A/N: Thanks for all the reviews and keep 'em coming! Here's where things get interesting...
Chapter 4: Tragedy and Scandal
"Dear Will;
"Sarah's wedding is in 72 hours and I have so much misgiving about this whole deal and I wonder why do I care so much? Sarah hasn't been nice to me for years but still, she's my sister! I want to wash my hands of the whole thing but it's hard to do when your own relation can't stand you.
"Oh, here's something that might anger you. Her intended, the LOVELY Tristan, sought a partner for a dance at a royal function and he chose me instead of his fiancee. One might excuse it in the context of him getting to know his future sister-in-law, but his conduct was more than ungentlemanly! For instance, he smelt of gin and tonic, his hands kept going downwards to my rear, and he kept leering at me.
"That's why I'm so fired up right now. Tristan danced with me which I didn't mind, but then he started sliding his hand toward my butt! I could smell the alcohol on his breath and he wouldn't remember any of this. I would not dishonor my family or do something negative that would be talked about, so instead of slapping him, I locked his hand in an iron grip and did not let it slip down. He started to get antsy about that, but I told him that he was not allowed to feel me up under any circumstances, he broke the dance and walked away angrily.
"He's been hitting on me too, trying to see what he can get away with. Every day we're here in this wretched country I've been locking my door at night. I fear he might try to do something to me that I would disapprove of if you get my meaning. Sarah just laughs off my fears and tells me that I'm jealous.
"I think that's what she wants me to be. Does that make sense, Will? She would be the first of us to get married and I know she's been jealous of me because of my travels and assorted endeavors.
"As soon as this is over, I'm never going to talk or correspond with her again. I hate to say it, but I'm better off without her.
"From the emotionally drained Emilia."
ARTICLE FROM THE SOUTHAMPTON GAZETTE
"Tragedy has struck the Worthington family last night, on the eve of Sarah Worthington and Tristan Dumont. The constable who investigated the scene spoke on the condition of anonymity as the scene is still being processed by the police:
"'It was a hellish scene, the young royal was lying on the floor beside her bed, her throat all black and blue with big swollen fingerprints all over it like she had been strangled. Her eyes were wide in horror, she was in her nightclothes, evidence she had been attacked during the night. At this time, we have no witnesses, as her fiance was out of the room and talking with some of his future in laws. We also are talking with the family who are giving us a list of possible suspects. Anyone who knows anything about this horrible crime is highly urged to step forward.'
"What of princess Emilia? 'The princess has locked herself in her room right now, utterly grief-stricken and inconsolable at this time. When she was told of her sister's death, she cried out in horror and fell to the floor in a dead faint. Only time will tell what really happened to the murdered princess.'
"Rumors had flown previously about the two sisters not getting along, but when asked, either one would reply that it was only a rumor and refuse to say any more than that. Stephen and Evelyn Worthington are in mourning as well, as is young Edward. They are making arrangements to bury their daughter and sibling as soon as the crime scene is processed, her body will be released to them soon.
"We here at the Southampton Gazette would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Worthington family."
"Dear Emilia;
"I was just informed by Lights of the tragedy concerning your family. Apparently Sylvia had read it in the local paper and sent Lights a copy. He and I read it and he wishes to extend his condolences and prayers to you.
"I extend mine as well of course, but I want to know what is going on with you. It's been two weeks since this happened and I know your sister's body is released into your family's custody for burial now. Are you all right? I heard you were under doctor's care.
"I imagine that you must feel somewhat guilty of feeling very angry and drained towards your sister and I imagine that she must be jealous of you, for all you've accomplished in your life. She wasn't as active or as involved as you and that would definitely invite some jealousy on her part. Perhaps she was feeling smothered by her mother and the finishing school and retaliated on you since you were able to escape it?
"Are there any new clues as to the identity of the killer? Lights and I think it is more than obvious that Sarah's brute of an intended is more than likely the culprit. The man is notorious for his drunken rages and it would not need a genius to point out that he might have killed her while inebriated.
"I beg of you to please write me back or have someone write for you on your behalf. I do not like to think of you alone and grieving. I will be back in Southampton next week so I may beat this letter home.
"Fondly, the worried Will."
"Dear Mr. Murdoch;
"This is Edward Worthington writing to you at the behest of my sister. Ever since the murder, Emilia has been too distraught to answer her mail and asks that I write to let you know that she is all right.
"She won't go over this before I post it, so I can write confidently that she is not all right, not in the least. Emilia has taken Sarah's death the hardest in my family. When she first heard the news, she made an ungodly howl of grief the likes of which I had never heard before shortly before she collapsed. The doctor gave her a sedative to keep her asleep for most of the day and then told me that it would be a long time before Emilia would get over the grief.
"We all grieve differently and though I wasn't close to Sarah, I mourned for her. She turned into a real snotty bitch towards the end and I know that Emilia was torn up inside at her sister's rejection of her. Sarah was jealous of Emilia for a long time and it was because of their personalities. Emilia as you know is vivacious, boisterous, and she doesn't take no for an answer. Sarah was the exact opposite, she wanted to be like Emilia and never was.
"Our mother cottoned on to Sarah to be the perfect gentlewoman because I'm sure you heard about some of Emilia's antics growing up! Sarah seemed happy to be under our mother's wing, though she never seemed to realize just how smothering and stifling it was to be a proper lady. It is my theory that Sarah might had realized at some point just how barren her ilfe was and regretted not taking more initiative like Emilia.
"Whatever the reason now it is moot point. Sarah will be laid to rest at the end of the week and if you could be there for Emilia's emotional support, we would be glad to have you. Hopefully you will be in port by then?
"Hoping you are well, Ed Worthington."
FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE SOUTHAMPTON GAZETTE:
"Miss Sarah Worthington will be laid to rest at the Saint James churchyard after a memorial service in the adjoining church. Services are at 10 AM and the ceremony is invitation-only. Well wishers are encouraged to stay away from the churchyard to ensure that the funeral is private amongst family only."
William Murdoch adjusted his tie accordingly as he brought his suitcase down from the Celtic, having just endured a month long cruise in the hot climate of South America. He had enjoyed the local culture when he had a few moments to himself, but there was Emilia in the back of his mind all the time, more so when he heard of her sister's sudden death. It was a nice day outside, the seagulls screaming overhead, the water lapping at the pier, children were shouting and playing around with their parents. As Murdoch walked, he nodded and smiled to a middle aged couple strolling along dockside to admire the ships.
The letter he'd received from Edward had done nothing to assuage his fears. Emilia had taken it hard and knowing her as well as he did, he would have to give her a long talking to and encourage her to tell him what was on her mind. Her nerves were likely to be in a fragile state from all she had suffered recently so he'd have to tread carefully.
"Mr. Murdoch," a tall and slim young man with green eyes, brown hair and doorknocker mustache stepped out from the towncar near the dock. "I'm Edward Worthington. It is nice to 0finally meet you."
"I wish it was under more happy circumstances, sir."
"Please, Edward." the prince helped Murdoch stow his suitcase and other luggage, jumped into the car and Edward drove off.
"Let me inform you of the situation now, Mr. Murdoch-"
"Call me Will."
"Very well, Will," Edward smiled. "we still have no clue as to the killer, but the police had to conclude the investigation as they say the case has gone cold. Emilia is blaming herself for the whole incident, we're getting ready to go to the funeral and I think that's about it."
"She's blaming herself?"
"I thought that she would," Edward sighed. "she told us about the falling out they had and Emilia thinks that she caused her sister's death somehow. Our parents tried to comfort her but she's been punishing herself."
"How?"
"She mentally berates herself and you can tell, I mean it shows on her face. I hate to put a burden on you, but if you could get her to at least eat something so she won't faint during the services would be a good thing."
Murdoch mulled over the situation in his mind. Emilia was smart but she was obviously too overcome by grief to think properly at the moment. If he could just get her back in her calm and rational mind, he could talk her down some, try to get her to see reason. It would be a long process, he allowed, but he had to try at least.
"You're quiet, Will."
"Just thinking on how I would be able to reach her." after a few more minutes they pulled up at the Southampton house.
Murdoch stepped out of the car and gazed upward at the tall Georgian style house. Edward helped him take his things inside where Alphonse stared at the sailor unsettlingly. The officer took no notice of him and his unnerving gaze, thoroughly used to it after the vacation he had with Emilia a month ago.
The house was a big two story structure made out of brick with white molding for the windows and doorframe. There was a bayside window with a model ship sitting in the window, hedges were sitting perfectly trimmed the length of the front of the house. Instead of a flagstoned pathway it was made of pure white marble and two Doric columns flanked the entranceway to the house.
Inside the house was even more grand than the outside. Maple hardwood floor gleamed in the entranceway, a curved staircase with ornate iron grillework decorated the banisters, there was a couch and a love seat in the sitting room along with a baby grand piano. A stone fireplace sat in front of the furniture with an iron poker in a holder nearby along with an ash bucket.
"Mr. Murdoch!" Stephen, dressed in deep black, did not hide the pleasure he felt at finally meeting the officer face to face. "I am very glad you could make it, sir." the two shook hands cordially.
"So this is the Mr. Murdoch?" Evelyn came into the room in a sweeping black gown and black hat. "A pleasure, sir. I also am very glad you could come. Alphonse, send for Emilia to come down at once." the lady of the house put her gloves into the deacon's bench that sat beside the stairs, it being too warm for them that day.
"Yes, madam." the butler walked out of the hallway.
"I wish I was here under happier circumstances," Murdoch sighed. "Emilia and I are good friends and she must be so devastated right now."
"Indeed," Stephen agreed. "that's a Scottish accent if I'm not mistaken. Are you from Glasgow?"
"Dalbeattie actually."
"Marvelous. I've been up there a time or two. Beautiful country." Murdoch could see that Emilia and her father were very much alike in personality now that he had finally met him. Before that he had seen Stephen at the preview of Emilia's Lighthouse jewelry line. Stephen had seemed like a great guy though he didn't meet him at the time, but he could see that father and daughter looked similar as well.
"Darling!" Evelyn saw Emilia come into the room also dressed in a black skirt and a black and white striped three quarter sleeved shirt. The shirt had lace in the collar and on the sleeves, Emilia had pinned a small ivy leaf brooch to her lapel, she wore simple sea star stud earrings and looked very pale to Murdoch's eyes.
Inwardly he was shocked. Emilia had lost weight, her eyes were a bit sunken, and there were dark shadows under her eyes as well. The princess had lost her tan from last year, her eyes were dim with only a faint hint of the sparkle of mischief.
The princess saw Murdoch and went over to him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "It's all right now, Em. I'm here." he whispered into her ear. She pulled away after a moment and Murdoch could read the pain and suffering in her eyes as clear as day. Emilia wore lipstick and nothing else, not even bothering to hide her paleness. Biting her lower lip, she gazed into Murdoch's blue eyes like she was searching for something.
"Come my dears and gentlemen," Stephen spoke up. "we must go."
At the churchyard, after the service in the church, Edward, Stephen and other men served as pallbearers, bringing the casket to its final resting spot. Emilia clutched convulsively at Murdoch's hand throughout the whole service. The family mausoleum had been opened up for the service and they interred Sarah in one of the crypts along the wall. The funeral director and the groundskeeper brought up the marble slab with the bronze nameplate and using a sealing compound, they put it into place, forever interring Sarah's remains. Emilia bowed her head low as Murdoch gave her hand a friendly squeeze.
