The Vanderbilt's house was lit fully for the night, and already a crowd of guests were already buzzing about the doors to the house. I gave Will a smile as he handed me out, the handle of the claymore rising up over his shoulder. He'd had to pull the sword belt on after getting out of the carriage, complaining all the while. "It's so heavy Ana, I'm going to hurt myself carrying this."

"Oh relax dear," I wrapped my hand around his arm. "It's only for a little while." We gradually pushed our way through, earning quite a few glances our way and not just for our rudeness. I heard several ladies commenting on how handsome Will looked and I was well aware of the men greedily watching me make my way through. Finally we reached the front doors, and I was laughing as we made our way in after the butler recognized us. "Did you see the way they were staring at me?"

"Of course I did," Will smiled, "I made a whole show of grabbing the sword when they look a little too long."

I snorted, "You know, it used to be you'd threaten to stab anyone who looked at me too long."

"I only stabbed one, and you didn't seem to mind it." He chuckled, pulling me a little closer to him. I gladly complied, and we quickly found the ballroom. It was still free of guests, the ball hadn't officially been opened yet, although I quickly noticed the Vanderbilts. Will raised an eyebrow at Oscar, "And who exactly are you supposed to be?"

Oscar, in a brilliant navy blue and gold uniform, spread his arms wide. "My illustrious ancestor, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt." He looked Will up and down, "And you're the Bonny Prince?"

Will snorted, "Hardly, just a humble Scotsman."

"Oh, Moira don't you look lovely." I smiled at Mrs. Vanderbilt, in her flamenco dancer's costume with its trailing mantilla over her hair. "And Richard, so handsome."

Mr. Vanderbilt, in a bullfighter's jacket and hat, grunted. "I am here under protest, Mrs. Murdoch."

Moira lightly batted his shoulder. "Oh hush, dear. We all know you won't last the night." She looked past us, "Liz! Don't you two look lovely." I turned, seeing Liz and James coming towards us. She was wearing a dress that revealed much of her pale skin, her hair caught up and dressed with trailing flowers. The flowers continued down her dress, a white Grecian style dress that was caught up around her waist with a cord that was wrapped with more flowers.

James stood by her, his costume much more understated than many that we would see. He simply wore all black, from his shirt to his tie, and carried the battered Greek helmet I had found in his hands. He looked a bit pale, but his voice was strong. "Mr. Murdoch, Mrs. Murdoch you both look well."

"Thank you James," Will nodded to him, "Although I must admit I'm rather jealous that I couldn't get away with that."

Liz wound her arm around James's. "I didn't want to scare him off, Anastasia already has a ring on your finger so you had to comply."

"Liz!" I brought a hand up to cover my smiling face. "You know I wouldn't have forced him."

"No, you just bribed him." Her smile was far too knowing, and I felt a flush break out. "What do you think Mother, are we ready?"

Moira looked out across her ballroom, the maids and footmen wearing their finest uniforms that almost seemed like costumes themselves. Swags of flowers hung from columns, a photographer was carrying the last of his equipment to a room that had been set aside for him where he could photograph guests as they desired. Their cook had already sent up small treats and the butler was decanting the last of the massive amount of wine that had been set aside. She smiled, "Oh yes, I think we are. Mr. Ballard?" The butler looked up immediately. "Hand that over to a footman and open the doors please."

He nodded, "At once, ma'am." A veritable flood of mythical creatures and historical figures seemed to burst through into the ballroom, all of them coming to thank us. Will, Richard and James seemed quite glad to let us ladies step forward and take credit. There were so many people, and they were dressed so outlandishly, that I could barely recognize anyone as they came up to speak to us.

I must have been standing there for half an hour when I felt Will slip his hand into mine, his voice light. "I think you've done enough."

"Oh, but there may be late comers." I peered out over the dance floor, the crowd clearly waiting for the band to begin playing. "Someone should greet them."

"And Mrs. Vanderbilt is more than able to." Will pulled me after him, and I noticed that he had lost his sword. "I want to dance with my wife."

