Chapter XXVIII: When the Wind Blows
A/N: You all cannot believe how long I've wanted to write this chapter. At least the first pov. It's pretty much the sole reason I've kept a certain Scotsman alive. Despite all of the complaining, there was a reason for it. I have a feeling that you all will get the idea quite quickly. Thank you Cowgirlbookworm for your patience and your help! Looking forward to seeing what you all think! SSD
October 13th, 1912
Midmorning
Bile permeated Ada's tastebuds as she staggered from the bathroom. Since two days after Will's departure, nausea and vomiting had been her constant companions other than Rigel. Albert, Mina, and Rafaela kept her supplied with ginger tea, crackers, and chicken soup.
It helped somewhat, the crackers being the main solid food she could keep down. Ada hadn't sent any messages to Will, not wanting to worry him.
"Rigel? Here boy," she called out for the loyal lab.
"He's in here." It was Albert in a nearby sitting room. Upon entering, Ada saw Rigel sitting at his feet and a steaming pot of the ginger tea on the table in front of them with three cups and a plate of crackers.
As soon as she sat down, Rigel came towards her to start nuzzling and booping her tummy.
Grinning Albert said, "That's a smart dog you've got there!"
"Will trained him well," she replied, scratching the pooch on the chin.
"So are you feeling any better," he asked.
"Marginally. Right now I feel like I can eat." Ada felt hungrier than she'd felt in days.
"Excellent. Care for a cup of tea. It's that ginger stuff you've been drinking quite a bit of," Albert began pouring
Ada sipped at it. Before she could speak, there was a pounding on the door. Mina shouting, "Albert, you let me in there!"
Voice laden with glee, he called back, "You shouldn't have been patient little sister!"
Albert lounged on the couch for a few minutes while Mina roundly insulted him in Welsh, before smiling as he got up and unlocked the door.
Once she entered and whacked her brother across the back of the head, Mina asked her, "Have you given any thought about the source of your symptoms?"
"Mostly Rafaela using spoiled milk," Ada replied sipping at the tea.
"Then we would be sick as well," Albert cut in.
"I haven't been able to see either of you, so I wouldn't be able to know that," Ada couldn't help but snap.
Albert looked to his sister, "You tell her. You can say it without getting slapped!"
"She's more likely to faint than slap you, but I understand," Mina patted her brother's knee.
Ada had a feeling they had a better idea what was going on than she did.
Mina turned her attention back to Ada, took a breath to say, "Ada, we think you might be pregnant. You've been ill when no one else is. Your emotions have been all over the place, and well to say Will has been keeping you occupied is an understatement. So the chances are good."
That wasn't what Ada had expected Mina to say to her. It did get her thinking about when her last monthy was. That had been before the attack on Albert's birthday/their wedding anniversary. She and Will had railed each other after that and for many days after!
To be told this after many years of trying, it not working… It had worked?
"I… I can't be. We've been trying for so long and it never…" Her hand went to her stomach. "You don't really think I'm…"
"A doctor or a midwife can be easily contacted. Both, if you wish. Albert out," Mina ordered.
"I'm leaving, I'm leaving. But I'm positive about her," he declared on his way out.
"Now that my annoying brother is gone, we can get down to proper business. What would you like to ask me?" Mina left herself open to questions.
"How many children do you have?" Ada wanted to start easy.
"Four of them, All boys: Alistair, Brandon, Matthew you've met, and Randall my youngest. Knowing Randall, he likely pestered your husband with questions about sailing. He's just started his last year at Dartmouth," Mina replied.
"When was Randall over here," she inquired.
"Shortly after the sinking for about two weeks," Mina answered.
"Were any of them trouble for you?"
"I caused myself trouble with Randall, just try to keep yourself relaxed and well fed, you'll be fine," Mina poured tea.
"The issues with Randall-" Ada began, Mina politely cut her off with, "Is nothing for you to be concerned with. I was quite worried about something at the time, which you will definitely not be."
Rigel padded over to Mina. As the older woman gave him scratches, he got up on the redhead's knees, gave her a quick, sloppy kiss, then got back down.
"Thank you boy, I needed that." Shaking her head as if to clear herself of memories, Mina said to her, "I assume you'll want to tell Will quickly. Albert has thought of a way to get a letter into Will's hands without having to worry about anyone else reading it before he does."
"How would that be done," Ada asked.
"Using one of the 40 Thieves. Adam would likely be the one heading to New York," Mina explained.
Ada was silent as she twisted her fingers, particular her wedding ring before asking, "Will he be pleased?"
