Fascination

[macmillian]

"You be wary of her. When she's around, don't drop your guard. Always be prepared and don't argue with her. Let other's do that, not you. OK?'

I take your hand and place on my arm again and I lead you down a long corridor. We visit the great hall, the main dinning room, sitting rooms, the library, the chapel. We climb the stairs to the second floor and we walk out on one of the parapet's and look down into the courtyard and them the country surrounding the castle.

We return to your rooms so you can check on your mistress and you come back out. he is still sound asleep. We rise one more floor to the top level and I tell you this is where the lords apartments are. I can not show you those, but I will show you this and I lead you into another apartment. It has a main sitting room and fireplace, windows along one wall. Bookshelves in one corner and a sewing area near the windows. I show you the bedchamber and it's fine furnishings. Then another sleeping chamber, for the maid or hand madien. This in turn was followed by a small kitchen and prep area, along with pots, pans and dishes. on the far side was a private dinning room, large enough for four people. A fine table, four chairs, a side board and display case.

This will be the wife's apartment Marie. You are in the Vistors rooms now.
Mrs Wren will likely be moved to the otherside in the small apartment reserved for the inlaws. Well away from the Daughter, in this Case Grace.

Well what do you think of yor mistresses apartment? I did it all, or had it done. Did I forget anything? If I did you tell me and I will arrange for it to be done.

I hope that they shall like each other.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie looks at this apartment with new eyes now that she knows it is likely meant for Miss. Grace and herself. "Well, I can say your taste is impeccable, James, and I now see the similarities in choices of decor between these rooms and the guest rooms which you must have done yourself as well. By the way, I love the painting above my bed in the guest maid's room." she commented with a smile. She made a few minor adjustments, placement of furnishings where Grace would likely find them more comfortable or tasteful.

The room that would be hers was even better than the one she was currently in, with it's own fireplace and small sitting area with two chairs. The bed was larger as well and the the window had a window-seat with a stocked bookshelf on the wall just beneath it. She certainly couldn't complain about any of those additions to her life.

Marie also looked more closely at the bedchamber of the woman of the house. It was grand. The coloring was fairly neutral and allowed for Grace to choose additions according to her own tastes. "It all seems well done, James. I think Miss Grace would find it at the very least adequete but more likely, as lovely as I think it is." answered Marie finally.

She chuckled, "It's funny to see the maid has her own sitting space and a fireplace, it looks like a room meant to have guests in although I don't imagine I would ever have anyone join me in my room for brandy's by the fire. That just seems...adult compared to the life I am used to leading. Still, having the option to imagine such interesting company is enough, I suppose."

 

[macmillian]

"All compliments are gracefully accepted, I thank you very much Marie. By the way, If you should invite me to visit, I shall bring the Brandy "

I led Marie out into the main hall and down a short flight of stairs and across a parapet and walkway to a small turret that was set in among the many battlements of the castle. I opened the lock and pushed the door in and led Marie inside. I lit a Lantern and it threw a yellow light on the darkened room.

"Before we proceed, I need your promise that you will say nothing about what I am going to show you now. You will only discuss it when your Mistress Grace approaches you."

With that I lead you by the hand up the stairs to another lighter, brighter room. I turn you to face one wall and there is a portrait hanging there.

"Marie, His Lord Arran, He is twenty five years old there. Seven years ago.
He was a man , he and Callum and sometimes myself, who would chase the ladies, high born or low it did not matter. He was Young and an Hier was not required yet."

"shushhhhhhhhh, BE quiet and listen, when I finish you may ask all the questions you like." I turn you around to look at the opposite wall and there is another portrait of Lord Arran.

"That Marie is His Lord Arran today. He lost the eye while in prison after he was captured and tortured. He is now a lonely man in need of a wife, a mistress and a lover. All in one if need be. Do you think Grace can do it. Callum thinks she can. You are to say nothing, the Lord wishes to tell and show Grace on his terms. Not to scare or hurt her, but to show her how he looks and feels. Can you agree to what I had said and shown you, or do I have you removed from the castle and sent north to our hunting lodge alone."

