The Calling Chapter 5
A/N: thanks again, to mingsmommy, for being my back bone with this story, for helping, guiding and making me better, oh and for not beating me too hard, even though sometimes I need it! Thank you to everyone for the reviews. This story has become very passionate to me and I’m hoping it will be very special. Pleeeeease review and let me know how you feel!
Chapter 5
Stepping into the house Grissom was immediately greeted by two servants waiting in the entrance hall.
“Good evening, Mister Grissom, sir,” the male spoke, bowing his head.
“Good evening,” Grissom replied with a smile but not quite sure how the servant knew who he was.
“If you care to follow Rana, sir, she will escort you to Captain Sidle and his guests.”
“Thank you,” Grissom began, “have all the guests arrived yet?”
“No sir, just Mr Braun’s daughter, Lady Catherine Willows and her niece.”
“Samuel Braun?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Lady Catherine?” Grissom was bemused. Since when was she a lady? In more ways than one, Catherine Braun was never that. Fine, her father was rich and she was always spoiled, but a lady? Obviously she wasn’t the same woman she was all those years ago. At least he hoped so; she would never leave him alone. At least the name meant she had married, so maybe he was safe.
The servant merely nodded and gestured for Grissom to follow Rana and he complied with curious thoughts.
Rana led Grissom to the living room and he immediately spotted the small group of people talking by the open veranda doors, two servants standing close by, ready to meet their every need. The small group was so engrossed in conversation they didn’t notice him.
“I will announce you, sir,” Rana began.
“No, no.” Grissom said quickly, “Not necessary.”
A slight frown knitted Rana’s brow, it was custom for her to announce the guests. “Are you sure, sir?”
“I’m sure, but thank you.”
With a simple nod Rana backed away before returning to the entrance to wait for the other guests.
Watching the four people chat and walking into the room quietly, Grissom recognized Catherine immediately. She hadn’t changed much at all. Enjoying the light breeze which was floating in from the open doors, Grissom took a satisfying deep breath and prepared to say hello; but before he got the opportunity Catherine turned her head in his direction.
“Oh, my word,” escaped from Catherine’s mouth and the four people turned to look at Grissom.
“Gil!” The captain proclaimed happily strolling towards Grissom and placing a firm arm around his shoulder. “I’m glad you came.”
With an unsure smile Grissom nodded.
“And,” Captain Sidle whispered with a grin, “I have to say my boy, I think the suit looks better on you than it ever did on me, I am exceedingly impressed.”
Clearing his throat with minor embarrassment Grissom looked down at his attire. He may look good but it didn’t mean he felt comfortable; he just wasn’t used to this.
“Well, come say hello; I believe there is an old friend for you to get reacquainted with.”
The captain led Grissom towards the three ladies and Grissom observed how each of them seemed to be ogling him. He felt his cheeks reddening.
“Good evening, Gil,” Laura smiled looking him over from head to toe. “You look very handsome tonight.”
“Thank you.” Grissom blushed before his eyes moved to Catherine.
“I’ll second that,” Catherine grinned at him. “It’s been a long time, Gilbert Grissom.” She held out her hand.
With a nod, Grissom took her hand and kissed it lightly. The delightful fragrance of roses in blossom caught his nostrils and he found it most pleasing. “It’s good to see you, Catherine, and yes, it has been a long time.”
“Too long,” she retorted with a sparkle in her eye and a seductive grin highlighting her lips.
Grissom found his right brow rising and cleared his throat nervously. “And who is this lovely lady?” He asked gazing at the young woman by Catherine’s side, quickly changing the subject.
Catherine smiled; “This is my niece, Sofia Willows.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Willows.”
Sofia smiled as he kissed her hand. “A pleasure to meet you, too; my aunt has always spoke about you. It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”
Grissom smiled, wondering exactly what Catherine had told her about him.
“What would you like to drink, Gil?” Captain Sidle asked.
“Oh, um,” Grissom hesitated, he wasn’t a big drinker, he never had been.
“Come on, Gil,” the captain urged noticing his hesitation, “we are here to enjoy ourselves, relax and have some fun.”
Letting out a short breath Grissom gave in. “Very well, I’ll have a scotch.”
With a grin, the captain clicked his fingers and one of his servants was there in an instance.
“Yes, sir?”
“Scotch,” the captain said quickly, “a large one.”
