Will found himself quite glad that he had a mother-in-law like Ruth. Not only had she practically bribed the hotel into making them a decent spread for dinner, but they had sent a basket of food to the rail car for them in the morning. The rail car itself had been cleaned and polished, the alcohol behind the bar locked up and an array of bottled drinks taking its place. A stove that Will hadn't even known existed had been brought out and lit, so that when their party got inside the car was as toasty warm as the hotel had been. Will sighed, shoving his coat off. "Now, this is the way to travel."
"You did take this out here." Ruth remarked, letting her coat join his on the rack on the wall.
He chuckled, "I didn't know about that stove though." He looked over to Ana, who was unbuttoning her own coat. He lifted the shoulders of it, slipping it over her arms. "We shouldn't even need a blanket, don't you think so?"
Ana smiled, "Oh yes, it's so warm. In fact I almost feel like I should take off the extra petticoat I put on." Will snorted, because if they had been alone he would have offered to help with that. But with Ruth, Reggie, Louise and Rigel filling the car it was certainly not the time. The others didn't seem to have heard her though, and Will took the opportunity to let his hands linger on her shoulders after he had set her coat aside. Ana brought a hand up to cover his, "Now, Will, not when everyone is around."
Reggie smirked, "Oh, we don't mind ma'am. Don't forget, we were with you on your honeymoon." Ana blushed a bit at that, although it was swiftly forgotten as the train lurched to life. Breakfast was quickly distributed, and Reggie and Louise begged off to go walk along the rest of the train. Will, with Ana beside him, was looking forward to a quiet trip back when he heard a drawer open.
Ruth, a triumphant grin on her face, fanned a deck of cards out before her. "Now, come along Anastasia. You have to get better at poker sometime." Will looked to Ana, expecting to see her lips purse and some comment about how she hated the game to come flying from her lips. But instead she held her hand out, taking the cards that Ruth extended towards her.
Will snatched the rest of the deck, "Well, then I'll deal so you can teach her." He kept an eye on his wife as he dealt out Ruth's hand and the other cards. After the first hand he looked to Ana, her brow furrowed as she considered her cards. He gently touched her leg with his foot, "Remember the night we played with the Lightollers?" She blushed at that, a smile breaking out. "I think I had a similar hand to you during the third round, do you remember what I did?"
"I'll call." Ana smirked at her mother, who was currently staring at Will.
Her voice was brittle. "Are you helping her cheat?"
"No," He chuckled, "I'm simply helping Ana learn to be a better player." He continued offering advice to Ana throughout that hand, and making it very obvious to Ruth that he was cheating through her. Ruth slowly grew more and more red faced, and Will was quite sure he heard he cursing at him. He smiled through it all, tapping Ana's foot with his. "Your mother is sounding quite a bit like Sylvie."
"I didn't know she played." Ruth looked at him over her cards. "Is she any good?"
"Very," Ana spoke up, tapping Will's foot with her own. "She fleeced me that night." Ruth seemed to notice her daughter's smile, and a good portion of the trip was spent with them reminiscing about visiting the Lightollers. The cards were eventually set aside, and Ana smiled wistfully. "I would like to see them again, I'm quite sure Sylvie has had her little girl by now."
Will started, "Oh, damn it. I completely forgot to tell you." He couldn't help the bit of pride for his friend in his voice. "I saw Charles when I was in Southampton, Sylvie had her a little while ago. Charles told me her name, Mavis."
Ruth sighed, "How wonderful! I simply must send them something." She began chattering about what exactly to send them, but Will could see Ana's face drop even though she recovered quickly. Ruth quickly drew Reggie and Louise, who had come back from their excursion, into a discussion which allowed Will to draw his wife aside.
He slipped an arm around her, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, yes," She shook her head, but she didn't complain when Will tugged her a little closer. "I just thought they would have sent a wire."
"Things were rather chaotic it sounds like," Will dropped his lips to her hair, "Sylvie was exhausted and the boys were throwing a fuss. But maybe she sent a letter instead, we'll have to see if anything has arrived when we get home." Ana nodded at that, and Will shifted so that he could tug her into his lap.
She started, "Will, what if the others see?"
