A/N: Thank you all for the reviews and alerts, they were very much appreciated!

I would like to address a concern that one of the reviewers brought up which I think is perfectly valid - that of Tara's status as Sookie's slave.

First of all, I would like to state that I do not condone slavery on any level! However, I do want the story to reflect the stark realities of 19th century America and England. Slavery was very much alive and well in both countries in 1806 and Sookie is from the deep south and comes from a well-to-do landowning family. It would have been completely unrealistic for her family not to own slaves. The abolitionist movement was in its infancy and I do not believe that Jason and Sookie, growing up in rural northern Louisiana would have had a lot of exposure to abolitionist text.

Now, I do realize that I am writing to a modern audience so while Sookie does own Tara, she does not view her as property, but as a friend and family member, which was quite a common relationship dynamic between a mistress and her maid.

That said, I have decided to make Tara a freewoman who chose to stay with Sookie and Jason. And her reasoning behind this choice is touched upon in this chapter and will be further developed in later chapters. I hope her explanation will ease some of your concerns about her status.

Again, thank you so much for all of the wonderful feedback. I will try and email each of you a personal thank you!

So, without further ado, here is chapter 2. I hope you all like it!

Disclaimer: I do not own SVM or True Blood nor am I affiliated with HBO in anyway. SVM and True Blood belong to Charlaine Harris, Alan Ball and the good people at HBO. I am only using these characters for the purpose of this story.

Chapter 2: Rocky Beginnings

Hardgrove Chase

As Sookie traveled through the open countryside she was awed by the beauty of the hills, clothed in brown and green, in an endless undulating line. The carriage passed farms and villages that were remarkably neat and in good order and the inns that she and Tara rested at were comfortable and clean, staffed by courteous and obliging servants.

The stone walls and fields of Hampshire eventually gave way to the high hedges and deep rich soil of Surrey and eventually the beauteous glory of Kent. The country cottages were thatched in varying shades ranging from the gold of ripe wheat, gray, taupe, russet and rich brown, to the older, weather beaten, and smoke-stained roofs of darkest brown and several oast houses could be seen across the verdant fields. Sookie knew from her cousin's letters that Hardgrove Chase was located outside one of these small villages. Through the months Hadley's correspondence had contained several lively descriptions of the quiet Kentish district in which she lived, so that as the carriage neared its destination, Sookie began to recognize landmarks. She pointed out the window. 'There is Hever Castle, Tara. Isn't it magnificent?' she exclaimed, smiling as she recalled all that Hadley had brought to such vivid life with her pen.

'A real castle, Miss Sookie?' Tara replied breathlessly, poking her head out of the carriage window. 'I never thought in all my days that I'd get to see a real castle. I don't think I've ever seen anything so beautiful in all my life.'

'Even more beautiful than a bayou sunset?' Sookie teased.

'Well,' Tara replied, 'nothin's as beautiful as a bayou sunset, but that castle sure does come close.' Tara looked over at Sookie and smiled in a bewildered fashion. 'We sure ain't in Bon Temps, Miss Sookie, that's for certain.'

Sookie nodded her agreement and the two women continued to stare out of the window, taking in the sights, as the carriage ambled closer to Hadley's village. Three respectable manor houses distinguished the outer reaches of her cousin's village. The first, Langdon Hall, stood about two miles from the entrance of the village. The Hall had once been the site of many entertainments but now rarely saw visitors since the last scion of the house was a reclusive gentleman who, according to Hadley, preferred puttering in his garden amongst his rosebeds and his dove cote.

It was not that Sir Giles Langdon rejected the society of his fellows; if someone called to extend an invitation, he usually accepted in a vague sort of way. But the moment that his visitor was out of sight, he promptly forgot the point of their conversation. However, there was always hope amongst his persistent neighbors that Sir Langdon would take the notion, as he occasionally did, to attend the various amusements in the neighborhood. After all, Sir Giles Langdon was a young man, not above thirty in any case, and judged to be fairly well-favoured in countenance and build. He was also the owner of Langdon Hall, a proud house established during good Queen Bess' reign, and that must be counted for something by the parents of marriageable daughters.

The village was typical of those that Sookie and Tara had seen during their journey. The carriage rattled over the cobbles in the streets and quickly left it behind.

