A/N: Thanks as always to mingsmommy for the beta. Time to set the GSR in motion :)

Chapter 25

Soon after Brass left, Grissom headed for the house. He wished to be prompt in talking to the captain and depart as swiftly as possible. Failing to get Sara out of his mind made him feel uncomfortable and guilty. So, the less time he spent with her father and more specifically her, the better. Not that he wanted to avoid her, god only knew how much he desired her, but he had to dismiss the absurd feelings running through his body. And, simply staying away from her was the only option he could think of.

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Lying on her bed, fingers entwined across her lap, Sara sighed in frustration. She just could not get Grissom out of her mind. Sitting up, she reached for the book that sat on the bed next to her and she gazed at it. Opening it at the beginning her eyes scanned over the words.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." ***

As she read the words to herself it wasn't her voice she heard, it was her teacher's. His reading was, well, in all essence, divine. Such emotion and passion went into every word he spoke as he recited the literature before him. She could just listen to him forever and that, considering the way he acted after their kiss, annoyed her but yet, scared her to death. She had fallen head over heels in love with a complete stranger who had now rejected her following the most intimate moment of her life. She threw the book down in annoyance, now unable to forget the way he had just thrown her aside.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Pushing herself from the bed with a disgruntled groan, she slowly walked to the door. Upon opening it she saw her father.

"Yes, Father?" she asked.

"Dinner is on the table," he notified her. "Gregory informs me that you said you would not be joining us."

"No," she responded.

The captain folded his arms. "And may I ask, why not?"

With a soft shrug of her shoulders Sara shook her head. "I'm simply not hungry."

"Nonsense," he grumbled. "You barely eat as it is. Now, I insist you join us."

"But, Father," she whined, but was cut short.

"No buts, Sara. I will expect you downstairs in five minutes. You must eat or you will make yourself ill. Do you understand?"

Bowing her head in submission, Sara nodded. "Yes, Father."

"Good," the rancher responded with a jolly tone. "Five minutes, no more." With that he turned and walked towards the stairs.

A disgruntled huff of annoyance spilled from Sara lips. Why couldn't she just be left alone? She stomped back into her room and changed for dinner.

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Rushing down the hallway, Grissom moved towards the dining room. The unmistakable smell of roast pork and mashed potatoes filled the air so he suspected the family would be eating. Slipping quietly through the open door his suspicions were correct and indeed, everyone was enjoying their meal. Everyone that is except Sara, she wasn't there.

"Gil," the captain sounded looking up from his plate. He wiped his mouth on his napkin and stood. "Are you joining us?"

"Um, well, no, sir. I actually came to ask you something." He shuffled a little uncomfortably. "I'm sorry to disturb you; I can wait until you have finished eating."

"Its fine, we can talk now," the captain walked towards his aid.

Grissom's eyes scanned around the room, Laura was smiling at him, Nicolas was too concerned about wolfing down the contents of his plate to even spare him a glance but Gregory seemed to be staring at him and not with the most friendly of expressions. As the captain placed a hand on his shoulder his glance fell back to his boss.

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Sauntering slowly down the stairs, Sara approached the dining room but she suddenly stopped upon hearing Grissom's voice.

"Can we talk outside?" She heard him ask and suddenly felt a queasy feeling churning in her gut. What was he up to?

Thinking quickly, she bolted into her Father's study next door and softly pushed the door closed, leaving it open just enough so she could hear what was being said.

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Captain Sidle led Grissom out into the hallway. "So, what can I do for you?" he asked. "And how are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling much better, sir, thank you," the younger man started. "What I wanted to ask was, would you mind, sir, if I returned to my place for a few days to collect some belongings? I'm," he pulled up his shirt collar, "kind of on my last shirt and I hate to borrow things. Plus I could do with getting well needed items, you know. I did come pretty unprepared for a long stay."

"Of course, my boy," Captain Sidle replied with a smile. "In fact, it will give you some time to recover from your fall, will it not?"

"I guess so," the younger man agreed.

"How long do you expect to be gone?"

