The Astors had not one yacht, but two tied up at the docks. One was clearly for racing, covered in hands adjusting lines and taking orders from the hired captain. The other was for leisure, it even had a set of steam engines to power it. That was where Will and I currently were, accepting an early morning drink from the servants bringing around trays of food and drink. I stuck to lemonade, as did Will. Champagne could be had after the race had been finished. Mrs. Astor was very pleased to see Will, she said exactly that. "Oh Mr. Murdoch, I am so pleased to see you here this morning. I was hoping to get your thoughts on the races later today. We'll be facing some stiff competition, what with the Vanderbilts and the Reichsters, not to mention that German yacht!"

"Well," He sipped his lemonade for a moment, "I cannot speak to the others, but you have my sincerest hope that you beat Metternich."

She laughed, "I think we're all hoping for that. That scene he caused at the Reichster's party! You'd think someone used to the court in Berlin would be better able to handle himself." Mrs. Astor shook her head, "You did not wear your uniform to bait him, I hope?"

"We didn't even know he was there." I smiled, "It was a surprise to us. I wasn't even aware Sophie had brothers."

Mrs. Astor leaned in to whisper, "Rest assured Anastasia, your William is by far the better looking man." I felt the blush on my face as she left us to circulate among the other guests on the yacht. I was the only woman wearing an actually appropriate dress, many of them seemed to feel that a regatta was a chance to show off their latest fashions, including a number of hobble skirts.

I couldn't help the snort I made as one woman slowly made her way past us, her skirt caught up so tight around her ankles that her steps were miniscule. It took her a long time to walk past. Will glanced aside at me, "Ana, don't tell me you've got one of those."

"Oh no, Will." I brought a hand up to cover the grin on my face, "I can't abide skirts that tight. I could barely walk if I wore them!"

I felt Will press his lips to my ear, his voice a bare whisper. "Good, because I would have a very difficult time lifting them back on the yacht." I must have been blushing like mad for he drew back and chuckled, even after I smacked his arm. God, it was almost infuriating the way he could excite me like that. But he refused to go all the way, no matter how much I begged him. I could understand his reasons, even if I felt I would go mad sometimes with how much I wanted him.

I leaned up, whispering into his ear. "Perhaps it's a good thing you're going out soon, otherwise I might just ravish you." He blushed at that, his hand finding my waist as we made our farewells and headed off the Astor's yacht. The docks were filled with society members swirling and flowing around the various yachts. The racing ones were popular, most of the men trying to show off their knowledge to impress anyone and everyone. But the biggest draws were the latest leisure yachts, the families trying to one up each other in terms of refreshments and luxury on display.

The Vanderbilt yacht was docked nearby, although I watched Will's face fall as he noted the yacht across from it. Evan Perry and his wife were laughing loudly onboard it, joined by a few other couples and a number of men tending to the lines and speaking quietly. He almost growled, "Damn him, why does he keep following us?"

I watched as Perry looked over, his eyes lingering for a moment too long on me. I grabbed Will's arm tighter, "Just ignore him, we're only here for a moment to say hello and then we have to get back for the race." There was an even larger yacht just down from them at the next berth, a scripted Wilhelmina written on her bow. I had no doubt this was the Metternich's yacht, currently only occupied by their crew that was studiously ignoring us.

"If he keeps looking at you I am throwing him overboard." Will glared at the man, only looking away as we made our way up the gangplank. The Vanderbilts had the hired hands of most of the other yachts, although Oscar was walking among them. He had disdained the suits that most of the other society men were wearing, opting for a simple shirt and a pair of trousers. I felt Will tense, even as he called out. "Oscar, what are you doing looking like a common tar?"

"William!" He stepped away from the sailors, grinning. "It's a bit hard to steer in tails, don't you think?"

"I've never tried." Will chuckled, shaking his hand as he came over. "You could stand to get a better berth though, your neighbors aren't quite trustworthy."

"You think he would try something?" Oscar cut his eyes over, his eyebrow raised. The Hudson Yacht Club was one of the most prestigious clubs in New York society, although at the moment I could very easily see Evan Perry gleefully sneaking over during the earlier races to sabotage the Gentilia while the others were distracted. Or perhaps he would send one of his men, to keep people's eyes off of him.

"I wouldn't put it past him, he kept going on about how he's been embarrassed over the past few years."

"I'll have a man keep an eye on everything while we watch the races before ours." Oscar said, and nodding left us to go speak to the sailors again. His parents and Liz were nowhere to be seen, more than likely they were wandering around as we were, greeting acquaintances and having polite and meaningless conversations. Will quickly swept me away from the Vanderbilt yacht, casting one last glare at Perry as he watched us leave.