"They won't," He glanced over, seeing Ruth look at him. She looked to Ana, considered her for a moment, and then back to him. A nod was all the permission he needed to press as many kisses as he could to his wife's neck as she started laughing. The sound of that was like a balm to his soul, and he couldn't help but be glad that she was laughing. For it meant she wasn't quiet and withdrawn, not with the way she was wrapping her arms around him. Will took his time kissing up her neck, first one side and then he was at her lips. He flicked his tongue across them, feeling her return his gesture. But he kept her in suspense, moving down to kiss the other side of her neck.
Ruth coughed politely, "Be sure you don't bruise her, not with the ball in a few days."
Her laugh cut off and she started under his hands. "Ball?"
"Yes, the Van Alens are holding a ball and I thought you might like to go." Ruth gave a smile, "It's been some time since you've been able to get all dressed up and see everyone."
"Yes, it has." Ana's voice was quiet, and Will clutched her a little tighter.
Ruth could clearly feel that something was wrong, and she looked to him. He could see her fumble for words for a moment, before she lightened her voice. "So, William, you had better make sure she shows up as pretty as she is now."
Will could clearly read the actual meaning behind her words. "I can think of one way to make her prettier." He could almost hear Ruth applaud as he lowered his lips back to her neck, biting and sucking until he was quite sure a small bruise would develop. Ana sighed at that, her fingers tracing their way though his hair. The train began to slow as they approached the station, and all of them set about donning coats again. Rigel was given over to Ana's care, and Will smiled to see her petting him.
The train had stopped when he felt Ruth pluck at his sleeve. "William," Her voice was quiet, although her eyes were full of concern. "I can tell something is wrong, please don't let her be alone, and call me if anything happens."
"I will Ruth," He tried to summon a confident grin, "You know I only want the best for her." She nodded, heading for her own car while the rest of them made for the carriage. the house was a welcome relief, and none of the servants mentioned anything about where they had been or what had happened.
Ana was actually smiling as she sat in the parlor, petting Rigel as she looked to her housekeeper. "Have there been any callers while I was gone, Peggy?"
Will saw Peggy pause for a moment, "No, ma'am."
"Oh," Ana's voice was much smaller. "Any mail?"
"No, ma'am." Peggy stood, clearly summoning a smile. "However I thought you might like to take Louise out tomorrow and purchase a new dress for the ball?"
He could see his wife hesitate, but he reached for her hand. "I think a new dress would be lovely, and you have such good taste."
"I don't know, Will." She looked down, cradling Rigel's head in her hand. "Maybe it would be for the best if I just stayed in."
Peggy coughed, "Begging your pardon ma'am, but it would do you good to get out. It would help get your mind off of what happened. And besides, we'll have to get a start on shopping for everything coming up soon enough. You'll want a new dress for your birthday and Christmas, and soon enough you'll be in need of presents."
"Do you think you could find a blue one?" Will gave her hand a squeeze, "You know how much I love you in blue."
"I suppose," She glanced to him, a small smile on her face. "Will you be here to see it when I get back?"
"Nothing could keep me from it." He pressed a kiss to her hand, and Peggy gave a sigh of relief. It seemed like the staff could tell Ana wasn't feeling well, although Will had no doubt they had known for longer than him, given that they'd been here while he'd been out. Mrs. Van Gerten kept sending up little treats to tempt Ana, Tyler wanted to show her new tricks that he had taught Rigel and Louise came down with an armful of magazines to discuss styles for the ball.
Will made a note to include substantial bonuses for all of them come Christmas.
He had just seen Ana and Louise off in the carriage when a messenger on a bike stopped by, holding out a slip for him. Will couldn't help but groan, seeing that it was from the offices and his presence was requested. That meant he had to head back in, dress fully and arrange for a cab. He glanced to the bed as he made for his dressing room, glad that Ana at least had allowed him to hold her again. He hadn't pressed any intimacy beyond some kisses, afraid that he would do something wrong and she would withdraw.
That would have killed him.
Reggie quickly had a suit pressed and Will was rattling down to the docks with a lack of speed that annoyed him. It had already taken him time to get dressed, he'd be down there for who knows how long, and all he wanted was to have a long day at home. He wanted to be sitting there when Ana came in, wanted to see her smile and talk about all the different dresses she had seen, help her focus on something else. He leaned his head against the window, "I just want to see her happy, is that so damn much?"