"Now ask your questions or talk with me on what I have said. It is now the time and the place, for when we leave here, there will be no more said on the subject untill everything is revealed. I hope you will stay and help. If Grace is upset when she sees and hears all, you are the one she will come to and seek advice. Tell me now Marie, Can I trust you? I am now thinking to myself "I hope I can and that I have another person who wil serve my lord as she serves her lady now. I think this as I wait your reply and questions.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie thought on this new information. She said carefully, "I should hope, Miss Grace does not put as much stock in appearances as her mother does. I am not certain what she would think at first... but if she asked for my counsel, as she oft does, I would tell her that in my opinion the way a man looks means nothing in comparison to how he treats you." she said in her well thought, precise manner.

 

[macmillian]

"This mean you are with me. I am glad. You make a lovely co-conspiritor."

I smile at Marie and I hold out my hand and we shake.

"You speak you words well for a maid, Also you speak well of your Mistress. I hope she is what you say. My Lord is going to need her, you and me and all his friends. this is no way to make a pack with a lady", I release her hand and I take you in my arms and look into your eyes and place a light kiss upon your lips.

The deed is done and so is the deal.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie is shocked at the forward behavior of James as he kisses her upon the lips. She stiffens, slightly, uncertain how to respond but with a gasp as he pulls away and reagrds her with a smile. Marie brings her hands up to her burning cheeks to feel the heat there, and touches her still warm lips all the while her eyes wide with surprise as she stares back at James, speechless.

 

[icu1978]

Mrs.Wren~
grace lay naping on her bed when her mother comes in the elderly woman gasps to see her duaghter was actually asleep on such a monutal day. walking over to the bed she slaps the girls exposed leg. when grace sits up she glares at the girl. " get yourself up and call that maid of yours. you need to get ready for dinner."

Grace~
sitting up she looked at her mama then slid from the bed. walking to the small door between her room and marie's she knocks softly. when there is no answer the slowly opens it thinking that marie may be sleeping. steping in she see's that marie is not in her room. laying her forhead against the door frame grace took a moment. then turning she offered her mama a small smile.
" im sorry mama i forgot that i sent marie for a little snack. she should be back shortly." walking to the window she sat in a lovely chair that had been placed their. but before her rear end hit the seat her mama snaped " what are you doing child... give your mama that chair i am much older than you, my bones need to rest. you can stand."

with a sigh grace gets up and moves from the chair and window to sit on the end of her bed. she refused to stand when she still felt so tired. watching as her mother settled into the comftorable chair.
mrs.wren looks to her duaghter and takes a breath. get the dress you are to wear tonight out. and keep in mid that you are to meet your future husband this night. and something MUST be done about that hair."

standing and walking to her burow she opens the doors and looks inside. picking out a lovely gown of silver and white she carries it back to the bed and lays it across the bottom. she then pulls out her silver slippers and white hose. laying them with the dress. turning she looked to her mother. knowing the woman would not like her choise in attire but also knowing she would not brow beat her into changing her mind on this. the silver and white was perfect and looked the best on her. she just hoped marie would come back to the room before her mama decides to fix her hair herself.

 

[Gothmaster]

Callum Innes

Callum smile at his friend. "She is inspecting her room i suspect. She is quite nervous meeting you. Her mama think that you are an old man that will die any minute. Mrs. Wren is a greedy woman and just want to marry away her daughter and probably hoping you will die and leave everything to them."

 

[macmillian]

Marie is shocked at the forward behavior of James as he kisses her upon the lips. She stiffens, slightly, uncertain how to respond but with a gasp as he pulls away and reagrds her with a smile. Marie brings her hands up to her burning cheeks to feel the heat there, and touches her still warm lips all the while her eyes wide with surprise as she stares back at James, speechless.

"Ahhhhh Lass, everything is all right. A wee kiss to seal the bargin. The deed is done and the deal is sealed. You stay and help your mistress get through everything, your life here would at the least comfortable."

