It had barely been three days before the Vanderbilts had shown up during our visiting hours. A maid had led a grinning Oscar and Liz into the upper parlor, reserved for close family friends, where Will and I had been waiting. Will and I were the only ones home, Mother having received an invitation from Mrs. Astor to come calling, since she had been unable to attend their party due to her mourning. Truth be told, visiting hours were utterly boring until someone showed up, I had been reading while Will worked on the finishing touches for his model. It had grown quickly under his hands, small canvas sails taut against an imaginary breeze. Even his tiny knots were well made, and I was already planning where to put it in the parlor back in New York. It would look quite nice on the mantel. But my book was quickly discarded as the maid opened the door, ushering our guests in. "Liz! I didn't think you'd be here today."

"Well, you can blame my brother here." She rolled her eyes back at Oscar, "He's been dying to take your William out in his new racing auto, and he found some tiny horse race out here."

"The quality of the horseflesh is not lacking, I assure you." Oscar almost growled at his sister, "If anything it's better than New York." He gave Will a grin though, "You should see my auto though, I brought it so we could leave the ladies here with the other. In case they wanted to go shopping after they gossip for hours on end."

Will barked out a laugh at that, "If you're sure."

"Of course I am William," He waved his cap in his hand, "You're spending far too much time with your ladies, you need to come spend some time with the other half of our set."

Will did look to me though, his eyebrows raised. I waved my hand, "Go Will, have fun. It will all be fine." I was actually glad to see him join Oscar, the younger man clapping Will on the shoulder as they headed out, already speaking about cars and horses. I had no doubt Will would come back with his wallet a bit lighter, but hopefully the two of them could bond over it. I'd replace whatever he lost, it would be nothing. But in the meantime, Liz quickly drew me into a conversation. She wanted to know everything that had gone on in New York, especially the dress. I was completely exasperated when I reached the end of my description. "I swear Liz, my mother has lost her mind."

"Oh, but all those pearls!" Liz rolled her eyes, "And you know pearls suit you. Just think what Mr. Murdoch will do when he sees you in it. He'll probably faint dead away!"

My face flushed a bit, Will would probably pull me aside somewhere and not wait for the wedding night. "Oh, I doubt that."

"I can see your face, what exactly have you two gotten up to?" Liz raised her eyebrows, smirking. "Tell me Anastasia, please, I am dying for something. This season has been so boring after, well, what happened in April. Everyone has been so serious."

"We've just kissed." I shook my head, hoping to lose my blush. "Although he has touched me."

"Where?"

I placed my hand just above my breasts, where I could feel the curve of them begin. "Here." And that wasn't a lie, he had touched me there, if only briefly as he had dropped his hand down to knead at my actual breast. "It's so lovely to feel his hands when he kisses me."

"All I've usually feel when a man kisses me is a desire for it to be over." Liz snorted as she settled back into her chair, "Although there is a slight warmness to it, but they usually taste like whiskey." She screwed her face up, "Don't you dare tell Oscar, he'll stop me from seeing any man for a month."

"Of course, as long as you don't tell my mother that I let Will touch me." I nodded, "Who exactly have you been kissing?"

"Oh, Gregory Astor, Ralph Fish, and I did kiss my cousin Alfred once." At my shocked look she laughed, "I was just curious and he offered! Don't you dare tell my mother." Well, how could I when we both had secrets to keep? We had just started discussing the exact methods the different men employed when a maid entered, a silver tray in her hands that she proffered to me as she bobbed. I lifted the card, my mind suddenly muddled.

The maid's voice barely reached me, "Miss Anastasia, Duchess Sophie Metternich has sent her card up."

"The duchess?" Liz breathed, her eyes alight.

"Yes, Miss Vanderbilt."

"The one engaged to Zachary?" I mumbled, staring at the card in my hand. The gilding along the embossed edges, the heraldic shield underneath her name. Duchess Sophie Alexandra Marie Katerina Metternich, Hamburg, Germany. I could only thank God that her cards didn't proclaim her Zachary's fiancée. At least not yet.

"Yes."

"Is he with her?" I could only hope that Liz didn't hear the quaver in my voice, or see the slight shaking in my hands.

