Calling chapter 6
Chapter 6
Captain Sidle sat at one end of the table, Laura at the other. Grissom was wedged between Catherine and Sofia on one side and Sara between Hank and McKeen on the other.
As the servants brought in a vast array of dishes and ensured all the guests had drinks, Grissom tried to keep a positive frame of mind. There seemed to be a light, pleasant atmosphere emanating around the room as everyone chatted quietly and more than he realized his eyes floated across the table to meet Sara’s. More often than not, she was looking right back at him.
The aromas of the many dishes, both sweet and savory tickled his nostrils and Grissom looked around the dinner table in disbelief after everything had been laid out. He had never seen so much food. Scattered around the table was a saddle of fine mutton, ham, beef, turkey, duck, eggs with greens, vegetables, potatoes, beets, hominy. The last dish he grinned at; always found at a fine dinner, made of white corn and beans. It was a very tasty dish; he didn’t often get to eat it.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen,” Captain Sidle stood, holding up his glass, “here is to friends and family. May they live well and prosper in all that they do. I thank you all for being here.”
Everyone held up their glasses and “To friends and family,” was spoken in unison by all.
The captain smiled and sat but upon hearing a throat being cleared he looked across the table. His eyes met Grissom’s.
“Captain would you mind if I say a few words and make a toast?” Grissom fiddled nervously with his napkin unsure of the appropriateness of his request.
“Certainly, Gil,” the rancher smiled. “Go ahead.”
Standing a little shakily, Grissom looked around the room to observe all eyes had fallen on him. He cleared his throat once more before taking a deep breath. He began -
“It has been a long time since I left Providence Grove, but I always had a good life while I was here and in all honesty, I faired rather well once I left. However, I do feel I owe the good fortune of my existence to two men.” He looked to Captain Sidle. “One is sitting at the head of your table; the other sadly, is no longer with us.” Grissom looked down to the floor briefly before raising his head. He held up his glass. “I would like to propose a toast to Albert Robbins, for being a man of honor, a man of passion and a man of kindness.” He looked around the table to each person in turn before continuing, stopping at the captain. “He saved my life and I will miss him dearly.” Grissom’s final words held a very evident tone of sadness and his voice cracked slightly.
One by one everyone held up their glasses and Captain Sidle nodded his respect to Grissom.
“Albert Robbins.” The captain stood and announced with pride.
“Albert Robbins,” the room returned together before sipping their drinks.
Grissom and the captain sat and Grissom’s glance again fell to Sara. She smiled in appreciation of his toast and Grissom found himself wondering just how many other people actually appreciated what he’d just said. He knew something just wasn’t right about The Grove, he just didn’t know what.
“Please, everyone,” Captain Sidle started. “Eat, or the food will be cold.”
There were general murmurs of approval and the feast began.
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After dinner and dessert came more drinks. Madeira, Port, Brandy or whatever was requested. The gentlemen moved to the lounge where they enjoyed their pipes and cigars. Well, everyone apart from Grissom. He wasn’t a smoker, but he found himself bearing it as he stood with the other men and attempted to join in the conversation.
All the ladies returned to the living room where they chatted lightly. Sara was fanning herself in an attempt to cool off a little. The air around the house was now warm and sticky and she just wished she could get out of her dress and into something more comfortable.
Back in the study the conversation shifted back to dinner.
“Moving speech you made earlier Grissom,” McKeen looked to Grissom before taking a tug on his pipe. His voice, Grissom noted, seemed flat with a lack of emotion.
“I merely like to give respect where respect is due, sir.”
“Indeed, my boy,” McKeen nodded, “Indeed.” He held us his glass for a refill.
Why did Grissom have the feeling McKeen was just playing with him? He seemed more interested in the refreshments than the conversation.
“Will you excuse me, gentlemen?” Grissom gave a slight bow and walked out into the hall. He didn’t quite know where he was heading, he just needed a break.
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Sara automatically nodded at a remark made by Catherine. The conversation rambling around her had fallen dead on her ears almost five minutes ago. She too needed a break and decided to get some air. Excusing herself, she headed towards the veranda.