“Yes, sir.” The servant turned and headed to the fine rustic colored, demilune shaped bar in the center of the far wall and prepared the drink, returning quickly.
“Your drink, sir,” he held out the silver tray to Grissom.
“Thank you,” Grissom replied, taking the drink. Placing the glass to his lips he sipped lightly and enjoyed the strong oaky flavor on his tongue.
“So,” Catherine began, “where have you been hiding all these years?”
Swirling the contents of his glass in smooth circles Grissom considered Catherine’s question with a quaint grin. All eyes fell upon him as he failed to answer immediately. Eventually, he opened his mouth to speak but he was interrupted….
“Colonel Jeffrey Mckeen and Hank Pedigrew,” was announced by Rana.
“Ah,” the captain looked over with a smile and the two men headed in the groups direction.
Grissom watched as Captain Sidle extended his hand to Mckeen, “Good to see you, Jeffrey.”
“Good to see you, too, Thomas,” Mckeen replied. “I thank you for the invitation.”
“My pleasure,” the captain shifted his gaze to Hank and again extended his hand. “Good to see you too, Hank.”
Shaking the ranchers hand Hank smiled. “A pleasure to see you as well, sir.”
“Sara will be down shortly,” the captain continued with a slender grin and Grissom noted how Hank’s smile broadened.
Captain Sidle led the two men to his guests after requesting their drinks from the servants.
All the guests exchanged hellos and pleasantries, all knowing each other until it came to Grissom.
“Jeffrey, Hank this is Gil Grissom,” Captain Sidle pointed out when they reached him. “Gil, this is Colonel Jeffrey Mckeen and his nephew Hank Pettigrew.”
Grissom shook each man’s hand in turn, “Pleasure to see you again, Colonel, and to meet you, Hank.” Grissom spoke respectively. Although his hand shake with Hank seemed a little rougher and Grissom noticed how the younger man seemed to glare at him.
“Ah yes, I remember you,” Mckeen began. “You lived here, oh, some time ago, right?”
Grissom nodded, “Yes sir, I left some years ago.”
“Yesss…” Mckeen continued, “the horse boy, you had an amazing relationship with the horses and if I recall, you were a fine worker too.”
A gentle chuckle escaped Grissom’s lips, “Thank you and yes that would be me.” Grissom did his utmost not to sound immodest. “And I still get on well with the horses sir.”
“Good, lad, good! Nice to see you, are you staying long?”
Grissom stood still as Captain Sidle patted him on the back.
“Hopefully,” the captain replied for him and Mckeen merely nodded in return before looking at Hank; he didn’t look too impressed and Grissom noticed.
“Well, gentlemen, here are your drinks,” the captain urged them to take their refreshments from the servant. “Ladies would you like a top up?”
The three women all sounded their agreement and their glasses of champagne were quickly replaced before everyone dispersed into small groups to chat.
Grissom remained by the open doors and watched as Mckeen seemed to drag Hank into a corner where the two whispered, Sofia chatted with Captain Sidle and Laura, then Grissom felt a tug on his arm and came face to face with Catherine.
“Hello,” she said softly.
“Hello,” Grissom smiled, finishing his drink.
“You, too, look like you need a top up,” Catherine gestured to his empty glass.
Shaking his head Grissom found himself biting on his bottom lip. “I’m fine.”
“Nonsense,” Catherine grinned grabbing the attention of one of the servants. She took his empty glass and handed it to the willing helper who refilled it quickly and returned it to Grissom.
“You see, you just need a woman’s touch.”
Feeling his gut clench Grissom averted his gaze from Catherine and took a heavy swig from the glass before smiling weakly.
“I think you are required.” He inclined his head towards Sofia beckoning her aunt.
Catherine frowned before sighing. “Don’t think you are getting away with this,” she said quickly before heading towards Sofia.
Slightly shaking his head, Grissom thanked the gods for the interruption. Catherine Willows could just not leave things alone; he turned and looked outside, and for a few quiet moments, enjoyed the peace and quiet, but only briefly…
Sensing a presence, Grissom returned his glance into the room and looked around until his eyes settled on the doorway. His glance falling upon one thing and one thing only - Sara. He was mesmerized. He was transfixed, glued to the spot. She looked - amazing.
