On the third day of the inquiry, Campbell actually showed up early enough that I had to eat breakfast with him. I did my best to keep my expression neutral as I ate my bacon and eggs, watching as he tore apart a plate of kippers. Rigel was absorbed in his own meal, a plate of eggs and a waffle that hadn't turned out right. The person who ordered it would have been upset, but Rigel was thrilled. I took a sip of my coffee, heavily diluted by what I suspected was powdered milk. Even the Ritz was facing some rationing, it seemed. Campbell didn't even look up as I spoke, "Is there a reason for your early arrival?"

He barely glanced at me, "You're to testify today."

"Ah," The coffee tasted even bitterer somehow. "I assume you have some direction for me?"

At that, he finally looked up. He took a moment to blot the grease of the kippers from his lips. "You make it sound as if you're some actress in the pantomime."

"I am, essentially."

"You're doing your duty to your husband." Campbell set his napkin down. "And to his country, you could take some pride in that you know." When I remained silent, he shrugged. "Very well then, onto business. Keep it truthful up until the sinking, and praise the ship as much as you can."

I nodded, "She was a wonderful ship, I can freely admit that."

"You're to avoid speaking of anything distressing, even if directly asked." He took a sip of his tea, "That includes anything during the evacuation that might reflect badly on Cunard, so edit yourself accordingly. Rescue came quickly and you received assistance from British citizens who were more than happy to help, am I clear?"

I nodded, that wouldn't be a lie. Although I had figured out that I had spent hours in the water, so much for a quick rescue. "Crystal clear." I hesitated for a moment. "Will they ask about Alfred?"

"I doubt it." Campbell shrugged, returning to his meal. "He hasn't been found, so the rags are having a field day speculating about what happened to him. Mersey doesn't want to give them more to run with."

"Ah," I folded my hands in my lap, watching as Rigel licked his plate clean. "Will you give me the cartoon after I testify?"

His brow furrowed, and he gave me a glare. "After the inquiry is complete."

"Lieutenant Campbell, I will do as you ask, only please give me the cartoon. I want to see it destroyed."

He leaned back, tossing his napkin down. "I will be watching the entire time."

"I understand, and I will do my utmost to ensure that your commanding officer has nothing but praise for you. Only give me the cartoon, I'll even write a letter commending your efforts here."

That seemed to appeal to him, a glint entering his eyes. "You'll write that letter tonight."

"So long as I have the cartoon."

"Very well." He reached down, pulling his leather case into his lap and giving it a pat. "Now, I believe it is time to head out." He offered me his arm, but I busied myself with collecting Rigel and he dropped it. I kept Rigel between us, my arm still had light bruises from where he had grabbed me the first day. Rigel kept close to me, and I gave him an extra pet when he reached the hall for his help.

Fortunately I was not the first witness called, and passed several hours listening as crew members were called up and questioned. Captain Turner was even recalled, although some of the questioned put to him made me squirm in my seat. One of the lawyers looked down to some notes, "Since the report on the Titanic disaster, was the number of boats on Lusitania greatly increased?"

Turner nodded, "They were increased, I understand." The questioning moved into the details of the boats themselves, and I forced myself to take a long breath. There was no doubt that Titanic would be brought up when I was questioned, not now. I worried Rigel's leash in my hands, watching as he looked up and lolled his tongue out at me.

I could do this; I could testify about the sinking and it would be done. I would have the cartoon; I would burn it and I would go home. I kept repeating that to myself as more witnesses were called, including a number of passengers. Listening to them though made me stare at Campbell, and I eventually plucked at his sleeve. "All of them are being truthful about the crew."

"All of them aren't in the public eye like you are." He tugged his arm away. "This doesn't change anything, you do as you're told or I'll have that cartoon published."

I nodded, keeping my eyes downcast. The only time I looked up was when I heard my name called, and I proceeded forward to the table the witnesses had been provided. Rigel came with me, curling up by my feet. One of the lawyers cast a glance at him, "You are Mrs. Anastasia Murdoch?"