I laughed as he caught me around the waist, feeling excited as we joined the group waiting for the band. I was glad that I had convinced Will to wear the kilt, for I felt that he was easily the most handsome men present. Let the Caesars and the Kings flirt, my Scot was all I needed. I was just about to tell him that when the band suddenly rushed into a fast rag, and Will was quickly guiding me around the floor. I laughed, "Oh, I forgot how much fun these fast dances are!"

"Indeed," Will spun me around quickly, "And your costume is even more becoming during it." I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror as we moved past, and he was right. The organza cape swirled around me, and the trailing veil like pieces made it look like I was coming up out of the seas to tempt unwary sailors to their doom. Will leaned closer, "And I think every man here knows I'm dancing with the most beautiful lady here, and that she's all mine."

I batted at his chest, "Will, stop."

"If I stopped I'd be lying." He chuckled, although he drew us to the side as the song ended. The crowd quickly busied themselves with switching partners, and I found Oscar immediately at my side. I could see Richard dancing with Liz, while James swung Moira around.

Oscar drew my attention with a squeeze of my hand, "You look lovely tonight, by the way."

"Thank you," I replied automatically, "And I find your costume rather funny."

"Funny?" He cracked a smile. "I'm a threatening and domineering Commodore, I would think I'm more than funny."

"Oh yes, you're very intimidating." I rolled my eyes, "Although I think a Siren would be your enemy then."

"You, my enemy? Never, Anastasia." He swept my hand up and pressed a kiss to it as the music ended. "I would never do you harm." He did smile at something over my shoulder though, "Although I may use you to save my father." He raised a hand, "Father! Care to dance with Mrs. Murdoch? I think Mother would let you retire after."

Richard, lumbering up to us, nodded. "If you wouldn't mind, Mrs. Murdoch? I'm afraid I'm not one for balls nowadays."

"Of course, Mr. Vanderbilt." I agreed, letting him pull me into a waltz. Mr. Vanderbilt was a perfect gentleman for the entire dance, and left me with a bow. He was off to go have a cigar, or five, and the fact that he danced with me seemed to have opened the gates for the other older men. I danced with what seemed like an endless parade of them, and not all of them were as proper as Richard. I glared at one who was very clearly not looking at my face. "Sir, are you going to dance with me or just stare?"

Flustered, he immediately looked up. "Of course Mrs. Murdoch, I'm very sorry. Your necklace is stunning, sapphires?"

"Yes." I kept my voice clipped, because it was quite obvious. "And your cufflinks, gold?"

"Yes." He replied, although he stopped quickly and I almost went past him.

James was standing there, clearly feeling awkward. "I would like to dance with Mrs. Murdoch."

"Well, you can wait your turn," My current partner griped, "Because she-"

"Is quite done with you." I turned to James, taking his hands. "Thank you, Mr. Moody."

He nodded, "Of course, Mr. Murdoch is dancing with Liz and he was quite angry to see that one dancing with you." James smiled, "I thought I might help."

I gave his hand a squeeze. "You're quite the hero tonight." He spun me around, and I caught a glimpse of flowers and a kilt in the crowd. "You didn't tell me Will was with Liz. How are things with her?"

James blushed. "Very well, ma'am. I'm hoping that soon," He shook his head. "Sometime soon I may be asking her father for his permission."

"Oh James," I smiled, "That's wonderful! When?"

"Not for some time." He shrugged, "I should like to purchase us a house in Southampton beforehand, and with my wages it will take me awhile to get enough for a bank to approve a loan."

"I could increase your wages, or gift you the money."

"Thank you ma'am, but no." James came to a stop as the music ended. "This is something I have to do on my own." I kept ahold of his hand as we made our way through the crowd, finding our respective partners. James nodded to Will, "Sir, I hope Liz was a good partner."

"That she was," Will stepped forward, taking my hand. "Although not my favorite."

Liz snorted, "You know, you already married her. You don't have to whisper sweet nothings like you're courting her again."

"A man should never stop courting his wife." Will grinned, "James, remember that."

"I will, Mr. Murdoch." James looked to Liz, "Would you like a drink?" The two of them headed off, and Will quickly had me back out in another dance.

I was laughing by the end of the rag, "Will, I need to go to the powder room."

