Chapter 10

"Mate, you’re gonna wear a hole in the carpet if you keep pacing like that."

Xander stopped and glared at the patterned rug beneath his feet.

"Sorry, just nervous."

William watched as he unconsciously resumed pacing, step, step, step, to the window, pause, look out, turn and step, step, step, back towards the fire place.

"Clearly so, why are you so het up over this chit anyway?"

Xander turned, at last finding something to occupy him. "Because she’s beautiful, and smart and independent and I think I want to marry her."

William started to laugh until he realized Xander was not joining in.

"You can’t be serious? You know what she is. You can’t marry a girl like that. Your reputation would be worthless in this town, it’s not like she’s some sort of well-kept secret."

He stood up and clapped a hand on his friend’s back. "Come now, have a fling with her if you want, scratch the itch, but don’t do anything you’ll regret."

Xander turned to him, a cold look on his face as he shook off his best friend’s hand and moved away before replying. "Oh, better I should contract myself out to marry some girl I can’t stand to be around instead of trying to find someone I’d actually want to spend the rest of my life with?"

William stepped back as if Xander’s words had physically struck him.

"I understand what you’re saying Will, and don’t think I don’t appreciate your concern. But I wasn’t raised to care about what people thought. I didn’t come here hell bent on starting a family and some sort of dynasty like you. When I tie the knot, it needs to be for more than connections, a name, or money."

He looked deep into the fireplace. "This . . . thing with Anya, it was unexpected. I know it’s crazy and problematic and not likely to be easy. I know she has a past. But there’s something about her, Will, that makes me want to stop wandering and finally settle down. Cupid’s quite the humorist, isn’t he? A whore’s son falling for a whore?"

He looked away from the fire and met William’s gaze squarely. "Marrying her would be quite a step. I know people would talk. So if I’m going to pursue this, it has to be because I love her, with a soul-deep, burning, consuming love."

William sat down stunned and watched his friend move restlessly to the mantle. "Who knew you were a poet, Xander?"

He snorted. "Hardly. That’s you my friend, don’t think I haven’t seen that stuff in your journal."

"Hey now, what you doing snooping in my journal?" William looked up indignantly.

"Looking for the quarterly reports on your desk. Is effulgent even a word?"

"Yes it is. Bloody hard to rhyme though." William looked at his friend closely. "So do you really love her?"

Xander shrugged. "I don’t know. But there’s a spark there. There’s something and I need to see if it’s mutual. Hence the near stalking and badgering of Buffy to assist in this endeavor."

"And you understand that such a relationship will hurt your reputation here? You can’t make her a lady just by marrying her you know."

"Will, you think I don’t know all of this? I’ve tried and tried to put her out of my mind. I can’t. So I’m prepared to court her, to see where this will lead, and to carry it through to the conclusion."

William nodded. One thing he’d learned about Xander over the years, he was somewhat like a dog with a bone when he seized upon something and not much would change his mind until he determined to let go. Protests would do no good, he could only offer his support now. Perhaps Anya would be as wise as she seemed and discourage his attentions. Or maybe Xander was by far the smarter man.

"Well, you have my best wishes, Xan. I guess you know this won’t be easy, but I’ll support you, if she’s what you want."

"Thank you, that means the world to me. Oh, and Will?"

"Yeah?"

"If you were to ever change your mind about those permits, it’d be okay. I know we’ve invested a lot here, but there are other harbors. Or we can divide the fleet."

William shook his head. "It’s practically a done deal, mate. I’m not worried about it though." He ignored the cold lump that settled in his stomach as he looked around the small sitting room he doubted he’d be able to visit as often once the marriage was carried through. No, he wasn’t worried, just resigned.

Xander looked at him with something akin to pity. "If you say so. Just, if you do, I’ll understand."