"Come on," people started filing out as he tugged at her hand gently.
"it's all over now." they left the mausoleum and stood out in the churchyard to wait for the others. The family lined up to receive condolences from the assorted mourners. Emilia noticed everyone from the finishing school was in attendance, including the old headmistress that she privately termed the old battleaxe. The old woman was pale and it looked like she had cried a lot that day. They shook hands and the lady gave her condolences which Emilia nodded acknowledgement. To her surprise, the old woman squeezed her hands together and said, "She was a wonderful student and I will help keep her memory alive as I'm sure you all will."
"Thank you very much," Emilia privately thought that it would be a cold day in hell before she ever sponsored a scholarship for the finishing school her sister attended.
"Mr. Murdoch! Emilia has requested that you and her go straight home," Evelyn caught up to tthe sailor, who was standing just outside the gate. "she doesn't want to go to the reception and you have our permission to use the carriage to get back to the house."
"Oh, all right." Murdoch felt awkward amongst the higher classes of people but right now he was saved from dealing with them. There was a brief silence as Emilia came over to him and he walked to a different part of the churchyard.
"Will, where are we going?"
"Here." they arrived at a headstone that said ADA MURDOCH, BELOVED WIFE OF WILLIAM MURDOCH. In smaller letters it listed the day of her birth and death, then a loving inscription FOREVER REMEMBERED. The stone was small and made of granite but without a gravel bed attached. Emilia plucked the carnation from her lapel her father had put on her earlier, removed the pin, and knelt down, putting the carnation on Ada's grave.
"She definitely liked you, Em."
"She didn't know me that long," she unpinned the veil from her hat and tucked it under her arm. "I know she was a wonderful lady."
"I know another wonderful lady." Murdoch remarked.
"Did they bury her recently? The ground's still bare."
Indeed there were slivers of grass poking up but the mound was still visible. "It was only two weeks ago when the ground finally thawed and drained. It's been one hell of a mud season."
"That it has."
"Come on, it's time to go. Your mother has allowed us to leave without attending the reception."
The ride home was quiet. Murdoch helped her into the carriage and running the gamut of stares from people who were waiting to leave, Emilia hid her face until they reached home 20 minutes later. The sailor helped her down, then they walked into the house where Alphonse greeted them with a nod.
"Come on now," Murdoch reached under her chin and gently brought it up to meet his eyes. "I want you to tell me how you're really feeling. Alphonse, some tea if you please." the butler nodded and went into the kitchen without a word.
Emilia bit her lip, locked her gaze with Murdoch's, and her eyes flooded with tears. "Let's go upstairs, Will."
"Of course." she led him to her room. A month ago, he didn't think that anything would bring down Emilia's ebullient spirit, but here he was proven wrong. Months ago he had lost his wife and Emilia had helped him grieve so now he was going to return the favor.
Once they were in her room, she peeled off the black skirt and shirt, sitting down in her corset, bathrobe, and underskirt. Murdoch sat next to her on the bed, waiting for her to speak.
"God, it's all my fault, Will!" the words came rushing out so fast he didn't catch all of it but remembered what Edward had told him earlier. Emilia blamed herself for Sarah's death and though unreasonable, it was her frame of mind at the moment. "I told her she was marrying scum, she called me a jealous wench, then I told her I'd be happy if I never saw her again!"
"Go on." Murdoch encouraged, hearing Emilia speak her feelings would help her mend her heart. Alphonse brought the tea, Murdoch thanked him and he saw the butler slip Emilia a glance that was part worry, part something else that the sailor could not identify. Upon the butler leaving, Murdoch coaxed Emilia to at least drink something which did make her feel somewhat better.
For the next hour, Emilia unburdened herself to Murdoch, finding the sailor her captive audience who would not ridicule her or tell her that her feelings were wrong. He heard everything, how Sarah was smothered by her mother as a child, how Emilia stepped out from the shadows and cast her own, how Sarah took her own jealousy and anger out on Emilia. Both of them had tried to work together on charity drives, but there were arguments and hurt feelings all around. Sarah hadn't understood why Emilia kept trying to reconcile, got angry, then she met Tristan at a wine tasting hosted by her finishing school.
"She yelled at me when I told her Tristan was no good," Emilia wiped her eyes. "Will, he was a nasty lying sod who was permanently drunk and no good for her! Sarah called me a jealous bitch and slammed the door in my face. When I wrote that letter to you, Tristan had indeed tried to flirt with me at one of the parties, I told Sarah and the next thing I know is she's dead!"
"Did you tell the police this?"
"No. They wouldn't believe me anyway," Emilia yawned, suddenly feeling very weary. She threw a glance at the wall clock and saw that it was nearly 7 PM and their tea was long finished. "I'm so tired."
"Come on. I think you missed your supper anyway. Shall I send Alphonse up for you?"
"Um, OK."
A short time later, Emilia had a light repast from the kitchen which made her feel marginally better. Murdoch appraised her again behind his keen blue eyes, feeling sorry for her but glad that she opened up her feelings to him. A memory came to him of the princess supporting him during his vulnerable moment after Ada died. "When was the last time you slept normally?"
"Don't know."
"Then I want you to try to sleep now. Even if you just rest you will feel better later on." he draped her bathrobe over her and drew the curtains down to shield her from the sun. A part of his mind wryly thought that if she caught the sunlight while she was pale like a vampire, she would burn up to a crisp.
"Fine." Emilia stretched out on her bed and before she knew it, she was sound asleep. After watching her for a long moment, Murdoch stretched out on her chaise lounge and took a little nap as well.