"Surely one more." Will tugged me to him, but did lead us off the dance floor. "Although, I suppose I could let you head off, so long as you promise me the next dance?"

"If you have a drink for me after, yes." I gave his hand a squeeze, heading off. I was quite familiar with the Vanderbilt house and knew that there was a powder room close by, and I wound up waiting with a few other guests before I could avail myself of it. Feeling much more relieved after, I decided to slowly make my way back to the ballroom. The Vanderbilts did have some lovely art, and it had been some time since I had wandered around to look at it.

"I'm surprised Mrs. Reichster isn't present." I paused outside a sitting room, listening to the voice talking. I caught a glimpse of the inside before I stepped back to where I wouldn't be seen. There were two inside, Mrs. Fish dressed as Cleopatra, and peeking through the crack of the door, I could see her snake crown discarded on the couch beside her as she stretched her arms. I could see the young Miss Astor, her shepherd's crook discarded on the floor across from her and her wide skirts crumpled underneath her. It had been Miss Astor who spoke. "Do you think it was a deliberate snub?"

"Hardly," Mrs. Fish sighed, collecting a glass of wine from the table between them. "Mrs. Reichster is preparing to become a mother, entertainments such as these are suitable for girl of your age and established ladies. Expectant mothers are above such nonsense."

"I don't think it's nonsense, it's rather fun to see everyone."

Mrs. Fish sniffed. "Truth be told, it's obvious that Mrs. Murdoch is compensating for not being in a delicate condition. Trying to steal the spotlight, if you ask me." I could almost feel her smile. "Perhaps its something to do with the quality of the husband, although those working types usually breed like rats."

"And him coming in dressed as a barbarian." A sniff, and then a smile in her voice. "He could have come as something civilized, I mean everyone knows he'll never fit in with our set but he could at least try. Although perhaps she planned it, she likes her men rough. Did you see her costume? I swear, half the men in the room are staring at her." Miss Astor seemed to relish this chance to gossip, but I stumbled away from the door. I knew the dress was a bit revealing, Will had seen to that, but it wasn't the worst one that I had seen. And Sophie had sounded so put out when she had said she couldn't attend. I found one of the other rooms, slipping inside and closing the door. I didn't want anyone around, for I could feel myself beginning to shake.

Sophie hadn't declined because she was better than this party, she felt sick from the pregnancy. I could feel some tears beginning, because I knew what their words really meant. Something was wrong with me, it had to be, because Sophie had so quickly fallen pregnant and I hadn't. I tried to take a deep breath, reminding myself that I'd been examined during my first cycle and been told that everything was in its proper place and functioning perfectly. Mother, Morgan and Will had all said it would take time, but why couldn't it have happened already?

Why couldn't tonight have just been Will and I selecting colors for the nursery? Why did I find it so hard? I wanted it so badly, I prayed for it, and every month was a red disappointment. And all I got told was that it would happen, that all it took was time, but I'd been married for almost three months, have bedded my husband as often as I could, and I hadn't even been off by a day. I didn't even bother wiping at my tears, although I did look away when I heard the door open.

"Anastasia?" Oscar's voice was kind, and he closed the door behind him. "I was looking for you."

I sniffed, "I'm sorry Oscar, I just, I'm sorry." I felt the couch shift as he settled down next to me. "Oh, you don't-"

"I do." He held out a handkerchief, "Because that's what friends are for. Now, are you going to dry your tears or am I going to?" I shook my head, taking it from him. Oscar settled farther back into the couch, his gold epaulettes glinting in the light. "Well, I can think of only one cure for the host of a party crying."

"That is?" I patted the handkerchief against my face, doing my best to not smear my makeup.

Oscar laughed, "Gossip. Anastasia, really, how could you have let your husband wear a kilt? I was so certain he was going to be Nelson, I had figured we would match." He gestured down to his own uniform. "Otherwise I just dressed up like that old stuffed up Commodore for nothing." I couldn't help but bark out a laugh at that. "And that Mrs. Fish, you'd think for all their money she'd be wearing something besides brass jewelry. I sweat to you, I think she got her costume from a rental shop. I remember seeing it two years ago."

"I think I do too." I mumbled, trying to remember. "It wasn't one of the Astors, was it?"