"Sir?" The driver called, looking back through the mirror. Will waved him off, it was just him grumbling. The press around the docks was great enough that Will eventually paid the man, got out and walked the rest of the way. There was no fighting with clerks here, he was quickly ushered up to Mr. Keller's office and given a cup of tea. He had to admit that he was getting far too used to having a staff wait on him, they even knew how he took his tea.
Adam bustled in shortly after. "My apologies, sorting out some issues." Will nodded, although he glanced to the clock. It was getting late enough for lunch. Adam smiled as he sat, "Now, how were things in Port Huron?"
"Bad," Will admitted, "You need to look into that man you have running things there, Chelsea."
"Was it some negligence that led to the loss?" The other man sure didn't waste time. "If so, I'll have him thrown out immediately."
"Not that I could tell, but you might be able to tell better than me." Will set his empty cup down. "But the man refused to listen to what Anastasia ordered, I was simply glad that Mrs. Dalian showed up and he found he couldn't ignore her."
Adam flinched a bit. "He can be a bit stubborn, I will take a visit out there to ensure that he understands that he works for Anastasia, as well as her mother." Adam glanced to the clock, "Why don't I take you to lunch to make up for it? Some of the other captains are curious about what happened, I know they'd love to hear it from someone who was there."
Will wanted to make an excuse, to say that he needed to get home to Ana, but she would be shopping for hours and he was hungry. So he agreed and Adam rounded up the others, finding a nice dockside restaurant for all of them to eat at. They quizzed him about everything he had seen, what he had heard, and ordered round after round of drinks in memory of the lost. Will pulled out his pocket watch as they all filed out, seeing that it was far later than he had thought. It took him time to get a cab, and by the time he was rushing inside the first thing out of his mouth was an apology. "I'm so sorry, things kept keeping me."
"She's already headed up." Peggy glanced to the stairs, "Barely ate her dinner."
"Peggy, I'm so sorry." He ran a hand through his hair, "I'll tell her that when I get up there, tell Louise to be ready to help her into her new dress."
"I," The tone of her voice made Will freeze on the stairs. "I'm afraid that she's already in bed, in her old rooms." He turned, staring. Why would she have gone back to her old rooms? His confusion must have been writ plain on his face for Peggy ducked her head before answering. "She said she was still tired and didn't want you to think you were disturbing her, so she went there."
"Damnit." Will ran a hand over his face, "Should I even try the door?"
"I wouldn't, sir." She shrugged, "She's in a rather delicate state right now." And didn't he know it, he should have told Adam he could have waited or gotten word about it from someone else. He was still cursing as he undressed, a cold dinner on the table in the sitting room. He ate without tasting it, and ignored his pipe. It wouldn't help him right now. He passed a restless night in a cold bed, and awoke with a plan to make it up to Ana.
All it took was one phone call, and Ezekiel Fields was on the doorstep with a bag full of freshly bakes sweets. He gave Will a smile, "From my mother. Now, what has got you in such a fit you had me over here first thing in the morning?"
"Ana's not well." Will held the door for him, and they started up the stairs together. "What happened on the lakes was hard on her, and it sounds as if she hasn't had many friends coming to see her."
Ezekiel pursed his lips, "I know I haven't been the best, Father has me studying day and night for my exams. They're in March, and there's so much to learn."
"I could help, you know." Will offered, gesturing towards Ana's door. "I did take them, passed on my first try."
Ezekiel furrowed his brow at the door, but shrugged and tapped out a bouncy rhythm on it. "Oh Annie, I happen to have some cookies out here that are going cold."
"Zeke," Her voice was muffled, and the door didn't move. "Keep them."
"Don't be like that." Ezekiel tried the knob, but the door was securely locked. "You've always loved my mother's gingerbread and she sent over a whole batch the way you like it, nice and chewy."
"I'm not hungry," Even without seeing her Will could tell she was teary eyed. "Just go take them home Zeke, your sisters will like them."
Ezekiel gave Will an exasperated look, then leaned against the door. "Annie, come off it and just open the door. Don't you want to talk? I know I haven't been around for awhile, but I promise I'll be better."