It wasn't long before Murdoch was startled awake by Emilia tossing and turning in her sleep, obviously having some bad dreams. The officer stood up in a hurry and went over to her side, attempting to comfort her but she would have none of it. Even in her dreams she was being contrary, so Murdoch sat down on the bed and embraced her, trying to prevent her from hurting herself. The officer had combat training in his past which had proved useful when he was sailing in clipper ships and the like. Now he would not hurt Emilia, but he didn't want her to accidentally hurt herself.
"Come on, Emilia," he soothed, hugging her and talking into her ear so she would wake up and know that it was him. "you'll be all right."
Emilia did not wake up and that worried him more than anything else. He stroked her fair hair, wishing that he could ease her pain but when no idea was forthcoming, he simply stayed with her until she fell into a deeper more restful sleep.
Unbeknowst to Murdoch, Alphonse had been driven to the door of Emilia's room, also awakened by the sounds of his mistress's distress. He watched the scene through the ajar bedroom door and his eyes narrowed, not liking what was going on in the least.
Gently drawing the door shut, Alphonse went back to his own room nearby and got into bed again, silently cursing out the officer that Emilia seemed so fond of.
Murdoch had looked up at the sound of the door clicking shut, then he brushed it off completely as he got up from the bed and went back to the chaise lounge he was sleeping on before. He was reminded of when he did this when Ada was sick, then a look of sorrow crossed his face. Emilia was too young to go through what he had been through already, and she didn't need the mystery of who killed her younger sister.
It was a hard life, he allowed in his mind. Emilia being so vivacious would naturally incite jealousy in her sibling. The two of them hadn't gotten along in a long time, so was Sarah envious enough to try to one up her sister in the marriage department? Emilia never had any suitors that he knew of, so maybe Sarah wasn't marrying for love but for status in society. Murdoch had never met Sarah so he wouldn't know anything about her but from what the family had told him.
Trying to sleep now was futile, so he got up and went downstairs to the sitting room where he discovered Stephen was unable to sleep either.
The patriarch of the family was sitting on a couch facing the fire in the fireplace, looking older beyond his years. The grandfather clock in the corner chimed fifteen minutes past two AM as Murdoch sidled into the room, unaware if Stephen would want company or not.
Stephen did not move for a long moment, then he seemed to become aware he was no longer alone. "Mr. Murdoch, please have a seat." he gestured grandly to the sofa or the armchair near him.
"Call me Will, sir." the family sure knew about luxury, he discovered as he sat in the chair. It wasn't lumpy anyplace and felt like it had been furnished just for him.
"Only if you call me Stephen in private," the prince chuckled dryly. "I do not like formality in private, Will. Come and sit down. I trust you couldn't sleep either?"
"No I could not. It's been a trying day to say the least." He leaned forward slightly and brought his hands together to face the warmth of the fire.
"Very much so," Stephen stood up abruptly and went to a cabinet near the piano. "can I offer you a brandy or a whiskey, Will?"
"Whiskey sounds good," Murdoch received his glass and took a sip. The alcohol burned a fiery path, searing his insides down to his shoes. "I needed that."
Stephen chuckled. "It's always been brandy for me. Anyway," he continued, capping the bottle and putting them away, shutting the cupboard door with a hollow thud. "I trust you are unsettled by the disturbing things that have happened to my family?"
"I do not wish to speak ill of your family, Stephen." was his guarded reply.
"I knew I liked you," Stephen put another log on the fire. "at any rate, I know of the animosity between my daughters and I always knew that Emilia was destined for great things. She has the fire and the drive to do many things in this life that she would be remembered for long after her death." not that Stephen liked to think of death in general, as he'd already lost one of his daughters. He looked older beyond his years in the firelight as he thought about his grieving and supporting his family. Evelyn had supported him through his vulnerable moments and he wanted his children to know what it was like to be married happily and for love.
Murdoch smiled. "I believe that wholeheartedly."
"Whereas my other daughter, Sarah..." the patriarch sat down and faced the fireplace, leaning forward like the fire could tell the future. He sighed heavily. "She did not have any drive or ambition, really. It was always like she didn't know what to do next. I know Sarah envied Emilia and the boys. They were always outspoken and sure of what to do with the rest of their lives. Their mother cottoned on to Sarah and corralled her into being a proper lady and all that entailed. Finishing school just seemed natural for her and she was always very good in school when she was growing up."
"Did she and Emilia ever have good times together when they were growing up?"
"Indeed they did. Over at our summer house in Kent which I believe you're familiar with, the four children would swim every day with their mother watching them. I was present often and helped teach my family how to swim. I remember once there was a boys versus girls water fight and because of Sarah's sneaky tactics they won. As they grew up they just drifted apart. It's natural in some families."
"It is indeed, Stephen. It happened in my family as well." although he maintained correspondence with his sister Peg, she kept him informed of family affairs. Murdoch's mother wrote monthly to keep him in the family loop as well.
"Ah yes, I have heard of your family legacy, Will. It's very impressive."
"Thank you, Stephen. If I may add that Emilia wrote to me awhile back and she expressed a concern that Sarah did not make a love match. It seemed more like a publicity stunt to try to raise up her own status."
Stephen didn't bat an eye. "I remember before the rehearsal dinner that night the two were arguing over the whole so called love match between them. Emilia said it sounded too much like a ploy to get press attention and Sarah didn't like that as you can imagine. They went round on it for some time and finally Emilia said that Tristan was trying to flirt with her which made Sarah mad."
"Was this the night before the murder?"
"Yes. I have given this as evidence to the police and they are in the process of establishing Tristan's whereabouts on that night. His alibi wasn't so airtight as they once thought, thankfully."
"I guess that's good to hear."
