Calling Chapter 7
A/N: Sorry for the delay in posting guys. My personal life has become hectic and I am writing as quickly as I can. That and my muse seems to have run away with the spoon, so I am attempting to get it back.
As always I thank the superb mingsmommy for your beta and ever amazing help :)
If you want more you know what to do! Review, review, review!!!!
Chapter 7
The party was over, the guests had departed and everyone at the house had retired for the evening. Grissom, back in his cabin, looked at the rifle resting on the wooden shelf above the fireplace and found it impossible to relax. He changed quickly into his riding gear and sighed at the comfort of informal dress.
His spurs clanked on the wooden floor as he moved towards the door. Stepping outside he was happy the moon was highlighting a path and there was no need for a lantern. He headed towards the stable, intent on relieving some of the pressure currently running through his body. As he walked he found his mind wandering; it certainly had been an interesting evening. Most importantly he had agreed to return and more memories of his arrival at Providence Grove suddenly came rushing back….
Robbins led Grissom into the main house and the young boy was fascinated. The staircase went on forever; the chandeliers seemed to hang miles above his head and sparkled like a million stars all bound together and the whole house smelt clean and fresh like the first day of spring, such a contrast to what he’d experienced on the boat. He truly had never seen or felt anything like it before.
“In here lad,” Robbins directed him into a room and he complied with haste, shuffling into the room quickly.
Captain Sidle sat on a plush cream sofa with his leg perched high on a chair in front of him. Grissom stood and watched as the man emptied the contents of a glass quickly.
“Ah,” the captain looked over to Grissom and Robbins. “Come.” He crooked a finger to Grissom and the boy slowly walked closer.
“Are you alright, sir?” Robbins asked, looking at the rancher’s ankle.
“Oh, yes,” the captain looked as if he had forgotten his accident. “Just a sprain, nothing a little rest won’t fix.” He held up his glass and a servant quickly refilled it with whiskey.
“So, young man,” Captain Sidle raised his brow and Grissom shuffled nervously. “Don’t look so afraid boy; I won’t bite.”
Now Grissom’s brow rose, ‘bite?’ he thought to himself. Now he was definitely nervous.
“How is it you come to be in my company then, young Grissom?” The captain asked.
Grissom looked at Robbins, uncertainty written all over his face. He stayed silent.
“It’s alright,” Robbins reassured him. “Just tell the captain how you got here.”
Feeling his chin quiver, Grissom began to feel queasy, he didn’t want to remember the ship, it was a horrible experience. His legs began to shake and he felt uneasy on his feet.
“Get him a chair, Robbins,” the captain instructed.
Robbins complied quickly and grabbed a chair; putting it behind Grissom, he placed his hands on his shoulders. “Sit down lad, before you fall.”
Grissom shakily sat in the chair and looked at the floor.
Robbins looked to the captain who frowned deeply. “Grissom?” He said softly, swinging his leg from the chair he faced the boy in front of him and little by little Grissom raised his head.
“You don’t have anything to be afraid of here, okay? You are safe and I merely wish to discover how it us you come upon us. Alright?” Captain Sidle spoke gently in an attempt to offer reassurance.
Grissom nodded and took a deep breath. “I came on the boat, sir.”
“From where?”
“We came from Ireland, sir.”
With a smile the rancher took a sip from his glass. “You didn’t come alone though did you?”
Grissom shook his head. “No, sir, my father was on the boat with me.”
Biting on his tongue the captain looked to Robbins briefly before shuffling forwards. “And what happened to your father?”
Tears welled in Grissom’s eyes. “I don’t know, he was sick, some men took him away.”
“How long ago?”
Grissom wiped his nose, which was now running as a stray tear fell down his cheek. “I’m not sure, several days ago.”
“I told one of the boys to stay behind, sir, to see if they could find out what happened to him. He should be back soon.” Robbins stated.
Captain Sidle nodded. “And you have no one else, is that right?”
“No, sir, just my father...” Grissom whispered softly.
“Alright.” The captain reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. He held it out to Grissom. “Here, lad, wipe your tears.”
Grissom’s shaky hand reached out and took the handkerchief.
“You look hungry, my boy. Are you hungry?”
After wiping his face, Grissom nodded quickly.
“Well, shall we get you something to eat?” Captain Sidle suggested.
Grissom nodded again but then they were interrupted.
Robbins turned around to see the worker he had left behind. He quickly removed his hat and stepped into the room.
“Ah, Peter,” Robbins began.
Peter nodded in respect. “Captain, sir.”
Captain Sidle grimaced but stood. Robbins moved quickly to support him.
“We will be back in a moment, young man.” The captain informed Grissom, who just nodded and waited patiently in his chair.
Robbins helped Captain Sidle over to where Peter was standing.
“Did you find out what happened to the boy’s father?” the captain asked quietly.
Peter dropped his head but nodded. “Yes, sir, I did.”
Robbins looked to Captain Sidle and both men frowned.
“And…?” Robbins urged him.
“I’m afraid the young boy’s father died on board, sir. Cholera, so I’m told.”
“Oh…” Captain Sidle stuttered and looked to Robbins. “So, he really has no one.”
