When we met Samuel at the train station the next morning, he was sitting on his trunk and twisting his wedding ring around his finger. I smiled and let Rigel's leash fall from my hands, calling out as he bounded off with a bark. "Samuel, grab him!" Will gave me a look and rolled his eyes as Rigel loped up to his father, his tail already wagging. I wasn't worried about Rigel running away, but I still put on an act when I ran up. "Oh thank God, I wouldn't want him to get hurt."

"He's far too well trained." Will grumbled, but he did smile a bit to see Samuel apparently happy to take charge of Rigel. "Da, thank ye for that." Samuel shrugged, his eyes on the walking stick that Will was carrying. Peg had pressed it into his hands when we leaving the wake, apparently it was what Jeanie had left him in the will. Most of what she had had been left to the others or Samuel, but this walking stick was just for him. I vaguely remembered seeing it when they had packed up after the wedding, something Mother had bought her. It even had her initials on the handle, although Will kept them covered with his hand. "Ye're quite prepared for a long trip?"

Samuel nodded, and the porter that Will and I had flagged down earlier added his trunk to the cart. The first train ride went reasonably well, as did the second. We simply enjoyed the sights of early morning Scotland as the train slowly chugged its way to where we would switch to the train to London. It was on that train that things began to deteriorate. Rigel, remembering the last time, jumped up and proceeded to take an entire bench for himself. That led to Samuel trying to get him down, which lead to he and Will eventually cursing in Gaelic as Rigel steadfastly refused to move.

I was laughing as they eventually settled on lifting Rigel's front half and draping him across Samuel's lap. "You see, I told you. He thinks he's a lapdog."

"He's far too big for that." Will grumbled, but he was smiling to see his father cuddle Rigel a bit closer to him. "It's bad enough in Southampton, he's too big for that bed."

"Oh," I blinked, a thought occurring to me. "Will, what are we going to do about the sleeping arrangements?"

Samuel glanced up, "Hm?"

"Christ," Will pinched the bridge of his nose. "I hadn't thought of that."

"I can stay in a hotel." Samuel was quiet. "It's nae problem."

"Ye're not staying in a hotel." Will snapped, "We'll figure somethin' out." The train continued on, even as Will pursed his lips and leaned against the window. "Ana and I can go to a hotel, it'll be easier that way."

"One of us could sleep on the settee." I offered, trying to rack my mind. "Or we could buy a cot? Or maybe a trundle bed?"

"Oh aye, just get off the train and buy a bed." Will grumbled, although at a glare from Samuel he sat up a bit straighter. "A cot, maybe. We're not stayin' that long, I can handle it."

"Ye'll be sleepin' in yer bed, with yer wife." Samuel snorted, "'Tis not right fer a husband to willingly give that up."

Will actually smiled at that, "Well, that's me told." Samuel smiled, just for a moment, and leaned his head back against the compartment wall. Will pulled a newspaper out, I grabbed a book, and we passed the rest of the trip companionably. London approached in the gray fog that always seemed to envelop that city, and when new passengers came on Will made sure to glare at them through our compartment window.

I batted his shoulder, "You can calm down, it's not as if there's actually room in here."

"Even then, some of them would still try." He replied, lips drawing up in a sneer at someone who had paused to consider if they could fit in. At Will's look they moved on, and he flipped his paper open again. "Honestly Ana, do you have any idea how many con men and gamblers I've had to chase off over the years? They're a plague on ships, I wouldn't put it past them to try a train."

"I had tae throw one in the brig one time." Samuel chuckled, "He tried tae fleece some high dollar passenger who knew his cards well enough tae spot a cheat."

I gave him a smile as the train started up again, "Well thank God for the both of you then, I'm terrible at cards. I don't know what I'd do if someone took me for a ride."

Will snorted. "Ana, you never play poker unless you're forced into it."

"Well that will hae to change." Samuel had a rather evil smirk on his face, "I'll hae ye skilled enough tae spot a cheat by the time we get tae New York."

I blanched, "Oh, Samuel, that's not necessary. Really, I'm not a good hand at cards."

"Then that will change." He returned his attention to Rigel, "As will this, I cannae feel my legs." Will managed to cajole Rigel off his father's lap after a great deal of grumbling, and Samuel stood and stretched for a moment. "Ah, that 'tis better. Now, what's tae be done about getting the cot?"

"I'lll go get it, ye and Ana can see the bags home." Will gave my hand a squeeze, "Although ye may want to keep her from the kitchen."