A small knock at the door interrupted further conversation as Fred appeared and invited the gentleman to join the ladies in the dining room.

~~~~~~~~~~

Anya looked over at Willow who had a gleeful grin on her face, at the smiling Tara and at Buffy who was trying to avoid eye contact. The invitation to join them for an early dinner had not been that unusual, but there was clearly something afoot here. She seated herself at her usual place and her eyes narrowed.

"Buffy. Why are there two extra places set at the table?"

Buffy swallowed. Maybe making this a surprise dinner party had not been the best idea. But how else would she have convinced Anya to come? She’d have merely ranted and raved about men and their . . . parts . . . and how that was all they thought with, though Anya tended towards more colorful euphemisms to express the sentiment. Which given her chosen profession seemed a logical assumption, but Xander had seemed so sincere. If Anya could only have heard his impassioned plea to her, surely she’d give him a chance.

"Anya, we’re having some additional dinner guests." She paused as she caught the sound of footsteps in the hallway. "And here they are now, so please, be nice."

Anya looked at Willow and Tara and realized the traitors were part and parcel to this deception. The door swung open and to her total lack of surprise revealed William Montgomery and Alexander Harris.

"Good evening ladies, Miss Buffy, Miss Willow, Miss Tara, Miss Anya." William moved to greet the hostess and smirked a little at Buffy’s greater then usual stiffness at him saluting her hand.

Liked to play matchmaker, but clearly was opposed to any attention herself. He sighed. Xander’s words had really struck home. He was selling his soul for a permit, for money and a name. And the prospect of something more was rapidly fading away. He’d learned enough about Buffy as time passed to know his early hopes of enticing her into an improper relationship were never going to come to fruition.

She was in many ways unconventional and flouted society, but she had a very strict code for herself, perhaps because of her other deviations from proper behavior. He knew she would never be his mistress. And he lacked the freedom to offer her the more formal arrangement he wished he could. So he’d have to content himself with her friendship.

His understanding for what his father had faced, being caught between obligations and affection, had grown by leaps and bounds. That thought renewed the lump in his stomach in a way he preferred not to analyze too deeply. Better to try to make the most of what should be a very entertaining evening, if the daggers shooting from Madam Anya’s eyes were any indication.

"Buffy, may I speak to you privately?"

Giving no time for refusal, Anya grabbed her arm and proceeded to pull her into the hallway and down to the recently vacated sitting room.

"What on earth is this?"

Buffy tried for an innocent expression and realized coincidence would not work as an explanation.

"Anya, calm down, it’s just a dinner party."

Anya’s jaw clenched. "Oh yes, a dinner party with a gentleman who I’ve been trying to avoid for weeks now, who shows up with picnics and gifts and wants to go for walks and . . ." She broke down and turned away from Buffy.

"Anya, what’s so wrong with that?"

"Buffy, don’t you understand?" Her face contorted as she fought back her tears. "He’s diabolical. He’s courting me. He’s trying to seduce me by being a gentleman."

Buffy guided her to the sofa and sat her down, patting her gently on the back. "Anya, I don’t understand, why is that bad?"

"Because it can’t be real. He’s, he’s acting as though I’m some sixteen year old schoolgirl he plans to propose marriage to and it hurts. I understand men. They have needs and they are willing to exchange money for a service. It’s all very clear that way. But this, this Xander won’t do that. I told him I wasn’t available the first night he came and he’s been relentless ever since. He merely wants what he can’t have."

Buffy watched Anya’s outpouring with something akin to shock. Did Anya really think that Xander, in spite of all his declarations, still thought of her as nothing more than a piece of forbidden fruit that the pursuit only made sweeter? Did she really think she was so unworthy to be loved? But then, why would she think otherwise? No one ever had.

"Anya, he came to me for help because he’s quite serious. He’s not interested in a liaison with you, he really does want to court you."

Anya sat up and wiped her eyes. "Buffy, men lie."

Buffy laughed. "You think I don’t know that Anya? But they don’t always. He told me things about himself, about his past. He has, well I think he has more insight into things than you give him credit for. Xander Harris sees you as a beautiful, intriguing woman and he wants to get to know you. Is that really so bad?"

Anya blew her nose and shook her head. "No."

Buffy smiled. "So, will you give him a chance? Just a chance. As you say, you know men far better than I do. One misstep and you can consider the experiment over. But it might be worth your while."

Anya studied her carefully sculpted nails. Very ladylike. Very much the way she wanted to be seen. Xander Harris had seemed like every other man she’d been acquainted with when he’d first requested her as a bed partner for the evening. Impressed by her face and figure, sure that she was skilled and could provide a pleasant diversion, but not interested in what was beneath the surface. But then he’d come back, again and again, requesting the simplest of things with no real hint of innuendo. He wasn’t the first to try such tactics, but he was by far the most persistent, despite her rather impressive stonewall tactics. Was it really possible that he actually wanted to get to know her? Not the whore, but the lady inside? Anya looked at her with a tentative hope budding. "Do you really think he could . . . want a real relationship with me?"

"I think it’s possible. But not if you don’t give him a chance. So what’s your answer Anya? I know I shouldn’t have surprised you this way, and if you prefer, I’ll go in and explain to the guests you had to leave."

Anya shook her head slowly. "No. No, I’ll stay for dinner. And we’ll see what happens."

Buffy smiled. "Wonderful. Do you want to go upstairs and freshen up a moment?"

Anya nodded. Buffy rose to leave and return to the guests but was stopped at the door. "Buffy, you do know one day you may have to take the advice you like to give out so well."

"What does that mean Anya?"

"It just means, my dear, that I’m not the only one here tonight who’s caught someone’s eye. But you aren’t giving him a chance either."

Buffy swallowed hard. "That’s not true Anya, I’ve become good friends with Mr. Montgomery."

Anya laughed. "You’ll never be just friends with him Buffy, and the sooner you realize that, the better off you’ll both be. Think about taking some of your own advice to heart for once."

~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy returned to the room and nodded at the men who had risen at her entrance. She met Xander’s crestfallen face and smiled. "Anya will be here in just a moment. She just needed a moment to freshen up."

She was rather pleased by the hopeful look that filled his face. She hoped she hadn’t read him wrong, that he wouldn’t hurt Anya in some way. For all her tough exterior and brash words, she was rather fragile inside and she was taking a huge risk by even allowing Xander a chance to crack the carefully constructed facade.

She ventured a brief glance at William as she resumed her place at the table. He’d managed to slip in behind her defenses as well, though she wasn’t sure she should ever let him know that. He seemed intent on making her run the gamut of emotions and with every day that passed it grew harder to hide that fact.

And she wished she knew if Anya was correct, if he had some sort of romantic interest in her. He enjoyed her companionship she knew, their breakfasts often stretched into hours of conversation on everything under the sun and he didn’t seem put off by the fact that she was widely read or had opinions on matters. She felt as though she could call him a friend by now and truly mean it.

But beyond that? She didn’t even know what to compare it with, the warm flush his gaze would occasionally send through her and the skip of her heart just from hearing his low tones. She’d found herself wondering at night what it would be like for him to kiss her, to pull her into his arms and caress her lips. She almost couldn’t remember what it had been like to be kissed, it had been so very long. And yet, since their first meeting, aside from the most mild of flirtations that could easily be ascribed to polite banter not to be taken seriously, he’d made no moves that she could clearly define as romantic overtures. He left her thoroughly confused and more than a little frustrated.

She realized she’d been staring at him for some time now as the dinner conversation had begun, a mild chatter on inconsequential matters as they waited to see if Anya would indeed reappear. He turned from the comment he’d just made to Tara and caught her full-on gaze. She flushed, embarrassed to be caught in such a frank stare, and he smiled, then gave her a slow wink. She clenched her jaw. Yes, thoroughly confused.

She turned quickly to Xander to ask about the most banal of topics in order to cover her confusion. She was in way over her head with William Montgomery, and she’d never really learned how to swim.

"Good evening."

The small talk ceased as Anya reappeared in the doorway. All traces of redness were gone and she looked as polished as when she’d first appeared.

She nodded at William and Xander and motioned them to resume their seats as she took the remaining empty chair across from Xander.

"I apologize for earlier. I’m afraid I didn’t realize we’d be joined by two handsome gentlemen such as yourselves."

She focused in on Xander, who seemed to be holding his breath. Buffy hoped he wouldn’t pass out into the soup on the table before them.

"Mr. Harris, I regret that we have not had the chance to get to know each other before now. Why don’t you tell me about yourself?"

He exhaled slowly and smiled. "Miss Anya, I’d be delighted."

~~~~~~~~~~

The chime of the clock startled them all as the meal came to a close.

Anya regretfully turned to Buffy. "I’m sorry to have to leave so soon, the company this evening has far exceeded my expectations." She smiled at Xander, who seemed to have developed a perpetual grin as the evening wore on. "However, duty calls, I need to return before customers begin to arrive."

She glanced across the table to see if the mention of the brothel had brought a look of distaste to her erstwhile suitor’s expression. He met her gaze levelly and didn’t blink.

"May I accompany you home Miss Anya?"

She knew she was the object of intense scrutiny of all those at the table. What was it Buffy had said? Just give him a chance?