They all turned to look at Grissom who was now swinging his legs back and forth under the chair.
“Don’t tell him just yet,” the captain suggested. “Let him eat first and get some rest. Then we can break the news to him.”
Robbins sighed and nodded, slowly walking back to Grissom he held out his hand.
“Come on, lad; let’s get you something to eat.”
Jumping from his seat, Grissom smiled and took Robbins’s hand. “I can stay?” he asked.
Robbins nodded. “Yes, we will take care of you…..”
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Sara, too, found herself struggling to relax. Pacing around her room, once again she fought to shake Grissom from her mind. Just like the previous evening but more so considering what had happened.
She had never met anyone like him before and he intrigued her. Could she risk sneaking out again? After several more minutes of heavy pacing she decided she could. Stripping from her night attire she slipped on her riding gear and boots and once again snuck from the house. This time she wasn’t interrupted by Nicholas and Gregory, although they did cross her mind. They were still not home and she just hoped her father would go easy on them once they stumbled in. Knowing them, they would wake the whole household.
Quietly rushing from the house she passed the stables and headed towards Grissom’s cabin but she stopped as she came across a side field just before it. She could hear the patter of hooves on the dirt and when she looked over the gate, there he was, riding in the moonlight and it was an amazing sight to see -
Hovering in the shadows, she watched him. The horse was magnificent but so was the man. Never had she seen a rider control such a fiery beast so well and he did it with feeling and passion. It was almost as if the horse could feel his commands, as not for even an instant did Grissom lose any sort of control even though he pushed the horse to its limits.
She watched in awe until Grissom finally dismounted his Mustang. Her eyes widened as he headed her way and she quickly dashed away from the gate to hide behind a large willow tree.
Pulling his horse, Grissom led him through the gate and locked it securely behind him.
“You know it’s impolite to stare.”
Sara felt herself tense.
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“Are you going to come out or just pretend you are not there?” Grissom gently stroked his Mustang’s mane and looked towards where he knew she was hiding.
Chewing on her bottom lip Sara stepped out from behind the tree.
“You ride well,” she said quickly as their eyes met.
Grissom took a step towards her and she quickly retreated, taking several steps back.
“Are you afraid of me?” Grissom forced himself not to grin.
“No.”
Grissom raised his right brow. “So, why do you step back?”
“Well for one, I do not know you properly and two, you have a mighty large beast in your hands.”
Now Grissom smirked. “You do not know me? Yet, you watch with such interest, is that right?”
“I was admiring your horse.”
“Oh.”
Sara took a step forwards. “What’s his name?”
“Dante.”
Sara raised her brow now but smiled. “He’s beautiful.” She reached out to touch him.
“Careful!” Grissom said quickly holding out a warning hand. “He isn’t very accommodating to strangers...”
Grissom watched in fascination as Sara ignored his advice and reached out without hesitation to touch Dante. He was more surprised at the fact the animal allowed her to touch him. Usually he would buck or be most displeased when an unfamiliar hand fondled him.
There was something very different in the air tonight and a tingling curiosity washed over him as Dante happily snaked his tongue out over Sara’s hand, causing her to giggle.
“I think he likes you.”
Sara smiled as she pulled her eyes from the horse to hold Grissom’s gaze. “I like him, too.”
A shudder hit Grissom’s spine as their eyes locked and her words melted through him. Was she talking about the horse? Something inside told him no.
Clearing his throat Grissom tried to dismiss his theory, as she said she did not know him, how could she even consider such a thing? Plus, he certainly didn’t have the right status to be in favor with the captain’s daughter. He was merely a worker when it came down to it, and he knew that. Yet, it was his nature to be accommodating. “Would you like to take a walk?”
Sara smiled, “I don’t know, it is very late,” Sara glanced around trying to look innocent. “And dark.”
“Do you not trust me?”
Sara grinned as she took a step towards Grissom. “Should I have reason not to?”
Grissom wanted to grin; she really was playing with him wasn’t she? But he refrained from saying so. He, too, stepped forward and Sara looked a little surprised.
“You are the one who came here at this hour. Are you sure it was to just admire the horse?”
Sara folded her arms firmly and Grissom’s eyes widened, he’d gotten too carried away with her banter and forgotten his place.
“Sara, I apologize,” he said quickly. “That was a foolish and unacceptable question.” Grissom bowed his head for a moment before meeting her eyes once again, “I have stepped out of line. I should go.” Taking his horses reins he turned away.
“But you owe me a walk,” Sara responded with haste.
Grissom stopped and spun around, a look of surprise on his face. “I do?”
Sara nodded. “Unless you have changed your mind?”
Looking back to Dante for a moment, Grissom stroked him again, “No but…you were right, it is late and dark and should you even be out here?”
Smirking Sara began to walk down the path. “You really do worry too much Mr Grissom, you know that?”
Grissom grinned as Sara stopped and turned to him. “Are you coming?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Grissom nodded with a smile and followed her down the path.
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Grissom and Sara began walking about the grounds, keeping in the illuminated spots so they could see where they were going.
“I would like to thank you again, Mr Grissom, for not saying anything to father. He would have not been pleased with my rejection of Hank.”