"Will, I've gotten better." I snapped, making Samuel snort. He at least was in a better mood as we pulled into Southampton, and even hailed the cab to see us to our house. Rigel found his favorite spot in the parlor, rolling onto his back to better allow Samuel to rub his belly. I smiled as he sat down to do exactly just that, "You're going to spoil him."

"Considering what he's done fer ye, he deserves it." He scratched hard enough to make Rigel's leg begin to kick. I shook my head at that, turning my attention to the rest of the house. It was clean, thanks to Kate, but when I looked in on the office I could see a pile of mail waiting for Will. I paged through it, sorting it into letters and magazines to go in his trunk, but one particular piece I picked up and brought down with me. Samuel watched as I set it down just so on the dining table. "What is that?"

"Will's promotion in the Reserves." I adjusted it so it sat just so. "I thought he might like to see it, although this means I'm going have to have his uniforms adjusted."

Samuel came over to consider the envelope. "A promotion? Tae what?"

"Lieutenant-Commander, Lights mentioned it when he was over around Christmas." I angled the envelope up so that it would be the first thing Will would see when he walked in. "He's going to be so pleased."

"He's a good lad." Samuel traced Will's name on the envelope. "Far better than I feel I deserve sometimes."

"Sometimes I feel the same way." I gave his arm a squeeze, "I guess that just means we're very blessed." Samuel smiled at that, and when I moved to the kitchen he joined me. I opened the icebox, "Now, is there anything to eat?" It turned out there was not, which meant that when Kate showed up we were more than happy to see her. I noticed her larger basket, "Will called ahead?"

"He did, and I managed to get the pub to not give me the canned meat tonight." Kate set the basket on the counter, unpacked it, and was back out the door.

I started as the front door opened, unfamiliar voices coming through. "Oh, I hope that's Will and the cot." It turned out it was, and Will was directing the men with the cot up to the office. I hung out of sight until they had left, then grinned up at my husband. "Will, come on down. You've got a letter and Kate brought roast beef from the pub."

"Good, I'm starving." He was all smiles as he came down, and pressed a kiss to my cheek. He opened the envelope, then looked to me. "You knew exactly what you were doing, didn't you?"

"Of course I did," I came up behind him, throwing my arms around his shoulders. "Although I think it's time to eat Lieutenant-Commander Murdoch."

"Aye lad," Samuel chuckled, coming out with plates piled high. "Now, shall we?" Dinner passed quickly, we were all starving and it was definitely not going to be a late night. Especially when Samuel, leaning back in his chair and resting his hands on his stomach, eyed Will and I. "Now, ye two had best not be gettin' too busy tonight. We'll need tae get tae the docks early to find whatever passage we can." He closed his eyes, breathing calmly. "Not tae mention that I'm right next tae ya, and the walls are thin."

"Christ Da," Will cursed as he helped me up, "We can control ourselves, ye know." All that got was a snort, and Will left me to wash up while he got ready for bed. He was already in his pajamas when I returned, and he chose to watched me undress and get into my nightgown rather than avail himself of the bathroom. I didn't mind, lingering a bit once I had gotten undressed. He eyed me, "That is hardly fair."

I stretched my arms up, "What?"

"Tempting me like this, with Da over in the bathroom." He may have been upset, but his eyes were still dark. "It's cruel."

"Well, then you can punish me on our way back." I gave him a wink, enjoying teasing him. It earned me a spank or two before Will clutched me to him and we both settled down to sleep. I half expected Will to try something in the middle of the night, with a warning to me to stay quiet, but all he did was wrap a hand around one of my breasts in his sleep.

I still considered that a success, and in the morning I even deigned to allow Will to help me into a shirtwaist and skirt. He pulled me back against him after buttoning my skirt, kissing my neck. "Thank you Ana, for coming and everything. I don't know if I could have done it alone."

"Of course, darling." I kissed his cheek, "Now, let's get headed out before your father decides to tease us again." A quick breakfast of buttered bread was eaten, Rigel was collected, and a cab was called. Samuel appeared rather happy to be returning to the docks, and immediately set off once we had reached our offices. I waved Will after him, "Go keep an eye on him, I'll go see Mr. Welton and see what we can do."

"Try not to get us on a Cunard." Will kissed my cheek, then loped off after Samuel with Rigel in tow. It was actually a relatively nice day, if rather cold, but there was a line of clouds toward the horizon that made me glad for my coat. The offices were plenty warm though, and I nodded to a clerk who rushed off as soon as he saw me.

"Mrs. Murdoch, welcome." Mr. Welton took the stairs two at a time as he came down, his arm out to escort me up to my office. "What can I do for you? I've sent in the order for the Rolls, terribly sorry it's not here yet."