"Ada, the only man I've ever seen be more of a fool for his wife than Will for you was my brother for Maeve. Albert would do anything she asked of him. That was a love match if there ever was one. I thank God every day that our father was already dead so he couldn't meddle with it," Mina declared, "He died about a year after he had me marry Wyndam, so I was out of luck."
"So yours was arranged?"
"Yes. We were… not the best suited. Wyndam continued to act as he pleased. Albert hated him. The feeling was mutual. Anyways enough about me. Why don't you work on that message to Will," Mina suggested.
There was a pad of paper along with a pencil nearby.
Will I don't know where to begin. I think nearly dying lit a fire in us. The wall perhaps was where it happened, knowing how these things work. Lights will never let us hear the end of it, should he ever find out.
I'm sure you're wondering… Will you're going to be a father. And somehow Mina and Albert figured it out before I did. Even Rigel caught on before me. Take care of yourself up there, I want you back with us as soon as possible. I cannot believe how happy I am.
All my love, Ada.
October 13th, evening.
He almost flew off the Adriatic as soon as he was done with his duties. Yes, he and Olive had exchanged letters, but it wasn't the same.
Finding a newspaper boy, he bought a newspaper. James remembered which one was Hearst's main one; and didn't want to waste his money.
The prosecution had finished it's side. The defense would be starting tomorrow. Today would be a break. At least in this paper, The Post, there was no mention of Will and Miss Lethbridge!
He followed Olive's directions and was soon outside the quite fancy hotel. James was wondering how to enter without being thrown out.
"James, over here, come on in." It was Lieutenant Lethbridge who brought him in past the doormen and to the elevator.
To cut the silence Roland said, "You won't have to wait for Olive long. She's just putting Cecily's dress away. They got changed after Church. Unfortunately you won't get to leave the floor during your visit. We were lucky to leave for Church. It's safer here."
That greatly limited what James could do with Olive. Cards were an option though.
Soon they were on the right floor. James could feel his excitement climbing. He hoped she was as excited as he was.
Roland entered the room without knocking but called out, "Olive's got a visitor!"
Most everyone cleared out, except for Cecily, Will and Olive of course who was smiling shyly.
"Will if you don't leave this instant, I'll poke you with my knitting needles somewhere unpleasant," Cecily threatened him. "You will not be able to sit with comfort and joy!"
"Behave yourself James. And keep those needles where I can see them Cecily," Will fired back as he and Cecily left the room.
Waiting a few moments after the door shut James said, "I think they're getting along better!"
"Be careful where you say that. You don't want people thinking they're having an affair," Olive rolled her eyes.
"People still believe that shi-" James caught himself not wanting to swear in Olive's presence.
"It's okay. I'm more than accustomed to men turning the air blue. Cecily's been trying to get the marshals to blush with her own swearing. She managed it with the youngest one yesterday," Olive giggled "It was as if he'd never heard a woman swear before."
"Your employer is quite talented in that area. There are some sailors she could instruct," James commented.
Conversation was dying then he noticed the chessboard. Motioning at it, James asked, "Do you play?"
"A little. I've also watched the Lethbridges play. They're entirely too competitive, all of them," Olive answered.
They went over to the table. Olive sat down on the side that had the black pieces, he on the white.
James performed his usual first move with his king side knight. Olive opened with a queen's side pawn.
"I'd like to apologize for not being able to leave here. The marshals have been overprotective. They don't want to lose any of us," Olive explained.
"Your safety is more important than us going out on the town," James moved a bishop.
"Been catching up on my letters to my family and sewing. I've stayed out of the card games as does Fabrizio. Even though there's no money involved, they get too intense," she took a rook.
"Where are you from," he asked.
"A state called Oregon. It's on the other side of the country on the Pacific Ocean," Olive took a pawn with one of hers.
Finally putting his queen in play, James took a rook.
"You've asked me where I'm from, where are you from James," Olive asked as she took a bishop.
"Scarborough. It's in North Yorkshire. A resort town so it's quite nice there," he answered.
The game became more intense. Talking ceased. Eventually James was down to a bishop, king and one pawn. Olive was the same, but her other important piece was a rook.
Soon they were chasing and checking each other. There pawns were gone.
Realizing that there was no way for either of them to win, Olive began messing with her pieces, James did the same.
"Draw," she suggested.
"Draw," James agreed.
Not sure what to do next, he opened his mouth but Will said, "Just kiss why don't you? OW!"
"I think Cecily poked him with one of her knitting needles," Olive giggled.