"No, the Richardsons." Oscar grinned, "And that Miss Astor, so positively pastoral. Certainly not how she looked at Quinn's party the other month I can assure you." He leaned closer, whispering. "I could almost see her breasts her dress was cut so low and she was hanging off of Cousin Alfred after she drank too much." I gave a giggle at that, and Oscar smiled even wider. "Well, it appears I have done my job, and so now I have a request." He stood, bowing elegantly. "Would this beautiful Siren be willing to bless this humble Commodore with a dance?"

I laughed at that, throwing his handkerchief at him. "Don't you ever call yourself a Commodore again, I still remember my grandmother telling me all about how handsome she thought he was."

He pursed his lips at that and shook his head, "That is definitely not something I would like to think on, but dancing with you is." Oscar kept up a running commentary on the deplorable state of all the other costumes as we danced, and when the music ended he handed me back over to Will. He did bow over my hand though, "Would you grant me a carriage ride tomorrow? I'm afraid we have far more gossiping to do."

I laughed, "Of course Oscar, so long as Liz and Will can join us."

"I suppose that means James will too." He grumbled, but he smiled as he headed back off into the crowd.

Will gave my hand a squeeze, "Would you still like that drink?"

"Yes, I would." I wished I had already had that drink, because I needed it earlier. It was one thing to have heard Zachary spitting poison, but to hear others talking about me like I was a character in a play for them, it sickened me. It was different than when they had talked about my wedding, or my dresses. I was so caught up that when Will handed me a glass of champagne I started. "Sorry, thank you."

"Everything alright?" Will, his Glengarry slipping slightly, brought his hand up to brush my cheek. I had to bite my tongue, and a thought whispered through my brain. I hadn't been the only one they had been talking about. Will was getting dragged through the mud because of me. Wouldn't Will have been happier if Ada was still with him? She wouldn't have made him dress up like this, or paraded around dressed like a whore. Ada would have been happy to go to a dance hall or a friend's parlor, and Will would have been happy with it.

Realizing that I had been quiet for a moment, I nodded. "Yes, sorry." Will furrowed his brow, but caught up my other hand. I let him lead me around the edges of the ballroom, watching him. Why had I forced him into this? Not just his costume but this life, he didn't fit and I had refused to see that. It was wrong of me to have done that, and I was being punished for forcing him into a place he didn't belong to or want to be. I kept quiet as the party continued, my only focus seeming to be when I could get another glass of champagne.


Oscar yawned as the last of the guests bade their farewells and headed out. It had been some time since they had thrown a party like this, and he had forgotten how long they lasted. The costume party had been a hit though, and everyone had been having such a good time that he hadn't bothered to follow Liz and James when they had snuck off at one point. He had kept a close eye on the clock though, but they had returned in a timely manner.

James had one of Liz's flowers tucked behind his ears though.

Oh, but it had been such fun. They'd all gone to get their pictures taken, and Oscar was looking forward to seeing the results. Anastasia had been beautiful, but then again she always was. He couldn't help but laugh remembering how Will had shoved that sword into his hands and begged him to hide it. His face when Oscar had hauled it back out for the picture had been hilarious, and Oscar had forced himself to remember the curses that had been hurled at him so he could ask for a translation later. Catching sight of his father, his costume discarded, he grinned. "Not off to bed yet?"

"No," His father sighed, "Could you come in? We'd like to talk to you." Feeling a sense of disquiet building in him, Oscar nodded. It was one of the drawing rooms that were often set aside for guests, a number of landscape paintings on the wall. His mother was sat on a sofa, her fingers knitted before her. Richard came to sit by her, "Dear?"

"Oscar, your father and I," His mother looked over to his father, who nodded. "We feel that you should refrain from calling on Mrs. Murdoch for some time."

"'Refrain from calling', why would I ever do that Mother?" Oscar laughed, "Anastasia is expecting me to come over tomorrow, I promised her a carriage ride in the park." It was ridiculous. He'd been calling on Anastasia since it had been socially acceptable. Their friendship was well known, and he knew his parents didn't care. They were friends with Ruth, and Liz and Anastasia were inseparable.