The second manor house on the outer bounds of the village was Rookery House, inhabited by Mr. Henry Price and his beautiful sister, Clara. Mr. Price's friends and acquaintances could not exclaim enough over Miss Price's violet eyes, her red rosebud mouth, and her handsome figure; but they received only an indifferent shrug and cynical laugh from Mr. Price. Better than anyone, he knew that his sister's uncommon beauty clothed a nature both restless and capricious. He had ducked too many hurled missiles and been the target of too many tirades to subscribe graciously to his cronies' reverent opinions.

Nevertheless, however much he decried his sister's temper, Mr. Price did harbor some sympathy for her. She knew herself to be wasted on the gentleman in the neighborhood and looked higher for her place in life. And well she might, had declared Mr. Price more than once. Clara Elizabeth Price was the prettiest piece the county had ever seen. Given the right entrées she could easily snare herself an earl or even a duke, at the very least a baronet. But titles of that sort were not likely to turn up in such a sleepy district.

As for Miss Price, she ruled what was offered with a high hand. As far back as she could remember, gentleman young and old had catered to her every whim, spoiling her and encouraging her to rely on her sweet beauty to gain whatever she desired. As a consequence, at the age of one and twenty, Miss Price was a spoiled, haughty young lady, bestowing her smiles and frowns with capricious want of thought or compassion. She was inevitably surrounded by a court of admirers and if she ever felt the lack of female friends or companionship, none could have told it by her devastating progress through the district's society. Miss Price easily overshadowed her peers and when her violet eyes beckoned, the other young ladies despaired of retaining their own admirers' fickle interest.

Sookie looked for the young squire's house, but it was too closely hidden by trees for her to catch sight of it. But her greater curiosity in Hardgrove Chase soon overran this disappointment. She knew from Hadley's letters that the squire and his sister were the Savoy's nearest neighbor and she pressed close to the window for her first glimpse of Hardgrove Chase.

Hadley and her husband had come to Hardgrove Chase but ten months previously; having inherited the property from an eccentric relative. Hadley had said nothing much was known of the ornery old man to whom Hardgrove Chase had belonged except that he was a man who detested society of any sort after the death of his wife and infant son. Mr. Niall Brigant had steadfastly refused every invitation extended to him by his neighbors. One of his more stout-minded neighbors had once dared to call on him and had been sent packing. Upon being questioned by the curious, he had aptly described Mr. Brigant as 'a cranky, very bitter, and decidedly unpleasant gentleman'. When the old man died there was much speculation about what would be done with Hardgrove Chase and by whom. Some thought the estate would simply go to rack and ruin; others wondered if Mr. Brigant could possibly have left the house to an animal society, for it was known he had a fondness for cats and horses. Eventually it was learned with astonishment that Mr. Brigant had a distant relative, a young army officer by the name of Remy Savoy.

When the Savoys took possession of Hardgrove Chase, the entire neighborhood held back to see if they were anything like Mr. Brigant. But Remy and Hadley Savoy were discovered to be a delightful couple and their young son was variously described as 'a mischievous young devil', 'quite intelligent, though perhaps a bit too indulged', and a 'regular right-un'.

Hadley had confided in her correspondence that she had been appalled by her first tour of Hardgrove Chase. Mr. Brigant had kept most of the two-hundred-year-old house closed up with only a minimal staff, since he did not entertain. As a result, the estate was somewhat tumble-down and in need of much improvement. Fortunately, Remy had inherited a sizeable sum along with the estate upon Mr. Brigant's death, and combined with his own independence and Hadley's dowry, was able to make all the improvements necessary for Hardgrove Chase to reclaim its title as one of the finest homes in the Kentish countryside. Hadley had assured Sookie that when she did visit them at Hardgrove Chase, she would find all the comforts of home and more.

It was late afternoon when the chaise drove up the winding drive of Hardgrove Chase. Sookie could scarcely contain her excitement and curiosity. She had not seen Hadley since they were both girls and though the cousins had remained close through the years by letter it was vastly different to be able at last to meet Hadley's husband and her small son.

'I don't know what I shall say, Tara,' she exclaimed as she caught sight of the substantial stone mansion ahead. Built in the late sixteenth century, Hardgrove Chase was a three-storey manor house graced on either end by a tall chimney. Vines clung to the sides of the house and large oaks shaded the west windows. A half circle of steps rose welcomingly to the wide door.