Walking outside and down the veranda steps towards the garden, Sara took a satisfyingly deep breath and let the cool air fill her lungs. Closing her eyes for a brief second she enjoyed the quiet whilst leaning softly against a large oak tree. Far away from the party, she lapped up the sensual and serene environment.
“You’re missing the party…”
Clenching her eyes tightly at the intrusion, Sara turned slowly to see Hank approaching. She smiled weakly.
“I just needed a little air.”
“Hmmmm.” Hank stepped closer. “I have to say the moonlight highlights you perfectly, Sara.”
Sara felt her brow rise. “Um, thank you.” She took a small step backwards as Hank got closer.
“You don’t have to thank me, Sara,” Hank slurred. “I only give praise where praise is due.”
Reaching out with his right hand Hank brushed his fingers over Sara’s cheek and she jumped. With eyes wide, she took another step back.
“Hank, please,” Sara spoke softly. “I told you last time, I’m not ready for this yet, regardless of what my father may think.”
Hank folded his arms across his chest and sighed. “What do I have to do to make you ready, Sara? You know I like you, I’ve always liked you.”
Suddenly, Sara noted a change in his voice, firmer and more aggressive.
“You know we were made for each other, why won’t you let me make you happy?”
Swallowing hard Sara now wished she had stayed inside, next time; she will just bare the boring conversations. “You’ve had too much to drink Hank, just go back and enjoy the party. We can talk more when you are sober.” With that she attempted to turn back towards the garden but Hank lunged forward and grabbed her with force.
“What are you doing?” Sara gasped, half in fear, half in astonishment as Hank held her upper arms firmly.
“I want to know why, Sara?” Hank barked. “I’m offering you everything and yet you keep turning me away.”
Sara squirmed; his hold was now hurting her. “Hank, please…”
“Please what?” He laughed leaning forward, now trying to kiss her.
“No, Hank!” Sara struggled, attempting to break free from his tight grip.
“Come on, Sara, you know we’re meant to be together, I want it, your father wants it and I know you want it.” He almost stumbled forward now, putting more pressure onto Sara’s arms. He had definitely had one drink too many and as he breathed, the stench of his foul breath fell onto Sara; she cringed.
“I can give you everything, what else do I have to do to prove that I want you in my life, huh?”
Sara continued her vain struggle, but he wasn’t letting up, “Hank, please!”
Hank just grinned….
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“I believe the lady has declined your attentions and has asked to be released.” A calm voice drifted from behind them.
Hank jumped, releasing his grip on Sara as he spun around quickly.
Grissom stepped out from the darkness; his cool and narrow gaze clashed with Hank’s.
“Who the hell do you think you are to tell me what to do?” The younger man growled.
Stepping to the side Sara shuffled nervously, fiddling with her fingers as her glance floated between the two men and occasionally the floor. She felt herself swallow hard as Grissom took a firm step forwards.
“Did I tell you what to do?” The older man spoke softly and composed. “I believe I merely pointed out an obvious fact. The lady said no, but you didn’t seem to hear her wishes.”
Hank looked to Sara and she quickly looked away so he returned his attention back to Grissom.
“You have no idea what you are meddling with here, Grissom.” Hank spat. “You may have the captain under your thumb but you are nothing more than worker trash and you have no right poking your nose into my business or what I may, or may not do.”
Inhaling a deep breath and working his jaw slightly, Grissom tried to control the burn of anger churning in his stomach and rising up his throat. He stepped forward again, causing Hank to take a step back.
“I suggest you rejoin the party, Hank, while it’s still accommodating.” Grissom’s voice was still calm but held a good amount of steel.
Grissom watched as Hank furrowed his brow and he prepared himself for some kind of retaliation, but their confrontation was interrupted.
“Hank!”
Three heads turned to see McKeen looking over the veranda. “Hank, get up here, a matter has arisen and we need to depart.”
“Yes, Uncle!” The younger man called back and watched as McKeen disappeared out of site.
Giving Sara another quick glance before turning his head, Hank glared back at Grissom. “I’ll be seeing you around Grissom,” he snarled, a hint of threat very evident in his voice.
Grissom nodded. “More than you’d hoped for, I’m sure.” His expression was bland as the words left his mouth.
Hank turned and stomped heavily back up the veranda steps.