"No Miss Anastasia, she is alone."

"Did she say what she wanted?" Liz did sound concerned though, coming to sit by me and taking my shaking hand in hers.

"No Miss Vanderbilt," The maid shook her head, turning to me. "Shall I tell her you're not home?"

I couldn't do that, not with Liz's auto outside. Besides, there was some part of me that wanted to meet her, to see what kind of woman would actually marry Zachary. "No, no. Let her in, set the parlor up for tea and stay there. I'll see her." The maid bobbed, closing the door behind her. I took several deep breaths, trying to calm myself. "Liz, would you come with me?"

"Of course," She gave my hand a squeeze, "And I don't blame you in the slightest for not wanting him here. Oscar told me what happened at the Astor's party, it's no wonder you're like this." Her eyes did travel down me though, taking in the rather informal tea dress I was wearing. "You might want to change though, if you're going to be meeting a duchess." Which lead to her and Louise taking at least fifteen minutes to help me change into a new receiving dress, almost bordering on rudeness to the Duchess as they spent time finding just the right piece of jewelry. Finally though, with Liz beside me, I made my way down to the front parlor.

It truly was a beautiful place, despite the name of the front parlor the room was actually to the back of the house, with a wall of windows facing the ocean. They were open today, allowing a the rumble of the waves and a cool breeze to stir the light linen curtains. Everything in the room was light and airy, from the sky blue upholstery to the birch wooden furniture. Even the teapot was made of delicate china, a slight wisp of steam arising from the spot. The only dark spot was the maid in the corner, nodding to me as I entered. The first impression I got of the Duchess was a regally styled mass of white blonde hair, the only part of her rising from the settee that I could see. I swallowed, finding my voice. "My apologies for the delay, Your Highness. I was dressing when you arrived." I came around the settee, feeling Liz leave to sit in another chair. I avoided looking at the Duchess, "My dear friend, Elizabeth Vanderbilt."

"Charmed," Liz nodded to her, and I took my seat and examined my apparent replacement in Zachary's heart. She was a classic, fair beauty, with skin like cream and a pair of bright blue eyes that flicked rapidly from Liz to me. Liz poured herself a cup of tea, "I was already visiting, I hope you do not mind if I join in."

"Not at all, not at all." Her almost bee-stung red lips seemed to savor each word, she didn't even have a German accent. If anything she sounded British. "Miss Dalian, thank you for letting me in. I know we have not been introduced, but I was so anxious to meet you." She smiled shyly, her cheeks flushed a perfect, healthy pink.

"Of course, Your Highness. Is that the correct form of address? Your Highness? I'm afraid I haven't much experience with royalty." I gave the politest smile that I could, pouring two cups of tea. To my own I added a healthy helping of cream and sugar, "How do you take your tea, Your Highness?"

"Oh, just some lemon." Sophie smiled widely as I added a slice of lemon to her cup and handed it to her. "Oh and yes, yes, that is quite right in terms of address. I hope you do not mind if I say it but your home is lovely, such wonderful paintings." She looked around, taking in the landscapes and paintings of tall ships which Grandfather had collected that crowded the walls along with photographs of our family at the cottage.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Your gown is quite becoming." It pained me to say it, but it was and she wore it well. A light pale yellow, embroidered with white flowers and strategic tucks of lace to emphasize her delicate complexion. Her jewelry, jade I though, complemented it perfectly. Even Liz cast an envious eye at her outfit, casting a look at me as she raised her eyebrow.

"Ach, this old thing? I do love it though." Sophie casually batted away my comment, even though her dress was clearly of the latest style. I looked to Liz, hoping for some relief, but she seemed content to watch us as if we were a tennis match.

I took a sip of tea, setting my cup down with a slight clink. "Your Highness, I must admit I am curious as to the nature of your visit." And I was, what did she intend to accomplish here? Was it to shame me with her fashionable clothing? To rub my face in her classically beautiful features? She was so small and delicate when compared to me, I was as tall and rough as a sailor, a lanky scarecrow. Had Henry, Samantha and Zachary sent her over on some quest to figure out something, or to torture me? Or was she simply trying to be nice?