"Come now, I have kept you away a bit to long. I return you to your rooms"

The return to her room was accomplished quickly and when you knocked and entered Grace was standing by her bed and her mother sat in the chair by the window.

"I found Marie lost in the halls, and so I returned her here until a proper escortcan show her ways around the castle. I"ll have a kitchen maid brimg up fresh tea and cookies. About ten ,inuted. Ladies, Please excuse me.

closing the door I left.

********************************************************

I quickly climbed the stair to lord Arrans Library and knocked on the door.
Arran and Callum were inside and I waited to be asked to enter,
.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie is so quickly whisked back to the rooms of herself and Miss Grace that she hardly had time to think of what to say or do in response to the kiss. She had never been kissed before and even though this was a gentle peck, James is no family member of hers and therefore this was unusual to say the least. She wasn't angered or offended by it, just...surprised and taken aback. But, his aloofness afterward made her worry that her lack of response may have embarrassed or offended him. A thing she regretted.

As she stood before the Wren ladies waiting for orders, a part of her relived the moment and considered all the things she should have said or done so as not to have offended James. She liked him, she did not want him to be angry at her. The kiss still remained upon her lips and she very nearly touched them with her fingertips,twice as she thought about all she should have done. This was her one chance to experience a kiss. A woman her age would likely never be kissed again. She should have kissed him back, to know what it would be like to have even one passionate moment in her life. She should have done so many things, worried Marie, yet she did nothing and he swept her away to her 'family' again. Likely, he would never talk to her in friendliness again. Inwardly, she kicked herself.

 

[schmoe_128]

Arran

Callum smile at his friend. "She is inspecting her room i suspect. She is quite nervous meeting you. Her mama think that you are an old man that will die any minute. Mrs. Wren is a greedy woman and just want to marry away her daughter and probably hoping you will die and leave everything to them."

Arran looked at Callum as he told him the situation. "She will be upset with you that you lied to her. I am going to have to turn on the charm I guess to win her over. And my brother, what is my brides name?" he asked. "And her mothers? I should know before introductions are made."

 

[icu1978]

grace and Mrs.Wren seen marie enter the room. of course mrs. wren went on with her ranting about Grace and her UNlady like looks. Grace though was watching Marie, the girl had the strangest look on her face... as if she where lost deep inside her own thoughts. and she could swear that marie looked flushed. steping closer Grace placed her small hand on her friends shoulder.
" marie.. are you unwell?"

Mrs.Wren snaped at grace" well of course the chit is fine. get a move on grace you must pay attention to your dress and hair. Marie girl get her dressed and do something about that gawd awfull hair of hers. you know how i prefer her ot wear it.. up tight and pulled back. keep it as out of view as possible." with that said she stood and went to the door. opening it she looked back at the girls who still stood in the middle of the room." hurry up about it. i expect her to be ready when i come for her at the dinner hour."

with that she left the room shut the door behind her. Grace looked at marie and shruged. " i suppose we should get started... but i dont want my hair the way she said marie..make it look beutifull ok?" she turned and began removing her slippers and hose while sitting on the end of the bed. watching marie as she did so." what is wrong marie.. what happened while you where gone?"

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie blushed thinking it best not to be completely honest in this instance, "I...well, it wouldn't be right to tell about it,it's a little embarrassing anyway, but let's just say I would not mind living here at all." she said deflecting the question by getting right to work preparing Miss Grace for meeting the Lord. "Are you refreshed from your nap, Miss?" she asked.

 

[icu1978]

Grace stood looking at Marie for a moment before standing and removing her gown , preparing to put on the new gown she had chosen to wear to dinner.

