After a couple of weeks, Mr. Collins was much more comfortable with writing with his left hand, even if it was still rather shaky. I had taken every one of his shirts and jackets and pinned up the empty sleeve, stocked the shelves with food from Mother and made sure to leave instructions for Mr. Welton to send food to Sylvie and the Murdochs. Kate had come around, she had been one to join up during the rush for nurses and only came around a couple times a week, and she had promised to help Mr. Collins as needed while I was gone.

I had offered to bring Collins with me to Scotland, but he had refused. "I'm viewing your absence as a bit of a test, ma'am." He had turned to me with his latest writing effort, a sheet covered in scrawl that slowly grew more legible. "If I can survive with you being gone for a few days, then I can start finding a place for myself sooner."

I felt awful for actually being relieved that Collins would be staying behind, but it meant that I might be able to slip away and see if I could visit Will. I had booked myself a room, had made arrangements for Rigel to accompany me, and had even purchased my tickets the day before I boarded the train. A porter had charge of my trunk, a conductor saw me to my compartment, and I settled in with a book for the ride.

During my time living in Will's house, I had traded my adventure novels for the naval theory books I had bought for him. I still read my preferred books, but they were the ones I took to the hospital. The men there enjoyed them as much as I did, and thankfully Andrew had been moved to a different ward after there had been a flare of infection in his back. I had heard one of the nurses talking about the doctor missing a piece of shrapnel, which had meant a painful treatment of having the cut reopened, the pus drained and the shrapnel removed.

Despite my dislike of the man's musical taste, I had still felt awful for him and had given the nurse a dozen chocolate bars for him.

I found my eyes blurring as I read my way north, the words swimming before my eyes. I could not figure out how the author managed to make Nelson's victory at Trafalgar boring. I flipped past it, instead searching for more thrilling narratives. Unfortunately, the author was so thorough in his explanations of every event that I had thrown the book aside barely an hour after we left London. I dug in my bag for the romance I had brought, having anticipated this.

It was rather mindless but at least I was entertained.

Rigel was glad to get off the train when we reached Edinburgh, half dragging me through the station while the porter huffed to follow with my trunk. I hadn't booked the same hotel, it would be a bit much for just myself, but a perfectly fine establishment was located only a few streets away. My room was well appointed and looked out over a park, the footman who was to look after Rigel was quite glad to have an excuse to avoid polishing silver, and the hotel's restaurant made an excellent mutton stew for dinner.

In the morning I breakfasted on scones and honey, accepted Rigel's leash from the footman and got into a cab to meet with my realtor. A local by the name of McTaggart he had been glad to receive my inquiries, and his letter had informed me that he had a number of properties to show me. The cabbie drove me to the first one, located near Edinburgh Castle. I could see McTaggart waiting outside, an older man in a tweed suit who immediately came forward to open the door. "Mrs. Murdoch, I see you managed to find the place."

I passed the fare to the cabbie before exiting, followed by Rigel. "It's rather hard to miss." Indeed it was, the house we were in front of could rightly be called a manor. Its grounds had two gardens side by side before the front door, and when I was led inside, I had to purse my lips. Before being put on the market, it had obviously been some Duke's northern retreat and was decorated as such.

If I hadn't been put off by the various trophies displayed, the sheer size of the place put me off. Three stories with a basement, a courtyard out back, a small stable and garage, I couldn't handle it. I needed something smaller, a few extra bedrooms for visitors, but not entire wings of bedrooms. McTaggart was understanding when I raised these points, and we spent the morning driving from place to place.

A good number of the houses he had picked were similar to the first, although as we went on they got smaller. It must have been the fifth house where I finally found something I loved. It was over the Firth from Edinburgh, more in Fife according to McTaggart when we pulled up. It was made of some sort of local gray stone, two stories and with a number of beautiful rose bushes out front. When McTaggart opened the door, I sighed at the sight. It was all dark wood, carved and worn with age but waxed to shine beautifully.

Every room McTaggart led me through had a window, letting in the weak Scottish sunlight, but with a set of sturdy curtains to keep the cold out. I briefly thanked my foresight to request a house that would come furnished, for half the furniture in here I didn't think could be moved without having to cut it into pieces. It was in the kitchen, large and yet cozy with a large hearth, that I turned to McTaggart. "I believe we have found it."