"You may, Mr. Harris."

~~~~~~~~~~

The couple of the hour soon departed and the others retired to the parlor, where Tara and Willow made what Buffy felt were rather transparent excuses and left them alone together. Had Anya been talking to them?

She turned to find William comfortably ensconced in the armchair beside the fireplace, watching the glow it cast around the room. He seemed deep in thought as she sat carefully at the edge of the companion seat and joined him in his examination. This wasn’t the first night they’d sat in this manner, he’d often stay for a few moments after walking Dawn home in the evenings, but they were rarely alone, often joined by Willow or Tara or Dawn.

The intimacy of the setting bothered her more than usual tonight. Maybe it was watching the sparks between Anya and Xander, or the careful happiness that Willow and Tara exuded, but she was more aware of her solitary state than usual. And that was likely to make her do something rash and poorly thought out, she was afraid. Better to hurry him along and retire early tonight.

His voice interrupted her machinations. "Buffy, I’ve been thinking about your suggestion for Dawn."

"Really?"

William nodded. "You were quite right, she’s a rather amazing young lady. I only wish I’d had have her enthusiasm at her age. And when she outgrows her coltishness she’ll be quite the beauty, I imagine." He smiled thoughtfully. "I always regretted that I was an only child. She’s something like I imagined a younger sister would have been."

"I know, William. She’s a sweet child and she deserves more than the lot life has cast her. She’s far too bright to be a scullery maid."

"She is exceptionally clever, isn’t she? She’s gotten to where she can give me quite a run for my money at chess you know. And the little minx actually wanted me to wager on the number of games before she could defeat me."

Buffy tried to look appropriately shocked at the idea and failed miserably.

"Did you take her up on it?"

He laughed, "I bet it would take her a month. She’s wagered she can do it in the next seven days."

Buffy smiled. "I bet she’ll win."

"What, don’t think I can hold my own against a little bit like her?"

"We’ll see."

"I suppose we will. I’ll keep you updated. But you were right, Dawn should be in school, not just one of these little grammar schools around here, but a proper school that young ladies go to. What to you call them? Finishing schools?"

Buffy nodded. "You know that won’t be an inexpensive undertaking? Such a school requires more than just the tuition, there are certain clothes to buy and so on. Plus, for a young girl like herself, without family, she’ll need to have someone act as her guardian."

"I know. The money is no issue and I’m willing to be her guardian. But the other, the clothes and what-not, I know nothing about. I think this may have to be another joint venture between us. It was after all, your idea."

He gave her one of those looks that had begun to prove troublesome to her sleep at night and left her rather confused as to what he’d just said, as she’d been rather distracted by the blue in his eyes.

Oh right, her idea. Yes, it had been, but somehow she hadn’t foreseen it leading her to become even further entangled with William Montgomery, at least not consciously. Well, she could certainly do it for Dawn. She ignored the rather sarcastic inner voice that remarked on what a hardship it would be to continue to have to see him so frequently, in an almost quasi-family setting, playing the mother to his adopted daughter, which would of course make her in effect his wife . . .

"I would be happy to assist you William."

He stood up and she ignored the slight feeling of discontent that he seemed ready to leave so quickly now that the business he’d had on his mind was through. So much for the fantasy of a mother and father chatting about their child’s future. She supposed he saw this as more of an extension of her job as his housekeeper. Well, that settled any flutters she’d had. She composed herself as he collected his hat from the small table by the door and was able to smile brightly as he turned to her again.

"Can I leave it to you to investigate what would be the best academy for her to attend? I don’t want her to go to some place where her birth or lack of connections will cause her torment."

She nodded. "The school Willow and I attended in Boston may be the best. Miss Greenlee was a fine teacher and had excellent character. I believe Dawn would be happy there, even though it is rather a distance. I’ll send off a letter tomorrow. May I tell Dawn? It might be best if she begins tutoring with us until time for her to leave, so that she won’t be so behind. And I think she’ll be rather pleased that you’ve agreed to be her guardian. She thinks the world of you, you know. Always chattering about Mr. Montgomery this and that."

He smiled. "Absolutely. In fact, could you bring her round when you come in the morning? I’d like to talk with her. It would be better for her to stay here, I suppose, won’t really be proper for her to stay in my home without a chaperone, will it?"

Buffy shook her head. "No, but she is most welcome to stay here."

"I’d still like to call round for my chess partner in the evenings though, if I may intrude on you?"

"Of course. And I’ll begin looking for a replacement for her on the staff."

"Excellent. It was a lovely evening Buffy. Thank you for your hospitality and your help. You’re rather one of a kind, did you know that?"

For a moment she thought he might be about to say something more, as his hand lifted as though he were about to touch her face. He seemed to catch himself at the last moment and pull away.

"I’ll bid you good night then."

And then he was gone. She sighed. She should be elated. Her dinner had been far more successful than she’d hoped and William was going beyond her wildest dreams in agreeing to become Dawn’s guardian. She would go upstairs and share the good news right away. She knew Dawn’s enthusiasm would brighten her inexplicably dour mood.

She blew out the lamp on the side table and closed the door to the sitting room, letting her eyes linger for a moment only on what she’d come to think of as his chair.

~~~~~~~~~~~

William stood outside the gate and stared at the house. He knew she’d been a bit miffed by his quick departure, not that she’d even admit it to him. He’d watched that little flare in her eyes as he’d moved away and knew she would have been happy for him to stay a little longer, despite her obvious nervousness. But he just couldn’t. Couldn’t sit there and watch the fire highlight the beauty of her face as they danced back and forth with words, when he wanted so much more and knew he couldn’t have it.

Xander’s resolute pursuit almost shamed him. He’d tried to manipulate Buffy from the beginning and he couldn’t seem to stop. Even this thing with Dawn was hardly as altruistic as Buffy had taken it. He did like Dawn, she was a bright and charming girl and he saw reflections of himself at that age in her. He had the money, didn’t begrudge helping her. But it would never have crossed his mind to take this kind of action without knowing how much Buffy had wanted it.

He turned and strode angrily down the street. Buffy, Buffy, Buffy. Ridiculously stupid name. Her with her golden hair and wide eyes and pouty lips, all prim and proper and driving him to bloody distraction. Why couldn’t he put her out of his mind and just move on? She might tease and tantalize him in that sly way of hers, stay in his orbit, flirt just so, but there would never be anything more.

He needed to get her out of his mind once and for all. He was leaving for England in only a few days, the time away would do him good, help him clear his head. Maybe even pay a visit to Drusilla, if she was still around. And by the time he came back to Charleston, the deal with Wilkins would be done, the engagement announced, and he’d be on his way to wedded bliss.

Chapter 11

"Good morning ladies."

William took his seat at the table and noted, with amusement, Dawn’s elated expression.

"Is it really true? Miss Buffy says you’re to be my guardian?"

He nodded. "If you agree of course, little bit."

