Fascination

[icu1978]

Grace sat in the parlor of their small town house. london was a busy city and this time of year it was filled with doting ma ma's and hopfull duaghters. many much more beutiful than grace herself. and younger too.
which made her search for a husband all the harder. but mama had come across a mister calum.. she wouldn't tell her much now, saying that she had arranged a meeting to have lunchen with mister calum so that they could sit down and explain the situation togethor.

grace looked at her mother as she heard the womans sharp words. like daggers to her heart.

mrs.wren: grace girl you ninny what is wrong with you. this is your chance to suitably provide for your dear mama. lord knows its about time. after all i was cursed with a duaghter instead of the son i needed. always having to take care of you instead of the other way around as it should be.

grace could feel tears building behind her eyes. but she knew that her mama deplored any sign of emotion from her so she kept silent.

her mother as always was upset by her duaghters lack of responce.
mrs. wren: "sit up strait child. we don't want mr callum to think your some lackwhit do we. fix that hair of your's.. such an ungodly color. how on earth you managed to get that color of hair i will never know" patting her own buetiful golden locks. " you should have had buetiful golden hair like your mama. lord knows if you where more.......natural, you might have already had a husband to take care of me in my golden years."

grace glared at the older woman" im sorry mama. i never ment to have such ungodly hair or to be so unnatural. i will try harder"

graces mother looked at her with scorn. hopefull that the girl would be able to impress callum and they could make the long journey to scotland to that fantasticly large castle where her every whim would be met without question.

grace picked up her needle work and began stiching." when is mr. illnnes to be here for lunchen mama?"

the older woman snaped out of her day dreams and snaped at grace." dont be imputant child. he will appear when it's time. no gentleman keeps a lady waiting."

grace knodded her head and kept silent working on the stitching in her lap. the maid the only one left in the house came in with a tee tray just then and gave grace a sad knowing look. setting the tray infront of mrs.wren she backed out of the room silently.

 

[Gothmaster]

Callum Innes

Callum Innes smiled at the woman that left his bed at the inn. He watched her take the coins he had placed on the nightstand. She did not need to dress herself as he had not had the time or patience for that small delay. It was so much easier to just lift her skirt and release his need in her.

The voyage to London had not been a very nice one. He did not like the city one bit. Just a bunch of aristocrats or wanna be aristocrats. He could not really place where Mrs Wren and her daughter belonged. No matter really. Arran looked for a wife and Grace Wren was the most suitable bride Callum could find.

Callum had been tempted to find the most ugly bride he could find just to see Arran's expression when he saw her for the first time. In the last moment he did not actually do it. With a smile he lay back in the bed and heard the door close.

Callum loved Arran as a brother. In fact they were brothers. Not in blood but in everything that mattered. As a youth callum was proud of that as he was assaulted by the other young boys. The harassment he suffered for being a bastard child did not stop until he fought back and did it so well that he almost almost killed two of his bullies. After that most children was to afraid of him to even make comments about his heritage.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie worked hard tidying up the mistress's room and packing and preparing her things. She then had to work with the house-maids to prepare a room for the new guest and rooms down the hall for his staff. By the time it was lunchtime she was exhausted, and yet she knew she had to be at her best.

****************************************************
Marie Murphy
Age: 29

Long auburn hair, usually worn up in a bun, dark green eyes.
She is petite but strong and would be quite pretty in finer clothes and if born to different circumstances however many view her as already past her bloom as, at age 29, she is already a spinster but never hoped to marry as her family has always worked for the higher classes and choices for a suitor ar quite slim when confined to someone else's household all one's life.

 

[Gothmaster]

Callum Innes

Now that his most desperate need was met Callum felt hungry. He ate a decent meal and took his time doing so. He prolonged his stay at the inn to keep the Wren ladies waiting. It may not be accepted among the aristocrats in England to keep women waiting but Callum spat on the English aristocracy. He loathed their lifestyle. Soft gentlemen and weak women. Thank god he was Scottish. Even as a bastard he felt more pride than if he was born as a English lord.