"Indeed?" He smiled, opening the door to reveal a yard with a small flower garden and a larger kitchen garden. "I had thought you would have gone for something grander, given the budget you'd told me to stay inside."

"I have eclectic tastes." I shrugged, walking out to examine the garden more closely. It was well ordered, the herb plants large and still healthy even though we were into fall. I was surprised that a few flowers were still blooming, although leaning heavily on their stalks. Scottish fall was cold, with low clouds and the ever-present threat of rain. I glanced down the rest of the yard, rolling right down to the edge of the Firth, a small dock jutting out. I looked over my shoulder to McTaggart, "How quickly can you complete the sale?"

"Within the week." He nervously glanced up at the dark clouds. "Provided the funds are provided."

I stepped back inside, giving him a smile. "You'll have it, I can write a bank order for you today." In fact, I wrote it out on the massive kitchen counter and left it with him. He gave me his assurances he would send the keys down once the sale was complete, along with a list of places to inquire with about servants. I didn't need a staff that would live there, but I needed a housekeeper, a gardener, a maid, a cook, all to be ready when I came and to check on the place while I was gone.

When I reached my hotel, I found myself too excited to simply have lunch and then retire. Will was so close, just across the Firth and I knew he was there. During the drive around the city I had seen so many naval ships anchored out in the Firth, too many to fit in the docks at Rosyth. The whole squadron had to be in, including my husband.

I left Rigel in the care of the hotel, hailed myself a cab, and set out to try and see him.

The gates of Rosyth were rather intimidating, manned by guards and it was quite obvious that it was not accepting guests who had not been approved. I drew myself up, pasted a confident smile on my face, and approached one of the guards. "Hello, I was hoping I might speak to someone about visiting my husband."

He raised a brow, "Unless you have a pass, ma'am, I'm afraid that's impossible."

"Please," I tried batting my eyelashes a bit, "It would only be a short visit. His name is Captain William Murdoch, of the Unicorn."

"He could be Admiral Beatty himself; I'd still need a pass."

I seized on that, "I could ask Admiral Beatty if you would like, I'm close friends with his wife. I'm quite sure he would be thrilled to be bothered to write out a pass, I'm sure he's not busy at all."

The guard swallowed, glancing back over his shoulder. "I, I could escort you to Admiral Beatty."

"And if he writes me a pass?"

"You'll be escorted to your husband." He turned, clearly intending for me to follow. I could understand his reticence, Rosyth would obviously be a target for German spies but it was still rather annoying. I wasn't led very far into the base, the higher officers obviously kept quarters in a building rather than staying on their ships constantly.

The guard had just stopped to ask for directions to Beatty's office when I heard a laugh and my name was called. I turned to find an officer, one that I vaguely recognized from Mrs. Beatty's party. He held his hand out, "Mrs. Murdoch, we hadn't been told to expect you!"

The guard had turned at that, and I smirked at him even as I spoke to the officer. "I was up here on business and was hoping to see my husband briefly. However, I've been told I will need a pass to see him. I was hoping Admiral Beatty might do me a favor and write one for me."

The officer looked to the guard, "The Admiral's office is upstairs, tell his secretary to announce Mrs. Murdoch." I couldn't help smiling as I was led upstairs, and the guard was shifting on his feet until the secretary came back to see me in.

Admiral Beatty was already standing behind his desk, taking my hand briefly. "Ah, Mrs. Murdoch, you have no idea what a relief it is to see a beauty like you after the day I've had."

I did my best not to blush, not wanting to encourage any more flirting. "Well, you'll be seeing a bit more of me, hopefully. I've just arranged to purchase a house here and was hoping you might write a pass so I could see William and tell him."

He snorted, reaching for a paper. "I'll be seeing more of you than my wife I suspect, she's down in London for the winter."

"I'm made of sterner stuff," I chuckled, "My husband has me well prepared for a Scottish winter."

"Utterly miserable weather," He sighed, "Now, if only we were fighting the Germans in the Med. That is the place to be for winter." Beatty glanced up, his eyes dancing. "Perhaps after the war we could winter there, Malta is lovely this time of year."

