Newport was much calmer this year, what with the German party being absent. Without the massive hulk of the Wilhelmina waiting for us on the docks we had a much more pleasant time at the regatta. Mother even consented to sailing in with us, and James proved an able hand on the Dependable to the point where Will kept him on for the smaller race. Our competition was even less than last year, and I had the feeling that we might be the only small boat left by next year.

Richard cursed a blue streak when the Astor yacht overtook the Gentilia at the last moment, but it didn't dampen the party after. It was quite an event, and Will took Mother out for at least three dances. I noticed a few other men eyeing him as he did, and for a moment I thought they were angry with him until I noticed the way their eyes lingered on Mother. I drew Will's attention to it, "They're eyeing up Mother like a steak."

"Hmm," He glanced over, sipping his drink. "She is a wealthy widow, and still quite pretty."

I elbowed him, "What do you mean 'still pretty'? Mother has always been beautiful."

"And hopefully that carries down to her daughter." Will quirked up an eyebrow, jutting his chin to show me that one of the older men had just approached Mother and was talking to her. "And perhaps she wants to look for someone new."

I froze, panic reaching down and gripping me. Mother marrying again, Mother calling another man husband, and slowly the pictures of Father being replaced. Another man encouraging me to call him Father, to tell my children that this was their grandfather. I jerked away from Will, my lungs pumping as I looked for somewhere where I could let out the scream that was building in me. But the area where the party was held was a well lit space at the back of a hotel, people were packed in and I couldn't exactly shove them out of the way.

I needed away, I needed somewhere quiet where no one would see me start screaming and crying because that was all I felt like I could do. I had never thought about Mother continuing her life in that way, and I clamped my hands to my head. She should have the chance to be happy again, to find someone to love her, and I was being selfish by wanting her to not move on like the horrible daughter I was.

"Ana?" I felt Will's voice more than heard it, his hands on my arms as he gently tugged my hands from my head. "What is it?"

"I need to get away." I mumbled, casting my eyes around. "I can't, I can't watch someone woo her."

Will glanced to the side, "There, off into one of the gardens." He gently took my arm, pulling me alongside him. I could barely move on my own, and Will quickly had me on a bench somewhere dark and quiet and I broke. I started hiccuping and sobbing, tears squeezing out as I tried to move my dress out of the way. Will made comforting noises, handing me his handkerchief as he let me cry. I could barely hear him over myself, "Mrs. Dalian?"

"Whatever has come over you?" Mother was immediately by me, her hands as comforting as they had been when I was a child. "Anastasia, what is it?"

"You," I mumbled, drawing a shaky breath. "Those men looking at you, like they wanted to court you."

Her hands stilled, "Oh, that." She looked back, "Mr. Murdoch, a moment with my daughter if you please?" Will muttered his assent, withdrawing away from us. Mother patiently drew my hands from my hand. "Anastasia, look at me." I looked up, blinking to bring her into focus. "Now, am I a fool?" Her question stunned me for a moment, allowing the sound of the sea breeze and the garden's fountains to come back into focus.

"What-"

"Am I a fool?"

"No, Mother."

She smiled, "Good, now deep breaths my dear." I did as she requested, feeling her pull me closer. "I will never stop loving Gareth, and he left the company, and the fortune, to us. Now, say that I did remarry, what would happen?" She clearly did not expect me to respond for she bowled right ahead. "My new husband would gain control of the company and the fortune, or at least be able to fight me for them in the courts. And if he got the rights to the company, I have no doubt he would try and force you out. Our family built both of those, it would be the height of foolishness to give that up."

I sniffed, feeling some control come back over myself. "But I want you to be happy."

"I am happy," She clucked, tucking my hair back into place. "I am happy with you and William and whatever children you two will have. I have Morgan and Abraham, and Moira and Richard." Mother drew her hands down to mine, squeezing them. "What woman wouldn't be happy with all that?"

"I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to apologize for, now, let's get you cleaned up and get back to the party. You should hear what some of those men are saying, I can barely keep a straight face. Oh, perhaps you can get William to glower over my shoulder at them. They do get rather persistent."

New York was a much needed distraction after Newport, and Mother even had me over when some of those men came calling and let me laugh to watch them squirm when she made it very clear that she was not interested. Watching from a room just beyond her parlor, sat on the floor and looking through the crack in the door like I was a child again, was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. The men would try and compliment Mother, ask after her health, ask her to join them for various events, and she would decline every single line.