'Oh, I shouldn't worry my head over that, Miss Sookie. I ain't ever known you to be without a proper word or two,' said Tara, squeezing Sookie's hand. Her tart observation earned her a look of mock outrage from her mistress. Tara just chuckled. 'Everything will be fine, Miss Sookie. They'll love you just like everyone else does.'

'But in New Orleans –'

'Oh, fiddlesticks, Miss Sookie! What happened back home weren't your fault. It was all that Mr. Bill's fault and you know it. That man lacked sense and a lot more if you ask me. No, this trip to your cousin's will be good for you. You'll meet new people who will see just how wonderful you are.'

Sookie pulled Tara into a tight hug. 'Thank you, Tara,' Sookie said after another moment or two. She studied Tara's profile carefully in the dying afternoon light. Her friend truly was beautiful, inside and out.

'Tara, are you happy?' Sookie asked, thoughtful.

'Whatever, do you mean, Miss Sookie?' Tara asked, looking at Sookie with a confused and startled expression.

'I mean, are you happy? With me and Jason? You could have gone after Gran's death. Jason gave you your freedom. You could have stayed in New Orleans as a freewoman and set up a shop. Or gone up north – Jason would have provided you with safe passage and money, I'm sure.'

'Oh, Sookie,' Tara said, dropping the 'Miss' for the first time since they were children. 'I couldn't open up a shop! I wouldn't know the first thing about running a business. And I don't know anyone up North. What would I do there? You and Jason are my family.'

'Oh Tara,' Sookie said, tears slipping down her cheeks. 'My dearest friend. I would be lost without you. I'm so happy you're here with me.'

'Now you stop that, Miss Sookie,' Tara said, clearing her throat. 'Puffy eyes and a nose redder than Louisiana mud is not the best way to make a good impression.'

Sookie smiled at Tara and wiped her eyes as the chaise drew up at the steps. The driver opened the carriage door and let down the iron step. Sookie accepted the man's hand in descending and then stood motionless on the gravel to look up at the house. There was no movement at the windows, nor did the door open at the arrival of the chaise. She frowned slightly. Tara was also struck by the odd lack of activity. 'Perhaps we should ring the bell, Miss Sookie,' she suggested.

'Of course, Tara.' Sookie and her companion climbed the steps and Sookie firmly pulled on the bell. She could hear its echoes within and nodded with satisfaction. She addressed the chaise's driver. 'Pray set down our trunks and bring them in,' she said. The man nodded, touching his cap in deference. Sookie turned again to the door, only to wait futilely for it to open. She and Tara looked at one another, their eyes reflecting the same question. Sookie shook her head. 'Nonsense, they cannot have left. We were expected.' She took hold of the brass handle, not actually expecting it to turn. She was therefore surprised when the door eased open on well-oiled hinges. For a moment she stood indecisive. Then she shrugged slightly and pushed the door wide.'

'Miss Sookie, do you think we oughtn't to be doing this?' asked Tara doubtfully.

'Come, Tara. It is not as though we are unwelcome. The door is unlocked and we are expected guests,' said Sookie, as much to reassure herself as her friend. She stepped inside, followed a moment later by a reluctant Tara. The women stood in a large pleasant hall. A grand staircase rose in the center of the room, opening out to form the balcony of the upper hall. Several closed doors marched down either side of the entrance hall. The walls were covered in rich red silk with mirrors that reflected the sunlight dancing with dust motes across the marble floor. But the arrangement of white roses in the vase on the the occasional table found in the hall had long since withered and dropped petals to the surface of the table and floor. A thin coating of dust covered the straight-backed chairs that were set for visitors.

There was utter silence.

'I don't like the look of this, Miss Sookie,' said Tara firmly.

'Nor I, Tara,' admitted Sookie. She heard a step behind her and turned. The burdened chaise driver had paused in the doorway to look about him. 'Pray leave the baggage here. We shall go directly to find someone to tell us where it is to go,' said Sookie.

'I needs to be getting to the inn in the village for me next fare, ma'am,' said the man, settling down the load of baggage.