I kept my smile in place but it was rather brittle. "I'm sure my husband would be glad to take me along, after we go home to New York. My mother probably won't let me away from the city for a year or two."

"Well, I hope it is a much shorter wait." He signed the paper, letting the ink dry for a moment. "Although your company will certainly liven up what passes for society here."

I was staring at the paper, seeing it was clearly a pass. "I will have to see my way to hosting some party for everyone."

Beatty stood, holding out the paper. "I would be glad for it, now here is your pass." He jerked it back when I reached for it though, "As pleasant as I find your company, I can't have you coming up to my office every time you want to visit William. From now on, you will wire ahead and a pass will be waiting."

My fingers closed around the pass, and for once I gave him a genuine smile. "Of course, Admiral, my thanks for this allowance."

"You are welcome, now, go see him. At least one of us should be glad to see his wife."

Will was reviewing his proposal to take his ship and escorts out for gunnery practice when a knock on his cabin disturbed him. He looked away from his typed words, "Yes?"

The door cracked open, Sharpe's voice coming through. "Signal from the Admiral sir, there's an important guest coming aboard. You should probably get your formal uniform on."

Will leaned back in his chair, the proposal on his desk. "Any idea who it is?"

"No, sir." Sharpe peeked in, grinning. "However, I hope whoever it is has a strong stomach, the wind's whipping something fierce across the Firth and making the boat rock something terrible."

"Tell the men on the falls to be careful when lifting." Will stood, stretching. "Last thing we need is some gentlemen falling in the river and catching cold." Sharpe headed off to relay his orders, and Will moved into his bedroom to dig through his trunk for his formal uniform. The latest packet of letters from Ana was still unopened, he had meant to read the first one after he submitted his proposal.

He did his best not to frown while he drew his frock coat on, because this visit was interrupting his refinement of his proposal. Will knew the other captains here were quite content to have their men run drill after drill in the safety of their anchorage, but never fire their guns. He had worked hard to get his crew skilled and did not want months of languishing in port to diminish that skill. If the Unicorn was accompanied by her escorts, and kept to areas well patrolled by destroyers, then he felt it would be relatively safe enough for them to engage in target practice. He knew he needed Beatty's approval for such a venture though, and had been hoping to get the proposal before Beatty before next week.

And now this visitor was interrupting his work, preventing him from reading his wife's letters and making him don his coat and sword.

He could deal with the sword, the gloves, having to tighten his tie, but he refused to wear the bicorne. Instead, he picked up his usual hat, pulling it down over his brow. When he gained the deck he saw that a greeting party had already assembled, officers waiting for him and the bo'sun with his pipe to his lips. Everyone's eyes were drawn to the men on the falls as they began pulling, their movements smooth and practiced. Will drew himself up straight, watching for their visitor.

Instead, what he saw was a familiar head of wind tossed blonde hair, a bright smile on his wife's lips as the boat came level with the deck. He started forward instantly, his hand out to assist her. Ana's hand was warm against his glove, not even the Scottish wind could steal that warmth away. She took advantage of her higher position to lean down and gently kiss him, "I hope you don't mind me coming."

He brought her in for another kiss, "If I had known it was you I would have sent our own boat, you didn't need to take the mail one." For around Ana's feet were sacks of mail for the crew, already being unloaded as her feet touched the deck. The bo'sun had slipped his pipe away, there was no need to pipe Ana aboard. But his officers were still gathered around, watching.

Ana, with her hand still in his, turned to them. "I must admit it's nice to be back onboard."

"We're very glad to see you, ma'am." Nettles nodded, quickly copied by the other officers. "Although I imagine the Captain is the happiest."

"I am," He leaned down to Ana, smelling the sea spray on her skin. "I think Mrs. Murdoch needs to get inside though, so if you would excuse us." He kept an arm around Ana's waist, pausing by Nettles to whisper harshly to him. "I am not to be disturbed, only if the Germans are sailing up the Firth! And even then, knock!"

Nettles snorted, "Guess that leaves me in charge for now."

Ana at least waited until they were farther away from the officers before rolling her eyes at him, "Are you planning on dragging me off by my hair or just throwing me over your shoulder?"

"I am planning a great many things." Will fairly growled in her ear, guiding her through the passageways to his cabin. "But first, you really do need to get warm."