"Ana," Will stepped up, hoping that he sounded convincing. "Please just open the door, I want to see your new dress and try these cookies. I'm sorry I wasn't home yesterday, Adam had me held up for so long that it was just so late." He paused, listening. The sobs he could hear through the door broke his heart. "Please Ana, please just open the door." The sobs faded, she had run into the bedroom.
Will leaned his head against the door, frustration and concern warring within him. Ezekiel extended the bag to him, "Here, you need it." Will grabbed a cookie, biting it. Thick, rich and full of spices that made him think of Christmastime. Ezekiel settled down on the floor. "What happened to make her like that?"
Will joined him. "I don't know, I would have thought she would be glad to see you."
"Something's definitely wrong."
"Obviously." Will rubbed a hand over his face. "I'll see if I can't get the servants to give her these, but I swear I'm at my wit's end. The only thing I can think is that she's upset her friends haven't called. But I don't know why they wouldn't."
"So go ask them," Ezekiel shrugged, biting into another cookie. "God, how she can eat these without frosting I will never know." He stood, brushing crumbs off his shirt. "I would ask Mother to come over, but the girls have a fever so she's staying in with them." Will let Ezekiel go off with a reminder that he would gladly help with his exams, but found himself pacing the house for the rest of the day. The cookies were given over, and Peggy promised she would bring them up with Ana's dinner. He tried to distract himself, to work on his model, to read a book, anything. But nothing helped, and by the next morning his blankets were thrown halfway across the room.
Reggie was quiet as he helped him dress in his finest suit, at least the finest one that wasn't a dinner jacket or had tails. Ezekiel was right, he needed to go ask why no one had been calling on her. So he was going to dress the part, slick back his hair with pomade, pin a white carnation to his lapel, pick up the calling cards that he never used and go calling. He paused at Ana's door, listening. He could hear a fire, and he called softly. "Ana? I'm heading out but I'll be back soon."
He had waited for a response for some time, playing with the calling card in his hand. It never came, and he had to hope that she had heard him. He looked at the card more closely as the carriage started off, running his finger over the type. William McMaster Murdoch, it was simply his name but it seemed like these cards made it carry so much more weight. He would do everything properly, visiting all the families that usually came calling. He'd visit her best friends first though, because they would know what was wrong.
When he reached the Vanderbilt's he was relieved to see other cars and carriages outside, they were clearly receiving. He almost felt relieved when he entered the foyer and handed his card off to the butler. Oscar would know what was wrong, or some way to fix it. And Liz could help cheer her up, they'd known her for so long. Then again, so had Ezekiel, but Will was hopeful. He couldn't help but furrow his brow when the butler came back though, his card still on the tray. "Is something wrong?"
"Mr. and Miss Vanderbilt are not receiving." The butler extended the card back to him. "My apologies, Mr. Murdoch."
Will stared at the card, "There's other people here, they're very clearly receiving."
"I'm afraid you're mistaken, sir." The card jerked in his hand. "If you would kindly take your card and return to your carriage?" Will bit back the curse he wanted to let loose, but shoved the card back in his pocket and slammed the door of the carriage behind him.
Lewis came up to the window, "Not good sir?"
"No," Will slumped back into his seat. "I need to see Mrs. Dalian." Lewis nodded, and quickly deposited him at Fifth Avenue. Unlike his previous stop he was quickly whisked upstairs to where Ruth was reading a book. Will motioned for her to stay sitting, taking a chair for himself. "I can't figure it out."
"She's still upset?" Ruth closed her book, setting it aside. "Have you talked to her about it?"
Will looked down, "She's locked herself in her old rooms, and I can't get her to come out." He pursed his lips, "I even brought Ezekiel over and he couldn't get her out either. Then I go to see Oscar, because I thought he and Liz might be able to help, and they refused to see me!"
Ruth stood, moving to a window that looked out on the street. She gestured for him to join her, and he found himself staring down at all the fashionable ladies and dandies out shopping. Her voice was far too smooth and calm, "I had the same thought and went to go call on them. They refused me too, although Moira did come down." She glanced to him, "Apparently there is some rumor going about that Anastasia and Oscar are having an affair."
