Cold All the Way Through, But Warming

Fishing

The morning was better, although frankly anything would have been an improvement over the night before. Will had bought scones with butter and honey from a bakery he knew, finding me already dressed and ready for the day. A simple shirtwaist and skirt, with a jacket because I was quickly finding that Scotland's weather was temperamental even on the best of days. We wound up sharing our breakfast with Reggie and Louise, despite her protestations. "Ma'am, I shouldn't be doing this." She cut her eyes over to Reggie. "And neither should you."

Will rolled his eyes. "It's breakfast Louise, and we're not in New York or Paris or London. It's perfectly fine for you to share a meal with us." His accent seemed to have fallen away, as if he could simply drop it and pick it up as needed.

"In fact," I slathered a bit more honey on my scone. "I order you to have breakfast with us every day when we're here."

"It's not as if we have that much to do." Reggie reasoned, shrugging. "Unless you have found something you'd like us to tend to?"

"Not particularly." Will furrowed his brow. "Although, if you find yourself bored, you could always take a trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Perhaps so some shopping for us."

"If you need it, sir, then I shall." Reggie nodded, "Simply prepare a list and I shall see what I can do." I couldn't help but wonder what Will meant for him to get, but that was quickly forgotten as Will whisked us off to the train station, looking around carefully before heading in.

He came back with a couple of tickets. "I know Agnes and Sam are supposed to be leaving today, but I'd rather get out of here until I'm sure they're gone. The train should be here soon, and then we'll be in Kirkcudbright."

"And how many people will know you there?" I chuckled, sitting next to him on a bench. "Since it appears that you could run for mayor here and win handily."

"Some, more around the docks though." He settled against the back of the bench. "But I'll find us a boat to rent for the day, maybe get a couple of fishing poles with it." He reached over, patting my knee through my skirt. "I just want you to have a good day after what happened." He had been sweet last night, although he held onto me a bit too tightly at times. There was a benefit to that though, especially with what little night clothes we had been wearing. I swear, I would never tire of being in my husband's arms, nor the things he would do to me.

"I'm quite sure you're capable of showing me a good time." I gave his hand a squeeze, grateful when the train showed up and we boarded without running into his siblings. the train to Kirkcudbright was actually busy, and Will had to negotiate a seat for me on a bench while he stood. I tried to keep my eyes out the window, for when I looked to Will I was suddenly struck by exactly how close I was to a certain area of his trousers. And given how he caught my eye when I looked up at him, his tongue flicking out to briefly wet his lips, he had the same thought as I.

He had an arm around my waist when we came off the train in Kirkcudbright, a much larger town than Dalbeattie, situated next to a river and bustling with industry. It wasn't until we were in a hackney and headed to the docks that Will spoke. "You shouldn't look at me like that, not when people are around."

"Like what?" I kept my voice down, even with the driver outside it was still a risk to be heard.

Will's eyes were alight. "Like you wanted to, well, take me." His voice dropped to a whisper. "In your mouth."

"Perhaps I did."

"And what if someone saw?"

"Well, I may not be as experienced as you but I at least have the sense to not do such things openly." I rolled my eyes, letting my hand fall to his thigh. "But if we were in our rail car, would you have granted me that liberty?"