"Are you refreshed from your nap, Miss?"
Grace looked up and gave a little shrug." i suppose im rested... im not so sure if im ready for all the rest that is to happen tonight." taking a breath as marie helped her into her gown and pulled the laces tight in the back." of course i suppose any young woman meeting her future husband for the first time would be a little duanted by the process." turning to face marie once the dress was in place she looked down at herself. and smiled giving a little shrug.

when marie guaded her to the dressing table she sat and closed her eyes as marie ran the bruch through her long white hair. opening her eyes she looked at the long strands in the looking glass. thinking to herself that her mama was right. no other young lady she had ever heard of had hair so white. she couldn't help but hope that the marquees wouldn't mind her unatural hair.

looking back into the looking glass she seen that marie had brushed her hair until is shown and the curled the ends and was pulling the sides up off her face. smiling Grace looked at the other woman in the mirror.
" mama will have our heads tonight... but i dont care it's lovely marie."

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie smiled, "I'm glad you like it, Miss. Tell me, what are some of the qualities you find most important in a good husband?" she asked, hoping that good looks were not one of the qualities Grace valued based on what Marie had been shown and told of the Lord.

 

[icu1978]

grace smiled and her eyes seemed to be looking into some place only she could go.

"oh marie.. more than anything i would like a husband that is kind and gentle with a good heart and understanding.... someone that..." she pauses and curls the end of a long strand of hair around her small finger." well some one that does not mind to much that i am not..... beutifull. at least in the usual usage of the word." looking up to marie her eyes glistening with unshed tears. taking the other girls hand in her own." marie.. do you think that he will be anything like i hope?"

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie nodded, "I think that is entirely possible, Miss. After all, you are not hoping for a man who is perfection himself, just accepting of one's flaws, as we all must be in order to find the best in a person, don't you think so?" she asked, hoping that she was planting a seed of compassion in Miss Grace's consciousness for her encounter later, inspiration to draw from that might keep her from making too hasty a decision based on outer beauty alone.

It wasn't long before the Mrs. Wren came to collect them so Marie had not the time to continue this conversation further.

 

[icu1978]

Mrs.wren opened the door and came to a halt as she stepe into the room. looking at marie and grace. steping further into the room she eyes grace up and down. her scathing look combing her from the toes of her little slipers to the top of her silvery white head.

" i thought i gave you specific direction as to how her hair was to be done marie." turning to her duaghters maid with a look of scorn on her face.

grace standing took a step toward her mama " i told maire to do my hair this way... i like it down." looking down at the plush carpet she waited for her mam's sharp tongued remark. but instead all she heard was a herumph before she felt her mothers eyes on her once again.

" well there is no time to redo it now. you'll just have to go as you are" steping closer so that she was standing nose to nose with her duaghter " but mark my words young lady, if you ruin this for me...us, i will send you away as soon as we are back in london. you my sweet will be on the first boat heading to the america's i can find.... so don't let me down grace."

turning to marie " you may take your meal with the other staff... im sure grace will call for you when we return to our rooms."
Mrs.wren grabed graces arm just above the elbo in what appeared to be a gentle grasp. only grace could feel the nails of her mothers hand digging into the tender flesh of her arm. " come along dear..it's time to go down to the parlor where we will wait for dinner to be anounced."

as grace was lead from the room she looked back a marie one last time and then turned to walk with her mother down the stairs.. her mama stoped once to command that one of the servants lead them to the correct parlor.

the young maid no more than a girl of 12 smiled and bobed her head as she lead the way. when they reached the parlor and mama had entered the empty room to take her seat grace hung back placing her hand on the young servant girls arm." would you mind returning to my rooms.. my maid is still there and im affraid she will get lost trying to find the kitchens." when the young girl smiled and bobed her head again grace turned to enter the parlor. taking a deep breath as if trying to fortify herself.

steping into the room she looked about the richly furnished room. her mama sat on a setee near a pinafor and grace opted to take a seat across the room from her near one of the large windows... but as she turned in that direction she heard her mothers sharp voice fill her ears. " get yourself over here and sit by me you twit.. it is the proper thing to do when meeting ones future husband."
this confused grace, how did her mother know what was expected and what wasn't when meeting ones possible fiencee for the first time. giving her mother the oddest look she turned in her direction and took a seat next to the woman on the settee.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie wondered if she would see James again at the servant's dinner table in the kitchens and felt a slight nervousness, a flutter of butterflies in her gut at the notion that she might. She hoped he didn't find her to be too daft to continue a friendship with. She doubted he'd ever try to kiss her again after the foolish way she had acted, failing to show any warmth or response. A knock on the door brought her out of her reverie and she rose to answer.