Dawn bounced from her chair and flung her arms around his neck before her could react. "Mr. Montgomery, thank you so much! Of course I agree. My mother told me when she died that a guardian angel would look over me."

He caught Buffy’s eye as he gently patted the girl on the back and tried to cover his embarrassment. "Alright, well enough of that. We have plans to discuss. Miss Buffy thinks we can turn you into a proper lady with all the trimmings at one of those fancy schools. Would you like that?"

Dawn swallowed as she sat back down. "Yes, I, I think so." She smiled tentatively at Buffy. "Do you really think I could learn to be a lady like you?"

Buffy took her hand and patted it comfortingly. "Of course Dawn. But remember, a true lady is defined by who she is inside and her actions, not how she dresses or where she lives. However, Miss Greenlee’s school can you teach much, about everything from art to science."

"Miss Greenlee’s?" Dawn’s forehead crinkled. "Is that here in town?"

William shook his head. "No, it’s in Boston, Dawn, it’s where Miss Buffy went to school."

Buffy chimed in, "Miss Greenlee is very nice, and you’ll learn languages and mathematics and things you won’t be able to get at the schools here in Charleston, Dawn. I enjoyed my time there. Miss Willow attended as well, you could ask her about it."

Dawn nodded uncertainly. "It sounds very nice." Her voice trailed off as she stared hard at the plate in front of her.

William recognized the look of trepidation on Dawn’s face. He knew that was how he’d looked the summer his father had come for a visit and announced it was time for him to go off to school. He’d been sick several mornings in a row, filled with dread at leaving his mother and the small quiet village for the unknown. And his fears had not been groundless. The school had been the subject of his worst nightmares. He needed to ensure that didn’t happened to Dawn. But at least for now he could distract her.

"Dawn, how about we try to get in one of our chess games this morning? See if you can come any closer to winning that bet?"

She nodded eagerly and followed him into the library where the chess board was set up from their last game.

~~~~~~~~~~

"So, are you really happy about this idea of ours? Be honest with me now, bit."

Dawn maintained her concentration on the chess board as she spoke. "I’m happy that you want to be my guardian. I didn’t like being all alone and I would never have dreamed I would end up in some place this beautiful."

He nodded and moved his rook. "And?"

Dawn regarded him with her large blue eyes. "Do I have to go away? Boston sounds so far."

"It would be a new experience for you."

It seemed that was all she had anymore, new experiences. "I suppose it would be."

She frowned slightly as she moved her knight, not wanting to seem ungrateful. Without meeting his eyes, she asked softly, "Is there no way I could stay here in Charleston? They have schools for ladies here. If I go to Boston, I’ll never see you or Miss Buffy again."

"Dawn, of course you would see us. It would only be for a few years, until you learned all those things that proper ladies are supposed to know to snag a husband and what all."

Dawn responded quickly, her tone growing sulky. "Miss Buffy doesn’t have a husband and neither do Miss Tara or Miss Willow and they’re all ladies."

"Dawn, you know Miss Buffy’s a widow, she’s already been married. Her husband died in an accident and she’s very loyal to his memory."

Dawn watched his face closely. "Why aren’t you married?"

William stumbled a bit. "Uh, well, I, you see, bit, it’s just that . . ."

"Wouldn’t you like to marry Miss Buffy? Then she could almost be like my mother, and she really likes you, I don’t think she’d mind."

He stared at her flabbergasted. "She likes me? Has she . . . said something to that effect?"

Dawn tried to hide the smile that was threatening to burst across her face. She was right! Watching the two of them talk with each other, careful never to betray too much in their gaze until the other turned away and they thought they were safe, she’d developed this elaborate fantasy that Mr. William could marry Miss Buffy and she’d be able to stay with them and be safe. And now it was all falling into place, if they just wouldn’t be stubborn.

She’d had to suppress a snort at the comment that Buffy was loyal to her husband’s memory. There were no pictures of the deceased Mr. Crawford anywhere in the house, no mourning brooches or personal effects. Why, after her own papa had died, her mother had kept the one picture they had under her pillow every night and kissed it before she went to sleep. No, Miss Buffy’s longing looks were reserved for Mr. Montgomery. Now she only had to convince him.

"She said you were a good man."

"She did?" William beamed.

"And she watches you, when you aren’t looking."

His head shot up and pinned Dawn with his eyes. "What?"

"She watches you, but she always blushes if she thinks you’ve noticed and looks away very quickly. And she seems sad when you leave." Dawn hid a smile at the look on his face as he pondered that bit of information. Just then, a knock sounded at the door and Buffy popped her head inside.

"So has Dawn defeated the master yet?"

William turned his head to where she stood in the doorway. "Hardly. However, I’m afraid I’ll have to call a halt to the game. I have to be down at the docks to meet a ship that’s unloading this morning and then I have a rather important lunch meeting with some potential clients."

He stood, picked up the jacket he’d tossed across the back of the chair and shrugged into it. "Dawn, I’ll think about what you said, about staying here, and Miss Buffy and I can discuss it. We can talk about it tonight."

He paused at the doorway, focusing his full attention on Buffy now. "I assume you won’t mind if I call round tonight?"

Dawn watched the pair, noting with some satisfaction that Miss Buffy did indeed seem quite flustered at how close Mr. William was standing. She suppressed a little sigh. They would make such a handsome couple if they’d just stop being pig-headed and open their eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy wished fervently she hadn’t chosen this spot to stop as he moved closer. Her back was to the edge of the door frame and she had nowhere to go, but his proximity was making air a little hard to come by. His eyes danced a little as he smiled, as though he knew what he was doing to her. "Of course, that will be fine. You know you’re always welcome Mr. Montgomery."

He chuckled and gave her a small wink. "Now, now, I though we’d settled that a long time ago pet. William, remember?"

"Of course, William. Dawn and I will look forward to seeing you."

She stumbled just the merest bit as he continued down the hallway and out to the stable, completely missing the small smirk on Dawn’s face as she pretended continued fascination with the chess pieces in front of her.

~~~~~~~~~~

"William, good to see you down here with the working men again."

"Yeah, wanted to double-check the shipment coming in. There’s some delicate goods and we have to be sure they are handled properly."

Clement nodded and spat. "Any chance you’ll be giving up the desk and coming back to sea with us?"

"Matter of fact, I’ll be joining your crew on the run back. Have some contracts to arrange in England that require face to face negotiations, and some family obligations."

"Glad to hear it. Will Harris be coming as well, the crew of the Anne reunited?"

William shook his head. "He’ll have to hold things down here, got those bloody hearings to get all the legalities taken care of so we can add the extra ships."