He jerked back at that. "That's not true!"
"I know it, she knows it, you know it, but so many others are willing to believe it." She sighed, "So their solution was to cut off contact between our families for some time to stop the rumors from advancing."
"That's just," Will stepped back, starting to pace. "It's asinine, it does nothing to solve it."
"I know."
"Wouldn't it make more sense for Ana and myself to be seen with him? For people to see that he and I are friends?"
Ruth help up a hand, "There is an even more scandalous rumor, that you have approved of their affair and are a part of it." She lifted her book, staring at it for a moment. "I cannot understand how people come up with these ridiculous ideas."
"What do I do?" Will stopped, staring at himself in a mirror. God, he looked like hell. Face drawn, eyes wild, and his hair sticking up every which way. So much for his refined and polished appearance. "I can't figure out how to fix this."
She sat down, her face still far too impassive for his liking. "Perhaps there is nothing to fix, maybe Anastasia just needs to come to some realization on her own." Will gave a grunt at that, and excused himself. He couldn't just leave Ana to figure things out on her own, not when she was clearly so upset and refused to see anyone. He mused on that over his dinner alone that night, no one should be alone when they're in pain. Ana had kept him company when he had been upset, and he wanted to help her in the same way.
But first he had to deal with something.
Lewis pulled the carriage to a stop outside the offices, and Will stalked his way down to his ship. It had only been a few days ago that he had been picturing a warm welcome, and everything had been turned on its head. He would have to make his apologies to Captain Fraser, but there was no way he could leave Ana like this. Not until she was well enough that he knew she would at least open the door for him when he got back. He laid things out plainly to his captain, the older man tenting his fingers. "I understand, I wouldn't be able to go out if my wife was in such a state. Take your time, make sure that she's fully recovered before you come back."
"Thank you sir," Will stood, nodding to him. "Is Mr. Moody aboard?"
"Yes, I passed him in his cabin not ten minutes ago." Captain Fraser turned back to his work, and Will made sure to close the door behind him. The last thing he needed was for him to hear what he was going to say to James.
The younger man popped right up when he opened the door, "Mr. Murdoch, sir, I hope you're well."
"I'm not." Will leaned against the door. "And neither is Mrs. Murdoch."
"Oh," Moody looked down, "I'm sorry, is there anything I can do to help?"
"Are you seeing Liz while you're in?"
"Yes sir, later this week."
Will stepped close, leaning down. "Then you tell her and her brother that I don't want to see them until they're going to apologize to Ana. They hurt her, deeply, with what they've done and she's practically fading away."
James paled, "Sir, I'm sure whatever happened it was nothing of Liz's doing."
"No, but she didn't fight against it either." Will left at that, because if he thought about what the Vanderbilts had done to Ana he would start cursing and he didn't want to curse at James. It wasn't the boy's fault, and he didn't deserve to be on the receiving end of Will's anger. That he would save for Oscar. James was just the easiest way to get word to the Vanderbilt siblings. Nothing had changed when he returned to the house, and Will took his meal in their sitting room. He could hardly taste the food, he knew he needed to eat but he put it aside halfway through. Peggy had sent up a small plate of Morgan's gingerbread, and he had to admit that they were quite good. She also included a note that while Ana hadn't eaten much of her dinner, she had eaten every cookie on her plate.
He passed another sleepless night, too caught up with worrying about how Ana was faring just down the hall to even feel tired, and wound up leaving the house early. He had the carriage let him off at the docks, for he needed to walk. He needed to think and he always thought better when he could hear the business of the docks and smell the sea. It had always made him feel better, to be around something that had been here for so long and would be here long after. If there was anything to throw his problems into relief, it was the ocean.
Will shoved his hands into his pockets, and walked. He needed to draw Ana out somehow, to make her abandon her rooms. He could tempt her with something, he could order the door broken down and drag her out. He knew if he did though that Ana would never trust him again, and he'd never actually do it. But what could get her out? Maybe he could get in though, take the servant's stair and sneak in. Once she was out he would stick to her like a burr, and do his best to figure out what was wrong and fix it.
