Cold All the Way Through, But Warming

The Duke of York

Will walked Ana out to Mrs. Beatty's car himself, still not quite believing that she was going to spend a morning with that woman. Ana had tried to explain last night, talking about charity and caring for all the families that had lost a husband, father, brother, son, in the battle. He had brusquely replied that she would do more good for everyone by simply donating a large amount rather than subjecting herself to hours in the company of Ethel Beatty.

Ana had rolled away from him in bed at that, and he had to be quite persuasive to get her back into his arms.

The house was quieter with her gone, although Rigel was still around. That was pleasant, but Rigel wouldn't be much help for what Will had planned to do while Ana was gone. He grabbed a chair, settling it by the telephone and picked it up. It took a short while for him to get connected to London, but when it started ringing it was picked up quickly. A gruff voice sounded, "Vanderbilt residence."

Will cleared his throat, "Please tell Oscar that Captain Murdoch is calling."

"One moment, sir."

It was far less than a moment, and Will could swear he could hear the phone itself being fumbled for before Oscar spoke. "Will! Thank God, I mean, we knew you were all right but still, it's a relief to hear your voice."

Will took in a deep breath, "Oscar, I know."

"Well of course you know, we're talking."

"No Oscar, I know about you and Ana." The next words hurt, "That you kissed."

It was a long time before Oscar replied, Will could hear every breath. "Will, I'm sorry, it was wrong of me."

"It was cruel." Will spat, wishing that Oscar was in front of him so he could lay his hands on him. "She tortured herself after what you made her do!"

"Made her?" Oscar sounded incredulous, "I didn't make her do anything, Will. She kissed me!"

"You practically forced her into it." He growled, "Telling her how much you loved her, how hurt you were. What did you expect her to do, leave you in misery?"

"I never, ever, forced that decision on her! She did it of her own free will."

"How can you say you care for her when you forced her into that situation?" Will wished he could pace, "If you really did love her, you would never have done that!"

"I didn't!"

"You can forget our agreement in case I don't make it through this war, Oscar! I would rather she marry Charles Lightoller and let him walk around with two wives than be stuck with a horrible man like you!" For a moment, Will regretted his next words. "I certainly hope you're not going to treat this new girl like you treated Ana."

Oscar was quiet, his voice low. "You don't get to talk about Penelope like that, William. You've never even met her."

"Perhaps I'll make some confession to her and steal a kiss, would that make us even?"

"William-"

"Oscar," Will snapped, standing. "You will not contact Ana until we have settled this between us, face to face. Until then, I hope you're content with this Penelope."

Oscar was shouting now, "You can't control her, William! She isn't a slave!"

"She agreed to it, Oscar. Don't call her, don't write to her, don't run into her on the street, not until you've come up here and we have this out." Will had to stop himself from slamming the phone down, reminding himself that he would probably break it.

He buried his face in his hands, taking deep breaths. God, he wanted to strangle Oscar. He wanted to throw the man through a window and beat the daylights out of him. There was no desire to kill or maim him, but Will had no idea how else to get this anger out of him. He hated Oscar, hated the man.