A young servant girl smiled and bowed slightly to her. "I'm Sarah. I've been told you may need help finding the kitchens so I have been sent to help you." said the girl in a voice as sweet as an angels.

"Thank you, Sarah." said Marie, following young Sarah's lead despite the fact that she really did know her way but that getting lost was simply an allabi to explain her wherabouts when Miss Wren had awoken to find her missing. Watching Sarah reminded her of herself at that age, working at the Beaumont residence, still grieving her father's death and working like a slave to pay off the debts of the funeral and burial the rich family refused to pay for as a way to show their respects for his years of service. She supposed if she had been older she might have been able to negotiate with them but as a mere child she was powerless when they had made the arrangements and informed her of her debt and how she'd pay it. This made her curious to find out how this child ended up a maid as well. "So, Sarah, how long have you been a maid here?"

Sara gave a half smile and looked down meekly, "Well, just these past six months, since my twelfth birthday. Only to help out my family and to pay for the school I'd like to go to when I'm fifteen." she answered. "My mother works in the kitchens but since my father died it's been difficult and she needed the help. I have six younger brothers and sisters." she explained.

"I see." said Marie as they descended the stone stairs entering the warmth of the kitchens. "Ah, here we are. Thank you so much Sarah and I myself have been also a maid since I was your age. You are very lucky to be able to go off to school in a few years. If you ever need someone to talk to who knows what it felt like to be such a young house servant please feel free to come and talk with me whenever you feel you'd like to." she said with a smile.

"Thank you, Miss Marie." said the girl with a shy, polite smile, nodding to her and to a woman who resembled an older, heavier version of herself who was stoking the oven at the other end of the room. Marie looked over her shoulder and caught the nod between mother and daughter before Sarah excused herself to finish her work upstairs. Marie smiled politely at the woman who watched Sarah go with pride in her eyes and then Marie walked into the dining area of the kitchen to find many of the house-staff had already assembled for their meal. She wondered if James would join them as well.

 

[macmillian]

There was no answer at the library door, so Lord Arran and Callum must be upstairs in his private sitting room. I went directly to his main apartments and set about getting his clothes ready for this evening. He had already informed me what he wanted to where. I took out his ceramonial kilt, tartan, and tram, Wide leather belt with shoulder strap. Highlander purse.

I brushed the tram and mad sure the feather was whole and undamaged. The kilt and tartan had been cleaned and pressed so I didn't have to worry about those. I pollished the leather and the bit of metal on his attire. His Lordship would chose his own weapons if he hadn't already done so.

I sat on the window seat and waited for his return.

I thought back to this afternoon with Marie. It was such a quiet and relaxing time. If Arran knew I had shown Marie, we would both be out in the cold. But I needed another allie in this beside Callum and Marie seemed to be the right choice. But, Why had I kissed her. I like her and I would enjoy getting to know her better. I took us both by surprise when I kissed her, we both didn't have time to respon. how odd, me , not being prepared. I never do anything on impulse. why kiss a maid?

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie helped a few of the ladies setting the table, her thoughts on Miss Grace and the meeting she was currently in, hoping all would turn out well with this match. Inevtiably, her thoughts turned once more to James. Seh couldn't help but dwell on it. She'd never been kissed like that before and it stirred something unidentifiable within her. When the table was set the people accumulated sat. There were a few empty seats at the end of the table, one acrossed from Marie. These were for late-comers and a second shift of dinner for those servants who were serving others during this normal dinner hour and would be eating later.

