Oscar watched Anastasia fumbling with a handkerchief in the car, Mr. Collins by her side. Rowan was up front, a scarf nearly pulled up to his ears. Oscar had offered to ride up front, but Anastasia had insisted he stay. She blinked, looking to him. "You're certain this will work?"

He wanted to reach out and take her hand, but Mr. Collins was hovering over her like a protective father. Even Gareth hadn't glared at him like that, so Oscar simply smiled. "It will, if there's anything I've learned about men of his class, if you say the right words and do the right things, you're accepted as one of them. There's few secrets between men in clubs like that."

"But what if he doesn't accept you as one of the boys?" Mr. Collins raised an eyebrow.

Oscar snorted, "One of my relatives has already married into the nobility, I'll be accepted for my name alone. In addition, plenty of them would like a financial gift. These country houses are money pits."

Anastasia grinned, "Don't I know it."

"Oh, you're looking into one?"

She nodded, "One in Scotland, so that after all this is done, Will and I can come back and visit his family, with our children." Her voice was firm on that, and Oscar much preferred her determined rather than weepy. "It's been quite the process, I wouldn't mind one in need of repair, but they usually are quite extensive."

"It comes with the house being older than your country." Mr. Collins chuckled, "Perhaps it would be better to get one in need of repair, plenty of men coming back from the front are skilled with their hands."

"I'll consider it." Her smile was warm, and she quieted as she looked out the window. Oscar settled back, joining her. The country rolling by them was truly gorgeous, lush rolling fields with dark woods lurking just beyond. Cows and sheep dotted the fields, the only mark of the war being that women were tending them instead of men.

Ever so slowly they got closer to their destination, the great country house of Freemantle Manor stretching its grounds out far from the house itself. English oaks lined the drive up to the manor, a Georgian pile of pillars, brilliant ochre stucco and glittering windows. He could see Anastasia staring at it and breathing quickly out of the corner of his eye. He gave her a cocky grin, "It's three days, you'll be fine."

"Three days seems awfully long." She muttered, her hand tight around his as he helped her out. A footman led them through the main hall, out towards a garden between the wings of the house where a reception was being held. He watched as Anastasia drew herself up, placing a smile on her face and stepping forward to join the ladies that were enjoying champagne around a fountain.

The footman gave a cough, "If you would like to join the other gentlemen, they are above."

Oscar followed his gesture to the balcony that overlooked the garden, occupied by a number of men in suits, sharing drinks and cigars. He took the steps slowly, keeping an eye on the composition of the group. All of the men were gathered around a single man, slicked back blonde hair, easy blue eyes and a crisp jaw singled out Lord Robert, who lounged with an easy confidence against the balustrade as he gazed at the ladies.

The footman coughed again, "Oscar Vanderbilt has arrived, my Lord, the guest of Anastasia Murdoch.

If there was any question about Anastasia bringing a guest, it was quickly wiped away by Oscar's last name. Instead he waved Oscar to join him, the footman returning with a whiskey for the both of them. Robert lifted his chin toward the ladies below. "Ah, Vanderbilt. Quite a pretty flock of birds, isn't it?"

Oscar quickly assumed the playboy role he had played far too many times before. "Yes, well with all their sweethearts off fighting, doesn't leave much for them to do."

"Ha, sweethearts. You don't know British girls very well, they're always looking for the next step up. But I've grown tired of them, now this American on the other hand." He grinned, gesturing to where Anastasia was quietly speaking to a fellow guest. "Anastasia Murdoch, correct? You two know each other?"

Oscar nodded, "Oh yes, we go way back. All us New York folks know each other." He leaned closer, his voice low. "She's utterly miserable here, her sailor husband leaves her all alone and places such limits on her that she's dying without any parties to go to."

"Beautiful girl, all that blonde hair and those legs. Quite a pretty flower, might just have to see if I can pluck her during her stay."

The older man didn't notice the way Oscar's knuckles had gone white as he tried to stop himself from accidentally breaking his glass. "You should be careful though, old sport, some flowers have thorns. Wouldn't want to find yourself getting pricked."

"I know well enough to break off the thorns before plucking the bloom," Robert chuckled, his eyes still fixed on Anastasia. "And I'm not the one who's going to be pricked."