William watched as another box was lowered gently to the dock, then raced forward as the dockworker lost his hold and started to allow the heavy merchandise to plummet. The man recovered his grip, but the now wildly swinging crate caught William in the shoulder, sending him flying back onto the wooden planks, blood blossoming through the tan of his jacket.

Clement ran to his side as William struggled to sit up and assisted him in standing. "Will, are you alright?"

He shuddered as he touched his tender shoulder. "Yeah, think so." He gingerly pulled the coat away with his good arm as Clement helped him back to the main offices of Montgomery & Harris.

He managed to shrug the layers of cloth away and it became clear that the injury was nothing more serious than a gash from a nail on the corner of the box and some bruising that would be uncomfortable for a while. But his clothes were ruined.

William glanced at the clock ticking on his desk. He was meeting the Vances about becoming their primary shipper at noon for lunch at the Planter’s Hotel. If he hurried, he could change clothes, bandage the shallow cut, which continued to bleed, and rest a bit before he had to meet them.

Clement helped him get the torn garments back in place enough to prevent an indecent display of flesh and he carefully eased up on his horse, glad for once he was left-handed and didn’t have to try to manage the reins with his injured right side.

The horse moved at a smooth clip through the streets and he was home within minutes, tossing the reins to the groom and waving off his assistance. He mounted the rear stairs and gratefully entered his room as he carefully slid the rent garments away from the gash that the recent exertion seemed to have reopened. He stepped closer to the mirror to inspect the cut.

~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy trotted down the stairs. The upper floor was quite neat, she was pleased that things really seemed to be coming together. She glanced in the various guest rooms as she made her way down the second floor hallway.

William really had an excessive amount of space for just one gentleman. Though he seemed as bad as her about taking in people. She opened the door to the room that she’d instructed prepared for the latest guest. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, now that was quite a mouthful. She checked the linens, straightened a pillow, ran her finger over the chest of drawer. Everything looked good.

She exited into the hallway. That left one more room to look over in her weekly inspection. His bedroom.

She knew she was being silly, that being in that space, looking at that massive four-poster bed, imagining . . .

She stopped, glanced around in embarrassment, cheeks flaming. Bad, bad Buffy. Not having those thoughts again. She’d was just going to make sure everything was proper, then she was taking herself off to the market and possibly down by the docks to see if there were any new arrivals who might be interested in a position as a housemaid. She’d take Dawn with her today, she seemed to have quite an appetite for bargaining with the vendors, a good skill for her to know. Buffy pushed open the door that stood slightly ajar and bit back a silent gasp.

There in front of her stood a mostly naked William. She knew she should turn around, or leave, or at least let alert him to her presence. But she couldn’t seem to do any of those things, just stare as the perfection of his back. The muscled shoulders that tapered to his narrow waist, the ripple and play under the skin. She realized her fingers were curling as she imagined what it would feel like under her hands. She was jolted from her haze by his low groan as she shifted angles and saw what he was studying so intently in the mirror.

"Oh William, you’re bleeding," she gasped and moved towards him before she thought better of it.

He turned, still wincing. "Buffy?"

She made little clucking noises as she pulled the bits of the shirt that still clung to him away, then moved to the dresser and rapidly poured fresh water from the pitcher on his dresser. She grabbed the clean towel and moved back towards him to dab softly at the cut, all the while refusing to meet his eyes as he sat on the bed passively in front of her.

"What did you do to yourself?" she asked as she finished.

He struggled to open his eyes to meet the hazel ones so close to his own. He’d almost drifted off, content to simply let her take care of him, her soft, gentle hand soothing the sore muscles as she patiently nursed him. "Hmmm? Oh, nothing, just a little accident by the docks, got hit while they were unloading a crate."

"Oh." She bit her lip, suddenly aware that she still had one hand cradled at the curve of his neck to steady him, while the other rested lightly on his bruised bicep. And that somewhere along the way his hands had drifted to rest at her waist. She met his gaze again. "I should probably go get something to bandage this."

"Mhmm." And then his lips met hers and Buffy stopped thinking about everything but the feel of the kiss, his hands urging her closer, the sheer pleasure of being touched. Part of her mind was kicking and screaming up a vigorous protest about the propriety of being here with him alone in his bedroom and where that was leading, but his tongue’s gentle teasing of her lower lip as he gained full access to her mouth seemed to quieten even that part of her brain for the moment. She fought the urge to whimper at the loss of his lips as he pulled away. She kept her eyes closed, wanting to prolong the moment for just a moment longer before reality crashed back in.

"Buffy."

His husky tone was barely above a whisper and she tried to pull away as his voice broke the bubble, but his hands held her tight.

"No, love, look at me."

She reluctantly opened her eyes, not sure what she’d find there. And was surprised to observe the same swirling mix of confusing and attraction she knew was written across her face. She could almost see the question in his eyes and she inclined her head just a little.

And then he was kissing her again. This time her urge to resist was all but evaporated by the overwhelming heat of this thing between them and she found herself pulling him closer, her hands burying themselves in his hair as she gave herself over to the electricity of the moment.

Someone moaned and she felt a hand slide upward across her bodice, teasing open the first of the hundred jet buttons that fastened its length. Warning bells sounded again but were silenced as his lips slid from hers and began to explore the now exposed flesh of her throat. She felt her knees weakening as he found a spot under her ear that made her squeak and proceeded to devote an immense amount of time, it seemed to her, to its exploration.

More buttons slipped free and she felt the tip of his finger trace the swell of her breast over the corset. He turned her slowly and began to lower her to the bed, muttering something about the bloody ridiculous number of petticoats. She almost felt as though she were someone else, outside herself somehow, watching this decadent scene as the firmness of the bed supported her back and she found herself gazing up into sky colored eyes that entranced her.

"Oh, my love, I’ve wanted to do this since the moment I saw you, to see you spread across this bed in all your beauty, this glorious hair," he began to remove the pins that secured her knot, "spread across my pillow . . ." His mouth captured hers again and she arched against him, as a voice from far away sounded the call to reality.

"Miss Buffy? Miss Buffy? Anna said you were up here."

A wave of hot shame swept over Buffy as she realized what sort of picture she would present to Dawn and the position she’d gotten herself into. How had she let this happen? She shoved at him as he continued to nuzzle her neck, and pushed against his sore arm in her haste to get away. He moved away with a yowl and let her up as she frantically refastened the tiny buttons with shaking fingers and grabbed for the pins to resecure her hair.

"Hey now, what’s this, Buffy . . ."

He reached out to her but she shrugged him off. "Dawn’s coming, put on a shirt," she hissed.