"Oh, Zachary told me it was foolish, but I so wanted to meet you." She waved her hand, pressing it to her face as if she had to compose herself for a moment. "I read the articles after the sinking, even in Germany, and they spoke about you in such a wonderful way. And I wished to give you this." She reached into her reticule, pulling out an envelope that she haded over.

"An invitation?" It was the only thing I could think of, and my thoughts were confirmed as I opened it. Zachary Reichster and Her Highness Duchess Sophie Metternich cordially invite you to a celebration of their engagement to be held in Newport.

"Jah, to our engagement party. I was so sorry to have missed yours." She sipped at her tea, "I heard it was lovely though, especially for being the first entertainment your family had thrown in some time. The weather held me up though, there was such a storm! I could hardly get out of bed onboard, we were all so sick!" She lied well, I could hardly tell that she was. Sophie could have given Will a run for his money in poker.

"Oh, isn't that just terrible when that happens?" Liz covered for the fact that I could barely seem to form words after hearing this. "I was so sick on one crossing that I thought I might die!"

"The rest of the crossing was so smooth though, and the band was lovely each night." Sophie smiled, reminiscing. I could barely follow the conversation that the two seemed to have, so focused on the invitation in my hand. If I went, if Will and I went, then we'd be around the Reichsters, after I'd sworn to never be near them again. If I didn't, I'd be cut by everyone. To have the guest of honor, a royal guest, hand deliver an invitation and then to snub her, I'd be dead in the water. No parties, no balls, and Will would face rejection by almost everyone.

I set it aside, trying to give voice to my reluctance. "Well, Your Highness, you must understand that our families are not exactly on the best terms."

"Oh but that is business, surely there is no reason we cannot be friendly? Let the men bicker, we ladies can still be friends." She actually reached across and took my hand at that, her skin warm and smooth. I could see the ring Zachary had offered me on her finger, twinkling brightly in the light. "I should dearly love to be your friend, Miss Dalian."

"I run our company with my mother, Your Highness. I'm afraid we deal with the business." I didn't pull my hand from her's though, "Unfortunately things are very complicated with our families."

"Oh, dear. It appears I have, what is the English saying? Something about feet and mouths? Please, forgive me for that." She squeezed my hand tightly, "But please, please consider the invitation. I should dearly love to see you again, and to meet your fiancé, Mr. Murdock I believe?" Her smile was wide and free of any kind of guile, and I felt a pain for this girl. She seemed to be utterly sweet and naive, to be shackled to Zachary, she had no idea what it would be like.

"Mr. Murdoch, he is Scottish. And I will speak to him about it." It was the most noncommittal answer I could give, while still being polite.

With the purpose of her visit completed, Sophie rose and actually embraced me before leaving the parlor. "Miss Dalian, I do hope you will come. Truly, whatever these business matters are, please do not let them affect your decision."

"I shall do my utmost." I muttered, giving her a light squeeze before gesturing for the maid to see her out. It was only after the door was firmly shut that I sat back down, pressing my hands to my face. I only drew them away to look at Liz, "What just happened?"

"She invited you to her party." Liz shrugged, finishing off her tea. "What of it? You'll have to go."

"But Zachary will be there." I drew my arms around myself, "And he'll want to dance with me, I just know it."

"So dance with Mr. Murdoch or Oscar."

"And then Mr. Reichster is going to be there, and he, oh God." I sobbed, collapsing in on myself. He'd be there, wanting to dance with me, his hands on me, and Will wouldn't be able to stop him. Everyone would be watching as he touched me, and then he'd hand me off to Zachary, and everyone would watch me start shaking, start crying and begging them to let me go.

"Anastasia, what is it?" Liz was in front of my chair, her face concerned. "Why are you crying?" I couldn't help it, I told her. I told her everything, from Zachary on that night at her uncle's party to him on the ship and his father in my house. How I was terrified of being near them, that Ezekiel had almost killed Zachary the night of the charity ball, how I was so concerned about avoiding anything having to do with them that I had shut myself away. How that necklace had burst the happy little world I had built around myself after getting engaged. I also told her how I wanted Will to be accepted by our set, that he had already made a good showing at the Astor's party and that my fear would ruin all of that. Because I could not control my reaction to those men, Will would be snubbed by everyone. And anyone who didn't, such as Liz and Oscar, would get snubbed for not snubbing him. By the end of it I was on the floor, crying onto Liz's shoulder. She held me tight, "Is that why you stopped writing to Oscar? Stopped having me over?"