"Mrs. Dalian, I hope you know that I think of you often," One man, hardly older than Oscar, said. "Quite fondly in fact, and I would be quite glad if you would accompany me on a carriage ride tomorrow."

Mother lifted a delicate brow. "I am old enough to be your mother, if not your grandmother. And I am afraid I am not one for carriage rides."

"Then perhaps the theater?"

"I find the theater distasteful at the moment, my late husband loved it so."

"A museum?"

"No." I could see her smiling as she let him squirm, "I suppose I should just come out and say it. I have no interest in marrying again, and you can let the others know that. You should just be glad I received you, now, I have a busy day tomorrow. If you would be so kind as to see yourself out so I can have an early evening?" He managed some mumbled farewell, and I heard the parlor door close before Mother got up. She drew open the doors where I was sitting, smiling down at me. "Anastasia, you'll wrinkle your dress like that."

I giggled, "Oh he sounded so embarrassed!" I grasped her hand, standing. "Are you sure I couldn't come calling tomorrow just to see another one?"

"Now, Anastasia, really." She led me back into the parlor. "You shouldn't take pleasure in it, it's not a pleasant task." She patted my hand. "Besides, William comes back later this week, don't you want to go prepare the house?" I sighed, but let her chivvy me along and into the carriage. I really did need to get home, having spent the whole morning at the offices. I had been able to get some more time on the wireless in, the men now used to me popping in every now and then in order to make sure I kept my skill up.

I was considering the menu for when Will came home when the carriage pulled into the front yard, and I spotted a new green Renault parked outside. I tried not to frown and barely caught myself. I knew Sophie had arrived back in town a few weeks ago, but I hadn't expected her to come calling quite so soon. Usually all the ladies called on the new mistress in her own home, not visiting others. Still, it was better to meet her here and not in that pile of brownstone that the new Mr. and Mrs. Reichster had been gifted for their own house. Peggy was by my side immediately when I entered, "Mrs. Reichster has only been in for about fifteen minutes, I rang Mr. Rigby as soon as she did and he said you were on your way."

I nodded, "Good, at least I didn't keep her waiting too long."

"I've arranged for food and drink to be brought and," Peggy clapped her hand against her thigh lightly and Rigel came barreling out of a hallway. "Had him brushed up."

I gave him a scratch, "Thank you Peggy, I don't know what I'd do without you." She smiled, withdrawing as I set out with Rigel to the parlor. It was bright and sunny, and Sophie was feeding Little Freddy bits of a sandwich as I came in. "Sophie, I wasn't expecting you."

She stood, coming to embrace me and dislodging Little Freddy from her lap. "I am so sorry, I know these things usually go the other way around but I thought this would be easier than having to send Zachary away for a day."

"It is." I smiled, coming around and giving Little Freddy a pet before sitting down. "How was your honeymoon?"

"Oh, it was lovely." She smiled, clearly reminiscing. "We spend some time at our family home and then in Kiel before a visit to Berlin. Kiel was lovely, so warm for this time of year." I couldn't help but notice that she did have a bit of color to her. "And then we were back to Hamburg to catch the Imperator for the trip home." She sighed, settling back in her chair. "I've spent the last weeks settling into the house and receiving guests, today was the first day where I finally had a moment to get away."

"I certainly hope you have a few more." I chuckled, Rigel jumping up to settle next to me. He draped his front paws over my lap, carefully watching Little Freddy on the floor by my feet. "Your family is well, though?"

"Oh yes, and Frederich wanted me to relay his regards to you and Oscar for your help here." Sophie was clearly watching her puppy approach my legs, only for Rigel to lean over and gently snap his jaws while whining. "Should I grab him?"

Considering that Rigel was not tense and Little Freddy was wagging his tail, I demurred. "I think they're playing."

"Ah, how darling." Sophie smiled down at them, "Although I do have something I want to tell you."

"What is it?"

She pursed her lips, clearly thinking. "I think I'm pregnant."

"What?" My hands went to Rigel, immediately twisting in his hair. "So soon?"

"I think so," She blushed, looking down. "My courses haven't come and the whole trip back I was sick. I thought it was seasickness but then it stayed once we got home." She lifted her head then, her blue eyes bright and shining. "I haven't told Zachary, but I'm having a doctor visit later this week to confirm it."

My mind fell back into the years of etiquette training it had been put through. "Oh, Sophie that's wonderful. I'm sure he's going to be so happy."