Seeing her standing in his office when he came back with a towel, looking at the papers on his desk, God it made him want to take her then and there. Her brown eyes flicked to him, "You want to go out for gun training?"

Will swiped the proposal into a drawer, "You're a terrible spy."

"I'm only curious." She raised a brow as he reached for the buttons of her jacket. "You so rarely write about what that."

"Because there's hardly anything to write about." He quickly had her jacket off, then remembered to lock the door. The last thing he needed was Sharpe coming in. "All we do is drill, drill, drill. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I saw a ship head out for actual practice."

Ana was now down to her brassiere, unhooking her skirt while Will reached around for the knot of her brassiere. "You aren't worried about U-boats?"

The knot came free, her skirt came down, and Ana was standing before him in nothing but her stockings. "Right now, U-boats are the farthest thing from my mind." Any thoughts of immediate lust were thrown from his mind when Ana shivered though, and he hurried her into his bedroom where he could crank the electric heater up.

He took the towel and began to briskly rub her arms, her back, even her legs. A healthy glow was quickly coming back to her skin, and she sighed above him. "Thank you, Will, that feels lovely."

"You should have worn something warmer." He groused, standing and pulling her closer. "You know how I feel about you getting ill."

She leaned into him, her fingers already slipping around the buttons of his coat. "I wasn't expecting to have to be rowed out."

"My apologies that my ship wasn't in for repairs." He chuckled, shucking the coat and helping her with the waistcoat. Soon enough he was down to his trousers, and he backed Ana up to his bunk. She sat, smiling up at him as she began unbuttoning his fly. God, it had only been a few months since he had seen her but he was already hard as a rock.

She noticed, wrapping her hand around him and gently stroking. "I hadn't thought you'd be ready so quickly."

He grit his teeth, breathing harshly. "Ana, good God. You knew what would happen if you came aboard."

"I was hoping for it." She grinned, shifting so that he could join her in his bunk. He let his hands wander over her, squeezing and teasing, enjoying how his wife would sigh and shift under him in ways that made him begin to push her legs open with his knee. When he brought his hand to her slit, her breath stuttered as he began to tease her. "Oh, Will."

He stroked her, rubbed her, let his fingers enter her and curl against that spot she loved to have touched. Ana bucked when he did that, her lips smashing into his and pulling him down into a rough kiss. He groaned when he felt her teeth gently bite his lower lip, tugging on it when he pulled back.

When he withdrew his hand from her, Ana pouted briefly until he centered himself and entered her with a slowness that made her throw her head back and curse under her breath. He took a moment to collect himself before moving, he was so close to spending himself. Ana had no idea how she felt, warm and tight, so wet that it made him want to thrust roughly at her even though he knew he wouldn't last five minutes if he did that.

Will started slow, Ana's breath drawn out and hitching as he entered her again. The friction was incredible, and he moaned when she shifted her legs to wrap around him. He tried to be slow, he truly did, but the feel of his wife wrapped around him drove him on to faster and faster thrusts, Ana's breasts bouncing every time he thrust home.

Her cries were much the same, driving him on towards his end. He barely remembered to slip his hand between them and tease her to her own heights, but when she began to clench around him, tossing her head, he kept at it. When Ana came with a harsh cry, legs tightening around his waist, he lost himself as well. They came down from their releases slowly, sweat sticking them together as they attempted to situate themselves on his bunk. Given that it was much smaller than a normal bed, it took a few minutes for them both to be comfortable.

Will cuddled her closer, twisting so she could lay on his chest. He hadn't even thought about why his wife would be there, too thankful for her presence and too full of lust. Now he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Why are you here?"

Ana barely stirred against him. "I wanted to see you."

He snorted. "You know what I mean, in Edinburgh."

"I found a house."

"And you're buying it?"

"I would have thought that was obvious." She lifted her head, a smile tilting her lips up in a way that made her absolutely irresistible. "I want to have some place here where we can be together. It's not that I don't like coming aboard, but with the winter coming I don't exactly fancy the rowboat ride out."

"So long as it isn't too excessive." Will sighed, giving her a squeeze.

Ana rolled her eyes, "You should have seen the houses I turned down. No, this place is rather understated but situated rather nicely on the river. It even has a dock."