As soon as Grissom was satisfied he was gone he took a step closer to Sara. “Are you alright?” Grissom asked concerned.
Smiling weakly, Sara nodded. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“No need to thank me, Miss Sara. I just feel that a woman should be able to make her own choices and not have them forced upon her. Especially a woman of such integrity and beauty.”
Sara smiled. “Please, just call me Sara, the whole Miss thing, really, is for my father’s ears only.”
“As you wish.”
Sara found herself drawing a heavy inhalation as she looked into his eyes. “I do.”
Grissom returned her smile and held out his arm. “Would you allow me to escort you back inside?”
A tender grin pursed Sara’s lips and she slipped her arm through Grissom’s. “Thank you.”
Grissom held his smile as they walked slowly towards the veranda.
“Will you promise me something?” Sara asked quickly.
“Certainly,” Grissom responded although his brow furrowed. “If it is within my means.”
“Please do not tell father what just happened.”
Grissom stopped and looked at Sara confused. “Why?”
“Hank just had too much to drink; I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
“Sara he could have hurt you, he…”
“No,” Sara shook her head. “He isn’t usually like that and it’s my fault, he tries so hard I’m just not…” Sara looked away, “Just promise me you will not tell anyone; it will cause more trouble than it’s worth.”
Thinking hard, Grissom gnawed heavily on his bottom lip.
“Please!” Sara begged.
Grissom nodded. “As you wish.”
“Thank you,” Sara sighed with relief and they continued back towards the house.
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As they entered the living room, Grissom watched as Sara looked around it nervously, then noticed as her body relaxed. Hank was nowhere in sight.
“Ah, there you two are.” Captain Sidle appeared in front of them. “I wondered where you were. Getting acquainted?”
Sara looked at Grissom and then back to her father. “A little, we crossed paths in the garden. The air outside is quite lovely.”
The captain fiddled with his collar. “Yes it is a little stuffy in here; I could do with a little fresh air myself.”
“Did Colonel McKeen and Hank leave?” Sara asked.
“Yes,” the captain began. “A messenger came from his estate, he was needed.”
“Shame,” Sara whispered.
“Sorry my dear, what was that?” Her father appeared not to have heard her.
“Oh, nothing father, I’m just a little tired, I think I will turn in, if that’s all right?”
“Of course, but make sure you say goodnight to everyone before you go.”
Sara nodded. “Yes, Father,” She spoke before turning to Grissom. “Goodnight, Mr Grissom,” Her voice was soft as she once again took in the sight of his sparkling blue eyes.
Taking Sara’s hand, Grissom kissed the back and smiled into her skin. “Goodnight, Miss Sara.”
With a smile, Sara headed towards her mother and Catherine.
Grissom watched as she walked away, he was sad to see her go but after what had just happened, it was probably for best. Although he had only known this woman for a day, he already felt something stirring deep within him, an attraction he had never felt before. He tried to shake the thought; he was being impractical and ridiculous. This is why he knew he shouldn’t drink, it interfered with his sensibilities.
“Fancy another walk?” Captain Sidle asked, snapping Grissom out of his apparent trance.
“Huh? Oh sorry, sir, I was, um…”
“Lost in thought by the looks of it,” the captain chuckled. “Need another drink?”
“NO.” Grissom said quickly. “Sorry,” Grissom stumbled, “No, thank you, sir. I’m fine.”
“Very well.” Captain Sidle laughed. “Walk, then?”
Grissom nodded and the two men headed back out into the garden.
“Colonel McKeen is still your neighbor?” Grissom asked as the two men enjoyed the night air.
“That he is. Neighbor and I suppose, rival. He still makes more money.”
Grissom frowned. “But you are friends?”
“More associates; we have a past and respect one another but that doesn’t stop us competing against each other.” Captain Sidle fondled his beard. “The problem with Jeffery is he wants to rule the world, always has. He doesn’t always think beyond his wallet.”
Grissom pondered the captain’s words. He wasn’t quite sure what he meant.
“Anyway,” Captain Sidle stopped, so Grissom did also. “We have something to discuss.”
“We do?”
“A question you need to answer for me, huh?” The captain grinned.
Grissom thought and then realization hit him. “Oh…Will I stay?”
The captain nodded.
“And your answer in regards to Sara is?” Grissom asked with a smirk.