 

[icu1978]

grace looked at her mama's profile , it was easy to see that the older woman was becoming impatient with their host. getting up grace waled to the window ignoring her mama's hurumph of disaproval. walking to the window she tryed to look out but the darkness outside turned the panes of glass into mirrors that reflected the room back at her. a light rain must have started with out them realizing it for tiny droplets where on the window. lifting her finger she traced the path that the rain drops made.

looking over her should at her mama who was very agravated at having been left waiting for so long. turning her head Mrs.wren's sharp eyes fell on her duaghter. the girl was day dreaming again. she had always been one to live in her own dreams instead of staying in reality. rolling her eyes mrs.wren looked at the time peice on the mantle again. they had been sitting in the parlor awaiting their host for over an hour now. even the servents had surely had the dinner.

" while i never in my life have been treated so..so..shabbily"
turning grace looked at her mama. " mama are you sure this is the correct time for dinner?"
mrs.wrens look darkend as she looked at her daughter." well of course i am sure. is this or is this not the dinner hour?" clasping her hands in front of her and turned to the door when she heard foot steps aproaching. but when they did not hesitate at the parlor door but instead moved on passed it grace walked over and sat in a chair oposite her mama.
" mama please don't loose your temper, i am sure that the marqueese and sir callum will be joining us as soon as they can."

mrs.wren looked at her duaghter her lips thining and her eyes narrowing.
" do not presume to tell me how to behave child. i am your mother and you best remember that."

grace feeling much like the naughty child lowered her eyes." sorry mama"
after another fifteen minutes had passed grace looked to her mama and smiled." mama would you like me to play for you?" she knew that music always cheered her mama up and put her in a good mood.
when her mother knodded her head in agreement grace stoof and walked to the piano. sitting she placed her fingers on the keys, lightly touching each ivory key with her slinder fingers. she fell into a soft ballad that was her mama's favorite. hoping that witht he soft music her mama would also soften and forget her anger with their host.

the music filled the still air in the room and the tension seemed to drain from both grace and mrs.wren.

 

[schmoe_128]

I looked at Callum waiting for an answer "Their name is Wren. The girls name is Grace, and sorry to say, I do not know here mother's name." Callum said. "well, then we will have to wait until introductions are made at diner." I said with a frown. "We should go get ourselves eady for dinner." I said and we walked down to my main apartments and I walked in, seeing James waiting for me.

 

[macmillian]

I stood when Arran entered and gave a simple bow to acknowledge his rank.

"Sir, Everything is as you requested. I was not sure of which boots you required, so I prepared the dress blacks. Your socks and tights are in your bathing room. Will there be anything else, sir."

I assited him in removing the days garments and placed the soild garments in the basket by the door. Arran went in and washed and soon returned with the clean tights and socks on. His dark linen green shirt and then the kilt. His large black leather belt and shoulder strap. Over which we draped the tartan. He slipped on the drees black boots and I checked him once to be sure all was correct. He hung his purse from the belt and slid the claymore (type of sword)into it's holder. Next he slid the dirk into place and requested his tram (bonnet)

"Aye, My Lord........" I spoke, "You do still cut a dashing figure of a man. Are you going to meet Mistress Grace alone first or at the guest line in the receiving lounge."

He hesitated, but did not give me an answer.

"My Lord, If I may be so bold, I think that this eye patch will work out very well." I held out my hand with the eye covering made of fine leather to match the leather of his tram and belt. "I know my Lord's feeling of such things, but I ask as a favor to me. Wear it tonight. It will hide much, but also add something dark and mysterious to your character."

"If we are going to the Lounge, should I go and have the lighting dimmed?"

I stood and waited for further instructions. As if on cue, Master Callum arrived and he too was wearing his best Highland attire with the Plaid of the Clan he served.

 

[schmoe_128]

Arran

I reluctantly took the eye patch from James and slipped it onto my head. "I should like to meet her privately first, if she be ready in time and if her mother allows." I said. "If not, I shall meet her in the lounge."

"Ah Callum. Do you think Mrs. Wren will allow me to meet her daughter in private before dinner? You have met the woman and know her better than anyone in the castle what her feelings may be?" I said as he walked into the room.

He shook his head no, "I do not believe she would allow it." he said with onviction.

"So be it. I will meet them in the lounge then." I said as James led us into the hallway.