I nodded, "I am."

"Would you be willing to have your dog removed?"

I clutched Rigel's leash tighter. "I would not, thank you."

He pursed his lips, but nodded. "Very well, your purpose of travelling on the Lusitania was to visit your husband, correct?"

"Yes, he's in the Royal Navy."

"And you were in first class?"

"I was."

"Did he purchase your ticket?"

"No, I purchased it myself."

That seemed to give him pause. "From your inheritance?"

"From my bank account." I raised a brow, "I own an American shipping company, it was no hardship."

That drew a slight laugh from the crowd, and the lawyer even smirked. "Ah, I remember reading that in your statement. My apologies, Mrs. Murdoch." He looked back to his notes. "When you boarded in New York, were you aware of the warnings by the German government?"

I nodded, "I was."

"Did you feel that they constituted a direct threat to the Lusitania?"

"I did not," I fought against looking back at Campbell, knowing he was staring at me. None of the other witnesses so far had received questions like this, I was being targeted in some way. "At the time I did not think that the Germans would attack a ship carrying thousands of innocent people."

That drew a rumble from the gallery, and I swore I could hear the scratching of pencils as reporters noted everything down. The lawyer questioning me grinned, "Was there anything unusual about the crossing, before the attack?"

"Nothing at all." I forced the thought of the silent boilers away. "It was a lovely voyage, and I felt perfectly safe the entire time."

The lawyer was perfectly cordial as he thanked me, passing the questioning onto yet another lawyer. "Mrs. Murdoch, you were on deck when the torpedo struck, correct?"

"I was."

"What did you do after the impact?"

I drew in a breath, trying to steady my voice. "I made my way to my cabin to collect my lifebelt and went to go find a boat."

"Alone?"

I shook my head, "No, I was with a friend."

"And this friend?"

"Alfred Vanderbilt." I closed my eyes as I heard the slight gasp behind me. "We knew each other from New York, he offered to take me on a walk after lunch. After the torpedo he came with me to my room, I knew where the lifebelts were."

The lawyer hesitated for a moment, but grit his teeth. "Was that due to your previous experience on Titanic?"

"Yes," I sighed, "I made sure that I could find it, just in case." I could almost feel Campbell's eyes burning a hole into me. "I have been terribly frightened on ships after that, so I do my best to familiarize myself when I board." I bit my lip, taking a few deep breaths to drive the memories away.

That had to mollify Campbell, it wasn't that I distrusted Cunard but that I was simply a frightened woman. The lawyer seemed to concur, allowing me a moment to collect myself. "Following you collecting the lifebelts?"

"We came out on the port side, looking for a boat." I pursed my lips, feeling the lies burning my throat. "Some had already been launched, and I could see a few abandoned as they leaned too far over the deck to be launched."

"Did you and Mr. Vanderbilt board one of the boats left?"

"No," I shook my head. "We couldn't make our way through the crowd, and I became separated from Alfred."

"Did you attempt to board one of the boats on your own?"

"No, I went back to the starboard side." I could still see the bloody ruin of Alfred's chest. "I could not find a boat there to board, so I jumped into the water." The next portion of my questioning was much easier, for I did not even have to lie. The people who rescued me had been kind, I had been helped by kind strangers in Ireland and they had done everything to see me safely to Will.

When I was dismissed, I kept my eyes down as I resumed my seat. Campbell didn't say a word, but simply shoved the leather case toward me. I waited until the next witness had been called before opening the clasp, pulling out the cardboard sleeve and ensuring that the cartoon was still there. I replaced it, clutching the case to me as I whispered. "I will have the letter for you tomorrow."

"I expect you to deliver it yourself." He muttered, settling back in his chair. The rest of the witnesses took hours to get through, and by the end of the day he left me with barely a word. Apparently, he was late for a meeting with de Bourgh and was needed urgently, so it was up to me to get back to the Ritz while he jaunted off in a cab.

I had just made it down the first step when someone caught my arm, his voice gentle. "Mrs. Murdoch, my apologies, Lord Mersey has asked to see you."

