Fascination

[schmoe_128]

Arran was a bit shocked when Mrs. Wren walked into his dining room without Grace, Marie, or James. "Good morn, Mrs. Wren, I trust you slept well." he said giving her an evil look. "I trust you have recieved my breakfast request, however I wished to speak with Grace alone prior to our eating." he said as Grace and Marie were escorted into the room by James.

"James, please take Mrs. Wren and Marie into the hall and close the door as you leave. Grace, please sit with me." he said and waited for the other three to leave the room.

"Miss Grace...' he started after she sat ad they were alone "... I was informed of the way your mother treated you last night in your chambers. The words she used to you. I want you to know that such outbursts towards the mistress of this castle will not be tollerated. And that I intend to inform her of that." he said as he took her hand.

"She is to know that she is a guest in this castle and can be removed just as easily as she arrived." he said looking deep into her eyes before calling for James to escort Mrs. Wren to her seat.

 

[macmillian]

The night page came to Marie's door just before sunrise and knocked. I was already up and dressed when I answered the door. I dismissed the page and sent him on his way. I woke the sounly sleeping Marie and kissed her gently and told her to rise and prepare for a new day. I would be back at eight to escort her and Grace to the Lord's private dinning room.

I left and returned to my quarters and changed into clean and proper clothes for my station. I arrived and I found Marie with her Mistress Grace and they both informed me that Mrs Wren was already on her way to see Lord Arran.

"How the devil did she do that?" I asked no one in particular. She hasn't been here long enough to form any alliances or make friends with the staff.

"Well, back to the present. You ladies do look radiant this morning. Mistress Grace, your morning attire does you great justice. The color is beautiful. I hope that soon I may adress you as " Lady " Grace." I give her my best bow.

"Good morning Miss Marie, your color is much better this day. Our country Scottish air must agree with you and if your mistress will allow me, you too look very nice this morning. Shall we go. I fear that Lord Arran will be looking for us.

We arrived and I escorted the Ladies into the room where Lord Arran and Mrs Wren were. Upon our arrival, Lord Arran directed me to escort Mrs Wren and Marie to the sitting room just down the hall. He was going to speak with Mistress Grace alone. Mrs Wren, Marie and I left the room and closed the door as we left.

 

[slippedhalo]

In the early morning hours, just a quarter to eight Marie awoke as if from a pleasant dream only to find it was indeed reality. James lie with his arms wrapped protectively around her and she smiled at him sleeping so sweetly in her bed. She realized the time, though ans nudged him awake, "James," she whispered, "James, we have to prepared them for their breakfast, remember? I have to go to Miss Grace, but I hope to see you alone later, so we can talk...about...this." she said, realizing she had never made him promise anything to her before giving her flower away and now she worried she might have ruined herself in her hastiness.

She rose and dressed quickly once she saw James groggily coming to. She smiled at him and kissed him good morning, then went through the door to Grace's room. "Miss Grace, I am pleased to see you're dressed already. We must get you down to meet with Lord Arran and your mother for breakfast. It is a very important meeting."

 

[slippedhalo]

Arran smiled lightly as Marie and James seated themselves at the table and were served. He looked at Marie then at James "James, Marie, if it meets Miss Grace's approval, I think the four of us shall have our breakfast together every morning to allow us to discudd the coming day. You will still be required to serve us first, then you are welcome to join. Your duties outside of this room will not change with the exception Marie of you only dedicating your services to Grace's needs only. Unless of course she directs you otherwise." he said, looking around the table. "I sense there is a closer relationship between you and Grace than Mistress and maid as there is between James and I. And, I feel a meal is much moe pleasurable with others." he said as he finished his breakfast.

Marie nodded, swallowing a sip of orange juice she had squeezed herself earlier that day. "Thank you again, Lord Arran. I am honored that you and Miss Grace feel this way. I will do my best not to offend with my presence during breakfasts." she promised solumnly. "and I will always take the best care of Miss Grace." she finished with a smile Grace's way, which extended itsef around the table once again, falling, of course, to land upon James for an extra second before continuing her breakfast.

 

[macmillian]

Marie nodded and promtly went to get Miss Grace some tea. She passed James in the corridor and whispered to him so that only he could hear, "Morning, my love." She almost laughed at the way she'd turned his head so quickly he almost dropped the tray he was carrying but recovered just in time. She smiled at him over her shoulder before getting the tea and returning with it for Miss Grace.

Now that was a surpriese to me. I had the feeling that I didn't quite come up to her expectations. I must be wrong. I now felt much better. As soon as Arran married Miss Grace there was a confession I would have to make. I had waited this long to say anything because that is what I'd promised his father.

