." Her eyes went wide in near mortification at running into a co-worker, much less one she was quite taken with.

Henry defused the tension quickly with a politely proffered hand and a slight bow. "Would you care to dance?"

"Yes." She replied, fast and breathlessly, accepting his hand and the two pairs headed out onto the dance floor.

"So, James, I hear you enjoy Poe."


AN cont. : This is the first opportunity I've had to do this, since I've never had a fic with so much accidental trivia. Here's the offer, I'll write a one-shot for the first person to answer correctly all three questions.

1. Why did I spare you from a lot of Gone With the Wind references? 2. Who does Scarlett work for? 3. What was the stolen line and where did I get it from?

Non-Americans may be at a bit of a disadvantage, sorry. I don't know whether this is handled via review or PM so you do what you think appropriate. I'd welcome your thoughts, while you're at it and if you're not.