Comprehension dawned for her sudden change in demeanor. He rose and crossed the room , opened the wardrobe and hastily threw it on as she patted her hair, just as a soft knock sounded at the door. "Miss Buffy? Are you in here? Anna said . . . Oh. Mr. William?"

"Dawn."

Buffy turned, still aflutter and William wondered if she realized how flushed she was, her cheeks still rosy, her lips swollen and one button missed.

"Dawn, dear, I heard you calling but I was about to bandage Mr. William here, he had a bit of an accident."

Buffy followed Dawn’s gaze and noticed she was gawking at more than the small cut visible on his upper shoulder. "Mr. William, your shirt."

"Oh right, sorry there bit." He turned and began fastening the buttons.

"Very well Dawn, I believe we’re done here, we shall get our cloaks and be off to the market."

She began to herd the girl towards the door without a backwards glance. William watched the pair through the mirror as he completed fastening his buttons and reached for his jacket.

"Actually, Dawn, could you run get Anna for me quickly before you go? And Miss Buffy, if I might have a word with you."

He watched her stiffen and then she patted Dawn on the shoulder and told her she’d join her in the foyer in a moment. He crossed the room and shut the door behind the departing girl, then turned to Buffy, who was observing the floorboards as though they held the answers to the universe. Gently he raised her chin.

"Buffy, we can’t pretend that didn’t just happen."

"It was a mistake," she whispered.

"It bloody well was not. You wanted that as much as I did, want more still. Buffy didn’t you feel it?"

"Feel what?"

"The passion, the heat, the desire? Don’t you know how rare that it?" He leaned forward until his lips were almost brushing her ear and whispered huskily, "Don’t you want to feel it again?"

He felt the shiver run through her as she pulled away hastily and covered her face with her hands, refusing to respond. "William, I, I have to go, Anna will be here any moment and she should not see us like this, it will cause gossip."

He turned her back around and gently slid the one unfastened button into place, then tucked an unruly strand of hair behind her ear. "This isn’t over, Buffy. Just so you know that."

He dropped a chaste kiss on her lips and opened the door for her to leave. She gave him one long unfathomable glance and then exited hastily.

Chapter 12

"Dawn? Are you ready?" Buffy fluttered down the stairs, her cheeks still flushed, and took the cloak that Dawn held out for her. She busied herself with fastening the garment and picking up the large basket Dawn had carried from the kitchen.

Dawn eyed her suspiciously. Miss Buffy was rarely flustered, but right now she looked as though she was about to fly to pieces. Her normally perfectly ordered hair had stray wisps that she kept nervously and ineffectively smoothing and her face had a rosy hue.

Dawn smiled to herself. It looked as though the seeds she’d planted had taken root rather quickly. What ever they ‘d been doing in Mr. William’s room had involved more than just bandaging his shoulder. Miss Buffy’s lips were rather red and she kept furtively touching them with her hand, just a little press as though she were completely surprised they were there. Dawn stifled a giggle. Yes, there must have been kissing.

Or course she’d always suspected her hints would fall on fertile ground, they’d just needed a little nudge. Now maybe she could convince them to let her stay here with them here in Charleston. She lost herself in a little daydream of the happy family they could make until Miss Buffy’s voice broke her from her trance.

"Dawn? Are you coming?"

"Yes, Miss Buffy!" Dawn followed happily behind her, unable to resist a little skip in her step as they headed towards the City Market.

~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy added the vegetables she had selected to the basket and counted out the coins to pay the vendor.

"Dawn, I think that will do. Do you suppose we have time to make our way down to the docks before we take these back? We need to find someone soon to replace you and help Anna."

"I think so." Dawn’s face lit up. "Could we go and see Mr. William? He told me that he and Mr. Xander have their office down there."

Buffy blanched. She really wasn’t ready to face him. She’d firmly pushed the events of this morning to the back of her mind and didn’t plan to take them back out for examination until she was alone.

"Well, that might not be the best idea, Dawn, we don’t want to bother him while he’s working. Oh, and he had a luncheon, he probably won’t be there."

Buffy paused indecisively at the street corner where they needed to turn. This was a bad idea. What if they ran into him? They should just go home. She could always come back tomorrow and see if there were any new ships coming in.

Dawn shifted her basket to the other arm and tugged at Buffy’s sleeve.

"We don’t have to bother him. I just wanted to see what his office was like."

Buffy had to admit to a secret desire to see that herself. And it was rare she’d have any type of acceptable excuse for being down at the docks again. Perhaps seeing him in a more formal setting rather than the intimacy of her parlor tonight would be better. It would be very appropriate and there would be no chances for touching or kissing or any of those wonderful frightening things that made her heart race and her head spin until she wasn’t quite sure what to do.

She took a deep breath and turned towards the harbor. "Very well, we’ll pop in and visit a moment if we see we won’t bother him."

Dawn looked around wide eyed as they moved away from the town center, taking in the bustle of activity and kaleidoscope of sights and sounds that filled the area.

"Dawn, dear, don’t gawk so." Dawn clamped her mouth shut as they entered the harbor master’s office.

"Good afternoon Mr. Snyder, how are you today?"

The small beady eyed-man turned. "Mrs. Crawford. What brings you here?"

Ignoring the tone of disapproval, Buffy smiled sweetly, "I wish to see if any new passenger ships have come in. I’m trying to find a good Irish girl to be domestic help."

Snyder raised a brow. "Why don’t you just head down to the market, Mrs. Crawford? I’m sure you could find a strapping young girl there."

Buffy gritted her teeth and kept her smile firmly in place. "I’m sure I could, Mr. Snyder, but I was still hoping to know about the ships coming in today."

He harrumphed loudly and checked the list in front of him. "Try the Seafarer, docked down that way." He gestured further down the docks. "She was coming from Dublin, likely might still have a few lost souls milling about."

"Thank you Mr. Snyder, and please give my regards to your wife. I’ll see her at the next Ladies’ Charity Circle."

"I will indeed. You know, Mrs. Snyder was just speaking of you the other night. About how it was high time you found yourself a new husband. A young woman like yourself needs a man to take care of her, manage her affairs. I know your father would have wanted that. And you’re still young enough, haven't lost your looks, you could find a husband right quick. Why I know that Mr. Owens is looking for a new wife. I’m sure you heard about his wife passing with the sickness last year and all those young ones that need a mother. Mrs. Snyder was commenting on what a fine match you would make."

Buffy cringed internally. Mr. Owens had five children and had been hunting for a wife before his own was cold in the grave. She’d have to avoid Mrs. Snyder at the next Circle.