His feet must have fallen into their old path though, for when he looked up he saw that he was standing outside the White Star pier. He sighed, opening the door and stepping inside. The hurry and hustle around him was almost comforting, and he picked up a timetable from the display. He knew these ships, they were old friends, even the Olympic. Will traced his fingers over the dates, when something clicked into place. The Oceanic was in, if the timetable was correct. If she was in, Charles was in. Charles would know what to do, after all if his best friend couldn't figure out how to fix his wife no one could.
"Will!" He was shaken out of his thoughts by a familiar voice, and he jerked his head up. Davey Blair was waving him over, a smile on his face. Will grinned back, passing by clerks and stewards who paid him no mind at all. Blair held his hand out, "God, what are you doing here?"
Will shook his hand, noticing the man standing beside Blair. "Woolgathering, I suppose. It's good to see you again Phillip."
"The same to you, Will." Nettles nodded, "It's been some time since I last saw you in Southampton."
"Yes, well, I'll have to figure out when our time there overlaps." Will shook Nettles's hand as well. "When does the Celtic dock there next?"
Nettles grinned, "I got shifted actually, to the Majestic with Davey here. Got a bump up to second though, and he to first so I didn't mind a bit." It all seemed to easy here, with them. Everything was simple, the duties were the same regardless of which ship you were on, you knew every man and problems could be solved easily.
Blair bumped his shoulder, "Phillip was telling me about the position you've got, not to mention your new wife."
"Oh yes, yes." Will ducked his head a bit, smiling. "Chief on one of her ships and I'm told I'll make captain in a couple years." He twisted the timetable in his hands, "Do you know if the Oceanic is in?"
"She came in yesterday," Blair jerked his head down the way, "And we're headed out tomorrow, which means we should probably actually go do our jobs." He held out a hand to Will, "See you in Southampton though, at The Star and Anchor?"
"Of course." Will shook it.
Blair grinned, "The rounds will be on you though, you can afford it now!" With a laugh he and Nettles headed back to their ship, and Will made his way down the pier. He ducked past a few stewards and porters, darted across the gangway, and made for the bridge. He slipped into the officer's quarters, and couldn't help the sigh of relief at seeing Charles duck into his cabin.
He must have been a bit too loud though, for Charles immediately stuck his head back out, a grin breaking over his face. "Will! What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you actually," Will stepped forward, "Would you care to come stay with us while you're here?"
He snorted, "And eat and drink far better than I would here? Just give me a moment to let Captain Cameron know." He stepped past him, and Will glanced around Charles's cabin while he was waiting. For as much a his friend preferred his fun to his work, he did take his job seriously, as evidenced by the neatly stacked books on his desk and his uniform perfectly hung up. All of that was dislodged quickly though, for Charles was back and shoving things into his bag. He chuckled, "Hardly took a moment for him to say yes, so let me just finish this and we'll be off." Charles turned at that thought, looking him up and down. "And you can tell me why you look like something Rigel dragged in off the street."
Will shifted, "I'd rather wait until we were somewhere private."
"Suit yourself." Charles shrugged, throwing his bag over his shoulder. Will couldn't count how many times they had walked the docks like this before, but at least this time there was a carriage waiting to take them to a warm house where staff would wait on them. It was a far cry from finding a cheap room because the thought of spending another night in a cabin was akin to torture.
Will nodded to Lewis when they reached the carriage, "We're off to the house."
"Of course Mr. Murdoch," The coachmen nodded, first to him and then to Charles. "Sir."
Charles was grinning when the carriage started off. "I quite like that, being called sir." His grin faded a bit though, "Now, what has got you so upset?"
He sighed, settling back for the retelling. "While I was gone, Ana's friends stopped calling. Then there was a storm and a ship on the lakes was lost, thirty men with it. Ana rushed over and worked herself to exhaustion trying to solve things, and I had to chase after her when I got in." He twisted his hands, "She's very upset by everything going on, and I feel like I made it worse. She went back to her old rooms, Lights. I haven't seen her in days."
"Christ," He leaned over, "How long has that been going on?"
"A couple of days, I had promised to be home early after we got back and got held up. I even tried getting Ezekiel to tempt her out, but nothing." Will cursed, "It's all my damn fault, I should have just stayed."