'Yes, I understand. We shall not be long, sir, I assure you,' said Sookie. She gestured to Tara and they walked down the hall, opening doors as they went. In room after room the curtains over the tall windows were drawn, creating an impression of gloomy abandonment. Some of the rooms were surprisingly untidy. Ashes that had been left in the fireplace grates had spilled out onto the floor and an occasional window had been left open to allow debris and rain to be blown inside. Grey cobwebs festooned every corner.

Sookie felt more and more dismayed. It was hardly the welcome she'd expected. It appeared that she and Tara had come to an empty house.

'If there is someone here, Miss Sookie, we'll find signs in the kitchen,' said Tara. Sookie nodded and together they went in search of the kitchen.

Most of the inner regions of the house showed the same signs of neglect they'd seen in the rooms off the entrance hall. When they did find the kitchen they were almost startled to find it inhabited. They paused in the doorway, silent with their surprise.

The elderly woman who worked at the stove did not at first notice that she was being observed. She stirred a large pot from which savoury steam arose and tossed in a handful of scallions. Her wrinkled face was red from the heat; a strand of her grey hair had fallen out of its pin and she brushed it up impatiently. Her expression was tired, resigned. She turned to the table to pick up a rack on which aired fresh loaves of bread and chanced then to see her audience. She started violently and the bread jumped out of her hands to the table and floor. She stood with one hand pressed on her ample breast and exclaimed, 'Lor'!'

Sookie entered the kitchen followed closely by Tara. 'I beg pardon! We did not mean to frighten you. I am Miss Susannah Stackhouse and this is my companion and maid, Miss Tara Thornton.' Sookie bent to retrieve the loaf of bread which had fallen on the floor. She sniffed appreciatively before setting it onto the plank table. With a friendly smile, she said, 'How good fresh-baked bread smells. I take it that you are Mrs. Savoy's cook?'

The plump woman had regained her colour and the look of fright faded from her eyes. She reached up to tuck a rebellious lock of hair back into her bun. 'Aye, I'm Mrs. Jenkins. I was that surprised to see you, miss. We – that is Mr. Jenkins and I – we'd forgotten that you would be coming, but now that you have it might be the very thing. Mr. Jenkins wrote to his lordship this two weeks past but never a word have we heard, and there be the mistress sick in her bed and the boy running wild and us with no help–' Tears started to the cook's faded grey eyes and she had recourse to her apron. She wiped her cheeks quickly and gave a watery sniff. 'Forgive me, miss, but it has been a bit of a burden as you may imagine.'

Tara had quietly picked up the rest of the bread and placed it neatly on the table. While the cook regained control of herself, she exchanged bewildered glances with her mistress. Tara was alarmed by the cook's partial revelation. 'Begging your pardon, Mrs. Jenkins, but what has happened? Where is Mr. Savoy?' Tara asked. The cook looked up, startled to hear Tara's voice. Her eyes dilated and a look of clear fascination overtook her face as she took in Tara's coffee coloured skin and dark hair for the first time.

'Yes, Mrs. Jenkins,' Sookie interjected. 'Where is Remy? Surely if Hadley is fallen ill, he would not leave her! And what is this about having no help? There must be others responsible for tending the house, surely!' said Sookie.

The cook shook her head. 'When the mistress was struck down with her illness, the others deserted her for fear of the pox. Of those in the house, only myself and Mr. Jenkins, who is the butler, stayed. And Master Remy–'

'Pox!' Sookie could not keep the mingled dismay and fear out of her voice, and she knew that her expression must have mirrored the same horror as was in Tara's face.

'No, no, miss! It is as I tried to tell those fools, who would not stay to listen. The mistress had chicken pox, not the dreaded small pox. But there was true pox in the countryside hereabouts not long ago and the fear was that it had come again. And seeing as how the houseservants were but a gaggle of silly geese who had no loyalty to a new mistress and master, they all left us without a thought of mercy in their hearts,' said Mrs. Jenkins bitterly.

'Then my cousin is lying somewhere in this house unattended except for you and Mr. Jenkins? But where are Remy and the boy?' asked Sookie sharply.

'Begging your pardon, miss, but Master Remy was called back to the Army more than two months since. Mr. Jenkins wrote him, too, but there is that fierce of fighting and running about on the Continent that Mr. Jenkins fears the letter went astray.' The cook paused and shook her head. 'As for the boy, Mr. Jenkins is looking about for him now. The little one is that wild and headstrong and lonely, what with his father being gone and his mother down in bed and no one to watch him. It is not enough, but Mr. Jenkins and I do our best, miss.'