The smaller ships would race first, leaving the larger ones for the afternoon. It meant that Will and I were off to work first, slipping away from the dock and slowly making our way to the beginning of the course. The four other small boats quickly followed, and we listened as the judge laid out the course for us, yelling through a bullhorn to be heard. It was a simple course, the places to turn were marked and the judge would be watching from his own boat, keeping track of any infractions that could affect the time. I looked to Will as we waited for the starting pistol. "Do you really think we have a shot?"

"I think we have a very good chance." He nodded, considering our competition for a moment before heading to the wheel. "Get the sheet set, and don't leave that spot until after the race. We're going to need to make adjustments during it." My hands had barely touched the line when the starting pistol cracked, and my fingers fairly flew as I began hauling it. The white canvas fluttered for a moment, soon bellying out as the wind filled it and we began to move. I didn't even have a chance to look back at the other boats, listening as Will called out for me to raise it more or lower it. The boat moved smoothly under his hands, heeling around the turns and coming back in but a moment.

In the end, it was hardly even a challenge. The second boat was a solid three minutes behind us as we crossed the end of the course, a polite round of applause rising from the other ships. The little races were hardly the big draw, although as we coasted back to our berth we were met by a small crowd. I could see Liz and Oscar, their parents behind them with Mother still clapping. There was also a figure in uniform by her, a navy jacket and peaked cap. As we got closer I recognized Moody, looking distinctly uneasy in his new Dalian uniform. I had to look away though, concentrating on throwing the lines over and getting them secured to the dock. Will, coming down from the helm, called out happily to them. "James! My God, what are you doing here?"

Moody glanced up, then to the side at Mother. "I got into New York yesterday, and Mrs. Dalian had a ticket waiting for me to come up."

"He is one of your friends, Mr. Murdoch." Mother laughed, "I thought to at least show him a little of our hospitality, rather than bundling him off onto the ship immediately." Will held out his hand to help me across to the dock, coming over right behind me. I was surprised as Mother embraced him, "Oh, this is simply wonderful William. Gareth would have been so excited. Oh, I simply must do something for you."

Will briefly hugged her back, "You've brought Moody up, I think that's enough."

"Hardly." She shook her head, turning to the Vanderbilts. "What do you all think would be an appropriate award?"

Liz rolled her eyes up, briefly tapping her chin. "Perhaps a new sword?" That drew a laugh from the others, myself included. I couldn't help but cast my eyes around, seeing all of them happy and content, but something caught me. James was looking at Liz, his eyes wide as he stared at her. I watched as she tossed her head, her brown hair flying out in the breeze as she laughed, her eyes catching on Moody for a moment. It was only a second before she looked away, but I did see a slight blush on her cheeks.

"If he wins the latter race for me, I'll see that he gets a dozen." Mr. Vanderbilt laughed, starting to lead our small group away, back to the pavilions set up along the harbor to provide shade for those not racing.

Will fell into step beside James, "You didn't have to wear the uniform, you know."

"I," Moody adjusted his collar for a moment, "I didn't want to appear disorderly in front of Mrs. Dalian." He looked over to me, "Or you, Miss Dalian. I am not aware of what is worn to one of these, and I thought that the uniform would not be out of place."

"It's fine." I gave him a smile, "It suits you, although I can admit that I have never seen a man look bad in uniform."

"I can agree to that, Anastasia." Liz said, turning around and walking backwards for a moment. "William here looked especially dashing in his. Does your uniform have a sword to it, Mr. Moody?"

"I, um," Moody floundered for a moment, his face reddening. "I don't believe so, Miss Vanderbilt."

Liz laughed, "It sounds as if you have something to change then, Anastasia. Mr. Moody needs a sword."

"He is more than welcome to one of the dozen your father is talking about buying." I chuckled, watching her turn back around. James's eyes seemed to linger on her though, the red still on his face. "Unless you want one immediately, James. I'm not quite sure if Will is willing to share his, but you could ask him."

"I wouldn't presume to, Miss Dalian." He ducked his head, his step slowing.

"You can call me Anastasia, James." I reached over, patting his shoulder. "And if you need a better reason to, I could order it."

He straightened slightly, "Yes, Anastasia."

"And you can call me Liz, Mr. Moody." She called over her shoulder, "I can even have Anastasia order it, if needed."

"I wouldn't dream of doing so, Miss Elizabeth."

"Hmm, that's acceptable. For now. But if we win Mr Moody, I'd like you to call me Liz."

"Then I dearly hope for your victory, Miss Elizabeth." I noticed Moody blush a bit as he spoke, and he suddenly seemed concerned about looking anywhere but at Liz. It was only a brief walk before we were all before the Gentilia, her crew ready and waiting for us to board. Mother and the Vanderbilts bid us farewell, wanting to watch from the pavilions. Will, Oscar, James and myself were boarding when a voice called out from the other side of the dock.