"Probably," Charles shrugged, "But what's done is done. Now it's time to fix it." His grin came back, "Fortunately for you, I've dealt with women in moods before. I'll have Anastasia back in your bed in no time." Will barked out a laugh at that, and Charles raised an eyebrow. "I'm assuming you two haven't been intimate for some time."
Will blushed a bit, "Not since I left. I haven't wanted to press it."
"Well, at least you have some sense." Charles shifted over, giving Will an elbow to the ribs. "You haven't ordered her to your bed, have you?"
"Christ Lights!"
"Good, good." He was all smiles. "That's one way to draw them out of it you know, order them to do something and get them all riled up."
"You don't mean that you've actually ordered Sylvie to-"
"Oh God no, but we were having a row one time and I did threaten to do it. I still remember what she said 'If you order me to your bed, I will cut your bollocks off, bronze them, and display them on the mantle'. By God, I love that woman."
"But that helped?"
"Oh yes, I think we made Roger that night. She was so angry she practically tore my shirt off, scratched me all to hell. Just something for you to think on, it might help with Anastasia." He patted his bag, "As will this, Sylvie and I have arranged a little gift for you both." Any further conversation was cut off as the carriage pulled up, and Lights was the first one out. He looked over his shoulder as they entered the foyer. "Fifth floor, right, that's where the family rooms are?"
"Yes," Peggy, coming in from the parlor, responded immediately. "Although I can have a guest room readied for you Mr. Lightoller."
He snorted, "No need, I know which room I want. Come along Will, let's go see your wife." With a shrug to Peggy, he followed Charles up the stairs. The man practically bounded up them, and was almost bouncing on his feet when he saw Rigel laying outside Ana's room. "Ah, don't worry boy. I'll have her back to normal in no time." Will shared a look of disbelief with Rigel, but Charles tapped loudly on the door. "Anastasia, open up now."
A muffled voice came from inside. "Charles?"
"Obviously, now open the door. Where's the hospitality I had the last time I was here?" Charles leaned up against the wall, "And to think I brought a present for you."
Will's heart leapt as he heard the lock disengage, the door opening an inch. "What are you-" Ana's voice was cut off as Charles barreled in past her, Will in his wake. By the time Ana had turned around Will and Charles were already sat in front of a fire and Rigel was dancing around her legs. She was still by the door, dumbstruck. Will noticed that she hadn't even changed out of her dressing gown, her hair was knotted and her skin far too pale. Her voice didn't have a trace of sadness to it though, only confusion. "What are you doing?"
Charles stretched out his legs. "I'm considering which room I want while I'm here. I think these ones will do quite nicely."
"We have guest rooms," Ana made her way back over, and Will sent up a thankful prayer that Charles had taken the chair and Ana was forced to sit next to him on the settee. "It's not the I'm not happy to see you Charles, but I just wasn't expecting you. Not here."
He snorted, "I think we're on good enough terms you can call me Lights, and since Will here has been the uncle to my boys since before he met you, I think that qualifies me as family. So I am quite in the right to want a family room." He leaned back, taking in the sight. "I quite like this one, thank you for having a fire lit for me."
"Lights," The nickname sounded foreign coming from her. "This is my room."
"Your old one, for I know you and Will here share one. Now, I do have a present for you." He reached into his bag, pulling out a wrapped package. "If I can have the room."
Will leaned over to his wife. "I think you should take the deal, it's very much in your favor."
She blinked, "Alright, what is it?"
"Here," Charles passed it over, and Will watched Ana untie the string and discard the wrapping. It was a picture of all of the Lightollers, little Mavis nothing more than a blur of dark curls in her mother's arms. Charles reached into his bag, bringing out another bundle. "And letters from everyone, for the both of you. I'm sorry I didn't send a wire, things were rather chaotic at home and I was back out before I knew it."
"Oh Char-Lights," Ana sounded wistful as she traced her finger of the glass. "She's beautiful."
"She's a handful," Charles stood, stretching. "Now, why don't you go get something pretty on and we'll all head down to dinner?"
Ana looked up, "I hadn't told the cook that we'd be dining formally."
"Then we'll go out." Charles shrugged, "To celebrate Mavis, for I shall be quite put out if we don't do something while I'm here."