'I am certain that you do. And I thank you most heartily for it. Well, Tara! It appears that we have our work cut out for us,' said Sookie with an attempt at lightness.

'Indeed we have, Miss Sookie,' said Tara with a slight smile. She removed her bonnet and her gloves to place them on an out-of-the-way chair. 'I shall aid Mrs. Jenkins with the tea and perhaps a tray for Mrs. Savoy wouldn't hurt.'

'An excellent thought, Tara. I shall wish to see my cousin as soon as possible. In the meantime, I suppose I should have our driver carry up our trunks and then pay him off. We shall not be returning to the village as I had earlier half-suspected might be necessary from the state of the house,' said Sookie. She turned to the cook who was staring at Tara. 'Mrs. Jenkins, if you would show me to the rooms most suitable for Tara and myself I would be most grateful. I should also like to see my cousin,' Sookie said, gaining the cook's attention.

'Sorry, miss! Of course, I would be most happy to, I am sure!' said Mrs. Jenkins, and with hardly a glance for the darker-skinned woman who was making herself familiar with her kitchen, she led Sookie back through the house.

The bedrooms that Mrs. Jenkins showed her to were covered in dust covers just as many of the rooms downstairs were. In the room that was to be Sookie's, Mrs. Jenkins crossed to the windows and vigorously pulled on the curtain ropes. The drapes flew open and sunlight streamed into the bedroom. 'It will look better once I have them covers off, miss,' she said, and set to with a will.

'Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins. I shall ask the driver to bring up the trunks now,' said Sookie, who had disposed of her bonnet, gloves, and pelisse on the canopied bed. Before she laid her reticule beside her other belongings, she removed her purse and slipped it into her pocket so that she could pay off the driver.

The chaise driver was not best pleased to learn that he was expected to carry the heavy trunks upstairs. When he had set down the baggage in the middle of the bedroom, he looked around with a judicial gaze. 'I ain't ever seen such a house. No one about and everything covered like it was a morgue,' he declared.

'We haven't time for your insults, my good man, so be gone with you,' said Mrs. Jenkins, affronted by the man's gall. She whisked the last cover from the dresser and energetically bundled it up.

Sookie led the grumbling driver back downstairs and handed him the fare that she owed as well as few extra pounds. When he saw the amount, his dour expression lightened. He touched his cap in deference. 'I thanks you very well, ma'am.'

Sookie shut the door and stood against it a moment in thought. She could yet scarcely believe the circumstances that she had found at Hardgrove Chase. With paying off the chaise, she had burned her bridges behind her. She was here for good and all. It was time to see her cousin and discover just how bad the situation truly was. Her imagination had already conjured up a grim picture. But it was not in her nature to quail in the face of adversity. Sookie went back upstairs to find Mrs. Jenkins, and have the good woman show her to her cousin's rooms.

Hadley Savoy appeared very fragile in the great canopied bed. Her dark blonde hair spread damply over the down pillow. Her face was pale and her eyes deep pools of brown underscored by dark shadows that testified to her sleeplessness. She looked faintly puzzled when she noticed Sookie standing behind Mrs. Jenkins. 'Who is it, Mrs. Jenkins?' she asked, her voice weak and raspy.

'Hadley,' said Sookie, approaching the bed.

Her cousin's face registered happy astonishment. 'Sookie! I can scarcely believe my eyes, but it must be you. You're so beautiful Sookie,' Hadley exclaimed. 'Much prettier than the miniature that you once sent to me.'

Sookie laughed and took the slender hand that her cousin held out to her. 'Yes, Hadley, it is I. I am only sorry that I have come at such a miserable time. Mrs. Jenkins tells me that you have had the chicken pox.'

Hadley grimaced. She turned her head to cough hollowly behind her hand. 'Such a childish disease to catch! I am well over it now. But I am still confined to my bed because I contracted pneumonia on top of it all. The excellent physician in the village informed me in his ponderous fashion that I was too weak to fight off the new infection. So here I am, still abed.'

Sookie seated herself in the chair beside the bed. 'Hadley, if it does not overtire you much, I should like to have tea with you here. There is so much I wish to say.'