When Lord Arran Asked us to join him and Miss Grace, I was amazed but not shocked as I have dined with him in the past. I could see that Marie was surprised at the offer and a little hesitant too.

We sat and had breakfast and it was a good meal. Grace didn't seem to eat much, but then Marie was eating and she also began to eat. Like my Lord, we both have healthy appitites and this was a good.

Finishing my breakfast, I rise, "With my Lords' permission, I wll begin to clear the table."

 

[icu1978]

grace looed to arran as the plate where being cleared. and with a nervouse trimmer in her voice she finally spoke what she had been thinking all morning.

whispering softly to him as she leaned towards him" arran i know time is of upper most importance in this situation.....i was thinking perhaps we could forgo all the niceties and marry as soon as you can arrange it.. perhaps then mama will ...settle down and act more herself?"

she felt emberassed and to terrably bold speaking like this but it was what she wanted. with her mama acting like queen bee she was very affraid that she would turn grace's small private wedding day into a circus and that was the last thing she wanted.. oh she knew that it was standerd practice to have large grand weddings but grace had never liked being the center of attention. it made her nervouse.

looking to arran her eye's meeting his as he thought over her request. her heart was pounding in her chest and she wondered if he could hear it as loudly she could. she hoped he did not think her to forward for having made such a request of him.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie's heart leapt with joy for Miss Grace upon the suggestion that Grace and Lord Arran marry sooner rather than later. Marie snuck a glance James's way to guage his reaction to hearing this.

 

[schmoe_128]

Arran

Arran sat and thought about Grace's suggestion, wondering if she knew what marriage to him would all entail. An heir being of the utmost importance. He smiled at Grace "My dear Grace, it is to be your day, and it will be however and whenever you wish it to be. Honestly my dear, it could be done today if that is what you wish." he said holding her hand, squeezing it gently for reassurance.

He hoped the marriage would help Grace become more assertive towards her mother. To become the woman he believed she could be after the brief time he'd known her.

 

[icu1978]

smiling brightly her entire face lighting up like a child on christmas morning she laughed and knodded her head. " then it will be today... if you are sure you do not mind."

she had yet to think about how she was to get with child to provide him with an heir, she just figured that that would happen naturaly after the wedding.
she was still unable to stop smiling as she thought of the perfect dress to wear for her wedding day.

thinking that after the wedding was performed she would have to have a little talk with her mama. the woman was going to have to go back to london there was no other way. she would never stay here peacefully and grace was not going to be a married woman still being dominated by her mother.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie squaled with excitement and embraced Miss Grace in her happiness for her. "Congratulations, Miss Grace! Oh, I'm so happy for you. Shall we go now to find a dress for you to wear on this auspicious day?"

 

[icu1978]

grace huged marie back tightly. " yes i think we had better leave the gentlemes to their preperations." standing she walked with marie arm and arm from the room their heads togethor like school girls. looking over her shoulder as they left the room she smiled at arran and then she closed the door. she and marie nearly ran down the stairs and halls to their rooms. steping inside the room grace looked around and ran her fingers through her long hair.

" there is so much to be done marie. we must hurry. i need a bath and to dress and oooh this hair of mine.. i hope you can work another miracle marie."

grabing the other girls she twirled around the room laughing " oooh marie can you believe this is happening."

 

[schmoe_128]

James had been in the kitchen when most of the conversation had taken place. When he returned to the dining room, he noticed Marie and Grace had left. "James, we have preparations to make. Grace and I are to be wed today. I feel that after the outburst from her mother last night and this morn, she wants to be wed to rid herself of her mothers control. We shall have a small ceremony in the castle chapel. A small meal with the key staff of the castle, and no ball, no large celebrations. Not yet, maybe when a child is born." he said as he beamed from ear to ear.

"Please put your most trust worthy people on it, and please come to my rooms when you are ready, we need to find me the perfcet attire." he said as he stood and walked from the room.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie went right to work, getting Miss Grace's bath ready and setting out some of her finest gowns for the girl to try on and decide upon. As for the hair, she already had a few ideas in mind and knew which dress she would change into as well.