Why would Arran look for a wife in England? he muttered to himself as he walked down the busy street. There was plenty of strongwilled women in Scotland that could be persuaded to marry him. Callum had no problem bedding English women. He had done so often enough. They seemed to see Callum as exotic. He was muscular and broad shouldered. Definately not a weakling as his English cousins. He would however never marry one. The woman would probably die in childbirth. They did not seem to have the constitution to have strong children.

He stopped outside the small house that belonged to the Wren family. He sighed as he walked over to the door and knocked. It was opened by an elderly sick looking man.

"I think i am expected. My name is Callum Innes." He told the man in his dark and full voice.

 

[icu1978]

a percistant knocking on the door brought the wrens elderly buttler to the door. he was gretted by a tall man witha thick accent.
"I think i am expected. My name is Callum Innes."

bowing to the gentlman he led him to the entrance hall where he then asked him to wait while he was presented.
no sooner had the ancient looking man walked through the doors to the parlor mrs.wren came storming out " oooooh my poor mr.calum.....patting his lapel... please do come in my darling daughter is waiting for us in the parlor."

guiding what appeared to be a disgruntled callum into the parlor mrs.wren snaped at her Duaghter. " get yourself up and present yourself you lackwhit."
mrs.wren sat with callum on the sofa while grace stood and curtsied "welcome to our home sir." going to a table by the far wall grace turned to callum" would you like a drink sir?" when he nodded to her she poured him a small amount of whiskey in a crystal galss. handing it to him she took her seat in her sewing chair once more.

she once again wished that her papa where still alive. taking up her sewing she continued to pull the needle in and out of the thin fabric. watching as her mama took mr.callum to task for being over 2 hours late for their meeting.
grace placed her hands in her lap and watched this callum her mama was alighning with. she could not help but feel that this man was resentful of them and their home.

she watched as the other two interacted with each other for a few moments before lunchen was anounced. standing she watched as her mama latched onto callums arm and nearly forced the poorman to escort her into the dining room. following behind them she noticed that her mama had ordered the cook to make elaberate dishes.. things they could not afford. on the table sat a fat pig with an apple in it's mouthe and bowls of apple suace on each end of the table along with steamed veggitables and a veriety of other dishes.

grace felt light headed at the thought of the money her mother had spent on one meal to impress this man. she couldn't help but wonder what was so special about this man and what the two of them where planing. as they each sat down at the table grace looked at the other two. and with a sigh she watched as their plates where filled.

 

[Gothmaster]

Callum Innes

" oooooh my poor mr.calum.....patting his lapel... please do come in my darling daughter is waiting for us in the parlor."

Callum almost flinched back as the woman rushed him. She was to enthusiastic in greeting him and just added to his discomfort. Damn these English peaple he thought sourly as she led him into the parlor. He was almost shocked at the words that flew out of her mouth towards her daughter. It was not the same as how she spoke of Grace. My darling daughter? Lackwhit? Callum smiled towards Grace. He allready disliked Mrs. Wren deeply.

Grace was another matter. He was sure that Arran would like the appearance of his new wife. She seemed to be afraid of her mother though but Callum thought tat may change as soon as they arrived in Scotland. This was their territory, Scotland was his and none would speak so ill to the wife of Arran. Callum looked forward to take down Mrs. Wren a notch. She obviously needed it.

He accepted the whiskey and nodded at Grace. "Thank you Miss Wren." He said politely. Just then Mrs. Wren took the chance of interrogating him of why he was over 2 hours late to their meeting. He gave her a bored look.

"I had more important matters to deal with first." He simply said. They talked for a while. It was mostly Mrs. Wren that did the talking. Callum had never been as bored in his life. What a nag she was, he thought to himself. He sighed of relief as the luncheon was announced.