Will snuck his hand around Ana's, "Well, there is the ball tomorrow."
"Wonderful!" He quickly turned back to his bag, pulling out his clothes. "It's a good thing I packed my frock coat, now you two head off and get ready."
Ana stood when he tugged her hand, and Will couldn't help but smile as she walked with him. She shook her head, "Will, why did you bring him here?"
"Because he's my friend, and your's." Will held her a bit closer. "And I have no doubt he'll make the ball more entertaining." Rigel was padding along with, his tail wagging in time. "Besides I have a feeling he was going to drop in sometime soon, so he would have been here anyway." Will nodded to the maid ducking out of their room, no doubt setting things to right and making everything ready for Ana. He stopped, picking up both her hands. "Was that alright, my bringing him here?"
She was actually smiling, "Oh yes, I forgot how much of a character he is."
"He certainly is," Will brushed his hands through her hair, feeling the tangles. "Would you mind if I helped you dress tonight? I just worry that Louise might be a bit harsh on these and I would hate for you to get hurt."
Her brown eyes were rather shiny, "I wouldn't want to delay you from seeing Lights before we go."
"He can wait." Will brushed his thumb over her cheek, "I'm quite sure he won't mind." Ana blinked quickly, but moved over to the vanity. Will picked up the ivory comb, patiently working through every tangle and knot. It allowed him to simply be near her, and after her absence it was heaven. He may have let his hands linger for longer than he needed to, but she said nothing. After the knots were gone he traded in the comb for her brush, stroking her hair until it was soft and supple. He set it down, letting his hands linger in her hair. "I'm not quite sure how you put your perfume on."
"Here," She handed him a small glass bottle. "Just rub it on your hands and run them through." The perfume smelled of lemon and oranges, and Will greedily pressed his nose to his wife's hair after he had dragged it through. She smelled wonderful, and he had no problem telling her so. He could see her smile in the mirror, "I should ring for Louise to help me dress."
"Why? You have me." He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I can manage." Ana led him to the dressing room, pulling out a dusty orange gown to wear tonight. He quickly had her out of her dressing gown and the nightgown beneath, although she quickly shrugged into a chemise and petticoat. Will noticed a sky blue gown with pearl beading in her wardrobe, and nodded to it as he laced her into her corset. "Is that your new gown?"
The hitch in her breath had nothing to do with the corset. "Yes."
"It's beautiful." He knotted the laces, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. "I am sorry that I was late that day, Ana."
"It's alright."
"No, it wasn't. I should have kept my word." He lifted the dress for tonight up, helping her tug it into place. "I'm so sorry, Ana."
She slipped a hand around his. "Will, it's fine." He slipped his arms around her, pulling her close. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and he could have cried with relief at feeling her in his arms again. Ana was happy, she was here in his arms and he didn't want to let her go. He pressed a kiss to her head, and she leaned back. Will wanted to say something, but all he could do was lean down and kiss her. Her hand, so soft and gently, came up to brush his cheek and curl around the back of his head. He leaned against her when she pulled back. "Alright?"
"Alright," He breathed, still holding her close. "Anything else?"
"My jewelry, could you find my garnets?"
"Of course," He moved to her jewelry case, quickly finding the necklace and bracelet set with the correct stones. "I want to ask you for something tonight."
Ana held her hand out for him to slip the bracelet on. "What?"
"Don't drink, not until whatever's wrong is better." He clasped it, picking up the necklace.
"Nothing is wrong." Ana turned, holding her hair up to allow him to drape the necklace around her throat. "I just feel a bit better with the wine, it's so cold right now."
He snorted. "It's masking what is wrong." Will placed his hands on her shoulders, looking her in the eye through the mirror. "I just wish you would tell me what it is."
"Nothing is wrong."
"Don't lie Ana, not to me." He brought her fur over, draping it across her shoulders. "You know you don't lie well." She looked away, but she didn't put up any resistance when he put his hand around hers. In fact, she laced her fingers through his. He counted that as a victory, and kept his hand around her's when the three of them got into the carriage. Will knew that Lights saw it, for he gave him a smile that spoke volumes. Then he started in on exactly what he was planning to order and how he was so glad to be with them, he was practically skin and bones after all.