'And I also! As for tiring me, your very presence is a breath of fresh air. I have been pitying myself a bit, you see. Mrs. Jenkins, if you will be so good as to arrange for our tea,' said Hadley, speaking in stronger accents than she had before.

'Aye, madam. The tea will be brought directly,' said Mrs. Jenkins, beaming to see her mistress so much livelier.

'Oh, Mrs. Jenkins, where is Hunter?'

Mrs. Jenkins frowned slightly. 'Mr. Jenkins be looking for him now, madam. He has gone down to the wood again, I am sure.'

'Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins,' said Hadley. As the door closed softly, she sighed and smiled over at Sookie. 'I fret constantly over Hunter. As you will soon discover, my son is a graceless scamp with a will of his own. Hunter has never taken direction well, but once I fell ill and the servants left, there was no one at all to curb him. I wish that Remy had not been called away so soon. There would then have been no question of our son's running wild or of the servants' desertion.'

'Forgive me, Hadley, but it strikes me as peculiar that every servant in the place chose to leave. Surely there were a few level heads among them!' said Sookie.

'There were precious few. Besides Mrs. Jenkins and her husband, who were in our service before we took possession of Hardgrove Chase ten months ago. Mr. Brigant's old gardener and groom have also remained, though I suspect it was more to do with Hardgrove Chase being their home than for any other reason. Besides them, Mr. Brigant had only his valet and a cook, and they both retired upon their master's death. So the household staff was newly appointed and had not yet learned loyalty to Remy and me,' said Hadley, coughing again. 'But I do not blame the servants for panicking, Sookie. It was such a short time ago that pox passed through the countryside.'

'I see.' Sookie's lips tightened slightly. She did not know if she could have been so magnanimous in the same situation. 'But the doctor has been to see you. Surely he must have reassured the ignorant that Hardgrove Chase was not tainted by the pox.'

'I have thought on it and I think that perhaps the servants have not returned because they are ashamed,' said Hadley.

'Your household sounds a group of morons,' said Sookie roundly. Her cousin laughed weakly, bringing on an extended bout of coughing. At this point, Mrs. Jenkins returned bearing a tea tray, and Sookie rose to assist her in moving an occasional table nearer the bed. Then she sat down and began to pour out the steaming tea.

'Mr. Jenkins has returned with Master Hunter, madam. They are belowstairs now having their tea with Miss Stackhouse's maid,' said Mrs. Jenkins.

Hadley nodded her thanks and the woman left the two cousins alone once more. Sookie helped arrange Hadley's pillows so that she could sit up comfortably and then handed her a cup of tea. 'I can see that you have not been sleeping well, Hadley. I shall try to discover if there are any herbs in the medicinal cabinet or the garden that I can make into a soothing tea for you. In the meantime, I wish you to eat at least one of these biscuits. You appear sadly wasted,' said Sookie.

'So Mrs. Jenkins has scolded me for more than once. But there is very little that appeals,' said Hadley, accepting a biscuit with reluctance.

'Never you mind about what appeals, Hadley. You must regain your strength, cousin, and I intend to see to it that you do so,' said Sookie.

Hadley laughed up at her. 'I see that you are a tyrant, cousin. I warn you, when I am up and about again I shall not allow you to so easily browbeat me so you should take every advantage now.'

'Fair enough. I hope that you do not take me amiss, Hadley, but I think there is much about the house that I and my maid, Tara Thornton, can turn our hands to. It appalls me to see the place so neglected,' said Sookie, thinking of the unlocked front door and the utter gloom of the shrouded rooms.

'I am not at all offended, cousin. I feel already such familiarity between us that I can leave it in your hands without a pang. But it would ease my mind far more to know that you were keeping an eye on Hunter for me. He is a dear, sweet little boy really,' said Hadley.

'Of course I will, Hadley. You may rest easy. Between myself and Tara, who is extremely capable, I am certain that we can redirect Hunter's energies.'

Hadley touched her cousin's arm. 'Thank you, Sookie. I am so pleased that you have come. I am only contrite that I cannot offer you entertainment that you deserve. When I am fully recovered we shall have a ball, I promise you,' she said.

'Pray, Hadley, do not give it a thought. I just want you to get better.'