"It will take some time but things will get better." Stephen said confidently. "You have to be an optimist to get over the next hurdle life will throw at you." His life had a myriad of ups and downs. "For instance, when Emilia was born, she was very sick. We didn't think the Lord would let her stay with us but he did."
"Do you know what was wrong with her?"
"Something to do with her lungs. Her mother and I prayed every day. We're very grateful for her and every day she and her remaining siblings are with us."
"I hear you, Stephen." flashes of Titanic and the Olympic's collision with the HMS Hawke came to his mind. "If it wasn't for the Titanic disaster I never would have met Emilia."
"True! We must thank the Lord for all our blessings." Stephen gave him a smile. "The silver lining as one might say."
"Indeed." Murdoch yawned. "Beg your pardon."
The prince's warm laugh felt soothing to the tired out sailor. "Think you can sleep now, Will?"
"I'm going to try at least," he answered, standing up. "I thank you for the company, Stephen."
"Likewise, my good man." Stephen watched Murdoch ascend the stairs and disappear into the darkness as he drank the last of his brandy. "And I wouldn't mind having you as a son-in-law, Will." he added quietly to himself, amused slightly by the thought. To him, Emilia had picked out a perfect man for a suitor whether she knew it or not.
Over the next few days, Emilia gradually came back to herself and managed to pull herself back together to a degree. She was trying to keep herself from downright smothering Murdoch, though she wanted to be with him every second of every day. Her thoughts turned from Sarah's death to Murdoch being with her, though one afternoon she was besieged with a depression.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" the princess gloomily stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were sunken, her complexion was pale still, but she felt fine. "That damned man has infiltrated my senses and ever since Titanic he won't let go of my mind!"
"Miss?" Alphonse came into the room with a load of laundry. Emilia glanced over her shoulder at him and sighed.
"Come in, Alf."
"Might I ask what you were saying? I didn't catch all of it." he put her clothes away and stared at her, sliding the drawer shut carefully.
"I was just wondering why my head's so occupied with Will. I can't get him out of my mind even for a minute. I've been subconsciously worrying about his safety while he's been out at sea, even my dreams are filled with him." she plopped down on the chaise lounge where Murdoch had slept the night before. "Very odd."
"Might I suggest you are infatuated with him?" he asked boldly, wanting to know for sure how she felt towards him so he could be positive his suspicions were right all along.
Emilia didn't jump at him and curse him out like she would have normally. "Define infatuation really. Is it what I have been feeling?"
"I would believe so, yes." the butler answered carefully. "At any rate, he's not good enough for you."
Her eyes immediately narrowed, an ominous warning sign. "Why would you think that?" her tone of voice was just one note shy of being sharp.
"You're of royal blood, miss. You were not suited to be the wife of a common sailor."
"Did I ask your opinion on that part?!" Emilia exploded. "It is not your decision to make marital arrangements, nor is it your place to remind me of my royalty. I decide who I want to marry and you have no say in it! Watch your tongue or I will fire you so you land back on the scummy streets where I found you!"
Alphonse backpedaled quickly, his eyes getting bigger. He had never seen Emilia so stirred up before. "I beg your pardon, miss I am only here to help you..."
"Not in that capacity you are not! I already have a mother on that front, so I'll thank you to keep your nose clean and out of my business!" she left the room and went looking for Murdoch, who had taken a horseback ride with Edward.
Unruffled, Alphonse squared his shoulders and continued on with his work. He'd been infatuated with Emilia since day 1, and was determined to marry her someday. Emilia had always been kind to him when he really needed it. Because he was a butler now, he had to maintain some professional distance from her, but he really enjoyed his job. At least until Murdoch had come in.
Initially from the start he didn't like Murdoch. The sailor had an easygoing and carefree life aboard ships and by the way Emilia constantly talked about him, he had her heart too. Alphonse understood going to Murdoch because his wife died, but that made him more available to Emilia in ways that Alphonse hoped to be. The butler had a vision of himself and Emilia as a happy couple with their own house and a few children running about.
"Someday, Emilia," he muttered to himself as he went about his duties. "Someday."
"Oh, there you two are!" Emilia found her brother and Murdoch gossiping in the stables as they hung up the saddles and bridles. Her horse Roger whickered at her through his stall, asking for a scratch on the head. Edward laughed at his sister as she gave the horse a long scratch.
"You really do have a way with animals, Em." Edward teased. "They just flock to you."
"Oh, Eddie..." she didn't say anything, too pleased with the compliment.
"My dear sweet older sister," Edward pecked her on the cheek. "it's getting near suppertime now so don't stay out here too late."
"So what's on your mind?" she took Murdoch's arm and walked on the flagstoned pathway near the house. Edward went inside as Evelyn came back from tea with some of the neighbors, her long purple skirt trailing behind her a bit as Edward opened up the door for his mother who thanked him. The two of them went inside, the door thudding shut as Emilia faced Murdoch.
"Well, my butler had the gall to accuse me of being infatuated with you," she said carelessly. "he was bold as brass about it!"
"Are you though?" the sailor felt his heart speed up a bit as he looked her in the eye, suddenly hopeful of his feelings being reciprocated.
"I don't know!" she told him. "I've never been in love before and I don't know what's what. It is a whole completely different game than what I've been used to."
"But love's not a game," Murdoch knew what it was like and would never forget those powerful feelings which culminated in his marrying Ada. "if you can't stop thinking about them, if you worry obsessively about them, if you can't spend a moment of your life without them, then I think that's love."
Emilia stared at Murdoch for a long moment, assimilating all the facts. Yes she did miss him when he was gone, she worried about his safety out at sea after the Titanic disaster, he occupied her thoughts every single moment of every day, she had dreams about him, she was the happiest when he was with her. Her eyes lit up and she hugged him.