I waved away his concerns as we walked into the office, "It's quite alright, I was actually hoping you might be able to tell us if you knew the timetables for the ships leaving soon. I'm headed back to New York with my husband and my father-in-law." I gestured out the window to Will and Samuel, currently talking to one of our captains outside. "We'd like to leave soon."

Mr. Welton nodded, "Well, I can't say I know when the next Cunard or White Star ships are departing, but Captain Rogers out there will be shoving off tomorrow afternoon." He stepped up to the window, "He's two-thirds full, I'm sure he wouldn't mind a couple of extra cabins being used."

"Will seems to like him." I smiled, watching as my husband bandied words with the stout Canadian that had served with us for his entire career. Captain Stanley Rogers was balding with a bushy beard, and he had a baritone voice that he was more than proud to show off if he had a couple drinks in him, which Father had happily supplied every time he had come over. I gave Mr. Welton a nod, "I think that sounds wonderful, I'll have our trunks sent over once I get home."

"I'll see them loaded onto Mary Ellen." He sighed, "And I'll get you your Rolls."

"Would you believe it was my husband that suggested that?" I smirked, earning a snort from Mr. Welton. "Thank you for your help, I'll go let them know." But I had one stop to make first, finding my way up to the wireless room.

The clerk that first noticed me come into the wireless area almost jumped out of his chair, it made me chuckle. "It's quite alright, I'm only here for a moment." He still looked unsettled, so I made a simple request. "Could you bring me a telegram form? I have something I need sent over." He nodded, floundering at his desk for a moment before laying a sheet of thin paper in front of me. The pen he held out was rather shaky, but it was stable in my hand as opposed to his. I wrote quickly, Mother, Will and I are returning with Will's father, Samuel. We'll be arriving on the Mary Ellen Carter, could you meet us? -Anastasia

Once I had finished the clerk snatched the paper away. "I'll have this sent at once ma'am." I thanked him, pulled my coat a bit tighter around myself and set out for the docks. Samuel was intensely focused on what Captain Rogers was saying, Rigel happily drooling next to him.

Captain Rogers was actually the first to spot me, his deep voice ringing out. "Ah, Miss Dalian. Have you met Mr. Murdoch here?"

"I should hope so, Captain Rogers, I am married to him." I smirked as I took Will's arm, wishing for a moment I hadn't bothered with gloves so I could show him my ring. But Will still had his on though, and made sure to flash it as he lifted my hand up to kiss.

Captain Rogers pursed his lips, closely looking at Will. "Are you sure Miss Dalian? I thought your husband was much less handsome from the pictures I've seen."

That drew a laugh, even from Will. "No, that's him, and his father, and you'll have more than enough time to remember we're married because we're joining you tomorrow. How is Mary Ellen by the way?"

"My old girl is a strong as ever, and we'll see you through Mrs. Murdoch, you can count on us." Captain Rogers looked over his shoulder, considering the ship rearing up behind him. Unlike most of our ships it actually had passenger quarters behind the bridge and they extended down for several decks. Of course, cargo holds occupied most of the other space, but she was still our parody of a liner. "I should head back though, and I'll see that our best cabins are set aside."

"Could you make sure we're on the boat deck?" I called after him, earning a wave of his hand in acknowledgement as he made for the gangway.

Samuel glanced over, "Is Mary Ellen his wife?"

I rolled my eyes, "Not quite, although he's as devoted to her as he is to his wife. The Mary Ellen Carter is his ship, named for my grandmother." It was Father who had done it, and it had been his idea to have her focus more on passengers than cargo. His opinion had quickly changed however when he had seen the cost increase had been more than he had expected, although the cost to strip the passenger quarters was even more. So he'd entrusted her to Captain Rogers and let her continue on as our little oddity.

Samuel seemed content to spend the rest of the day on the docks, despite the fact that it was slowly growing cloudy. I found myself almost regretting letting him walk Rigel, for my dog was a great bulwark against the wind and was usually quite warm. So instead I clutched Will's arm a bit tighter and did my best to use him as a wind break. It was only when I had a brief shiver that Will stopped, "Da, Ana's freezing. Let's head back."

"Just a little longer, Will." Samuel was heading for another dock, looking critically at a certain ship. "She's improperly loaded, I've got tae tell her captain." Even Will gave a groan at that, but he did hold me.

I snuggled closer to him, "At least he's talking."