The next two days were spent in a flurry of activity for Sookie and Tara. Sookie requested that Mrs. Jenkins fill her in on the needs of the house and grounds. 'Might I also suggest, miss, that you and Miss Tara make a trip to the village tomorrow afternoon for whatever items that you feel we are most in need of. Miss Tara will wish to familiarize herself with the shops I am sure. Such a lovely, capable girl, Miss Tara is.'

'You really like Tara, don't you, Mrs. Jenkins?' asked Sookie.

'Oh, yes, miss. I admit, in the beginning, Mr. Jenkins and I were a bit taken aback by Miss Tara's, er… appearance, why never having seen one such as Miss Tara in these parts before.'

'And now?' Sookie pressed.

'She's wonderful, miss. Hardworking and sensible, and the little master just adores her. Why Miss Tara had Master Hunter well in hand last I saw of them. Master Hunter was engaged in bringing order to his belongings abovestairs.'

Sookie's eyes began to dance. 'How singularly appropriate. I really must congratulate Tara on her fortitude.'

'Aye, miss,' said Mrs. Jenkins, her smile broadening.

The following morning began early for Sookie. She took charge of Hunter directly after breakfast to enable Tara to undertake some of the household duties with Mrs. Jenkins. Sookie looked over at her small cousin. His foot swung monotonously back and forth against the table leg at each swing. Sookie looked keenly at his face. His colouring was dark, but he resembled Hadley quite strongly. Her small cousin appeared intelligent enough, she thought. His hazel eyes expressed interest in all that went on around him and he met Sookie's gaze steadily but with wary curiosity. Though Hunter seemed willing enough to go with her, Sookie could easily measure the boy's defiance in his eyes. She decided her best course would be to enlist his help in familiarizing herself with the environs of Hardgrove Chase.

By luncheon time she had the satisfaction of knowing that she had firmly established the foundation for friendship with the boy. However, her gratification was somewhat impaired when she was reminded by Mrs. Jenkins of the overdue shopping expedition and Hunter learned that he was to go along.

'I shan't! I am to ride horses,' he said willfully.

'When you return from the village you may go to the stables and spend as much time as you like,' said Sookie. She won the ensuing contest of wills, but the victory was hollow when she saw that the happy light in Hunter's eyes had died and was replaced by his former belligerent expression. But she did not retreat from her position and the boy was taken off by Tara to be made ready for the trip.

Tara had a firm grasp on Hunter, who stood beside her with a mutinous expression. Sookie glanced thoughtfully at the rebellious set of the boy's firm chin and the martial light in his eyes, then addressed her companion. 'Tara, pray look about the village for a sweet shop, won't you? Perhaps Hunter would like a treat; that is, if you deem that his behavior warrants it.' The boy stared up at her, suspicion and desire warring in his face. Sookie coolly returned his gaze. 'I imagine that you can act the gentleman when you wish,' she said.

'Of course I can, right Miss Tara?' asked Hunter, puffing out his chest.

'He sure can, Miss Sookie. Why, Master Hunter is the best little gentleman I've ever met,' Tara confirmed, stroking his hair affectionately. She took hold of Hunter's hand and she and Mrs. Jenkins began ushering Hunter out of the door. 'We shall return with all speed, Miss Sookie,' said Tara, smiling.

When the party had left, Sookie changed into her oldest and dullest gown and swept her long blonde hair into a tidy bun. She returned belowstairs and made her way to the broom closet. She had decided to open a few more rooms off the entrance hall so that morning callers could be comfortably entertained and the drawing room could be used in the evenings. Choosing her tools well, she made her way into the hall.

'This will not do,' she said to herself as she began dusting the tables in the hall, progressively transferring the dust and dirt on to her dress and person. She gathered up the fallen petals and took the vases away to the kitchen. She made a quick trip into the garden for fresh blooms. She returned with the vases and roses and had begun to arrange the flowers, humming as she worked when the front doorbell rang. She was so startled by the noise that she dropped the stems in her hands. She stood indecisive for a moment, not knowing whether she should answer it. Jenkins would have told her if anyone was expected.

The bell rang again, this time with a distinct touch of impatience. Sookie made up her mind. She set down the roses and went to the door.

Sookie opened the door only enough to enable her to see who had rung the bell with such force. She was startled at the sight of the elegant gentleman on the steps. He was tall, very tall, and wore a gray multicaped greatcoat and dark beaver. His boots were polished to a fine mirror finish. Hearing the creak of the door, the gentleman turned quickly.