 

[icu1978]

striping her dress off she steped into the hot bath marie had prepared for her and began washing her body from her head to her toes making she she had soaped up every inch of her body. when marie came in to pour the rince water over her she laughed. looking down at herself grace began laughing too. she looked like one large bubble. when marie poured the clean water over her head and it streamed down her young body taking the soap and suds with it she looked at marie and steped into teh towel the other woman held out for her.

when she was dryed and wraped in the towel she sat infront of the roaring fire and let her hair dry as she ran a brush through it over and over again. smiling grace noticed marie had picked several dresses out and layed them on the bed. "i like the white marie but it would make me look much to pale i am afraid. i think perhaps the very soft golden gown with the white on it. what do you think marie?" as marie answered grace smiled. " i want you to wear one of the others marie.. you are to stand beside me today. and i will not take no for an answer." laughing at marie's disturbed look grace turned back to the fire and continued brushing her hair until it was drya nd shining like a curtian of silver and the lite golden highlights glittered in the fire light.

standing she pulled on her under clothes before letting marie help her pull the gown on and lace it up the back. when it was time for grace's hair to be done she blew out a breath of air and rolled her eyes. sitting at the dressing table she let marie work her miracle.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie was pleased she was allowed to choose one of the other fine gowns for herself to wear. She had coveted the emerald green one which had gold and ivory colored trim and details. It was made from satin and silk, Marie had admired the gown for ages thinking it would compliment her dark green eyes and auburn hair beautifully but never having voiced that opinion before. The gown was worth half a year's salary for Marie and she had never even dreamed of wearing anything so fine. She simply gazed upon it now deciding silently to herself that it would be the one for her before setting to work on making Miss Grace's lovely hair into an even lovelier hairstyle.

By the time she was finished helping her, Miss Grace was a vision of unrivalled angelic beauty and Marie even felt she herself looked more stunning in this green gown and with her own hair done in an elaborate formal style unlike the simple bun she usually wore. She was impressed by the sight of the two of them in the mirror and nodded approvingly, "Miss Grace, I believe we will never be more ready." she stated evenly in her soft and gentle manner.

 

[schmoe_128]

Arran

Arran made his way to his rooms as James went to the kitchens to tell the people what was required, then to the chapel to tell the vicar that he was to prepare the chapel for the wedding.

Arran patiently waited for James to arrive with the water for his bath. As he entered Arran looked at him "I suppose we should inform the lovely Mrs. Wren about the plans for the day." he said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he started to prepare for his bath.

After James poured the water into the tub and he was soaping himself, he left to tell her. Arran washed his body and his hair, rinsing himself with clean water. He had just finished drying himself as James returned with a flushed look on his face.

"I see by the look on your face that went well." Arran said with a chuckle as James laid out his clothes and described the conversation to him.

Arran dressed in his best kilt, white shirt and dress black boots. His large black leather belt and shoulder strap. Over which he draped the tartan. He hung his purse from the belt and slid the claymore into it's holder. Next he slid the dirk into place and requested his tram. He slipped on the same black leather eye patch he'd worn the night before and looke at himself in the mirror.

"I think I am ready my friend. I think I should like to have you stand beside me fro the wedding James. Please, take the time to prepare yourself" he said to James with a smile. "Then, please tell the lovely ladies we can begin at their discretion." he said and made his way to the small chapel.

 

[icu1978]

when there was a light tap on the door marie and grace both turned to look at each other before marie went and opened it.

grace could see that the sight of each other in their finer clothing was shocking and breath taking to see even for her. standing back towards the shadows she let them have their moment.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie took in the sight of James all dressed up for a wedding, looking even more handsome than usual. A blush crept to her cheeks as she recalled that it had only been the night before that she had lain naked in his arms. She enjoyed the expression of pleased surprise on his face as he looked her over as a man who was re-examining his finest treasure.

 

[macmillian]

When Marie opened the door, I was not prepared for what greeted me. Air rushed from my lugs as I gazed upon the most lovely woman I have ever seen. She was a vision of loveliness, breathtaking and arousing at the same time.

"My Lord Arran Awaits your pleasure in the castles chapel." I announced after I regained my breath and composure.

I whispered just loud enough for Marie to hear me: Marie my love. You are beautiful, very beautiful indeed. When our duty is done tonight, may I see you again? You don't have to answer now, but think about it. You have done what no other woman has, you have stolen my heart.

"Marie, May I please see your Mistress now!" I said loud enough for Grace to hear and could now come forward. When she stepped out from the shadows, I lost my breath for the second time. Marie was beautiful, but to compare the two would not be correct. Miss Grace was gorgeous. Lord Arran would be most pleased.

"My Lady!," and I bowed deeply to her. "Lord Arran waits on your pleasure and when you are ready. I am to escort you to the chapel. May I also say that you look magnificant, Beautiful and commanding....."