I turned, seeing Lieutenant Barnes. "Oh, of course." I gave him a smile, "I hope it's nothing serious."

He nodded to me, leading me back inside. "I don't believe so, I think he simply wants to thank you." He sped us through the hallways, coming to a door and giving a knock before opening it. "Lord Mersey, sir, I have Mrs. Murdoch for you."

He gestured for me to proceed, closing the door once I had stepped in. I had viewed Lord Mersey plenty during the past few days, his rather aquiline nose and strong brow were familiar. What was unfamiliar was that he had stripped off his wig and robe, sitting at his desk in a plain suit. I shifted on my feet, unsure of how to proceed. "Lord Mersey."

"Mrs. Murdoch," He stood, adjusting his suit. "I believe that form of address is only needed in the court." He gestured to a chair across from his desk. "Please, sit."

I kept Rigel close to me as I did, unwilling to let him wander around and cause some mess. "Lieutenant Barnes said you wanted to see me."

He resumed his seat, picking his pen back up. "I did, I remember your husband testifying before me a few years ago." He twisted the pen in his hand. "I also remember him being truthful in his testimony."

I blushed a bit. "I can assure you, every word I spoke was true."

"But what about the words you didn't say?" He leaned back in his chair. "I have to admit, your recollection of the events seemed far tamer than the others."

I curled my hands around the leather case. "Lord Mersey-"

"John will suffice for the moment," He cocked his head. "I can assure you everything said here is in the strictest confidence, you may speak freely."

"I," I set the case on his desk. "I only spoke as I did for my husband, sir."

"I take it that intelligence officer coming in with you each day has something to do with it?" He flipped the case open, drawing out the sleeve and examining the cartoon. "An accusation that you purchased your husband's position?"

I looked down to my lap. "I wouldn't even know how to go about doing that."

"But people would believe it." He returned the cartoon and pushed the case back to me. "I can understand your hesitance, but Mrs. Murdoch, the inquiry needs your full testimony. Please, tell me what really happened."

His pen scratched away as I spoke, every word noted down for future reference. He made no comment as I spoke about the improperly launched boats, spilling passengers into the water. When I spoke about Alfred and the boat that crushed him, he offered me a handkerchief and waited until I calmed enough to continue. Eventually the pen stopped, what seemed like a dozen pieces of paper filled out. He gently stacked them, "My thanks, Mrs. Murdoch. I promise you, you will be kept anonymous."

He stood, offering me his arm. "I'll have Lieutenant Barnes drive you back to your hotel." He actually grinned, "And I'll write your husband about how well you acquitted yourself."

"Thank you." I nodded, and the ride back with Barnes was far nicer than any ride with Campbell. In fact, I invited him to dinner just for the relief of finally being away from the sneers and snide remarks that always marred any meal with Campbell. Rigel was seen to by the staff, and was waiting for me when I returned to my room.

Waiting with him was a letter.

When I saw it was in Will's hand, I almost cried. As it was, I read his every word a dozen times over and even lifted the paper to my nose to see if I could smell his cologne. The letter had passed through dozens of hands, including a certain Lightoller's if the address it was forwarded from could be believed, and was heavily impregnated with the stink of tobacco, exhaust, coal smoke and sweat.

But underneath it all, a hint of musk from the hands I loved.

Oscar watched as his valet flicked a bit of dust off the suit jacket he was wearing, and if he was being honest, he couldn't see any difference. It was still a fine light wool jacket, cut away to show his white waistcoat and tie. Usually he enjoyed white tie affairs, they always had the best gossip.

But today was different.

Everything felt different now with the war on. Every bit of gaiety and laughter seemed hollow, for New York viewed the war as some great drama playing out far away. Men discussed generals like they were actors, each had their preference for a role. Ladies fluttered on about hospitals and charity societies, but after a donation or two, they moved on.

If it hadn't been for Anastasia being over there, Oscar might have been like them.