"It was such a pitiful race to start this regatta, wasn't it?" Otto Metternich was standing proudly on his ship, his naval uniform pressed and shined. "Well done though, Mr. Murdoch. Although it is a shame what you have forced Miss Dalian into."

Oscar stepped past Will, his face set. "I was rather impressed with her, trained by a Royal Navy officer and winning her first race. Were you so successful on your first outing, Captain Metternich? I know that you're unused to sailing on the waves, more used to hiding under them."

Otto snorted, turning back to talk to his crew and a few passengers. I could see Zachary, Sophie and Frederich among them. "Oh, you know those smaller boats. Have to take any help they can find. I was unaware they were reduced to forcing ladies to be common hands, though. I can assure you, the Wilhelmina is crewed by the finest sailors from Hamburg, not ladies forced into labor by those they suppose that love them."

Will started forward, but Oscar threw his hand back. "Then perhaps they should return to Hamburg, as should you. We have no races for submersibles planned, and I doubt you are as skilled as Mr. Murdoch at the helm."

Otto considered him for a moment, before spitting something out in German. "Vielleicht ziehe ich es vor, unter den Wellen zu sein, aber zumindest bin ich ehrlich zu meinen Mitmenschen. Weiß sie, wie du ihr nachstarrst? Oder belügst du dich und sie weiterhin?"

Liz leaned forward, tugging at Oscar's sleeve. "What's he saying?"

"Some bluster about how much better the Germans are than us. We'll show him out in the course." Oscar shook her off, shrugging at my confused look. "I picked up German at Cambridge, was rather bored during one term so I set about it."

"Ein Blinder könnte Vanderbilt sehen, Sie sollten einfach froh sein, dass sie ihn nur ansieht." Otto called out again, drawing a laugh from his crew and guests.

"Was ist mit dir, Metternich? Spielst du gerne den Lakai für den Mann, an den du deine Schwester verkaufst?" Oscar laughed at the red rushing up over Otto's face. "Er geht immer noch in die Hurenhäuser, weißt du, obwohl er zumindest aufgehört hat, Frauen anzugreifen. Ein echtes Juwel, das Sie gefunden haben, nicht wahr?" Otto turned away, suddenly shouting orders to his crew, but Oscar kept at it. "Aber was können Sie erwarten, der Apfel fällt nie weit vom Stamm, oder? Eine so hübsche Halskette, die deine Schwester neulich Abend hatte, lässt mich fast vergessen, dass er sie ihr zuerst geschickt hat. Anscheinend sollte sich deine Schwester daran gewöhnen, die zweite Wahl in dieser Familie zu sein."

At that Otto rushed to the railing, his words slurred and fast but I could very easily get the gist of the German curses he was throwing our way. Oscar started laughing at it, even though Otto's crew was beginning to look at him askance. He spoke briefly to Will, before throwing his own curses back. Oscar only paused to give the order to let the lines loose, the crew getting us smoothly away from the dock. Will glared at the Wilhelmina as we pulled away, "Bloody ass."

"What did Oscar ask you?" I said, coming up to his side as the other yacht began to be warped out.

He shrugged, "Wanted to know some curses to use, managed to translate them pretty quick." He turned from the rail, instead looking over at where Oscar, Liz and James were standing out of the way of the crew as they hustled around. Will walked us over, giving James a slap on the shoulder. "I can honestly say that I never thought to see you here, James."

"Well, Mr. Murdoch." James cut his eyes over, he had been focused on something Liz had been saying. "I wasn't expecting it either."

Will shook his head, "You can call me Will, James. It's quite alright. Tell me, what do you think of all this?"

Moody took a moment to take in everything around him, the sights of those at the pavilions mingling in their summer silks and drinking out of crystal glasses as we sailed past, the polished deck of the Gentilia and her fresh paint. He blinked, "It's all rather overwhelming, William. I've never seen the like, it's even more than the first class quarters."

"Have you spent much time in them?" Liz spoke up, looking over. "Anastasia told me that she had Will spend some time with her in them, dinners and the like. Have you ever had the chance?"

James looked at her, then quickly looked away. "I have not, Miss Elizabeth. I have only been sailing for a short time and never had the occasion to spend much time in them while I was working. And the Anastasia will have only second class accommodations, so I will have little chance to."

"Well that is a shame." Liz turned to her brother, "We must show Mr. Moody a good time today, Oscar."

"He'll have a fine time if we win." Oscar muttered, "If you'll excuse me, I'm headed up to wait for the starting shot." He nodded to each of us, heading up to a place by the helm to wait. The other yachts were pulling close, all of waiting for the start. Hands were tensed on lines, eyes straining to determine if the wind will change, and every ear pricked for the crack of a pistol. Even us passengers were quiet, Will's hand tense in mine as I watched his eyes flicked from one ship to another.