Grissom stopped and gently pulled Sara to a stop, grabbing her right arm lightly. “Can you do me a favor?”
Sara blinked a few times but nodded. “If I can...”
“Please call me Gil.”
Sara smiled.
“And, please stop thanking me for earlier; I did not do it for praise. I did it because you needed the assistance, and I just don’t like to see a lady in distress.”
“Okay.” Sara grinned lightly and brushed her hand over his as it held her arm, bringing it to rest softly on top.
Grissom looked down at her hand and suddenly his heart pounded; her skin was so warm and soft. Breathing heavily and swallowing hard, he cleared his throat.
“Um, shall we continue?” Grissom gestured in front of them.
With a nod Sara removed her hand and they continued to walk; Grissom released Dante and he trotted happily in front of them.
“Is it okay to let him wander like that?” Sara asked.
With a grin Grissom tapped Dante lightly but Sara jumped out of her skin when he yelled…
“Yah!”
Dante bolted from the spot and within seconds was out of site.
Holding her hand to her heart in shock and stopping, Sara looked at Grissom with wide eyes. “What was that?” She gasped.
With a light chuckle Grissom shrugged his shoulders and continued walking.
Shaking her head Sara quickly followed. “Shouldn’t you go after him? He could wander anywhere.”
“Whistle.” Grissom requested.
“I’m sorry?”
Grissom repeated himself. “Whistle.”
Sara grabbed Grissom’s arm and he stopped once again. They faced each other.
“You want me to whistle at your horse?” She asked, astounded.
Grissom nodded.
“Why?”
Folding his arms Grissom grinned. “Humor me?”
Ruffling her nose Sara pursed her lips. With a gentle smile Grissom watched how she licked her lips and whistled.
“Not bad,” Grissom chuckled and Sara stood back in amazement as a few seconds later Dante came bolting from the darkness. He stopped in front of them, panting lightly.
Mouth agape Sara looked at Grissom. “How…?”
“Simple, it proves he likes you and he trusts you and this is why I am happy to let my horse roam free. He always does as he is told and comes when I ask him. I trust him, he trusts me.”
“How did you know he would come to me?”
Grissom smiled and patted Dante. “I didn’t, usually he only comes when I call him so I guess he is also a very good judge of character. He doesn’t make friends lightly and neither do I.”
“Should I feel honored?” Sara chuckled, raising her brow.
Grissom shook his head. “No, Sara, I am the one who feels honored.”
Sara struggled for words and for several moments silence enveloped them as they just looked at each other.
Finally, Sara spoke. “Well, shall we continue and you can tell me a little about yourself as we now appear to be friends.”
A quaint grin pursed Grissom’s lips and he nodded his agreement. They continued to walk until they came across the stream running around the outskirts of the estate.
“So,” Sara began as they followed the stream, “you have been away for a long time, I gather you have returned for a reason?”
“Yes,” Grissom replied plainly.
“Thought so. You know I remember you.” Sara sat on an old tree trunk and urged Grissom to join her. He did, but kept enough distance between the two of them. Dante wandered down the stream.
“You do?”
“Yes, only a little but I remember always seeing you around the horses.”
Grissom chuckled to himself.
“Why are you laughing?” Sara’s brow furrowed.
“Oh,” Grissom grinned as he picked up a small stone and threw it into the stream. The loud ‘plop’ echoed around them. “I was just remembering you, too. You were, shall we say…challenging.”
“Challenging? Come on Griss…erm, Gil,” Sara smiled, “You have to do better than that.”
“Oh, I do, do I?”
“Yes,” Sara mewed. “I like honesty, so give it to me. What exactly was I like?”
Picking up another stone and launching it through the air Grissom turned to face Sara with a grin. “It’s late, Sara.” He stood. “Let me walk you back to the house.”
Grissom watched as Sara’s eyes saddened and she looked to the floor.
“I promise I will chat with you more, okay? But another day; it is very late and you have an early start in the morning.”
Looking up sharply a frown highlighted Sara’s features. “I, have an early start?”
Grissom nodded.
“What exactly do you mean?” Sara tilted her head curiously.
“Your father has asked me to stay and help him run the grove; I, in turn, convinced him to let you help too.”
“What?” Sara screeched, astonished, standing quickly.
Grissom chuckled.
“Are you serious? You’re staying and father said I can actually help?”
“I am and he did.”
Sara was flabbergasted and grabbed Grissom’s arm. “But, how did you ever convince him?”
Grissom merely smiled. “I have my ways.”
“But why would you do that?” Sara looked into his eyes and Grissom was sure he could get lost in hers; they were so beautiful and pure.
He cleared his throat. “Because I know you can do it.”
Eyeing him carefully Sara tightened her grip on his arm and Grissom tensed a little under her touch.
“How?” She asked softly, never taking her eyes from his.
“I just do.”
For a long moment nothing else was spoken.
“We should go,” Grissom eventually suggested, breaking the moment.
Sara slipped her hand from his arm. “Yes.”
Grissom nodded and they headed back towards the stable.
“Would you like to do the honors?” Grissom asked a little way back along the path.
With a chuckle, Sara pursed her lips and whistled….