"We'll need a boat then."

Ana groaned, shifting in his arms. "Admiral Beatty has asked me to host a party once I'm settled in though, perhaps you could arrange a boat to bring him over to the house? It would be rather fun."

"We can decide on that later," He sighed, curled around her. "Now, tell me everything that has been going on."

She pressed herself back to him, "Everything's been fine, the men at the hospital are always glad to see me. Mr. Collins is actually glad to have some time on his own, he wants to know that he can still do things on his own."

"I do wish you would have found him somewhere to stay that wasn't our house." Will grumbled, still a bit uneasy with that fact. It wasn't that he thought Ana would betray him, but he knew men who had been through war were hard to be around sometimes, he didn't want Collins to have an episode and possibly harm her.

"He's looking for a place now, he wants to bring his wife over from Wales." Ana wrapped her hand around his, pressing them both to her belly. It was still soft, Will knew better than to ask if she had any idea if she might be in a delicate condition. "But besides from that, the only thing is news from New York. Oscar's left, Mother says he's come over here and his parents are utterly furious. Liz is so upset that she said James is taking her to the country for a few weeks, he's concerned something might happen to the baby if she stays around her parents."

Will pursed his lips, "Oscar's in Britain? I wonder what he's doing."

"I pray he's not fighting," Ana muttered, "I've seen the men in the hospital, I can't imagine him being hurt like that or being at the front." Her fingers traced his. "But that's not all, Sophie's pregnant again."

Will cursed, "I'll be returning home to another of Zachary's damn spawn."

"Actually," Ana turned around, a teasing smile on her face. "It's not Zachary's. Mother says its Sophie's lover's, and I hope so! I've met him, he's a very nice man and exactly what she needs."

"Look at you," Will kissed the tip of her nose, "Arranging trysts, brining strange men into our house, what a terrible wife." Ana laughed, laying her head on his shoulder. Will hadn't realized how much he had missed her weight, the comfort of her in his arms, warm even before she pulled the blankets up over them. He could still smell the rosewater in her hair, it tickled his nose as he fell into a doze.

It was impossible to stay awake in the warm room, his wife draped over him and breathing softly as she slept. His last thought before he fell asleep was a wish for that moment to last forever, but of course, things can never be so simple. Will had no idea if he slept for an hour or until the night, but he was roused briefly by the lashing of rain against the porthole. A storm had whipped up and, if he focused, he could feel the very slight movement of the Unicorn as she strained at her anchors.

Will fairly jumped out of his skin as Sharpe knocked quite loudly on the door, his voice even louder. "I am not bringing your meals to you, sir, so if you and the missus want supper you can come to the wardroom and dine with the rest of your officers!"

Ana started, turning to look out the porthole. "Damn it, my pass was only for this afternoon!"

"Well, I am not sending you out in that." Will turned with her, wrapping his arms around her. "You can go back in the morning, I'll explain it to Beatty if he gets upset over it."

"Oh, but Rigel." She pouted, "Do you think we could send a wire to the hotel and tell them I'll be back for him in the morning?"

"I'm sure we can," He sighed, "I can throw on my clothes for a moment and grab someone."

She snorted, smirking. "I don't know about you, but I intend to eat something tonight."

"We should just stay here," Will groaned, stretching out in his bunk. "We can go without for one night."

Ana stood, intent on collecting her clothes. "Will, if you are going to be at me tonight, which I know you are, I need to eat. Now, come along."

Will let out a huff as he stood, taking the moment to admire his wife's backside as she was bent over. He frowned though, noting that Ana was looking a little light. He reached out, rubbing his thumb over her ribs. "You're getting skinny."

She shifted under his hand, "I've been eating."

"Someone who doesn't have to obey rationing shouldn't be skinny."

"Well I haven't been eating all of it," She turned in a huff, her brown eyes pinning him in place. "I've been giving some to Sylvie, some to Kate and I've started sending some up to your family."

"And letting yourself go without," Will pulled her towards him. "Because I know you're also taking things to the hospital, aren't you?"

"Well-"

"Ana," He dragged a hand down his face, "I can understand you wanting to take care of those you care about, but just ask your mother to send more food."

She glanced down to her feet, "I don't want her to make more of a fuss over me."