“Ha!” The rancher laughed. “You first, my boy, please or we may still be here when the sun comes up!” Captain Sidle looked to the sky for a moment and enjoyed the twinkling of the stars, the sky was so clear. “Gil, seriously, this is not something I ask lightly, you know that right?” He looked back to the younger man by his side.
Grissom smiled. “Yes, sir, I know that.”
The captain turned to face Grissom and folded his arms. “So? Will you stay?”
There was silence for several moments as Grissom considered his answer for the final time, only the sounds of nature around them could be heard and a lonely bull frog croaked in the distance.
Finally, Grissom spoke. “I will stay, at least until we can get the ranch back on its feet. Beyond that, we can decide when we come to it. Good enough?”
“Good enough,” the captain replied. “Thank you. Gil. You will not regret this, I promise.”
“I will have some things to sort out, I have some land that will need taking care of and my horses and I also have responsibilities that will need to be covered. So, I will need the use of a messenger unless I go back myself.”
“I will organize a messenger for you tomorrow and if you feel at a later date you must return for a few days, then we will do what is necessary. All right?”
“Yes.” Grissom replied happy for now with a messenger.
“I realize you do have a life beyond this Gil, although,” the captain chuckled, “I am yet to discover what that is, but I know it’s not easy to drop everything. It means a lot to me that you are staying.”
“I know…so…your answer is?” Grissom then asked.
First the captain frowned but then he got the question. “Ah,” the rancher smiled. “My daughter…”
Grissom nodded.
Now the rancher considered his decision. “I will allow you to teach her elements of The Grove but there are conditions.”
Grissom slipped his hands into his pockets as he wait for Captain Sidle’s terms.
“Sara must be supervised if working around the estate at all times, preferably by you.”
Grissom nodded.
“Nothing dangerous and do not allow her to tell you how to do your job. By no means do you give into any request she makes that you do not feel appropriate. She can be quite persistent.”
Grissom grinned.
“She wants to learn and she shall, so you will need to be persistent with her also. I mean, don’t make her plow the fields or anything, hard labor is definitely out. But she needs to understand that if she wants to work, then it isn’t always easy.” The Captain began wlaking again and Grissom followed. “Though don’t be too hard on her. Build her up gradually and show her all that is required to run this estate.”
“Yes, sir.”
“If you take her out of the grounds or into town, you will need protection and more often than not, people to accompany you.”
Grissom frowned. “Protection?”
Captain Sidle grinned. “It is not always a safe world out there, Gil. I need to know my daughter is safe. If she is with you, I’m sure she will be, but you can never be too careful. Come inside, Gil, I have something for you.”
Grissom nodded, and though his thoughts had turned curious, he followed the captain inside. They headed to his study and walked inside.
Taking a chain from his pocket the captain unclipped a small key from it. Walking to the far wall he opened a large oak cabinet.
Grissom watched as Captain Sidle pulled out a rifle. He turned and held it across his arms.
“This is a Remington rolling block rifle.”
“Yes, sir, I know that.” Grissom found his throat going dry and took a heavy gulp as he looked at the pristine conditioned rifle with a walnut butt.
“I thought you might.” Captain Sidle smiled, “It has a thirty five inch round barrel and takes .50-70 caliber ammunition. It’s easy to load,” The rancher flipped the gun open to demonstrate and Grissom watched carefully.
Clicking the gun closed he held it out. “I want you to have this, Gil. You might need it.”
The younger man didn’t reach for the gun. He chewed on his bottom lip as he looked the weapon over. “I’m not sure, Captain; guns are not really my forte.” He raised his gaze to meet the captain’s.
“You know how to shoot, Gil. I know you do, I taught you myself remember?”
With a nod, Grissom sighed. “I remember, I just don’t…”
“You need to be safe, Gil and if my daughter is in your hands then I would rather you can protect her if you need to. Do you not agree?” He stepped forward and urged Grissom to take the rifle.
After a long pause, Grissom reached up and took the gun.
“Better to be safe than sorry.” The captain spoke, squeezing Grissom’s shoulder.
With a heavy swallow Grissom nodded. “Yes, sir.”
A/N: As always I thank the delightful mingsmommy for your help and beta