"I, I don't want anyone to know until I know for sure."

"Of course, I understand completely." And I did, even if my thoughts were far away from what I was saying. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, no, Samantha offered to assist with this eventuality at the wedding." Sophie stood, collecting Little Freddy and leaving me an embrace. "I'm just nervous."

"I'm sure everything will be fine." I returned her hug, watching as she left. I dropped back to the settee, collecting Rigel to me. A month, how did she fall pregnant in a month? Unless there was some hidden passion between her and Zachary, it seemed impossible. Aside from when I had my monthly, Will and I had bedded each other every day. Sometimes several times a day, and yet my courses had come on once I had gotten back. And yet here Sophie was, already being blessed.

"Miss Anastasia?" Peggy's voice suddenly cut through my thoughts, "Is everything alright? Mrs. Reichster left rather quickly."

I blinked, realizing that I hadn't even heard Rigel whining either. "Oh, yes. She had an appointment to keep. I'm going to take Rigel out to the garden." I stood, hoping that my legs were steady as I made my way to the back of the house. The porch proved a welcome relief, and I gulped down the warm air scented with the trailing jasmine from the garden. Rigel was happily making his way to the garden, sniffing for the exact right place to lift his leg. I wanted to talk about this with someone, but if Sophie and I were to be friends I couldn't exactly run around telling her secrets to everyone and risk them spreading them.

But Rigel couldn't tell.

I settled down on the steps to the garden, calling him to me. "Hey boy, it sounds like Little Freddy is going to have a handful on his paws soon." Rigel, sat in front of me, panted and drooled in his usual manner. "Wouldn't you like a little one to look after?" I rubbed the spot behind his ear that he loved. "I could see you being an excellent guard dog for a baby. Nothing would get by you." He was leaning so hard into my hand it seemed like he would fall over. "Hopefully you can have the chance soon."

A few days later I had received the wire that Will was in, but I was unable to get away to greet him because Liz and come calling first thing. She was currently sat across from me, a fashion magazine in her hands as she paged through it. I had my embroidery in my hands, hoping it would distract me. Liz raised an eyebrow over the cover, "So, have you heard?"

"Heard what?" I asked, "That Lucille's prestige is declining? Everyone's heard that, but I hate the new styles coming out. There's no shape to them."

The magazine was swiftly set aside. "No, I mean have you heard about Mrs. Reichster?"

"What did Samantha do?"

"You know which one I mean." Her eyes were bright. "Now, have you heard?"

There could only be one thing she was getting at. "No, Liz. I haven't."

"She's pregnant." Liz almost crowed. "One of my maids ran into one of her's at a store and they suspected it from when she came back but had it confirmed yesterday."

"How lovely." I muttered, looking down. "We should send a present."

She came over, plucking my embroidery from my hands. "Anastasia, why aren't we gossiping about this over sherry? It used to be that as soon as I let slip I knew something we'd have a drink in front of us."

"I'm sorry Liz," I looked over to the bell call. "I can ring for a bottle."

Liz glared. "No, I will." She pressed the call, giving the maid an order as if she were in charge of the house. Once the bottle and a couple glasses had been brought she set them in front of us and filled both. "Now, we are going to plan something to take the shine off of Sophie's news."

I lifted my glass, sipping. "We don't have to."

"No, we do." She drained her glass, gesturing for me to do the same. "Because you are wool gathering and worrying over her and I hate to see that, and I hate hearing her name being praised to high heaven when it should be you or me they're talking about." I swallowed the rest of my sherry, watching her refill the glasses. "So, we are going to plan something fun and elaborate since we don't have to act some dowdy old matron while we're still young."

I tilted my glass on the table, "Liz, I doubt anyone could ever refer to you as dowdy."

"And I think that about you too and then I come over and the curtains are all drawn," As if to emphasize her point she marched to every window and pulled them open, looking out onto the side yard. "You're sitting in the dark, picking at your sewing and not eating." With the light streaming in, Liz pressed the call again and asked for lunch to be sent up.

I looked down to my hands. "I'm sorry Liz, I haven't been a very good host."

"Don't apologize." She snapped, sitting down and flipping a fan out of her purse. "Now, what is something fun we can do?"

"A party?" I furrowed my brow. "Or a trip?"

"Party," Liz nodded, pausing as a maid brought in lunch. Slices of the leftover ham from last night's dinner, fresh bread and butter, cheese and Rigel padding in after. A champagne bucket had been commandeered to hold bottles of lemonade on ice. Liz lifted a piece of bread to her lips. "Everyone has been traveling so much, I'm tired of it."