The dress she wore, well, he couldn’t quite seem to find a word for it as he took in every inch of the garment and the way it complemented her body. The gown contained all necessary elements for showing off her fine figure and graceful movements. There was something especially beautiful too, in the expanse of her chest and shoulders in the tight light-coloured high dress, merino or silk, he wasn’t quite sure which, but it was like a fair sloping sunny bank, with the long taper arms and the slender waist so graceful and elegant.
And then the long full folds of the skirt which lie all close together like the flutings of an Ionic column, as if born to quit at that sweet waist, but expand gradually below as if fearing to fetter those fair feet.
Grissom was sure he shuddered but then their eyes locked for a brief moment and he knew he did but then as Sara’s eyes scanned his body, the cool shudder he felt moments before became an almightily blast of heat rushing through his blood.
Looking back into his eyes Sara smiled graciously.
Returning Sara’s smile Grissom watched as Captain Sidle called his daughter and she entered the room.
“Good evening, father, mother,” Sara greeted her parents.
“Good evening, my dear,” Captain Sidle looked his daughter over, “and may I say you are looking particularly beautiful this evening? It’s nice to see you in a dress rather than your riding attire.”
With a mock smile, Sara thanked her father.
“Hank is here,” the Captain glanced across the room to where Hank was standing with his uncle.
Sara cringed as she watched Hank down the glass of bourbon. “I can see that father, yes, thank you. But please,” she implored, “I would like a pleasant evening, no matching, please,” her voice now held a tone of desperation.
“Nonsense, Sara! We are all here to enjoy ourselves are we not? So the least you can do is mingle, no? If you make an effort, then I will not need too will I?”
With a heavy sigh Sara looked to her mother. Laura quickly averted her gaze and scuttled away to talk to Catherine. Although, she did grin to herself noticing the way that Grissom was watching Sara.
The captain took a glass of champagne from the servant circulating the room and handed it to Sara. She took it quickly, taking a swift gulp from the glass and the sparkling alcohol felt welcoming on her tongue.
“Sara?” The captain questioned strongly.
Fighting hard not to roll her eyes Sara took another gulp from the glass. “Fine, father, I will make an effort, alright? But I am only here to enjoy the party right, not find a husband?”
Captain Sidle pondered the question and Sara frowned.
“Father!” Sara snapped knowing exactly what he was thinking.
Holding up his hands in defense Captain Sidle chuckled. “Fine, Sara. I will let this go, for now, but mark my words my dear; we will come back to this. Just enjoy the party.”
With a sigh and a shake of her head Sara walked around her father and with a little hesitation headed towards Hank and Mckeen.
Seeing Sara approaching, Hank smiled broadly.
“Good evening, gentlemen,” Sara said softly, clinging to her glass tightly.
“My dear,” Mckeen nodded taking Sara’s hand and lightly kissing the back.
“Hello, Sara,” Hank replied with a lot more appreciation. “You look delightful tonight.”
“Thank you,” Sara replied, giving Hank a fake smile before turning her head for a brief moment, her eyes again falling upon Grissom who was still looking at her. She felt a shiver creep down her spine.
“Shall we go out onto the veranda and enjoy this beautiful evening a little before dinner?” The Captain suggested to his guests.
Everyone muttered their agreement and headed outside but as Sara headed out, her father stopped her.
“Have you seen Nicholas and Gregory?” He asked firmly.
Feeling her eyes widen Sara tried to look innocent; she knew they had gone into town again. “Why no, father,” she lied, not wanting to get them into trouble.
The captain sighed rubbing his hand along his beard, “I told those boys I wanted them here tonight. I swear I will swing for them one of these days.”
Sara tried not to grin. “They’re just having fun father.”
She watched her father grit his teeth.
“They may still be young, Sara, but they need to learn some responsibility. You just wait until I get hold of them. Their mother would not be happy with me if she were here today.”
Taking her father’s arm Sara smiled. “You are a good father, they will come around. Now, do you not have a party to enjoy?”
Captain Sidle smiled and placed his hand over his daughters which clung softly to his arm. “Indeed we do.” He escorted Sara outside to join the others.
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
As Grissom leaned over the railing, looking out onto the grounds he heard someone approaching and turned to find Catherine invading his personal space again.
“Hi,” she grinned.
“Hi,” Grissom responded feeling a little uncomfortable at the lack of distance between himself and the lady in front of him. Thinking quickly he stepped to the side, “Can I get you another drink?” He asked before heading back towards the living room.
