The sounds of the horses outside the carriage only reminded Captain Martin Wood that he still had quite some distance till he arrived at his friend's manor. The dark forest just beyond the road also set about an uneasy feeling in the back of his mind. It was strange for him to see such a vast forest after so much time spent in America and his home in London. His dear old friend Dr. Matthew Berkeley had sent a letter to him in request for his presence. Mostly it seemed that Matthew was merely trying to keep in touch and was hoping he might stay for a few nights.
He had responded quickly with a letter of his own, and had been given leave from his post to take such a holiday. Of course he had a motive of his own other than to see his old friend. His younger sister, Amelia had been staying with him or sometime. He had courted her when they had both been younger, but he had been sent to Egypt for a little over two years. Though possible to keep contact over such distances, it was difficult at best. His heart had belonged to her since they were children, but Queen and Country comes first to a soldier. But, soon he would be able to retire, leaving room for another young man to make his way as an officer. Matthew was fond of him; however family tends to bring out the more defensive side of men.
His mind strayed back to when he had felt the gentle press of her soft lips against his, the euphoria that passed through him. The memory of holding her against him, feeling the soft rise and fall of her chest against him as the supple breath passed between her lips as they had closed their eyes, just wanting to be in each others arms. That had been sometime ago, but he still ached to be with her again.
The coach slowed down as the twinkling light of the castle came into view and the long stone drive His friends home seemed to have grown since the last time he had visited, but he had no doubts that it was nothing but a trick of the dark.
"Driver, will you be staying at the manor or are you to return to town?" Captain Marin asked out the window.
"I'll be headin' back inta' town if that's alright with you, sir," he replied back.
"That will be just fine then," he called back before gathering his bags and made ready to exit the carriage. He also took a few pounds out of his wallet so that he could tip the man.
Another few minutes passed before the driver stopped at the front gate.
"Will ye be needin' any help with them bags there sir?"
"No thank you, but here is a tip for your excellent service," he said as he handed him the money.
The driver thanked him and waited till he had arrived at the front doors of the manor before he cracked the reigns and left back down the drive. He was alone for the moment, on a cold dreary night, surrounded by darkness. He gave the door a heavy knock. A minute went by with no response. Instead of his bare fist, he grabbed the wrought iron knocker and gave it three good slams against the door. He was rewarded by the sound of footsteps and the door opening inward, revealing a young, well dressed man, who gave a great bow.
"Captain Wood, I presume, I am Arthur Granger, at your service," he greeted, his tone neutral. It came to mind that this Granger was a military man, by the sheer way he had called him Captain.