James couldn't resist it any longer. Grasping her face lightly and giving her a chance to get away, he kissed her.
Olive moved her hands up to his and responded in kind.
October 15th, 1912
The trial was not going well for Patrick. Paul could tell this from years of watching trials unfold. The judge was less than amused by the antics of Patrick's defense team.
"Good morning darling," Jocelyn was ready for the day.
Paul couldn't help but smile as his wife glided in. He much preferred looking at her than at the newspaper, where things were looking all too bleak for his friend.
Once she sat down, Jocelyn asked, "Have they said anything negative about her?"
Straight to the point. Something he loved about his wife. "No. They've praised her for holding up under the defense, for her resilience."
Green eyes flashing, "Then we'll have to give them something to sink their teeth into. We all know she's fucking that Scottish officer. Why else would he leave his wife back in Washington? Lovers quarrel maybe?"
Now was the time to share some information with Jocelyn, "Joss, if I know anything about Cecily Lethbridge… Even I don't think she's screwing Murdoch. She's too uptight to give it up before she's married. Lowe's in for the long haul."
"Well then why not talk about the unnaturally close relationship between Cecily and Roland Lethbridge?" His wife's eyes gleamed.
Jocelyn wasn't wrong. The Lethbridge siblings had always been close as siblings and retained that closeness as adults.
It would be child's play to imply things further in an article.
October 16th, 1912 midday
I'm going to shoot him where he can't enjoy his new wife!
Roland grumbled as he looked through his belongings for his service pistol. Paul had stooped to a new low in his latest article pertaining to Cecily. Not content to imply she was involved with Murdoch, he was now suggesting that he and Cecily were involved in an incestuous relationship!
"Looking for this?"
Roland spun around to see Will holding said pistol.
"I'm going to need that," he held out his hand for the weapon.
"I think not. Sit down and have some whiskey. Your Welsh is coming out," the Scotsman ordered.
"Your Scots would be coming out if you were being accused of what I was!" Roland snarled but took the whiskey anyway. Cecily could be heard shouting in Welsh, having long since abandoned English.
"Malcolm has gone to get her gun, risking life and limb. Olive is plying your sister with whiskey," Chief Turner joked.
"This stuff better be strong. For both Cecily and I. Casting his eyes around, he asked, "Where's Antin?"
Malcolm came out with Cecily and Olive. His sister looked marginally calmer. The Scottish 40 Thief said, "Antin's out hunting. Let's play some cards. No money involved!"
October 17th, 1912 afternoon/early evening
Sylvia was pleased that Charles would be back today. The boys were resting for the moment, and dinner was waiting to be warmed up on the stove, a beef stew.
Whilst she was cutting up some bread, there was a familiar walk up the sidewalk.
As the key was in the door, Sylvia counted down, "5, 4, 3, 2, 1…"
"DA!"
Like dogs on a scent Roger and Trevor were on their father in seconds, barely letting him in the door.
This next one was sure to be just like them!
"Help Sylvie! I'm under attack by ravenous beasts! If you don't help me, they'll destroy the message I have from the telegram office, and it's for you!" Charles cried out.
Wanting to know who the telegram was from, she walked into the entryway to see the boys dogpiled on their father. "Alright get washed up for supper. Your father has something for me."
Roger and Trevor crawled off their father and ran to wash up. Once her husband was on his feet, he gave her a crooked grin and a long kiss hello, taking full advantage of their sons not being in the room.
Once Charles let her come up for air, he handed her the telegram, "Your message, wife."
It was from Ada in Washington. Tearing it open, Sylvia began reading:
I find myself in a state I have long desired. I am unsure of how to go about sharing the happy news. While our hosts have been most helpful, I crave your advice. You have been blessed in this manner multiple times. I would trust your words far more than my own thoughts. Ada
"Well then. What's in the water over there? Ow!" her husband yelped as she swatted his shoulder.
"I highly doubt it was the water. Unless you're referring to what our Irish friends call the water of life," Sylvia drawled.
Coming around to sit on the couch Charles asked, "So what are you going to tell her?"
"There's quite a bit I want to tell her, but there's only so much room in a telegram," Sylvia really wanted to help Ada.
"Then there's only one thing for you to do," Charles had a wiseass grin on his face.
"What's that," she asked warily.
"You go to her, and bring the boys with you. I'm sure I can talk Harold into messaging the Lethbridges to ask if you can come to help Ada!"
A/N 2: And I've finally introduced Sylvia Lightoller. I've been *waiting* to introduce her! I hope I wrote her well! Looking forward to seeing what you all think! SSD