His father stood and stepped forward, his voice far too calm. "And you'll have to send a card apologizing for not being able to come over."

"Father-"

"Oscar!" His father snapped, "Do you have any idea what your relationship with her looks like?"

"Richard," Mother soothed, patting his arm. "Let me handle this." She turned to him. "Oscar, to those outside it looks as if you and Mrs. Murdoch are engaged in an inappropriate relationship." He had opened his mouth to respond but she continued. "You dance with her at every ball, call on her at least once a week and send her flowers several times a month. You're still treating her like you're courting her."

"I'm not." Oscar bit out, "She's just a friend."

"A friend who is married and whose husband is often out working." Moira stood, coming over to pat his shoulder. "Just a few months, that's all. Simply allow her some time alone, for her sake."

"Mother, please, what about Liz?"

She pursed her lips. "Liz will be staying away too." His mother sighed, "One of the servants saw you tonight, going into a room alone with her." Oscar flinched as his mother turned, "What were you thinking?"

He fumbled for a moment, "I, I heard Mrs. Fish and Miss Astor talking about her on their way back to the ballroom. Their comments were," He looked down. "Very disparaging. I heard what sounded like crying from another room and Anastasia was in there. I just wanted to cheer her up, we just gossiped for a bit."

Father sighed. "I know you care for her, Oscar, and I know you'd never push her into what people think is going on." He felt his father put a hand on his shoulder. "It's only because I've been keeping an eye on the society reporters that it's just a rumor right now. If it continues on, they'll print it. So leave her alone, let her reputation recover and then you can reach back out."

"I'm to cut her?" Oscar looked up, feeling absolutely wretched. "With no explanation?"

He squeezed his shoulder, "I know it's hard, but it's for the best. Now, should I tell your sister or will you?"

"No," Oscar shook him off, heading for the door. "I will." His feet were heavy as he headed upstairs, and he had to stop for a moment to collect himself. This was going to hurt Anastasia, but his father was right. He needed to squash these rumors, because he couldn't see her hurt because of him. So if she hurt a little right now, well, it was preferable to her hurting for longer. He knocked lightly on his sister's door, "Liz?"

"Come in!" Her voice was bright, and when he opened the door he saw her happily placing the flowers from her dress into a number of vases and bowls. "Oh Oscar, wasn't that just the most fun?"

"It was." Oscar stepped forward, picking up a bloom. Gardenia, the flower of secret love. He twined it around a purple hyacinth, meaning regret. It fit him perfectly. He placed the flowers in a vase. "Mother and Father want us to do something for them."

Liz, smiling as she plucked another flower from her dress, looked up. "What?"

"We're not to visit the Murdochs for awhile." Oscar sighed, "They feel that we've neglected our other relationships in favor of them and wish to see us visit others."

"But we do visit other families!" Liz slapped her hands down. "For every time we visit the Murdochs we visit three other families!"

Oscar pressed his hands to his temples. "I know, but we're not to do it. At least until the new year."

"But it's foolish!" Liz came around, catching his hands. "Can't you tell them that? How are James and I supposed to have some chaperoned time away from here?"

"I'll take you out on a carriage ride tomorrow." Oscar squeezed her hands, "And James, and I'll even let you two go walk on your own."

His sister's voice dropped. "Oscar, did something happen? With you and Anastasia?"

"No," He shook his head, wrapping his arms around her. "But they're worried something might. Even though I told them I would never think of it."

Liz returned his hug. "Perhaps we could send a card explaining everything?"

"No, we're to cut her completely." Oscar stepped back, running his hand through his hair. "But I will send a card to James in the morning to tell him to be ready." He left her there, stripping his coat as he returned to the hallway. It had seemed so clever when he had thought of it, but now it was foolishness. He had planned to tease Anastasia about preferring men in uniform, but he couldn't when Will wasn't wearing his. He threw it over his shoulder and made his way to his rooms, hoping that the familiar dark wood and leather would make him feel better, but it didn't. His valet was waiting for him in his rooms, and Oscar sighed. "Can you make me a whiskey soda? I'm going to need it."

Gerald glanced at him, but nodded. "Everything alright Mr. Vanderbilt?"

"No, and there's not a damn thing I can do about it."