The rest of the men came forward, discussing the various qualities of the ladies below in a way that uncomfortably reminded Oscar of discussing racehorses. One let out a groan though, pointing down. "What's that old codger doing here?"

Oscar looked, seeing an old man making his way among the ladies. The only thing that really marked him as old was the fact that his hair was pure silver, otherwise he stood tall and proud as he kissed every hand that was presented to him. Robert sighed, "I didn't think we'd be graced with his presence, someone must have told him."

"Who is he?" Oscar cocked his head, watching as the man approached Anastasia.

Robert shoved himself upright, stalking towards the stairs. "Captain Harry Flashman, one of Victoria's favorites and he doesn't let you forget it. He's also a terrible rake, and I am not losing the game to him."

The ladies parted for them, with a great deal of eyelash fluttering and simpering looks cast at Lord Robert. As they drew closer, Oscar took a closer look at this Captain Flashman. He affected an old-fashioned pair of calvary whiskers, had dancing blue eyes, and had Anastasia enraptured as he told a story. "So I grabbed the orders from old Bobby Lee's desk, quick as you please, wrapped them around a pair of Lee's cigars and hied myself off for the closest Federal picket I could fine. Then-"

Lord Robert coughed, "Captain Flashman, I hadn't thought you could make it!" Robert was all smiles, even though Oscar could see a glare threatening in his gaze. "I hope you're not boring the ladies here."

Anastasia turned, and Oscar knew she was turning on the full force of her charm. "Oh not at all! Captain Flashman is just wonderful company, I've never known a man to have so many stories of his adventures." Unlike the other girls, Anastasia didn't bat her eyelashes but instead cocked her head and raised a brow. "Our erstwhile host Lord Robert, I presume." At Robert's nod, she laughed. "We should all feel blessed that you've deigned to come down and join us ladies."

Robert stepped forward, gently grasping her hand a pressing a lingering kiss to it. "Had I known I had such a beautiful woman to make the acquaintance of, I would have come quicker."

"How flattering," Anastasia leaned forward, stage whispering. "I won't offend you by telling you what Captain Flashman said when we were introduced, but you could certainly stand to take a few lessons from him."

"Perhaps you could tell me at dinner?" Lord Robert stepped closer, "I should dearly love to get to know you better, without the Captain's interference."

Flashman chuckled, "I'm afraid I beat you there, this sweet gel has agreed to keep an old soldier company at the dinner table tonight."

Oscar was amazed at the blush that Anastasia summoned to her cheeks, "Well, if you had come down earlier Robert, I would gladly have agreed to dine with you, but I do keep my promises."

Robert pursed his lips. "Tomorrow, then."

"Perhaps," Anastasia tossed her head, making her blonde hair sway in the breeze. "We shall have to see which of you two get to me first."

The initial moves made, Robert and the other men moved to mingle with the ladies, each clearly marking out their intended for the weekend. Oscar instead stepped closer to Anastasia, his voice low. "I thought you were going to try and seduce him and I would step in."

"Yes, well, Captain Flashman was here and he really is quite entertaining, Oscar."

"All that did was anger Robert."

Anastasia snorted, "Honestly, you men, you're so easy to manipulate sometime. He's angry at himself for lagging behind Flashman and at Flashman for not ceding the field. If he's not willing to chase me or win me from Flashman then I would go to him and beg his forgiveness, but he's a fighter. Watch, tomorrow he'll want me all to himself and I bet I can get Flashman to sidle up throughout the day. It'll just make him more possessive, so I'll need you to be on your toes."

Oscar mulled over her plan, chewing the inside of his lip. She was right, Robert was obviously in this for the chase and having a fellow suitor would make him hasty and open up gaps to exploit. But it was a risky plan. "I hope you know what you're doing."

"So long as you're here, I am as safe as I was back in New York."

"You were almost kidnapped twice in New York."

"Almost, Oscar, almost."

I had to admit, I felt much better once I was in the room I had been given and the door was locked. Everyone had dispersed to dress for dinner, and Lord Robert had kindly offered us the use of his staff. I would have been quite content to dress myself, but the gowns I had brought did require a maid to get into.