"So we're throwing a party." I picked up a piece of ham, tearing off part of it for Rigel. "My place or your's?"

She sighed, "Mine, I can get Mother to agree to it quick enough."

"Should there be a theme?" I was warming to the idea, and felt myself smiling. "Moira always loves a theme."

"Well she'd like to show up the Astors, I know that." She handed me a bottle of lemonade, taking one for herself. "I think a costume party could guarantee us the house." Liz had a worrying smirk on her face. "And none of the men are going to get away with wearing their uniforms, everyone has to be in costume."

"And you know how they love that." I chuckled, taking a drink of lemonade. "I wonder if I can get Will to dress up as an Admiral, maybe Nelson."

Liz snorted. "Anastasia, you know exactly what you have to get him to wear." She leaned her chin on her hand, smiling. "Make him wear the kilt, his full outfit. Hell, I could rent a set of bagpipes for the night. Does he know how to play them?"

I laughed, "I don't think so, and I'm not sure I can get him to wear the kilt."

"But he looks so handsome in it!"

"I know, but imagine everyone teasing him for wearing a skirt."

"Oh Anastasia, please. I want to see him in it, the picture was alright but I imagine it's more impressive in person." She grinned, raising a brow. "I'm quite sure you could offer him something, I've heard stories about married couples making deals." I blushed, and she practically cackled. "You can convince him, I have absolute faith in you. And if not, bribe him into it."

I was desperate to change the subject, "Well what could I wear then? I highly doubt we'd both want to wear plaid."

"You already have the perfect dress." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Remember that blue gauzy one? Wear your pearls with it and you'll make a lovely sea nymph."

Leaning back, I remembered the dress she had convinced me to purchase that day we had all gone shopping. "It would be perfect for that."

"And Will would enjoy looking at you." Liz bounced her eyebrows. "You might even make it part of your bribe." She gathered up the magazine she had brought over, "I'll take this home with me and get to work on figuring out a costume, and you be sure to find James a handsome one too."

"Yes, yes." I rolled my eyes, getting up to give her a hug. "Perhaps you could help him with that?"

"Now wouldn't that be nice." She grinned, opening the parlor door. "Oh, hello Mr. Murdoch, back so soon?"

Will, just outside the door, snorted. "Miss Vanderbilt, I hope you had a good visit."

"A wonderful one," She made for the door, calling out over her shoulder. "You remember what I said Anastasia!"

He waited for the door to close before turning to me. "I am not wearing my kilt, Ana." He walked in, sitting down in one of the chairs. "It's not a costume you know, it's important to my country."

"I know Will," I came up behind him, pressing a kiss to the back of his head. "But you are so handsome in it."

He snorted, "So you've said."

"Please Will?" I came around, dropping to my knees in front of him. "For me?"

"I thought you were supposed to be bribing me." He had a smirk on his face, "Or was what I heard at the window incorrect?"

"Eavesdropper," I muttered, leaning away from him. "But I will bribe you, if that what it takes."

"You cans tart by handing me some of that ham, I'm starving." He gestured to the remains of our lunch on the table. "Serve me, wife."

I handed him a slice, "You keep acting like that and you can serve yourself."

"Ana, I'm only joking." He shook his head after eating, "Although I am curious about why you and Liz seem to feel that you need to hold a costume ball."

I looked down, "Sophie's pregnant."

"Ah," Will reached out a hand. "Come here." I let him pull me into his lap, and he quickly had his arms around me. I burrowed into himt, glad for his presence. When Will was here I had other things to think on. His chest rumbled as he spoke. "You know, I'm glad she's pregnant and you're not."

I pulled back, "Will, I thought you wanted children."

He tugged me back to him, pressing his face to my hair. "And I do, but I have found that I am a greedy man. I loved Anastasia Dalian, but I find I love Ana Murdoch all the more and I am not ready to share her just yet." His fingers ghosted over my ribs, making me jump a little as he tickled me. "Besides, I highly doubt what led to her delicate condition was a night of pleasure. And even if it was, now she's kept from that for nine months, but you're not." He kissed my cheek, pressing his forehead to mine. "So what do you say we enjoy the pleasure that she can't?"

I chuckled, "I don't think Zachary is nearly as attentive as you."

"I can assure you he's not, now, let me show you how attentive I am."