"Yes, at least there's that." He shook his head, "Could you pack the trunks when we get home? I'll have to call to get them taken over, and arrange things with Kate." I nodded, glad to see Samuel coming back towards us. By the time we got home, Rigel was exhausted and didn't even bother to head for the parlor, dropping to the floor just past the door. I left the Will to make his calls and Samuel to read a paper, busying myself with the trunks.

Fortunately we hadn't unpacked much, so it was easy to have everything back in its proper place. I took careful care with the pictures of Jeanie though, wrapping them in Samuel's clothes and placing them at the bottom of his trunk. Will hadn't just brought one, he'd brought enough to fill a shelf. The picture we had taken in our Scottish regalia over the honeymoon, what I assumed was Samuel and Jeanie on their wedding day, Jeanie with each of her children and Samuel beaming in the background.

Two porters from our docks showed up just after dinner, taking the trunks with the compliments of Captain Rogers. By the time we reached the docks the next morning, Samuel looked rather anxious. He kept looking out towards the horizon, even though the sky was clear. I heard him muttering, "Late January, the weather always shifts."

"Da, we'll be fine." Will gave him a smile, "It won't be that long before we're in New York."

"Aye, but what condition will we be in?" Samuel looked over, "Now, why's rushin' over?"

I followed his gaze, seeing a steward racing towards us. He stopped, bowed, and quickly spoke. "Mrs. Murdoch, I'm so sorry. I should have been here five minutes ago."

I held up a hand, "It's quite alright."

"If you'll follow me I can show you to your cabins," The steward stood ramrod straight, "And I will point out our facilities even though I know they hard qualify as such."

"Again, it's alright." I chuckled, trying to put him at ease. "Even if you did have a swimming pool, Rigel here would be the only one to use it at the moment." At his name, Rigel gave a bark and looked up. The steward backed up a bit at that, but led us past the other waiting passengers to board first. Samuel turned back to look at them, and I could hear the whispers starting. I reached back for Samuel's arm, pulling him up. "They're going to know who we are, you're going to have to get used to it."

He grunted, "'Tis foolishness, we could hae boarded with them."

"Oh sir," The steward turned around on the gangway, "I would never have allowed you to. Not our owner's father-in-law and her husband, we would never even consider it!" He continued on, holding open the door until we were all in. "Your cabins are right above us, but on this deck you'll find the lounge and dining saloon. All meals will be served there, and the lounge is always open. The bar is staffed from morning until night and we can accommodate most requests. A smoking room is also available for your use."

I pursed my lips and looked at Will, he glanced away. "Thank you, everything looks lovely." The ship's interior was nowhere near as rich and luxurious as the Olympic, but it felt more comfortable. It was lived in, everything was far from picture perfect and I couldn't help but smile at the feeling. Some of the floors were scuffed, some of the paint was chipped in the corners, and I loved every bit of it.

Eventually the steward left us at our cabins, on the boat deck as I had requested. They lacked the private bathroom of our previous cabin, but were well appointed. I smiled as I pointed at the bed, "Look, they brought out a new blanket for us."

"I wonder how quickly Rigel will have it covered in hair." Will whispered back, and I heard Samuel snort at that. "Unless you'd prefer to keep him, Da?"

Samuel flipped him the leash, "Nae, at least for tonight. Damn dog was tryin' tae share my cot, I'd rather hae a bed to myself."

"Well, I suppose we can take him." Will chuckled, "It will be some revenge for him having to be in a kennel on the way over." Rigel hung close to his legs as we headed in, and I invited him up on the bed. My husband glared at him as he settled next to me. "Ana, I was only joking. Rigel, down."

Rigel whined, moving closer to me. I curled my fingers around his head. "Oh Will, just come lay with us." Will grumbled, but sat on the bed and put his arm around me. I tugged on his sleeve, and he tumbled us back to actually lay on the bed. I sighed, settling onto his shoulder. "Part of me doesn't want to leave the room."

Will groaned as Rigel spread himself across the both of us, "And the other part?"

"It wishes Rigel wasn't here and your father wasn't next door."

"You know he'll still be in the house."

"Our rooms are farther apart, he might even be on a different floor."

"Ana, I'm giving him my old rooms. You always call that the family floor, he's family."

I pursed my lips. "Well, at least he's going to be far from our rooms. I miss being with you."

"I miss that too, but Ana, it's not the best time."

"Well it's going to be a week over, we'll have to do something to entertain ourselves."

Will poked at my ribs, making me laugh. "You're learning to play poker, and making nice with all our passengers. After all, you're the owner."

"And you're the owner's husband, and Samuel is my father-in-law, so that means you two are making nice too."