At least Mr. Collins and Rowan had been decent enough to bring my trunks up, although once of them was placed oddly against a wall, a folded piece of paper on top of it. I flipped it open, Rowan swears he can hear something through this wall, spoke to Vanderbilt and he says these old houses are full of hidden passages. At least this way if someone tries something, they'll trip and give themselves away. -Luke

I frowned at the offending wall, even though it had a lovely floral wallpaper. If I could have had both trunks stacked in front of it, I would have, however I did need to have access to get into them. But at least the trunk took up a good deal of space, and was solid. If someone tried to sneak in they'd walk right into it, earning themselves a few bruises while I ran off screaming for someone.

I tossed the note into the fire, then rang for a maid. She was deferential and was quiet throughout helping me, only asking at the end of my toilet if she should stay in my room until I returned. I frowned, doing my best not to crease my freshly powdered face. "No, have your dinner and take a break. I can ring when I'm back, it's all right."

I found myself missing Louise as she bobbed and headed out. Mother had written that she had taken my staff on at her house, leaving only a skeleton crew at the dock house to keep things clean and orderly. She had also written that Mr. Rigby and Peggy had been growing rather close, which had made me smile.

What also made me smile was the sight of Captain Flashman, resplendent in his calvary uniform with enough medals across his chest it put my jewelry to shame.

Even in his eighties the man was still handsome, and he knew it. He had flattered all of the ladies when he had joined us earlier, laying the charm on thick enough that it was obvious he much preferred female company. Frankly, compared to the way Robert and his friends had been leering at us earlier, his frankness was refreshing. He turned, giving me a grin as I joined him. "Mrs. Murdoch, you make a lovely sight."

I brushed my white kid gloves down the bodice of my navy blue gown, one of the ones I had worn with Will. "And you're set to blind someone if Lord Robert has the lights turned up."

He chuckled, offering his arm as the other guests made their way into the parlor where we were waiting. "Well, if I have the opportunity to wear them, I will."

"Well, you'll have something else for Lord Robert to be jealous of then." I muttered, seeing out host with a brown haired beauty on his arm fairly glaring at my partner.

Flashman snorted. "You know it's you he's looking at."

"If only he knew I was happily married."

"Oh come off it, from what I've heard you go months without seeing your husband." A distant smile came over his face. "My poor Elspeth, God bless her soul, she had her own stable of young bucks and all I asked was that she send them off when I came home."

I gave his arm a squeeze, "Well, unfortunately for you and Lord Robert, I am loyal to my husband."

"You didn't seem to be feeling loyal earlier, fair had him eating out of your hand."

"And if I told you I was doing this against my will?" I asked, watching as he raised a brow and leaned closer. I whispered a shortened version of my situation to him, watching as his eyebrow continued to rise. I wasn't much worried about him blabbing, it would sound like some ten cent paperback if he told anyone. Finally, I finished. "Isn't it just horrible?"

He drew back, affronted. "Of course it is! That a woman should be forced into betraying her marriage vows to save lives," I almost spoke when he finished. "And with such a milquetoast!"

I furrowed my brow. "What?"

"If you're going to betray your marriage vows, you should do it with someone worth the effort." Flashman leaned closer, gesturing to his medals. "Have I mentioned that I've won the Victoria Cross?"

"Impressive." I deadpanned, "But I'm not interested in you either."

"You certainly gave Lord Robert that impression."

"Because I needed to frustrate him."

"So I'm simply a tool?" He pouted. "How unfortunate, I seem to be feeling ill. I should tell Lord Robert I'll take my dinner in my room."

I clutched his arm tighter. "Please don't."

"Then make it worth it." He smirked, "I will help you, if only to rub his smug face in it, but I'll expect something out of it." Flashman's brow furrowed. "I want at least a kiss."

I let out a breath, a kiss I could explain away. "Right before I leave."

"Then we have a deal," He drew himself up as the butler announced dinner was ready. "Now, let's give Lord Robert hell." Flashman was as good as his word, utterly dominating the conversation at dinner. He told at least a dozen stories over the various courses, all of them starring him as the hero. If that wasn't enough to make Robert seethe, the fact that Flashman threw an arm around my shoulder and kept offering me tidbits from his plate did. At one point one of his hands found its way to my lap.