Catherine chuckled and grabbed his arm, “Are you running away from me?”
Biting on his bottom lip Grissom turned back to face her, “Of course not,” he lied, his eyes flicking to Sara who was now chatting with Sofia, then back to Catherine in less than an instant. “It’s just that your glass is almost empty; so, I was just being polite.”
“Well, my glass will be filled when the staff come by. So…”
Grissom’s brow rose. “So?”
“Where have you been all these years?” Catherine probed. “And why have you suddenly returned?”
“Well,” Grissom sighed, “I returned at Captain Sidle’s request and as to where I have been? Well, that may take some time, so, why don’t we leave it for a more fitting occasion. What about you?” He changed the subject quickly. “A lady I see?”
Grissom watched as Catherine pursed her lips. “Fine Gil, we can leave your mystery past for now, but mark my words you won’t get away with it forever.”
“With you around,” Grissom grinned, “I didn’t think I would be able too.”
Catherine smiled.
“So,” Grissom continued, “I gather there is a Lord Willows? Although, I did not notice a ring on your finger.”
“Ah, Edward,” Catherine began. “Edward passed away last year.”
“Oh,” Grissom worked his jaw a little, “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Catherine spoke softly. “He was as good as a husband as he was a father, and he failed miserably at both.”
“You have children?” Grissom asked with an arched brow.
“Yes, one daughter. Lindsey, she is almost six.”
“Wow,” Grissom whispered, a little shocked, “I would have never guessed.”
With a gentle snigger Catherine reached over to straighten Grissom’s bow tie. “And why would that be, Mr Grissom?”
Feeling himself tense under Catherine’s attention Grissom swallowed hard.
“Still the timid one, I see,” Catherine smirked removing her hand, “but you still have to answer my question.”
“I just never saw you as the motherly type, that’s all, but that was a long time ago; so, I was wrong, people change.” Grissom finally managed to get out.
“They certainly do,” Catherine sighed contently, “but not everyone,” she smiled.
Cocking his head Grissom studied her carefully before smiling back. “You haven’t changed at all have you?”
“Wait and see,” she chuckled before walking away to get herself a refill.
A sigh of relief breezed from Grissom lips, turning; he leaned over the veranda rail once more and listened to the sound of chirping crickets reciting their nightly chorus. Unlike others, he actually loved that sound, it was pure and it was nature.
Then the sweetest sound hit his ears.
“Hello,” the soft voice floated from behind him and he spun around quickly.
As soon as his eyes met Sara’s, standing just a few feet away, he smiled and for the first time that evening, he smiled sincerely.
“Hello,” he replied tenderly, feeling his heart flutter as Sara returned his smile.
“I see,” Sara turned her head to Catherine then back to Grissom with a grin, “that Lady Catherine is very chatty this evening.”
“Yes, she is attempting to probe,” Grissom admitted.
Sara chuckled, sipping her champagne and the sparkling fizz tickled her nose, “She always does, and what exactly is she attempting to discover?”
Grissom shrugged his shoulders, “Nothing important, just where I have been for the past fourteen years, and why I have returned.”
Coughing lightly on her drink, Sara looked a little startled. “And you don’t consider that important?”
“Not especially.”
Pouting her lips, Sara ran her finger slowly in circles over the top of her glass. “Lady Catherine isn’t the only one who would like to know why you have returned. My father has yet to share such information even with his daughter.” She raised her brow at him.
“Oh…” Grissom mumbled. “Well…I…” He stuttered, but was unable to finish before Captain Sidle cut him off capturing everyone’s attention.
“Well, gentlemen,” the captain began from across the veranda, “if you would like to find yourselves a lady it is time for dinner.” He took Laura by the hand and they headed back inside.
Mckeen held out his arm for Sofia and she took it with a smile. Grissom and Sara looked back at each other, their eyes saying exactly the same thing but before either had a chance to move their view to each other was suddenly blocked by two unwanted obstacles. Hank held his arm out to Sara and Catherine stepped in front of Grissom and beckoned for his.
Grissom and Sara managed to exchange another quick glance and both pairs of eyes held equal disappointment, but each of them managed to fake a smile to their beckoning partners. Sara took Hank’s arm, Catherine took Grissom’s and they headed inside for dinner.