As it was, hearing them laugh and joke about everything made him feel sick. If things went pear shaped, as they had with the Lusitania, her life could be at risk and he wouldn't know it until too late. He glanced to his desk, seeing a letter there that he had read a dozen times. One more time couldn't hurt though, and he dismissed his valet after the man poured him a whiskey. Professor Featherstone's handwriting was cramped and hurried, the ink spotting the paper in haste.

Oscar,

Yet another Zeppelin raid, more lives lost and homes destroyed. Our intelligence services cannot seem to predict them with any reliability. U-boats talk more than they do, and even then, the encryption takes so long to break that our information is useless. Plenty of my students have been recruited into those decryption groups, and I've had people knocking on my door as well.

Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad, my classes at Cambridge are almost deserted. I would have gone on sabbatical already if I could have convinced them to allow Penelope to continue her own studies. As it is, her status as a professor's daughter is the only thing keeping her in class. She is continuing her history course, which makes me proud. If only I could have convinced her to focus on Napoleon and Wellington! She prefers the Tudors, which her professors seem to approve of as they think her only interested in the romance of it.

I'm rambling, forgive me. I've kept an eye out for your lady friend in the papers, but the only mention was her attending the inquiry. I certainly hope you're enjoying New York, although I have to admit I wouldn't mind your help back here. You were a great support during your time here, and I hope that if I call, you would answer. American ships would be safest, given all that's happened.

Fondly,

Nigel Featherstone

Oscar tapped his finger on the last paragraph. His help, his help, Professor Featherstone had stopped being subtle. The early letters had included hints that Oscar should come over, lines about how smart young men were always needed. Then it had been talk about how he could make a name for himself and get out of his family's shadow. Now it seemed Nigel was being recruited for codework, and he needed help.

Part of him wanted to go, for it meant he would be doing something. New York had its own games to play, political moves and chess matches to be puzzled out. But none of those were for him, for everyone knew he was a Vanderbilt and their stance was already known.

Which made the offer to come work in Britain rather tempting.

He was still rolling the thought around in his head when he got into the car with his parents, being driven to the latest party. Oscar wasn't even sure what it was to celebrate, if anything. But plenty of people would be there, and he could at least write Anastasia with the latest gossip. She would enjoy that, especially after the inquiry. Nothing took her mind off of her own distress like gossip.

He kept his eyes open when they reached the party, taking note of who was there and what they were wearing. He was still gazing around when his sister appeared at his side, bumping into him. "Distracted, brother?"

He snorted, bumping her back. "Observing, Mrs. Moody."

"You observe any longer and the bar is going to be drunk dry." She nodded to said bar, already swarmed by footmen collecting trays and partygoers ordering their own drinks.

"Shockingly, I think there will still be drinks to be had." Oscar glanced over, "James, a pleasure to see you again."

James nodded, his hand curling around Liz's. "Oscar, I hope your evening is well."

"It will be now." Liz teased, pointing to the latest arrival. "He loves nothing more than to bother Mrs. Dalian for news about Anastasia. But who is that with her?"

Oscar followed her gaze, seeing Ruth, in a stunning dark purple gown, accompanied by a tall, plain man in a Navy uniform. He raised a brow at Liz, "Well, I suppose I shall find out." There was a certain persona they all adopted at parties like this; an easy saunter, a warm handshake, and a memory like a steel trap in order to go over every incident for gossip later. But before finding out who this mysterious officer was, he had to attend to the lady. He swept a bow over Ruth's hand, grinning as he rose. "Mrs. Dalian, beautiful as ever."

She smiled, "Oscar, as gentlemanly as ever."

"Only for you," He winked, earning a chuckle. "And who is our guest here?"

The man straightened noticeably, thrusting his shoulders back and his chin up. "Lieutenant Morris Greenwood, sir."

Ruth patted the man's arm. "Morris, this here is Oscar Vanderbilt, a dear friend of my family." She leaned closer to Oscar, her voice a stage whisper. "I'm wooing him to come work for me after his naval career is over."