He almost cried out in frustration as Mrs. Wren grabbed his arm and forced him to escort her to the dining room. This day better be over soon. It was unbearable.

The meal was perfect, the only thing that hindered him from enjoying it fully was Mrs. Wren who sat beside him, constantly talking about things he absolutely wanted to know nothing about. Finally she seemed to tire of her own voice as the meal was nearing it's end. Callum turned his head towards Grace.

"Have you ever been to Scotland Miss Wren?" He tilted his head curiously at her.

 

[icu1978]

"Have you ever been to Scotland Miss Wren?" He tilted his head curiously at her.
grace nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard calum speaking to her. smiling brightly she looked up at him. for the first time since their meeting she her eye lit up and roses colored her cheeks.

" please call me grace...and no i've never had the pleasure." looking to her mother who was deffinetly not happy with having lost his attention to her daughter. turning once again to callum " is it much differant from england? " with a long sigh she raised her chin as if in defiance." i do so hate england. its to busy and noisey for me." slanting a look to her mother " mama on the other hand quite adores the city life."

she knew she would be in for a sever punishment when their guest left but grace felt it was worth it for just a small dig at her mother. looking back to callum with a devilish smile.

mama sputtered and then blurted " GRACE WREN." slaping her hand on the table tob. " dont bore dear mister callum with your girlish anticks." grace said her apologies and they all adjorned back to the drawing room. where grace poured callum another small amount of whiskey wishing for all the world she could pour a glass for herself.

as the others sat in the chairs grace wondered over to the window to look out. it was the best place to veiw the gardens out back. her favorite place to be in the world. she heard her mama announce to mister callum " well lets get on with why we are here shall we... i beleive you where going to explain to us what my dear sweet duaghter would be getting out of a marriage to an elderly man nearly at deaths door."

gasping grace spun around so fast that her hair so white and long flew around her. " MAMA!!!" she had known her mother to be rude but this was just to much. blushing bright red with shame grace looked to callum and was about to apologize when her mother snaped " Dont you mama me young lady and stop flinging that unatural hair of yours about. dont you think you have run off enough young men with your ungoldy looks? " her mother was also flushing red but in anger not shame. her mother never felt shame.

feeling the tears building behind her eyes grace grabed her hair and hid it behind her back as her mother prefered her to do. turning to mister callum who sat very still in the chair across from mrs.wren. " im very sorry for our terrible display of bad manors sir... if you will exuse me i shall retire to my rooms." giving a law curtsy before their geust her cheeks still aflame she slowly turned and walked from the room with her back held strait and her chin up.

mama on the other hand had much more she wanted to know. like when they would be leaving for scotland if she agreed to let her poor baby marry the man.

 

[Gothmaster]

Callum Innes

Callum was pleased that he so easily lifted Grace's spirits with only a question. "Scotland is not as plain as England. More green hills. To me it represents freedom." His smile grows wider as he notices Mrs. Wren's sour expression just to fade as she started to yell at her daughter. Damn it, he was tired of this woman. Even if killing her would make the world a better place he thought that the law would look at it differently. He had to use all his will power to not slap her.

Callum looked after Grace as she removed herself. He was strangely proud of how she stood up against her mother, even if it was just a minor victory. He accepted the whiskey with a thanks and wished he was deaf as Mrs. Wren started to nag once more.

" well lets get on with why we are here shall we... i beleive you where going to explain to us what my dear sweet duaghter would be getting out of a marriage to an elderly man nearly at deaths door."

Callum almost spat whiskey over the older woman. He heard Grace scream her mothers name in protest. He wiped his mouth to hide a smile. He listened to the dispute between mother and daughter and said his good night as Grace retrated to her room. then he turned towards Mrs. Wren.

"She will be the heiress of Castle Kilcaldy until The Marquis younger brother marry. Even after she will be taken care of. She will never be without food or housing. To add is that Arran Rossmara, Maarquis of Stonehaven is a very wealthy man. You could make a worse choice in a suitor to your daughter."