He gave my thigh a squeeze before I could remove it.

It turned out that Robert was not the only one angry with Flashman, for Oscar would barely look at the man when the gentlemen all retired for cigars and brandy after dinner. When I rang for my maid, she came with an invitation in her hand. Lord Robert wished to take me for a stroll through the gardens after breakfast. I smirked at it as she helped me undress, and sent her back with a positive reply.

The night passed easily enough, although I found myself jumpy, listening for any movement from the hypothetical secret passage.

Breakfast was a late affair, delivered to my rooms by the same maid. She helped me into a dress for suitable for dancing than a morning walk, but that was solved with a jacket that I left tantalizingly open. Lord Robert, of course, barely lifted his eyes when he greeted me in the main hall. "Mrs. Murdoch, you must accept my apologies for my late arrival yesterday. I would have come to your rescue much sooner had I known what Flashman intended."

I smirked, "He certainly made dinner entertaining."

"I hope our time together will be far more to your liking." He offered me his arm, leading me out onto the grounds. A good deal of land had been given over to a formal garden, an informal garden running wild beyond a line of trimmed hedges. I took a good time admiring the few flowers blooming, and did my best to blush when Robert tucked one behind my ear.

When we entered the informal garden, it was fairly obvious this was his preferred haunt of seduction.

Willows trailed long branches into ponds, secluded benches set in dark bowers, a marble pavilion took advantage of a slight rise to provide a viewing platform and dark branches arched overhead pathways, perfect for lovers to cling a little closer to each other. I kept my frown off my face as Robert drew me closer to him, covering my hand with his own. "I certainly hope you're enjoying the garden."

I blinked, "Oh yes, it's quite lovely."

"My family has been tending it for generations." He moved us over to one of the benches, leaning closer as we sat. "It's one of my passions."

"Only one? You must have a great many passions."

He brought his face closer, "You have no idea."

I turned away as he attempted a kiss, sighing. "You what would make this better though?"

"Hmm?" He was pulling at my shoulder, clearly signaling I should allow him to kiss me. "What's that?"

"Champagne." I affected a pout. "I did so enjoy the champagne yesterday. Do you have any more?"

I watched as he ground his jaw. "Of course I have more champagne."

"How?" I drew a finger down his arm. "It's so hard to find."

Robert shivered underneath me. "I have my ways."

"Are you a daring blockade runner," I leaned closer, knowing he would look down my dress. "Bringing little luxuries back for those of us stuck here?"

One of his hands came up to brush against my breast. "Hardly, I just have well stocked cellars."

"I was hoping for something more exciting." I sighed, standing. "Could you show me the cellars?" There were few things less conducive to seduction than a cold cellar, and Robert begrudgingly walked me down to the cellar door. I kept a running inventory in my head as he walked me through the various wine racks. "So you had all of this stored up before the war started?"

"Some," He admitted, pulling a bottle from a rack. "I know a good number of dealers in America who are glad to have a customer over here. Too many of our set are limiting themselves lately, they're glad to offload anything they can."

"I'm sure you could make a pretty penny selling it." I muttered, hoping he'd take the bait.

He took it far too easily, "But if I sold it, I couldn't drink it." He presented the bottle to me. "Perhaps we could share this later tonight."

I glanced to the label, noting it was a good vintage. "Or I could give it to Captain Flashman."

"He's too old to appreciate something so fine." He leered at me, "I'll have it chilled, we can share it in my room."

"You're awfully confident." I remarked, tossing my hair as I made my way for the door.

I felt his eyes on me. "I have good reason to be confident, Mrs. Murdoch." His steps sounded, and I quickly opened the door and stepped out. "I have no doubt you're in need of male company."

I kept walking, chuckling over my shoulder. "Then I shall ask Captain Flashman to accompany me to dinner again tonight!" Robert stopped at that, and I quickly fled upstairs. I started when I felt a hand grab my arm, but turned to find Oscar gently tugging me into a drawing room. I waited until the door was shut, turning to find Rowan and Mr. Collins sitting. "I hope your day has been more relaxing than mine."

"To be honest, it's been easy work." Mr. Collins chuckled, "Between the four of us, I have money that we've got it all worked out."