Sookie felt as though she were falling. The gentleman before her was the personification of Adonis himself. He was handsome, no, beautiful. His brows were blonde and his eyes the purest, clearest blue. His face was lean and chiseled, his lips full and perfectly sculpted. He wore an impatient frown, which did not dissipate upon seeing Sookie. If anything, his expression of disapprobation deepened as he swept her with a glance.

'Well? Do you mean to keep me about all day?' he asked unpleasantly. With one gloved hand he unceremoniously pushed wide the door and entered the hall.

Sookie stumbled back before the gentleman to avoid his quick steps. She stared at him, shocked out of her pleasant admiration. Taken aback by his presumptuous air, Sookie was struck speechless. Her wits seemed to have scattered. She watched dumbly while a valet carried in some trunks and a couple of portmanteaus.

The gentleman started to pull off his leather gloves, glancing about him as he did so. His frown became more pronounced at the dust and general untidiness of the hall. He stepped quickly to one of the doors off the hall and opened it to stare in to one of the shrouded rooms. He apparently did not care for what he saw since he closed the door with a snap and slapped his gloves against one muscular thigh. He turned an angry gaze on Sookie.

'I take it that your mistress has not been downstairs in some time, for I assure you the slack in management I see exhibited would not otherwise be tolerated. I do not know your name, nor do I care to. You are relieved of your duties from this moment. I expect you to be out of Hardgrove Chase within the hour,' he said harshly.

'What!'

The gentleman had started to turn away, but at Sookie's startled and indignant exclamation he paused. There was an unpleasant curl about his sensuous mouth as he stared down his nose at her. 'Did I not make myself perfectly clear, miss? I shall not have a slattern taking advantage of Mrs. Savoy's illness. If it is a reference you seek, perish the thought. You will receive nothing from me and may count yourself fortunate that I do not throw you out on your ear this moment.' After sweeping Sookie with a last indifferent glance, he set his foot to the stairs.

Sookie found her voice and her wits in the same instant. 'How dare you, sir! I shall take leave to inform you that I am not the housekeeper. And further, I take exception both to your impertinent manner and tone. I should also like to know by what right you barge into this house and so familiarly start up the stairs to the family's private apartments.'

The gentleman looked down at her from the advantage of the added height of the step. His brows were raised in haughty surprise. 'My dear woman, I am Eric Alexander Northman, Marquess of Huntley, Mrs. Savoy's brother-in-law. I have perfect right to be here, which is more than I know of you.'

'I was not aware that Remy had a brother. Hadley never said,' Sookie remarked in surprise.

'Not that it is any concern of yours, madam, but Mr. Savoy and I share a mother,' stated the marquess, narrowing his eyes at Sookie. 'Now, by your accents I perceive that you are not English-bred, but you do have some education. Perhaps you will enlighten me as to your identity.'

Sookie advanced until she stood at the banister, which upon he had rested his hand when he turned to confront her. Her blue eyes were darkened almost to black with sparkling anger and Eric suddenly found himself knocked back by her obvious beauty.

'I am Miss Susannah Adele Stackhouse, Mrs. Savoy's cousin,' Sookie stated imperiously. 'I arrived three days ago on a visit from America to find my cousin abed ill, her son untended and uncivilized, and the house as you see it. The house is deserted of servants. Of the household staff only Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have remained, and they are quite unequal to the task of maintaining the household as it should be.'

'And you, being an exceptionally practical young woman, have decided to turn a hand to the housekeeping,' said the marquess with a clearly derisive tone to his voice.

'Urgh! Do you know, sir, you are a singularly unpleasant, arrogant and rude man,' said Sookie with studied thoughtfulness. She had the satisfaction of seeing a flash of anger in the marquess' glacial eyes. Smiling coolly, she swept him an exaggerated curtsy. 'Pray excuse me if I do not seem overly eager to remain in your company, my lord!'

With that, Sookie turned on her heel and regally exited the hall.

Well, what did you think? I know that the E&S interaction was brief, but I wanted it to be explosive. Banter and clever witticism will be their foreplay, with the occasional bit of citrus sprinkled in. They will butt heads a lot and eventually something else... R&R!