Before she had a chance to respond he stood up. "It have been a busy day and i am tired so i will withdraw to my room. Good night."

He left her to her thoughts and followed the elderly man to what would serve as Callums quarter for the night. As soon as he was inside the door he broke out in a heartfelt laughter.

 

[icu1978]

mrs.wren stormed to her room torn between feeling light hearted and gidy over the amount of money she would be able to get through her duaghters marraige and the anger she felt towards her duaghters haughty manor at lunchen and then also with callum who seemed to not care one whit about what she had to say. no man had ever turned a deaf ear to her wants. entering her room she started barking orders at her poor maid who ran around the room prepairing her mistress for bed.

in her own room grace stood infront of her mirror looking at her hair. she had always thought her hair was beutiful and unique. she never thought it was ungoldy or unatural as her mama was fond of saying. but now she began to wonder. rolling her blue eyes towards the ceiling she turned and left her room. she was wearing her dress from earlier not feeling the least bit tired she headed for the library.

as she was turning to corner she noticed callum heading to his rooms.
smiling she greated him " hello again sir. i was just heading to the library."
she almost kept walking but feeling suddenly brave she stoped and turned to him. " i...i was wondering sir.. well is he really that old. the man i am supposed to marry if you find me suitable?"

she waited silently as he examined her before answering.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie struggled always to keep Mrs. Wren happy. Not ever an easy task as the woman was constantly in a state of agitation. Marie hurried to help the woman prepare for bed listening to the incessant ramblings over money and Scottish castles. She was asked how she would like living in a Scottish castle. Marie unlaced Mrs. Wren's underclothing and placed them onto the bed as she reached for the night-gown to slip over the older woman's head as she considered her reply. As always, her first reply was an honest one as she said softly, "I hear they are oft times drafty, ma'am. However, I am sure I'll make the best of anyplace I am to move to if it is your choice that I go with Miss Wren." she replied thoughtfully, quick to grab the hairbrush to tend to Mrs. Wren's hair before tucking her into her bed and taking the disgarded clothes down to the laundry room.

 

[macmillian]

I laid out the master's night clothes in his dressing room and withdrew. If he wanted something more, he would ring for me. I was one of the few staff of the castle that saw the Marquees.

Arran was like a son to me, I was with his father from before he was even born. After his birth his father asked that I look after the lad and so for 32 years I have served my young ward.

I was rather proud of the apartments that over the years I had worked on and referbushed. Adding refinements and improvements to make my lord more comfortable. I was now working on the apartments of his Bride to be.
It was quite hard, for I never did a room for a woman.

 

[schmoe_128]

Arran

Arran was wondering around the castle, avoiding the areas he knew people would be. He enetered his apartments as James was laying out his night clothes. "Any word from Callum yet James." he asked, hoping there had been a telegram about his quest. "I still can't believe my father made these silly stipulations for my inheritance. Why would he even contemplate the estate going to my uncle? They dispised eachother." he asked James. He knew the answer as they'd had this conversation many times before. His father knew if he didn't force him to find a wife Arran never would.

 

[Gothmaster]

Callum Innes

Callum just smile at Grace's question. "Well, He may not be as old as you have heard but i won't say more on that subject." He grins for the first time this evening. "Except that he won't die just this minute. He is fine man and i believe you will like him." I hope he added in his thoughts. Arran was not an easy man to like. Callum had to persuade mother and daughter to come with him to Scotland. If he thought that Arran would treat Grace to badly he would have a second thought of lying to her like he did. Just a white lie he tried to convince himself.

"And i think he will be pleased with you as well." He takes her small hand in his and kisses it softly. "Now i must bid you good night Grace." He steps inside his room and sits down on the bed. As he falls asleep his dreams bring him back to the green hills of Scotland.