Amused, Murdoch had watched her thinking for a second, then her eyes did light up like a Christmas tree, then he knew he was right all along. He had the same feelings about her but he knew he was in love with her because he had been in love before. Rather than forcing his feelings onto her to see if they were reflected, he had opted to stay back and see if she came to terms with it on her own. It wouldn't do any good if she was forced to realize her feelings and dismiss them.
His laugh sounded in her ear gently. "I'm right I bet."
"Want it in writing?" her muffled voice responded. Murdoch laughed again and they resumed their walk towards the house. On the way, Emilia pulled him under a weeping willow tree, telling him that it was her favorite tree on the property. The sailor admired her in her light yellow sundress and the straw boater hat she was so fond of, pulling her closer to him.
"Just relax," he told her as he saw Emilia become hesitant. "let your heart take over."
Their first kiss happened just seconds after that. For once Emilia was the shy and nervous one as Murdoch took over being the commanding one. He gave her a little direction, as first kisses were not perfect, but the subsequent ones were more enjoyable. The officer enjoyed the attention, noticing that she smelled like roses and had a beautiful skin complexion. Emilia on the other hand loved his cologne, thought he had the bluest eyes she had ever seen, and she loved his Scottish accent the most.
Thundering hooves nearby distracted them from their canoodling and Stephen was laughing as he dismounted his horse. The prince was wearing his riding outfit and taking off his hat as he saw Emilia blush and Murdoch tried hard not to.
"Well, I was wondering when this would happen!" he said in a jovial manner, handing over the horse to the groom. "I could sense it coming, you know. I've a knack for this sort of thing."
"Dad!"
"Now now, I don't mean any harm by it. I know I can trust you to keep this to yourselves." the couple grew similarly red in the cheeks only making Stephen laugh more. "Come now it's suppertime. The missus will be angry if we let it get cold."
"OK, Dad." they walked in together and sat down at the table. During the dinner, many topics of conversation had been brought up, but Stephen was tactful enough not to bring up Murdoch and Emilia's newfound relationship. Evelyn carried most of the conversations, calling on everyone to speak in turn to make sure nobody was left out.
Finally supper was ended and the two were dismissed to go upstairs. Murdoch closed the door behind her and looked at her with a gleam in his eye she didn't recognize.
"What's that look for?"
"I'll show you," he sat down next to her on the bed after drawing the curtains closed. "have you ever wondered what it was like to be intimate with a man?"
"Yes."
"You read slutty romance novels?" Ada had done that a few years ago and by accident Murdoch had picked one up and was disgusted by all the far too graphic descriptions of the sexual encounters, none of them real. He was a realistic man and Ada had been the dreamer.
"Nope," Emilia giggled. "nothing does it for me."
"Well, I'd like to see if I can change that." Murdoch helped her take her dress off, taking off his own coat and hat. "We need to stay somewhat decent in case of interruptions." He was glad that Emilia had no preconceived notions about what a sexual encounter would be like. She would have no expectations and therefore no pressure.
"All right, fine. What do I do?"
"First off I need to acquaint you with what is termed foreplay in this day and age," Murdoch necked her and did other things to her until he was sure that he had gotten her aroused. "now because we need to keep this semi decent, I will make you feel pleasure like you never felt before."
"How if you can't-"
"Shhh. I know many ways. Do you trust me?"
"With everything I've got." she took his hand and curled hers around it, a sign of her trust. The sailor smiled and kissed her knuckles, leaning down to meet her lips.
"Then I want you to close your eyes and keep them that way."
"What are you going to do?"
"You said you trusted me." Murdoch paused in what he was doing for a moment, his voice only had a tinge of hurt to it. Emilia had goose bumps on her flesh now, a bit cold, but with anticipation as well.
"I've never done anything like this before so I'm just-"
"I understand," his voice was full of understanding. "just relax. You'll learn eventually."
"I'll hold you to that, Will." Emilia lay back on the bed with her eyes closed like he had told her to, heaving a sigh. She was too used to being in charge and she knew it. Still to her mind it could be worse than Murdoch taking advantage of her, though he really wasn't taking advantage of her at all. She heard a rustling sound, then felt a cool breeze as she knew he flipped up her underskirt.
A cold feeling enveloped her senses and she gasped, wanting to get rid of it. "Just relax," Murdoch's voice came to her mind. "you can't enjoy it if you're all tense." reluctantly she did relax back after realizing that the sensation did not hurt her. The sensation gradually warmed up, then she began to get warmer as she sensed herself tightening up.
"Hope this doesn't hurt me." even though he was doing all the work, she was still breathless and could feel her heart racing.
"You might be a bit sore in the morning, but that's nothing to worry about."
Emilia tried to sit up to get more comfortable, but Murdoch put a hand on her midsection to keep her down. "If you try to move now it will hurt you. Stay still as much as possible."
"Fine then." she tried to sound dissatisfied but Murdoch knew better, if his deep chuckle meant anything at all. He stepped up the pace now, grinning to see Emilia responding to his actions like any red blooded female would. She gave an involuntary motion with her hips as he went deeper.
Just when it felt like she couldn't take any more of it, a shuddering feeling overcame her and she lay back, tired and panting.
"That was fun now, wasn't it? Open your eyes now." Emilia felt a slight pressure then nothing as she saw Murdoch leaning over her, smirking. "I'd say our experiment worked, didn't it? Don't you feel good?"
"What did you do to me?"
"Oh, you'll figure it out sooner or later," he teased, going over to the washstand and bringing her a drink. "here now."
Emilia did not drink it, rather she dumped it over her head to make Murdoch laugh. "Feels like I was bloody on fire!"
"You were."
"So what kind of information did you glean about me from that interlude?" pulling her skirts down, she sat up to watch Murdoch as he washed and dried his hands with the remaining water in the pitcher.