"Yes, oh, I am so sorry for all of it, Liz." I sniffed, "I should never have done it." I never should have gone with Zachary to have a cigarette, I never should have let him pull me into a dance, I never should have let Mr. Reichster into the house.

I never should have cut myself off from my friends.

"Well, it's done with now." Liz stood, helping me to my feet. She held me tight though, "But what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to have to go." I sighed, leaning into her hug. "There's nothing for it." We had only made it to the settee when Will and Oscar bumbled in, laughing loudly as they did. God, I hadn't notice the light outside waning into the late afternoon.

I could almost smell the cheap beer on Will as he came over, his eyes light. They darkened when they saw me, "Ana, what is it?" I could only shake my head, unwilling to look at him. I'd start crying again if I did. Liz muttered something to Oscar, pulling him from the room. Will joined me on the settee, collecting me in his arms. "Tell me, why are you upset?" I could only hold the invitation up, handing it to him. He almost exploded off the settee. "Absolutely not!"

Watching him pace the room, I related what had happened when Sophie had visited. "Will, she was kind enough to hand deliver it. And you would be with me the whole time."

"And let his father run his eyes over you? To see him think about fucking you?" I flinched at his harsh words. I heard him sigh, "I'm sorry Ana, but God, you really can't be considering this. You know what they've done to you, and yet you want to walk right back into his arms."

"Then keep me away from him, dance with me the whole time, sit next to me. Don't give him a chance to get close." I was on my own feet then, clinging to him. "He won't come near me with you there, not after what you did."

"Why? What has she done to make you want to go to their house?" He pulled me back to the settee, curling his arm around me. "It can't be that you actually want to go, she must have done something to make you pity her."

"She didn't do anything." I mumbled into his shoulder, "But it won't look good if we don't go after she brought the invitation by herself. People will talk."

"So let them." He sounded exasperated, "Honestly, I'd much rather they talk than have to go."

"We'll be cut by everyone." I trailed my fingers through his hair, "I won't have them cut you, not because of Zachary. We have to go, Will. We have to."

"Them not being at ours didn't cause any talk."

"You aren't a Duke." I whispered to him, "A rank like that is everything to this crowd."

He grumbled, "You're dead set on this, aren't you?" But his hand was in my hair, stroking my back through it. "Christ, and here I thought everything would be easy getting engaged to you. We'd get married," His hand slipped to my stomach, "Have an entire crew of children." I laughed at that, "And I'd grow old with you." He dropped his head back against the settee. "Not have to deal with nonsense like this."

"I'm sorry."

"What did I tell you about that?" Will almost snapped, his voice angry, but gave my shoulders a squeeze. "I suppose we should tell those two they can come in." With a little grumble he rose, opening the door.

Oscar was in front of me in an instant, his hands holding mine. "Anastasia, why didn't you tell me when it happened? I would have come back from Cambridge to help you, you know that." Will wasn't even mad at that, simply joining me back on the settee. His grip was a bit tighter though, even as Oscar shook his head. "To think, I went drinking with him. I've treated him civilly!"

"And you're going to have to." Liz sniped at him, taking a spot in a chair. "We can't let anyone know what he did. Anastasia, and William I might add, would be ruined."

"You're not dancing with him, Elizabeth." Oscar stood, barking at his sister. "Or his damn father."

"You're assuming I'd want to." Liz snorted, "And knowing the types who hang around Zachary, I won't be dancing at all."

"You can dance with me." Oscar snapped, "Or William. Assuming you don't mind if I dance with Anastasia, sometime?"

"It seems sensible," Will replied, although his lips were pursed. "I'm not letting Ana out of my sight though, not with those two around."

"Or Liz." Oscar turned to him, "We shall both keep an eye on our ladies." He turned, taking in Liz and I. "And you two will keep an eye on each other."