 

[macmillian]

"Sire, you know the answer to that as well as I. We have gone over this time and again. Now is not the time. You should be thinking about the Lady who is to become your wife." I finish laying things out. "You have always listen to my council, I may have a way to help insure that your Uncle does not inherit! When Master Callum Innes Returns, we will speak of it then. Not before."

There was more to speak about, but now not the time or place for such things.

"If there is nothing else, I'll go and check on supper." I turned and left to check to see if the instructions I had left were Done. I had a table set in the upper turret room overlooking the main road to the castle. He could watch the night decend from there and also watch and wait to see if anyone approaches.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie discussed the possible household shifting with some of the other maids in the laundry room before heading to Mistress Grace's room to prepare her for bed. She knocked softly on the door, "Mistress Grace it's me Marie. Do you require my assistance?" she asked.

 

[icu1978]

sitting on her bed with the book she had gotten from the library. when she heard marie's soft tapping she called for her to come in. marie was her best friend. not being aloud to mingle amoungst other girls her age grace had always longed for a friend. and when her mother hired marie as an upstairs maid papa had interveined when he seen how fond grace and marie where of each other. and told mama that from now on marie would be grace's maid. but when poor papa passed away three monthes ago mama had taken charge and marie was now had many more chores to perform on a daily basis.

it was mama's way of keeping the two apart. but marie always came for a short talk at night while grace prepaired for bed.
as marie walked grace jumped to her knee's on the bed and sent her book of poetry falling to the floor.
" oh marie can you beleive we are to go to scotland.... oh you are coming aren't you?" grabing her hands in a firm grip " oh marie i can not go with out you.. your the only friend i have. i wouldn't know what to do with out you."

smiling and patting graces small hands marie looked at her kindly and began prepairing her for bed as they talked.

 

[schmoe_128]

Arran

"I know James" he said with a frustrated shigh "It's still maddening that he would have done that" Arran said as James left the room. He walked to the upper turret where James had set his table for his meal and sat down to eat, looking out over the land and road approaching the castle.

"I wish Callum would let send us a message or something to let us know how his search is going" he said as James brought the food in. He sat and pondered the situation as he slowly ate his meal as the sun set on the horizon.

 

[slippedhalo]

sitting on her bed with the book she had gotten from the library. when she heard marie's soft tapping she called for her to come in. marie was her best friend. not being aloud to mingle amoungst other girls her age grace had always longed for a friend. and when her mother hired marie as an upstairs maid papa had interveined when he seen how fond grace and marie where of each other. and told mama that from now on marie would be grace's maid. but when poor papa passed away three monthes ago mama had taken charge and marie was now had many more chores to perform on a daily basis.

it was mama's way of keeping the two apart. but marie always came for a short talk at night while grace prepaired for bed.
as marie walked grace jumped to her knee's on the bed and sent her book of poetry falling to the floor.
" oh marie can you beleive we are to go to scotland.... oh you are coming aren't you?" grabing her hands in a firm grip " oh marie i can not go with out you.. your the only friend i have. i wouldn't know what to do with out you."

smiling and patting graces small hands marie looked at her kindly and began prepairing her for bed as they talked.

Marie was not looking forward to a move but she could see that Grace needed her and she smiled and nodded as she braided Grace's long hair. "Of course, Miss Grace. I would never dream of remaining behind. As long as your mother allows it I will be your maid. She aksed me if I would like living in a castle in Scotland. I take that to mean she is at least considering sending me with you." admitted Marie, her voice soft and melodic.

She looked at Grace and turned her head to the side to study her, "How do you feel about this upcoming marriage, Miss Grace?"

 

[icu1978]

closing her eyes the feel of maries fingers running through her hair was soothing as it always was. marie was the only one that told her how beutifull her hair was. feeling marie's hand cup her chin and turn her face grace opened her eyes and looked at her.