"That you're up for it when we can be completely alone." Getting on the bed with her, he trailed a hand down her curves, giving her a kiss. The princess reached up and let her hair down, fanning it out. The sailor unlaced her corset and slid it off of her, hanging it up as she got into her nightdress and hopped into bed.
"So do I stay in my own room or what?"
"You stay in here with me," Emilia sniggered. "use the lounge if it is comfortable for you."
"I agree. Some modesty is desirable when you're with your family."
"How long are you with me til?" the princess lay on her bed and Murdoch lay beside her.
"For 3 days. The Celtic will be done being restocked and coaled soon." he drew the sheet over them and loosened the bed curtains which surrounded them so nobody could see in. "What do you say to coming with me to my house for the next few days?"
"I'd be honored." she rolled over to look at him. "Bit of a risk, isn't it? You with me, a very recognizable figure."
"I'm willing to take it. Your father said to keep mum on it for awhile yet."
"All right. We can get away from Alphonse too. He's been creeping me out."
"Me too."
The butler had just been about to knock on Emilia's door when he heard the two of them talking and grew indignant. Getting away from him? He'd only done his job and told Emilia that Murdoch wasn't right for her! Alphonse scowled blackly as he stomped away from the door, going to his room to brood and sulk.
The next day, Emilia and Murdoch went off for his house in Southampton. Stephen had given them a knowing wink and waved goodbye along with her mother and brother. The family was a little miffed that Randal did not come back for his sister's funeral, but he had a lot of business to conclude in California before he would be able to come back.
"Just think now, Will. I can be with you for a few more days before you set sail again. Which ship is it now?" Emilia inquired as they reached the docks. The warm salty air filled her lungs and she yearned to be out at sea again where society did not factor into her life very much.
"The Oceanic, Lights's favorite. You could come with us." picking up their luggage, Murdoch stopped at the door, unlocked it and went inside. Emilia remembered the last time she was there, everything had been in disarray and Murdoch had been a grieving wreck.
"Well, I might just do that! I mean, the summer's not a very good time for royal engagements and such as everyone's on holiday. I'll go down to the office tomorrow and buy a ticket. Can I get a cabin next to yours?"
"We'll give you the one nearest to mine, the best suite we have. We can have some nights to ourselves and you'll be able to see Lights again."
"We've known each other a year now, how about that?" Emilia put her things away in Murdoch's room as he did the same. "I thought you were handsome from the very second that I met you."
"I thought you were the most unlike any other girl I ever met," he was reminded of Ada as soon as he stepped in the door and his face turned sorrowful for a moment. "being back here reminds me of her."
"Well then you haven't had time to make new memories of happier times yet," Emilia flippantly replied as she sat down on the bed. "now I believe I have figured out what you did to me last night and you tell me if I'm right or not."
"Aha! You did figure it out!" Murdoch exclaimed jubilantly after she told him. "How do you feel today besides that?"
"A bit sore like you said." she admitted. "It definitely hurts!"
"It will go away soon. So, did you want to go to the office and get a ticket now or wait?"
"I'll go now before it gets busy and sold out," Emilia winked. "I'll try to keep it under wraps it's me, the famous princess, but it can be hard to do."
"Hurry back so I can teach you some more things you never would have known otherwise." he blew her a kiss as she bustled out the door.
On the way to the White Star Line office, Emilia ducked into a shop and bought a big wide brimmed white hat and tilted it so that it partially hid her face from view. She also bought a pair of dark glasses and put them on as well. Now as incognito as she could go, she went to the office and bought a full round trip ticket for herself. Requesting the most luxurious suite she could brought her to the officer's quarters, right beside them like before on Titanic. Emilia forked over a hundred pounds for the ticket in cash, which astounded the young clerk. She grinned at her and thanked her well.
When Emilia returned, she found Murdoch had been lying in wait for her in the bedroom wearing nothing but his robe. She had to smile as she put her ticket in her purse, put the purse on the bureau, then went over to him with a kiss hello.
The sailor deepened the kiss by a lot, Emilia was nearly gasping for air as she stood with him, his hands snaking up to her shirt and getting underneath it. She giggled gleefully as she toyed with his mind for a moment, breaking the kiss and hopping onto the bed.
"Nobody's here to be ashamed of us because of our relationship!" teasingly she tugged on the front of Murdoch's robe, pulling him towards her. "So let's go for it!"
"Righto!" Emilia let herself go, getting Murdoch aroused in no time at all. She did exactly what he did to her and when he pinned her down on the bed, he said, "Let's make music together."
The couple slept for a few hours during that day, tired from their strenuous activities. When Emilia woke up, she had to remind herself she was in Murdoch's house now, with him, both of them naked in bed. She smiled and curled up next to Murdoch, who had a fresh looking face now, the worry lines were gone and he had some pink in his cheeks.
Murdoch put his arm around her, giving her a sleepy grin and a kiss on the forehead. Emilia could tell he'd been nervous about their first sexual liaison but she'd made him forget his fears as she took command. While it was true that he was reminded of Ada whenever he went into his own home, Emilia had helped him make a few new memories of the place.
"I never saw such a wild lady behind closed doors before." Emilia had been all over the place with him, teasing him, making him a very happy man overall. Murdoch still couldn't believe he'd been so lucky to befriend a princess in the first place never mind having sex with her. She giggled girlishly as he started to neck her all over again.
Over the next 2 days, Emilia and Murdoch spent most of it in bed, mostly getting their suppers done wearing their robes only. Often they would drop everything and lunge for each other like moths attracted to light. Murdoch couldn't remember the last time he'd been so happy before. Emilia could not either which made it all the more sweet for them to be together.