Oscar snorted, "They've had an easier time than me. Honestly, I should have kept track of how many times the ladies here have propositioned me."

"At least you can decline them." I grumbled, relating what happened this morning. Mr. Collins and Rowan had heard much the same from the servants, although it seemed a few bottles of wine found its way into the butler's pockets every now and then. Oscar, when he hadn't been beating the ladies off with a stick, had managed to talk to the men and learned that they all helped contribute to Lord Robert's luxury fund and enjoyed these parties as a perk of their support.

Oscar pinched his nose, "Thank God we leave tomorrow."

"I'll say," I sighed, "I don't suppose one of you would mind switching rooms with me? I spent most of last night worried about that secret door."

"I could," Oscar shrugged, "My room is only a few doors down. If Lord Robert makes an appearance he'd get a nasty surprise."

I snorted, "And if he asks, tell him I snuck over to see Captain Flashman."

The man in question was far too glad to spend another dinner by my side, even if his hands only wandered more. It took me pinching the back of his hand to make him stop, although he only chuckled and looked more closely at my necklace, which dangled far down my chest. Lord Robert still looked my way, raising his glass to me multiple times.

Later, I sent the maid off with a note.

Robert,

I regret my words earlier. If you still have that bottle, I would dearly love to share it with you. Come to my room?

I did give Oscar a bit of warning when we passed in the hall, he was all smiles as he headed into my bedroom. I spent a restful night in Oscar's bed, although it was early when we passed each other in the halls. We weren't the only ones, half a dozen men and women stumbling back to their own beds before the staff could notice.

Flashman cornered me while I was waiting for Rowan to bring the car around, his hand strong around my wrist. "I believe we need to have a talk Mrs. Murdoch, shall we walk?"

I didn't have much of an option as he tugged me along. "Is something wrong, Harry?"

"Oh, it's Harry now." He fairly growled, pulling me into a side garden. "Here your Vanderbilt told Robert you were spending the night in the illustrious Captain Flashman's bed."

I pursed my lips, "I didn't think you'd mind, it was only a joke. If anything it will only enhance your reputation."

"My reputation is perfectly fine." He snorted, "However you could have given me a warning. Lord Robert came in screaming this morning about me taking what was his."

"I highly doubt you minded tweaking his nose."

"Again, a warning would have been nice."

"Then you have my apologies," I bowed my head, "I didn't think he'd come after you."

His finger lifted my chin, "For a pretty thing like you? He'd do far worse. Now, I believe I was owed something for my assistance."

I felt myself blush slightly. "You are." I stepped forward, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "There is your kiss."

His hand went to my waist, "That's hardly fair." I heard footsteps, and I saw Flashman's eyes widen. His voice was low. "Lord Robert is coming up, shall I leave you to him?"

I risked a quick glance, seeing he was right. "Christ, just kiss me." He hardly waited, instead pulling me tight to him, tipping my head back, and sealing his lips over mine. I was not expecting him to introduce his tongue into my mouth, tasting of cigars and whiskey. I should have expected the hand that slipped from my waist to my rear, using it to pull me tighter to him and kneading it.

I was going to get it from Will for this, more than likely I wouldn't be able to walk for a day or two.

I used a quick moment to break away, feeling Flashman's lips move to my neck. Robert was glaring at the two of us, and I blinked my eyes. "Is there something you needed, Lord Robert?"

"No." He spat out, turning on his heel and stalking away. It took me shoving at Flashman to get him to release me, and I spent a few minutes straightening out my clothes and my hair.

Flashman, of course, was far too glad to watch me. "I think Lord Robert won't forgive you for that, hopefully your husband will."

"I came out of this weekend with my virtue intact." I muttered, tucking my hair behind my ears. "He'll be fine."

"I hope so," He offered his arm, "However if he does toss you over, you're welcome to come stay with me. I left my card with your man, the one armed one. He gave me yours in return, we could always strike up an affair if you desire it."

I took his arm, but stood farther away from him than before. I had no doubt he would use any excuse to steal another kiss. "I wouldn't mind hearing more of your adventures."

"And I wouldn't mind having a beautiful woman writing me."

"And here I thought you had several."

"You'll make an even dozen."