"Aye aye, sir." Liz saluted, turning to me with a grin. I felt myself grin back, especially when her brother rolled his eyes so hard I thought he might roll them out of his head. Even Will snorted at Liz, fully chuckling after a moment.

"Ana?" He said, his fingers tangling in mine. "This is the only way I'll let you go."

"I should just be glad you aren't hiring Pinkertons, shouldn't I?" I chuckled, "Very well, if I'm to have guards at least it's you two."

"I'll bring along a gun, just in case." Will mused, looking to Oscar. "You wouldn't happen to have a Webley, would you? It's what I'm familiar with."

"I've got a Colt I could lend you." Oscar mused, "Although that would leave me with just a Smith and Wesson."

"Guns, are you two absolutely crazy?" Liz stood from her chair, "Anastasia, help me with these two."

"I'm afraid Liz is right," I sighed, leaning into Will. "Guns are right out."

"Knives then, easier to conceal." Oscar nodded, "Very good idea Anastasia, much better for close quarters in case they try something." Liz and I shared a sigh, and I rang for a maid. I was going to need something stronger to get through this. Liz and I shared a glass of wine while the men commiserating over whiskey about what exactly they'd like to do to the Reichsters. Oscar, settled in a chair next to his sister, ran his hands through his hair. "I just can't believe that his old man would try it too. And that necklace!"

Liz shook her head, "He couldn't even spring for a new ring," Her voice dripped venom as she spoke, "Her Highness is wearing that Cartier piece he tried to force onto Anastasia. Cheap bastard."

"Agreed." Oscar replied, draining his glass and pouring himself another.

I looked up from watching him, "You know she didn't get held up by weather right?"

"Oh please Anastasia," Liz snorted, "Her getting fitted at Worth's has already spread among the entire set. Everyone on Manhattan probably knows."

Oscar sighed loudly, considering his quickly disappearing whiskey again. "What I wouldn't give to have hit him like you did William, you let him off far too easy."

"Don't I know it." Will grumbled, sipping his own whiskey. "Should have stomped on his head."

I let my fingers brush against his chest, "Will, really, my love. Such a temper."

"Oh, my dear." Will pulled my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles. "Don't tell me you wouldn't have loved to see it." He started kissing up my wrist, and then to my arm. I could feel myself blush, but Oscar hardly seemed to notice, filling his glass once again. Liz was not going to let me live it down though, her eyes dancing over her glass. I felt Will tug at my waist, "Come here, darling."

"Will, we have guests." I whispered, feeling his lips reach my elbow through my dress.

"We don't mind." Liz smiled at me, "Do we Oscar?"

I could see Oscar having to control a slight glare, "Liz, you know they should stop."

She giggled instead, as Will had reached my shoulder, oblivious to them. I looked to Oscar as Will wrapped his hands in my hair, "How much did he have to drink at the races?"

"Well, we lost the first three, so we drank two beers for each loss." Oscar wouldn't even look at me as he spoke, "Then we won the last four, we had a beer and whiskey for each of those. Plus your whiskey."

"So he's completely and utterly drunk," I wriggled, trying to avoid Will's insistent kissing at my neck. "I apologize, he gets this way when he's drunk."

"Then perhaps that's our cue to leave, before your mother gets back from her call." Oscar stood, gesturing to Liz. "See you at the party, both of you."

I couldn't really get off the settee, not with Will wrapped around me like an octopus, so I settled for a slight wave. "It's only a few days from now, not too long." Liz gave me a grin and a wink as she stepped out behind her brother, the door thudding shut behind them. Will took the opportunity to push me into laying on the settee, settling himself over me. He pulled back for a moment, his eyes bright. I gently shoved at his chest. "Will, that was entirely inappropriate in front of them."

"I don't bloody care." He grunted, dropping his lips to mine.

"Will, the door." I whispered, and he almost growled as he got up, locking it. "And the windows." Another grumble, and the windows were closed and the curtains drawn.

He was back in a moment, his tongue ravaging my mouth as he climbed over me, his breath in my mouth. I could taste the cheap beer underneath the fine Irish whiskey he'd drank here, and I let him settle between my legs, our hips flush. God, he was even hard, and I couldn't help but rub myself against him. Will pulled back, panting as his face contorted. "Christ Ana, you're driving me mad."