When the day arrived to get on board the Oceanic, Murdoch retrieved the daily paper, all dressed in uniform before they boarded the ship. He opened up the front page and saw a headline: ROYAL PRINCESS IN RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMONER.
"The hell is this?!" Murdoch scanned the article which mentioned Emilia but not him. "Emilia! Someone's leaked you to the press!"
"What?!" she snatched the paper, noticing the article was a fluff piece about her and Murdoch was not mentioned by name anywhere. "Who in the hell would do this to me?! Dad told me to keep it quiet and I did!"
"Regardless someone other than your father knows and there could be serious consequences for both of us." the sailor was calm as he stuffed the article into the stove. "It's sailing day so we need to get our things on board before the passengers come on."
"Aye aye, Will. My father would get to the bottom of this when we get back. He will sue for libel if he deems it necessary."
"Is that why you're so seldom mentioned in the papers?"
"Indeed it is," they picked up their suitcases. "Mom and Dad don't like it when papers print stuff that's untrue and they can really be vicious about it. I don't know if they think things will always be that way, but they want everything substantiated."
"But your father knows about us."
"Yes and he didn't leak it to the press," Emilia pinned on her big white hat which partially hid her face, fitting the elastic cord under the knot of hair on the back of her head so it wouldn't fall out. "Dad's private, always have been. He would not leak our private business to the press."
"Still, someone did," Murdoch grunted. "I bet Alphonse did it. That man has a streak of vindictiveness in his nature."
"Well, thank goodness we're traveling today so we can let his blow over until we return in two weeks, right?" they approached the gangway for the Oceanic, a familiar voice greeting them.
"Well hello there!" Lightoller beamed at them as he came over from the bridge. "Your highness, a pleasure!"
"Charles!" Emilia hugged and pecked him on the cheek. "It's been a year! How are you doing?"
"Oh, wonderful as always!" his outgoing nature and cheeky grin were exactly as she remembered. "You look different since I saw you last Christmastime!"
Murdoch shot Lightoller a nasty glare, knowing that his friend had picked up on the romantic feelings the sailor had towards Emilia awhile ago. Lightoller teased him, telling him to act on the feelings but Murdoch hadn't wanted to drive her away. Now the first officer of the Oceanic was a married man, he knew the signs of infatuation when he saw them. Murdoch drew himself up.
"I still outrank you, Lights. About your work."
"Just off shift!" Lightoller chirped happily. "You can't get me, Will."
"Aye," Murdoch sighed. "you're such a child, Lights."
"I regressed through my children. Come on, Em, let me show you to your room."
"Fine. I'll keep him in line, Will." Emilia winked.
"All right. I need to get the watch roster list settled." Murdoch went to the bridge as Lightoller offered Emilia his arm.
"Well, I thought you'd like this one," he brought her right to Murdoch's cabin. "if you want some privacy, it's ideal. Will comes and goes depending on his schedule so I hope you're a sound sleeper."
"That's what he said last night." the cabin was small but it was cozy, with a bed in the corner, a space for his trunk at the foot of the bed, a closet for his uniforms, and a writing desk nearby. The bed was all made up and Emilia thought they'd have a real time of it, two people sleeping in a bed big enough for only one person.
"Oho!" Lightoller mocked playfully. "Don't tell me he finally professed his love for you."
"Well, funny story about that." she told him how her butler had helped her to realize that she was in love with Murdoch. Lightoller was incredulous at the whole situation, wondering how she could have missed Murdoch's devotion to her, but chose not to say anything, remembering how young she was in the first place.
"What about my cabin?"
"Well," Lightoller presented her with her money. "I was near the building when you bought your ticket, so I arranged with Captain McDonald that you share Murdoch's room. If you still want the room you booked, you can have it."
"No, I just want to be where Will is." Emilia accepted the money back after insisting Lightoller take about twenty dollars. "Call it your commission." she joked, locking the rest of the money up in a safe.
"I'd be honored." Lightoller bowed low. "Hope I don't put out my back!"
"So, Will and I want absolute privacy on his off hours, we won't be too loud mind you."
"Loud?" the light went off in the first officer's head. "Oh! Well, you'll be having me on one side and our Mr. Boxhall on the other side of you. He knows you're here but hasn't had a chance to come and see you yet."
"I look forward to seeing him. Because of a piece written in the newspaper about me just today, I wish to remain unseen by society so I can really relax and be myself."
"That gossip article today? Sylvia pointed it out to me. She and I were furious someone dared leak this out so your trip is coincidentally beneficial to you."
"Absolutely." she agreed.
"This ship isn't as grand as the Olympic, but it has its perks."
"More security in terms of shipbuilding I hope."
"She's been retrofitted since the disaster," Lightoller answered as she sat on the bed. "a lot of the suggestions I made at the inquiries have been drafted into law now."
"I'm glad some good came of the whole thing." she sat down on the bed beside her suitcase and popped it open.
"Quite. I'm off for a nap so have fun on whatever you wind up doing." he kissed her hand goodbye and left the room.
When Emilia was done arranging things to her satisfaction, she hung up Murdoch's uniforms and exited the room, keen to get lunch before most of the passengers arrived. The ship wasn't as grand as the Titanic or as luxurious, but Emilia could live without those features. Luxury was nice but she didn't want to depend on them. Her father had told her many times not to take luxury for granted. There weren't any luxuries on their house in Kent, as when they vacationed there as a family her parents would make their children do responsible chores and even study their schoolwork.
So lost in her thoughts, Emilia turned a corner and didn't see a man turn the corner at the same time and crash into her. She nearly swore but accepted the helping hand up.
"I thought you looked familiar!" a voice boomed, a moderate reedy tenor she had heard before but couldn't quite place. Emilia stood up on her feet and gasped.
"Mr. Hockley?!"