"That is so thoughtful of you both to be looking out for my welfare Mr. Snyder, but, alas," she laid her hand dramatically over her heart, "I still miss my Angel so. I just need a bit more time before I can consider matrimony again." She ignored his snort and headed back into the sunlight.

Dawn trailed along after her. "He’s not very nice is he?"

Buffy sighed. "No, he never has been, but he was a friend of my father’s. I knew he’d give us what we needed to know."

"Did you mean that? What you told him about not being ready to marry again?"

Buffy shot her a sharp look. "After a fashion."

She shaded her eyes and peered down the dock past the scattered sailors and dock workers busily unloading ships, changing the subject. "Now, let’s see if there are any likely candidates. It looks as though they may have already started disembarking."

Dawn followed happily along, breathing in the tangy air from the harbor and distracted for the time. They had almost reached the point where passengers were milling around the dock when Dawn noticed a woman garbed almost entirely in vibrant red with auburn curls. She froze.

"Miss Buffy?" She grabbed the older woman’s sleeve. "Miss Buffy, stop, please it’s her," she whispered.

Buffy stopped. "Who, Dawn?"

"Glory."

As though she’d heard the whispered name, the woman turned and moved in their direction, eyes narrowing as she drew closer.

"Hey, little girl, I know you." She moved swiftly and grabbed Dawn’s arm, her two menacing flunkies trailing behind. Buffy stepped between them, outraged at her impudence, and pushed Glory’s hand away from Dawn’s arm, making herself a barrier for the now quaking girl.

"I don’t believe you know this young lady, you must be mistaken. Now, if you’ll excuse us." She turned, keeping herself between Dawn and the despicable creature and began to walk towards the entrance of the harbor area.

Glory followed, "Hardly, Mrs. Crawford. I know who you both are."

Buffy froze, icy tendrils crawling up her back as Glory continued. "I was . . . well-acquainted with your dearly departed. He was," she laughed harshly, "quite the angel, wasn’t he?"

Her eyes flickered over the obvious mourning grab. "Aw, now that is so very precious, that you, the grieving widow, are so faithful. I’m sure he’d appreciate knowing his frigid little wife was still clinging to his memory."

She was stunned by the venom of the whore’s voice and the hatred rose up like bile in her throat at this unwelcome intrusion. Buffy bit her lip and turned, knowing that she should just keep walking away, and not react to Glory’s voice and the wash of memories she’d thought she’d put behind her. But she couldn’t seem to move away.

Glory stepped forward, seeing her hesitation, like a cat playing with its mouse, and addressed Dawn, cowering behind her. "As for you little girl, you cost me a heap of cash. And I still have the bill you and your mother owed for your passage. Remember that? How I paid it off for you and you said you would come and work for me? We had a deal, and don’t think I take that lightly."

Her voice trembling, Dawn managed to choke out, " I, I didn’t know, I thought you wanted a maid."

Glory threw back her head and laughed. "A maid? Oh that is just too much. No, small one, I had a very special customer who was most excited at the prospect of meeting you and your . . . untried charms. And I imagine will be again."

"No, you can’t do that, Mr. Montgomery won’t let you, will he Miss Buffy?"

Buffy cringed as she realized what Dawn had just revealed, snapped out of her daze and stepped between them again.

"No. I won’t let you. You may send me the bill for the passage over and I’ll pay it in full and with interest. That will release her from any obligation, real or imagined, she might have to you. Now, come Dawn, we’ll not let this trash insult us further."

"So the new man about town has already made her his playmate has he? Or has he already cast you off to Miss Buffy here?" She winked. "I’ve heard about your ‘rescue’ efforts, dear. You’d best not come near any of my girls. They hardly need your help."

Buffy gritted her teeth and continued walking away, murmuring, "Just ignore her Dawn."

Glory chuckled and called after them,"You’d better be good for the debt Mrs. Crawford. Because if not? Well, there’ll be hell to pay. C’mon boys. Let's go."

Buffy refused to look back as she continued to put distance between them, herding Dawn as quickly as she could. The ramifications of what had just happened were ricocheting through her mind, the thousand of ripple effects of just those few words. It took so little to get gossip started in this town and while Glory was hardly a trustworthy source, she had connections and could plant rumors.

Buffy smoothed Dawn’s hair and noted the girl was still shaking like a leaf, though her eyes were grateful as she clung to her arm. "It’s alright now Dawnie, it’s alright. She won’t be a threat to you anymore."

But she knew that wasn’t entirely true. She needed to speak with William about what had just happened, because something would need to be done. "Let’s go see those offices, okay? Perhaps you could use a little rest."

Dawn nodded gratefully as they headed for Montgomery & Harris. Buffy steered Dawn around the back of the alley and knocked at the door. Glory seeing them here would only feed the fires of suspicion.

~~~~~~~~~~

"We weren’t expecting . . . Miss Buffy? Dawn? Are you alright?" Xander pushed the door open wider to admit them and helped Buffy seat the shivering girl in a chair.

"Xander, do you have any water?"

He nodded and fetched a small glass for the girl as Buffy looked around. The office was small, the front, where she imagined a clerk might be, was divided from the rear office that William and Xander appeared to share. Two matching mahogany desks faced each other, piled high with snowy papers, with a small table to the side with a few chairs. She joined Dawn there, glad to let her trembling legs rest.

Confusion. There was no other word for it. Glory’s threat could be so harmful, to Dawn and to William. If the rumor was to get out that there was some sort of inappropriate relationship there . . . maybe she should keep Dawn with her. It would be cramped. But of course, even if she did, the rumors of Dawn’s origins and arrivals in the city would still likely follow if she tried to send her to school here.

Xander’s words finally broke through her haze. "Miss Buffy? Do you want me to take the two of you home?" He patted Dawn’s hand and poured her another drink of water as he waited for Buffy’s response.

"Will it inconvenience you terribly? I think an escort might be a good idea," she said gratefully.

"Not at all."

She hesitated for a moment, "Will Mr. Montgomery be back soon? I’m afraid we’ll need to speak about Dawn. Something has happened."

Xander shrugged into his coat. "So I gathered. It’s not everyday two damsels in distress have to take refuge in my office. Anything I can help with?"

Buffy smiled wryly. "Perhaps so Xander. I’ll explain when we reach the house."

~~~~~~~~~~

William entered the office and sat down heavily. The lunch had gone well, the Vance family looked as though they were strongly interested in making them their primary shippers. But his shoulder still ached and . . . she wouldn’t leave him alone. This game, this dance back and forth between Buffy and him had gone on long enough. And tonight he was going to confront her about it.

He leaned back and closing his eyes, remembered the events of the morning as a small smile graced his face. The sound of the door opening startled him from his thoughts as Xander entered the room.