"Will, you are not deflowering me in the parlor." I replied, feeling him rub up against me in turn. It was hardly anything through my clothes, but I could feel the heat rolling off him as he thrust himself against me.

"No, no." Will gasped, his hips moving faster. "I won't, I promise." My own movements sped up to match him, trying to get him to rub against that sweet spot that brought me such pleasure. "God Ana, to kiss you in front of him, I couldn't get enough."

My brow furrowed, even as I gasped as he hit that spot just right. "So you still haven't gotten over that jealousy? You just wanted to make him feel bad?"

"Yes," Will dropped his face to my shoulder, his lips against my ear. "And no. I couldn't resist you, not anymore. And you were so sad, but you love it when I kiss you." I groaned, feeling the heat build in me as he continued thrusting. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, holding him close as I chased my pleasure. I could feel it rising, the heat rolling through me like a wave, my muscles contracting. Will pulled back to watch as I came, his hand gentle against my face as he brushed my hair away. "I want to watch you lose yourself, you always make the most wonderful face." His finger traced my lips, "Like you can't even remember to breathe." It was all I could do to not give voice to my release, a strangled gasp the only noise I made as I felt that pleasure rush through me.

I panted, feeling my thighs flutter as I returned. "Sometimes I can't Will, hurry, finish before Mother comes back."

"No Ana, I can't finish in my pants." He grumbled, rising. "Reggie will be able to tell. I can't have him spreading that around."

"Then finish on me," I followed him up, tugging at him to come back down. "I'll head to the bathroom and wash up before dinner." He groaned, falling back onto me even as one hand wormed between us to unfasten his fly.

I felt the hard heat of him against my thigh, under my petticoat and chemise. "Straight up after Ana, if we get caught-" He cut himself off as I shifted my thigh underneath him, and he was rather slick as he began thrust himself against me. If he thought watching me come was a treat, watching him lose himself was a marvel. His entire face shifted as he began to thrust harder and harder against me, his breathing nothing more than muffled gasps until with a sudden groan, he came. His seed was hot against my thigh as he did, several spurts before he slid away. It was but a moment for him to tuck himself into his trousers, run a hand through his hair and finish his iced whiskey. "Go Ana, before she gets back." He still sounded breathless, and I missed the days where I could have laid in his arms as we both basked in that warm afterglow. But we'd already been locked in here for a bit, and the servants would only believe Will was letting me cry on his shoulder for so long. They'd be back, sooner or later.

I tried to keep my petticoat held away from my thighs as I climbed the stairs, and I quickly wiped myself off with a cloth that I rinsed out once I reached my bathroom. Thank God Louise was busy laying out my dinner dress and hadn't even looked up when I went into the bathroom. It was a nice dress, a pastel green one that she said suited my eyes, and Mother found Will and I presiding over the table in her absence when she returned. She took her place at the head, "Well, isn't this a lovely sight to return to."

"Tell me, Mother, how were the Astors?" I speared a piece of crab, popping it into my mouth.

"Oh, very well. They were so glad that you both had a wonderful time at their party." She smiled, her own helping supplied by a footman. "They're quite looking forward to see you again, Mr. Murdoch."

"Yes, at the regatta." Will nodded, taking a drink of wine. "I'll be glad to stop by with them before we set sail."

"Mr. Rigby mentioned that Duchess Metternich paid a call." She dipped a piece of crab into the hollandaise sauce, delicately nibbling on it. "You did receive her, I hope."

"Oh yes," I twisted my hands in my napkin, "She delivered an invitation to their engagement party."

"And?"

It was Will who spoke now, "We will be attending, and I have worked it out with the Vanderbilts. Ana will be as safe as if she was here."

Mother took a long sip of her wine before turning her attention to her plate. Her fork and knife began to cut what was left on it into tiny delicate pieces, and she had eaten half of them before she spoke again. "I am trusting you with the most precious thing I have, William. Do not disappoint me."

"I will not, Ruth." He replied in kind, using her first name. His eyes were hot on my though, and I felt his foot find mine under the table. "She's the most precious thing to me, too."