Morris blushed, "Mrs. Dalian, I wouldn't, I mean if people heard you say wooing about me, they could assume."

"Oh hush," Ruth waved a hand, drawing them on into the party. "Everyone knows I'm a devoted widow."

"But a ruthless businessman." Oscar teased, making her laugh. "So, tell me exactly what you want the good Lieutenant here doing for you."

"Logistics." She sighed, stopping a footman to distribute champagne to all of them. "For my shipyard."

Morris looked away, "I'm quite sure there are plenty of men qualified for that job."

"And I'm quite sure I want you." Ruth raised a brow, then tilted her head to indicate someone across the party. "As does she."

Oscar followed her gaze, seeing Sophie standing by her husband, almost dumbstruck as she stared across the dance floor. He cut his gaze to Morris, seeing a lovestruck look upon his face. Considering that for those two the entire party seemed to fall away, he had a good idea on exactly how they knew each other.

Ruth sidled up to him, actually whispering this time. "Apparently they met in Florida, and Anastasia was helping them arrange their rendezvous. I've taken the burden upon myself until she comes home."

"I'm sure she appreciates it." He whispered back, and then turned to Morris. "Can you dance?"

He spluttered for a moment, "I, I mean, yes."

"Good, then when the partner change comes up, step in." Oscar set his champagne down, striding across the room. It galled him to approach the Reichster clan, but such things needed to be done. So he bit his tongue and made no comment on the increasing flush on Henry's face, the deepening lines around Samantha's eyes or the stains on Zachary's teeth. Instead he bowed to Sophie, "I hope your husband doesn't mind if I steal you for a dance."

All Zachary did was shrug, and Oscar was glad to pull her away from him. Sophie looked much better than the rest of them, although there was a strain to her. She gave his hand a squeeze, "Thank you for bringing him, Oscar. Even just to see him, it's such a relief."

"That wasn't me," He chuckled, "And you'll be doing more than seeing him. Just come over to thank Ruth after." The song ended, and in the partner shuffle for the next one, he made sure to pair her with Morris before ducking away to rejoin Ruth. She was gazing at the two as they began to dance, and he had to snort. "It's almost enough to make you sick."

"Almost." She sighed, pursing her lips. "They remind of me Anastasia and William at the moment, as well as my dance with Gareth at our wedding."

"As well as Liz and James." He agreed, watching the couple. "Have you heard from Anastasia lately?"

"She sent a packet of letters; I was going to bring her letter to you around tomorrow." Ruth glanced over, "She still won't come home."

"She's loyal." Oscar shrugged, sipping his own drink. "Ruth, I've been asked to go to Britain by a friend to help out with some," He searched for the correct words. "Clandestine affairs."

Ruth frowned, "Oscar, really, isn't it enough that my daughter is over there? You're going to torture your mother now?"

"It wouldn't be torture." He pursed his lips, "And I haven't decided yet. But I am considering it, I find New York rather stifling at the moment."

"I would caution you against it." She muttered, downing the rest of her champagne. "You have no idea what a child leaving like that does to a mother. I don't wish that on Moira, let alone anyone."

Oscar grabbed another champagne flute, offering it to her. "As I said, I haven't decided yet. It was just something to think about." Ruth seemed to accept it as an apology, and Oscar gestured toward Sophie and Morris, who were coming over. "And it appears we have more pressing matters to attend to."

Sophie was all aflutter when she reached them, "Oh, oh Mrs. Dalian, you have no idea how wonderful this is."

Ruth held up a hand to forestall any more gushing. "Now, I think I may have some clue." She rolled her eyes at Oscar, "You don't have to worry about him, he knows and won't talk."

"Really, it was so kind of you." Morris smiled widely down at Sophie before catching himself, after all he was in public. "I've missed her."

"Well, I'm quite certain Mrs. Dalian can come up with some way for you two to see each other more often." Oscar chuckled, "She's rather devious when it comes down to it."

Ruth lightly smacked his arm. "Oh, hush you, but really Sophie, we simply must figure something out. It's been too long since I've seen you smile like that."