"How do you feel about this upcoming marriage, Miss Grace?"

grace took a breath. " i dont know marie... i always thought i would marry for love. but we need to secure a future as mama is always saying. and mr. callum did say that this man i am to mary possibley wont be as old as i was led to beleive. that kinda gives me hope.... i want to do what is right... some times i feel that what mama wants is not always best. but in this i have no choise. i must mary and provide mama with security."

looking at marie again her eyes sad a tear rolled down her cheek " i just hope that i will not be a disapointment to my future husband."

marie lifted the covers and grace crawled in. as she closed her eyes the last thing she heard was marie telling her it was all going to work out fine.
as the candle beside her bed was blown out grace fell into a deep sleep.

 

[macmillian]

"I know James" he said with a frustrated shigh "It's still maddening that he would have done that" Arran said as James left the room. He walked to the upper turret where James had set his table for his meal and sat down to eat, looking out over the land and road approaching the castle.

"I wish Callum would let send us a message or something to let us know how his search is going" he said as James brought the food in. He sat and pondered the situation as he slowly ate his meal as the sun set on the horizon.

There was three chairs at the table, one for Master Callum and the other to the Butler (in name only). He was the lord's confessor in all things civil.
Arran asked me to sit and talk, so I refilled my Lords glass and poured one for myself. thenI took a seat with an excellent view of the road.

I dought that they will be here tonight. Callum would not like to get here at night. he has made arrangements i bet to arrive sometime around mid day.

 

[dreamr66]

Tabby

Tabitha looked into the mirror as she combed her long auburn hair before she retired for the evening. Her emerald green eyes reflecting the worry that she felt inside.

Soon Callum would return, and with him was supposed to be a bride for Arran. She wasn't supposed to know what Callum was doing, but she'd overheard him speaking to his valet and put the pieces together. The bride that would send Mortimer into a rage. Mortimer had been hoping to inherit his late brother's estate for too many years now. With each passing day he grew more confident that everything was becoming more and more within reach. Mortimer droned on and on about being able to have anything and anyone he wanted. She had been promised to him as a child and finally when he saw fit, he came to collect her. Another possession, that's all she was. She reminisced about the suitors she had to turn away- all because of her father's promise to his.The thought of him made her skin crawl. Arran, bless him, knew Mortimer wasn't for her, and did his best to keep her away from him. They were more like brother and sister, rather than Aunt and nephew. She missed the walks they used to take.

She did not love her husband, but she was a faithful wife, even though her dreams were filled by a man with strawberry blonde hair and the most beautiful green eyes.

Tabitha stood up from her dressing table, and went to the window. She knew he wouldn't be here tonight, but she couldn't sleep without having him near. She lowered her dressing gown, exposing her breasts to the night air. She caressed them, dreaming her hands were Callum's.

Soon enough Mortimer would be here as well- claiming the privilege given to him by marriage.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie finished her nightly household chores and finally retired to her own room for bed. It wasn't really a room so much as a corner-space in a converted attic split between herself and the rest of the staff of the house by cheap, thin walls. The outside wall her cell stood against was angled with the roof meaning that she hit her head if she sat up in her bed or rose without rolling first to the left before getting up. Barely enough space for a single bed and a dresser and no windows. Still, it was a space that was her own, enough for Marie to be allowed privacy when she needed it.

She stood before the mirror, as always, imagining a window in it's place. She took down her bun and brushed her own reddish-brown waves which ran past her buttocks and she carefully plaited and braided her hair before sliding out of her work clothes and into her cool cotton nightgown. Kneeling dutifully in the cramped space beside her bed she prayed to the cross above the head of her bed then slipped between her fresh linnens with a weary sigh. She wondered what the move would entail for her and if her quarters in this castle would be any better or worse than her current living situation. As she considered all the things packing Miss Grace's and her own things would entail her mind wandered a little and she soon fell asleep, dreaming of far off lands and countryside she had never before seen.