"She's already making a fuss, she won't care if she has to do more." He chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "I don't like seeing you so skinny, it's not right."

Ana grumbled, but nodded as she stared pulling her stockings back on. "Alright, fine, I'll write her from the hotel tomorrow."

"Allow me," Will knelt down, helping guide her skirt back up to her waist. "You know I love playing lady's maid for you." It also allowed him a few last opportunities to give her a squeeze.

Ana squealed as he grabbed at her breast while helping her with her brassiere. "William! I swear, you're worse than an octopus!"

He couldn't help grinning as he drew his own clothes on, handing Ana his hairbrush so she could deal with the tangles left over from their lovemaking. Soon her hair was in beautiful waves, her clothes straight, and her hand in his as they made their way to the wardroom. The officers were already mingling, but turned to them as they came in. Will cleared his throat, "Gentlemen, I hope you don't mind if my wife joins us."

The way all of them grinned made Will want to order extra watches for each of them. That only increased when he heard Ives chuckle to Tyne, "At least they put some clothes on."

Nettles must have heard them too, or seen the way Ana blushed deeply, for he quickly had those two separated and soon enough everyone was sitting down to eat. If anyone else had any smart comments to make they kept them to themselves, instead asking Ana how she enjoyed Scotland, how things in England were, if she had any news about the war in France. In fact, everyone was so unfailingly polite that Will knew that jokes were sure to be made after they left.

Ana hardly cared, she shared news and laughed at jokes like she was at a dinner party. When Sharpe came around with port after she accepted a glass and drank as well as any man there. Will glanced to her as she was sipping her glass, her eyes on him. "I wonder how Lieutenant Johnson is doing."

He blinked, "Lieutenant Johnson?"

"He gave me my first glass of port, at the party."

Will sipped his own glass. "He's doing well, I get a letter from him almost as often as I get one from you." She laughed at that and he grinned. "He wishes I was closer so I could check his work faster, but I can tell he's improving."

"Perhaps I should invite him down for our housewarming party," Ana mused, finishing her glass. "I would like to see him again, he was nice to talk to."

"He is." Will agreed, rising to escort her back to his cabin when she yawned. Somehow that turned into them fumbling in his office, with Ana's skirt thrown up and her bent over his desk. And when they finally staggered into the bunk, there was much giggling from his wife as she settled under the blankets and against him.

He always loved looking up at her riding him.

The morning was met with far less joy than it should have been. The storm had cleared off, the river was calm, and the breakfast waiting for them was delicious. Ana looked as beautiful as she had yesterday, his uniform was just as sharp, and he hated it. He wanted the storm to lash Rosyth for days, for the sea to be so rough that men would be seasick and for Ana to stay in bed.

But there was nothing for it, she had to go and he had to let her. The had one more private moment in the wardroom, the officers having gone off to see to readying the boat to take her back. He brought his hand up to cup her cheek and she leaned into his touch, "I love you Ana, I only wish you could stay for longer."

"I love you Will," She stepped up and kissed him, "Hopefully I'll be around more, what with the house and all."

"Eat more, will you?"

"I will. Be safe?"

"I will." He took her hand, escorting her to the boat. The passageways passed too quickly, the morning sun too bright as they emerged to find the officers waiting by the boat that had been lowered for her. He walked her right up, noting the men waiting to row her. She looked over to him, "You know, this is much gentler than the last time you helped me into a lifeboat."

Will chuckled, whispering to her. "You're not in danger of dying this time, although I can still throw you in if you like. I'm quite sure all the men would love it if your skirt flew up."

Ana rolled her eyes. "And you wouldn't." But she gave his hand a squeeze, "Please try to get Christmas off, would you? I want to invite your family to our house here and see if the Lightollers could come up."

Will stopped before handing her down into the boat, kissing her gently. "I will try, and I will try to get your birthday off as well. I want to come down to our house and get out of a freezing Scottish winter."

"Try," She stepped up and kissed him, much more deeply. "But I can always come up here for my birthday if needed, regardless of the weather."

"It appears I'm making a proper Scot out of you."

"I'll need to wear my plaid more often, then."

"Wear for the party you throw for the Beattys, I'm sure Ethel would love it."'