"Will, you’re back. How were things?"

"Good. They’ve decided to ship with us for next year’s crop."

"That’s excellent." He nervously picked up the paperweight off his partner’s desk and turned it over in his hand. "Will, something happened today. You need to go see Buffy right away."

He sat upright and stared. She’d gone and talked to Xander? "What did she say happened?"

Xander shook his head slowly. "It’s that Glory woman."

Glory? Now he was confused. Who was Glory again? And what did she have to do with anything?

At Will’s continued puzzled expression, Xander pressed on. "The woman who was after Dawn. Buffy brought Dawn with her today, they came down to see if they could find someone new for the staff. Glory spotted them, and she threatened Dawn. Turns out she’d paid off a debt for her passage and wanted her to work it off."

William leaned forward. "Are they okay? They weren’t harmed were they?"

Xander shook his head. "Don’t worry, they’re fine, physically. Buffy told her she’d pay off anything Dawn owed and that seemed to satisfy her. Dawn’s very shaken up. But Buffy thinks there may be another problem."

"What’s that?’

"Dawn mentioned you, that you would take care of her, and Glory . . . well, she assumed that you were taking care of her."

William stared at him for a moment and then the realization hit him. "She’s still just a young girl Xander!"

"Yes, she is. And you and I both know that wouldn’t stop some men. Buffy is concerned that it would be inappropriate for Dawn to stay with you right now."

"But I would never . . . she knows that . . ."

"Will, relax. She’s only worried about what people would say. Go talk to her, I think they both need to see you."

William levered himself from the chair and pulled on his coat. "They are at Buffy’s?"

Xander nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~

Knock, knock, knock.

Fred appeared at the door. "Mr. William, I’m so glad you’re here. Everything’s such a mess."

He entered the parlor to find the scene of a man’s worse nightmare. Dawn was crying, Buffy was red-eyed and Willow and Tara were fluttering around like the little doves they were, trying to soothe everyone. Buffy saw him and blushed, then put on that firm look that usually meant she was going to make him agree to something he had no intention of agreeing to.

As the others noticed her attention had shifted, the room grew quiet. "Dawn, go with Tara upstairs, Mr. William and I have to talk. And Willow, could you stay here please."

He patted the girl awkwardly on the shoulder as she left, still ill at ease with the sheer level of femininity and emotions as they swept by him. As soon as the door was closed, she motioned him to his usual seat by the fire and remained firmly planted on the distant sofa, Willow perched by her side. The defenses did not go unnoticed.

"Buffy, what is going on here?"

She gave him the succinct facts, including all her fears. "William, I thought perhaps we could keep Dawn here for a time, but the best thing will be if she can simply leave. By the time she’s finished her schooling, no one will remember, least of all Glory. But to put her in school here now would create talk which might reflect negatively on both you and her."

William stared into the fire and tried to compose himself before responding. He hated the thought that Dawn would face stares and gossip, much as he had, over something so groundless. Yet he knew Buffy was undoubtedly quite right. But the little bit had seemed so afraid of being left alone again.

"Buffy are you sure this is the right thing?"

She nodded. "Xander said that you’re leaving for England day after tomorrow on the Anne. And that it will call in Boston on the return voyage. If you take her with you, by the time you come back, my letter will have reached Miss Greenlee in Boston."

He blanched. "Buffy I’m fairly certain that taking Dawn with me to England would only create more talk."

"Willow and Tara have agreed to accompany as chaperones."

He looked at Willow, who was nodding her agreement beside Buffy. Well. That had maneuvered him into a corner nicely. This required some thought.

He paced over to the window and watched the quiet street for a few moments, trying to wrap his mind around the mess. It had seemed such a simple thing this morning, pay for Dawn’s education, do a good turn for the girl. No real strings. Except for her. He glanced over his shoulder at the blond head that was murmuring to Willow. Part of his mind rebelled that he’d ever gotten caught in such a quagmire. And yet, the look of gratitude on the bit’s face this morning, and the admiration in Buffy’s eyes when he’d agreed to help somehow made it worthwhile. It had been many years since he’d had anyone look at him that way, not since his mother in fact. She thought him a good man. Perhaps he owed it to her to try to act like one. And perhaps this was the opening he needed to build on this morning’s encounter. He strode back to his seat, mind set.

"Miss Willow, would you give Miss Buffy and myself a moment in private?"

Willow looked at Buffy who was glaring at her, then at William’s pleading expression.

"I’ll just be out in the hallway."

"Willow! No," Buffy gasped.

Willow looked at her and sighed heavily, then sat back down and gave William a small smile by way of apology.

"If you feel this is best, I’ll be happy to take her. But Buffy, Dawn seems quite attached to you. I know she’d feel more relieved if you were with her. Why don’t you came as well?"

She refused to meet his eyes. "I’m sorry William, I don’t think that would be possible, right now. I have obligations here, I couldn’t possibly leave on such short notice."

He refrained from arguing over her rather thin excuse and accepted defeat for the moment. "Very well. Miss Willow, I’m grateful you and Miss Tara are willing to make this trip with us. We’ll do our best to make you comfortable. The Anne is a cargo ship, but we have a few cabins that should serve."

He addressed Buffy once again. "Will you ready the things Dawn will need? I’ll need to go make some arrangements and inform the crew. I’ll be staying with my brother while we’re in London, so there should be sufficient accommodations there for everyone. And I’ll take care of the debt owed, don’t trouble yourself about that."

He gave a swift nod and left the room.

Willow turned to her cousin, disapproval evident on her face. "Buffy, what has happened? I’ve never seen you act the way with William before. You were almost cold with him. And he’s being quite kind to help in this matter, he could easily just walk away."

"Willow, it’s nothing."

"Buffy, it’s clearly not. Have you two had a lover’s quarrel?"

"A what?" She laughed nervously. "Willow, that’s ridiculous, and impossible. We haven’t quarreled."

"And the other?"

"Of course not, we’re not lovers. Willow, he’s a kind man, and I count him a friend, but there’s nothing more than that. I just wanted to be clear with him."

"Buffy, your ears have turned pink, I know you’re lying. It’s alright you know, if you do. And if you and Mr. William have been . . . hasty in your affections, well, I’m hardly one to throw stones."

"Willow! What on earth would make you think that?"

She reached and patted her cousin’s arm. "Buffy, I know you haven’t had an easy time. But there are good men out there. Daniel was one. I think William is as well. He looks at you with love in his eyes. And I think you look at him the same way as well. You need to talk to him, Buffy."

She stood and pulled the stunned Buffy from the sofa. "Come now, we have some packing to do."

Next