 

[Gothmaster]

Callum Innes

Callum awoke early in the morning and swiftly dressed. He hoped that Mrs Wren had made the right choice in the matter of Grace's future. He missed his homeland. He combed back his hair and looked at himself in the the mirror on the wall. His appearance was acceptable and a smile formed on his lips. He thought that the greed of Mrs Wren allready had seen to it that she was accepting Arrans proposal.

He went outside his room, looking for breakfast. A young girl served him in the dining room. It was not near as luxuous as the luncheon the evening before but Callum did not care. He ate until his stomach was full and then took up a piece of parchment and started to write a letter to Arran in Scotland.
´________________________________________________________________
Dear brother.

I have found an acceptable young lady who i will bring back to you. Her name is Grace Wren and i believe you will be pleased with my choice. We will arrive at Kilkaldy shortly if there are no setbacks.

Always your brother and friend.
_________________________________________________________________

Callum gave the letter to a servant with the order of posting it right away.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie brought the house-guest his breakfast and tea. She returned to gather the dishes and ask if there was anything else he required of her when she was handed a letter with orders to post it right away. "Yes, sir, right away." said Marie with a small curtsy before returning the dishes to the kitchen and then searching for the young boy they often sent on such errands. As usual, he was found playing marbles behind the hen house. Marie startled young Percy who covered his ears, afraid she would box them like the older maids often did when they caught him shirking his duties. Marie hadn't the heart to do these things. She instead took his entire collection of marbles from him and instructed him to set about posting the letter she handed him straight away. "When you return and can confirm that you've gotten the letter properly on it's way by post I will return your bag of marbles to you." she said with a sly smirk. "Now go!" she ordered, and the boy was off with the letter at a sprint, anxious now, to get this chore done so he could have his marbles returned to him.

 

[icu1978]

grace woke and dressed herself. pulling on a simple morning gown of white with little purple flowers on it. the lace was to a minimum since grace dispiced the stuff. pulling her long hair behind her and twisting it into a tight braid that she then pined to her head to keep out of her way.

she had just come out of her room and was heading down the stairs when she heard her mother calling to her personal maid. the woman assisted her mother in the morning and afternoon only to disapear from sight before bedtime.

the woman's screaches could be heard through out the house. apearantly she was havingher bags packed for a very lengthy visit out of town.
grace continued on her way and entered the dining room. seeing marie just coming in she smiled brightly." marie i thought i would tell you before mama does. we are going on a trip.. we will need to pack out things after we have had our morning meal." walking to the table she seen that callum was still seated at the head of the table.

smiling to him as she took her seat. " it would apear that mama has decided that we are to go to scottland with you.. she is ordering her belongings packed now." taking some toasted bread and placing it on her plate. she ate in silence.

mrs.wren came into the room with orders flying. her elderly maid following behind her.taking note all her mistress wanted done for their departure.
when mrs.wren sat down at the table and noted the other two already seated she grumbled under her breath. and with a motion of her hand sent her maid away. pialling food onto her plate she began to eat. stoping every now and again to eye grace.

finally half way through her meal she sat back and looked around the table.
" i have decided that we shall acompany you to scottland sir.. the least we can do is meet this marquees."

looking to grace " be sure you have everything to go.. we must leave in a few hours."

grace was shocked, there was no way she would be able to pack her belongings in that amount of time. but she neednt worry about much. as her mama then announced that she was to take nothing but her clothing with her.

feeling very confused but unwilling to start yet another argument with her mother so early in the day she simply knoded her head and wondered why her mother would deny her the opertunity to bring her belonging's with her.

looking to callum who had a regretfull look on his face. she excused herself and called to marie to join her. leaving the dining room she began to run up the stairs as soon as she was out of sight. explaining to marie the urgency that things where to be done. entering her room she began packing as quickly as they could. stuffing her dress's and such into trunks. when marie left to do her own packing grace took the opertunity to grab a few trinkets that her father had given her.

stuffing 3 books a china dall and her jewlery in the bottom of her trunk she slamed it shut and locked it. slipping the key into her waist band.

it was less than an hour later and she was ready to go.