We all started as the shot rang out, a great cry from the shore as the ships suddenly burst into activity. Orders were bawled, sails raised and every yacht surged forward to gain a lead. It was very clear that there were only two ships that had a chance though, the Metternichs and ourselves leading the pack. The Wilhelmina was close to us, a great Teutonic bellow sent up as they brushed past us. Oscar was cursing at them, but the captain he had hired appeared calm, his orders given in a firm voice to the helmsman. Will glanced out, "Her upper lines are tangled."

"What?" Oscar called from the helm, rushing over to lean down and hear him.

"Metternich has his upper lines tangled, he's not going to be able to haul his full canvas up." Will pointed at the yacht, a few lengths away from us. "He's not under full sail, he preparing for it after the turn. If you can beat him on the straightaway you should have it. Have all the canvas ready, every sail she can carry, haul them up the second you come out of the turn."

"Is he right?" Oscar shouted, turning back to his captain. I couldn't hear the rest of it, but the Gentilia began to heel over into a sharp turn, and we were close enough that I could see Otto at the helm of the other ship. He was grinning, and I could see Sophie, her other brother, and Zachary speaking calmly to each other. Zachary even raised a cigar in a salute to us as his yacht began to come back for the straightaway.

There was a sudden surge from the Gentilia, enough to make me stumble for a moment. Will's hand was quickly on my shoulder, and I looked over to see Liz's hand in Moody's. Once she was settled he quickly pulled back, although he did stand a bit closer to her. I couldn't keep the grin from my face as we quickly passed the other yacht, Otto visciously cursing in German as we did. Liz clapped, "It appears you shall be calling me Liz soon enough, Mr. Moody."

"It was only through Mr. Murdoch's observation." James nodded to Will, "And the work of your excellent crew." He was cut off as the crew itself gave a great cheer, the Wilhelmina far to our stern as we surged past the judge's boat that marked the finish. Will was cheering, I was clapping, and Liz even hugged James quickly. He only held her briefly, "My apologies, Miss Elizabeth. I was not expecting you."

"It's Liz, James." She grinned, "And I hope you like champagne."

"Champagne?" He gave a slight smile, "I suppose so, I have not had many chances to sample it."

"Father is going to throw an entire bottle at you, I have no doubt." Liz's smile almost reached her ears, and she caught Oscar up in a great bear hug as he came down from the helm. "You did wonderful!"

"The captain did wonderful." He demurred, embracing her before quickly setting her back on her feet. "Thank you for your advice, William. Although the captain says that he would have noticed it in a moment."

Will shrugged, "Tell your father that then, I don't need a dozen swords." We all had a laugh at that, looking back to the dock as the yacht was slowly drawing closer. I could see Mother there with the Vanderbilts, champagne glasses clutched in their hands. Clusters of servants waited with more, and even more people crowded behind them. The gangplank was hardly secured before Mr. Vanderbilt bulled his way onboard, followed by the rest of the group and the servants who quickly began to distribute the crystal glasses to every hand. Will lifted his to me, smiling as he took a sip.

There was a brief flurry of conversation that swirled amongst the crew, space quickly cleared on the deck and a few of the hands brought out instruments. Nothing more than fiddles and a small mandolin, but they quickly set up a tune as the servants scuttled about, hanging lamps from lines and lighting them. The champagne was flowing quite freely as the sky began to darken, and I will admit to drinking several glasses before I noticed the dancing that had broken out. It was dark where I was standing, so I wasn't quite sure that what I saw was right as I made my way forward. Mr. Vanderbilt was bending over Mother's hand, before quickly spinning her out into the reel that was being played. Mrs. Vanderbilt, breathing a bit heavily after her dance, clapped along with the music as they did, some crew members swinging each other around.

And then Will had me in his arms, and I was laughing as he twirled me around on the deck. I could barely keep up with him, although I could see Oscar and Liz dancing in the circle. The music was fast, and it was only a moment before I was suddenly in Oscar's arms and Mother in Will's, our partners keeping our feet moving quickly around the smooth planking of he deck. I did catch something though, over Oscar's shoulder. Liz was standing in front of James, her hand outstretched. He hesitated only for a moment, taking it and leading her into a much smoother reel than the one I was in.

Oscar passed briefly by Will, quickly changing partners. I could see his eyes narrow as he saw Liz spinning in James's arms, although Will gently gave him a shove. "He's a good sort, don't worry about her." He handed Mother off to Oscar, taking my hand. "But this lady needs to catch up on her dancing, don't you Mrs. Dalian?"

"Oh, I haven't danced like this since I was a girl." Mother was laughing, her hair in disarray as Oscar quickly began to lead her out again. "Oh, Oscar, you don't have to. It's not proper for me, your father was just being kind."

"I'm afraid Mr. Murdoch is right," Oscar grinned, "You do have much catching up to do."