 

[icu1978]

blushing she bowed her head. " thank you james.. i think we are all ready to go." lifting her skirts she followed james from the room with marie beside her. as they reached the doors to the chapel she stoped and gently laid her hand on james' arm.." is there a way you could keep my mama from coming in until it is done?" at his look of understanding she knodded and entered the chapel.

she could smell the incense and herbs along with the heavey sent of bees wax candles as soon as she had steped through the door. closing her eyes she took a deep breath and held it a moment before she released it and then slowly opening her eyes she began to walk down the long isle to the fron of the chapel where arran wass waiting with a short stalky man in robes.

standing next to him her eyes where only for arran. her heart was beating wildly and her pulse was visable at the base of her neck. when the preist cleared his throat grace turned her head and looked at him for the breifest of moments before turning her gaze back to the man standing beside her.

 

[macmillian]

As I was about to close the chapel doors, they were pushed open and Mrs Wren and and the head of the household staff entered and they both took a place in the pews about half way to the front of the chapel. My lady's first request and I was unable to do as she requested.

I hurried down the side aisle and stood next to Lord Arrand before Miss Grace arrived on his left. I smilled across at Marie. Both our charges were looking at each other and I think they were barely paying attention to the officiating clergyman.

Standing in the chapel were the chief principles of the castle. Callum, The Captain of the Guard with four men to form an honor guard, The Wardens of the estate (Grounds), the local Magistrate and our head of Household and Mrs. Wren. These made up the witnesses to the marriage. If everything goes as planed, we would be out of the chapel in less time then it does to eat a meal.

 

[slippedhalo]

Once at the front of the chapel Grace finally stood still long enough for Marie to adjust her skirts one last time. Marie was pleased to see everyone else was as impressed with her charge's beauty and her handiwork as she had been. She stole a glance at James from across the aisle and smiled at him secretly. She mouthed the words to him, "Tonight. "

 

[schmoe_128]

Arran stood in the chapel, waiting patiently. When he heard the doors open and saw Marie and Grace in the doorway, his jaw dropped slightly. He had thought Grace to be beautiful before, but now realized how well Callum had chosen his bride. Marie too made a strikingly beautiful woman, "any man would be blessed with her" he tought to himself.

He smiled at Marie as she walked up the aisle and stood to the side. He nodded approvingly as James hurried to the front after trying to hold off the storming Mrs. Wren. He watched lovingly as Grace made her way gracefully up the aisle and stood next to him. They were unable to take their eyes from eachother and he barely heard the vicars words as they went through the ceremony.

They professed their love for eachother in the breif ceremony. Occasionally a hufff could be heard coming from the direction of Mrs. Wren, and they both did their best to ignore her.

They moved to the dining room after the ceremont and enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by the kitchen. Arran and Grace were almost inseperable through the entire thing.

 

[icu1978]

grace sat next to arran seh was unable to concintrate on the meal that had been placed infront of her and mearly picked at it. when she cuaght sight of her mother from the corner of her eye she turned and looked at the older woman." what is it mother.. why are you so sour looking.. is this not what you wanted? i am married to a wealthy.. (giggling) older gentlman.." looking at arran with a smile she reached out and placed her hand inside his larger one.

mrs.wren huffed and threw her napkin on the table. " i refuse to take part in this. you ungreatfull child.
she started to stand was was startled by her daughter slaming her hands on the table and standing to lean over towards her. leaning back mrs.wren eyes widend she had never known her daughter to have a back bone let alone a temper.

grace stood there angeir than she had ever been " you where not invited mama.. and i care very little for what you will stand for anymore.. i am not a child i am a woman grown with a husband and hopefully we will have a housefully of buetifull little children running around our home.. and i will NEVER treat my children as you have me.. you madam are lacking a heart." with that said she looked to james standing next to marie ." will you please arrange for a carriage james? my mama will be departing within the hour.. for london." with that she looked to her mrs.wren her silver eyes sparkling in the sunlight." your not welcome here from the moment you step this moment i do not wish to set eyes on you again.. you will never know your grandchildren."

with that she turned and fled the dining room taking the stairs as fst as she could. she ran to her room and flung herself on the bed.

 

[schmoe_128]

Arran

Arran sat in awe of the display his new bride had shown. Awe and pride. As Grace left the room, he turned to Mrs. Wren "I hope maddam that you are satisfied. Not only have you ruined that wonderful girls childhood, you have also ruined her wedding day. I fully agree with her, you are not welcome in this house, and as far as I am concerned you may rot in hell. James, you heard the lady of the house, please make the needed arrangements." he said and left to follow Grace.

He went to her rooms and knocked lightly on the door before entering. She was lying on the bed, sobbing. He went to her nad sat beside her, resting his hand on her back "I am very proud of you my love. It showed great strength to satnd up to her the way you did." he said as he bent down to kiss her cheek.

"We will never need be troubled by her again if that is what you want. I would not want her to treat our children the way she has treated you." he said as he brushed her hair from her face.