Rubbing his beard, the younger rancher took a few moments to think. "Not too long, three days maximum I should think, if that's alright."

"Fine," the captain agreed. "I am sure Conrad is quite capable of looking after things while you are gone."

Shoving his hands into his pockets, Grissom nibbled on his bottom lip. "I'm sure he will."

"Then it's settled." The land owner clapped his hands together. "You'll leave first thing in the morning and return when you are ready."

"Thank you, Captain, and oh," the younger man stuttered, "I noticed Sara wasn't in the dining room, can you give her a message for me, please?"

"Of course."

"Could you just, thank her for me? For her assistance and care." Grissom took a light swallow attempting to get out the right words without letting anything slip in regards to his real feelings. "What she did for me really means a lot and I didn't get the opportunity to say that to her."

"That's nice, Gil," the older man smiled gratefully. "I will indeed pass on your message."

Grissom nodded his appreciation.

"Now," the captain continued, "are you sure you will not join us for dinner?"

"I'm sure; I have things to get ready for the trip."

"As you wish." The older rancher pointed to the kitchen. "Make sure you ask Rana to pack you some supplies for the trip, alright?"

Smiling thankfully the younger man nodded again. "I will indeed."

"Well, I will more than likely see you before you go," the captain informed his worker, "so until then."

"Yes, Captain."

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Sara listened carefully to every word Grissom said but she wasn't quite sure how to interpret it. He sounded grateful yet, he was running away from her and she knew it. Just going to collect belongings was a simple excuse. Well, he wasn't about to get away with it. Sara Sidle didn't give in quite so easily.

She had a plan.

As she listened to her father saying goodnight to Grissom she waited until the sound of her teacher's boots disappeared from ear shot before exiting the study. Walking casually into the dining room she sat in between her cousins.

"Ah, Sara," the captain spotted his daughter as she entered and looked in her direction, "Nice of you to join us."

With a mock smile, Sara took a plate from the center of the table and spooned some vegetables onto it.

"You just missed Grissom," Gregory mumbled through a mouthful of corn.

"Oh, did I?" She pretended to sound disappointed. "What a shame." She looked to her father. "He's not joining us for dinner?"

The Captain shook his head. "He has things to do."

Whispering a fake, "oh," she nibbled on some potato but then wondered why her father hadn't mentioned Grissom was going away. Nimbly shrugging her shoulders, she realized she didn't really care because all that mattered was her plan and not his. She did need to find something out though.

"Oh, Father," she began and he looked up. "I meant to ask this before but forgot. Where is Grissom is from? You know, where he lives when he isn't here?"

"Just outside Washington, near Virginia," the rancher responded, wiping his mouth on his napkin.

Sara smiled her thanks for the answer and ate quickly, knowing she had things to prepare.

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En route back to his cabin Grissom stopped by the staff quarters, knowing exactly where he was heading. He found Warrick's room and knocked lightly. Several moments passed before the door slowly opened and the young worker appeared buttoning up his shirt. He seemed a little surprised to see his boss.

"Oh, Grissom, how are you feeling?"

Working his jaw, Grissom pushed passed the younger man and didn't offer a response.

"Is everything alright?" Warrick sounded concerned.

"No, Warrick. Everything isn't alright." The rancher snapped squaring up to his apprentice. "What the hell are you playing at, again?" He growled.

"I…well…" The younger man struggled for an answer, "…um…what?"

"You escorted Sara to town this morning?"

"Oh." The worker now knew exactly what his employer was getting at.

"Oh? Is that all you have to say?" The older man questioned. "So, you feel abandoning the captain's daughter in town is simply merit of an, oh?"

"No," Warrick replied immediately. "Grissom I didn't abandon her, I just had to…"

"I don't care," Grissom barked and stepped back towards the door, "Just know one thing." He pointed a sharp finger at his hire. "You let me down just one more time and you are through here. You never, ever leave Sara when you are her chaperone. Do you hear me?"

Bowing his head in embarrassment, Warrick nodded. "Yes, sir, I understand."

Grissom didn't utter another word and slammed the door behind him as he left.

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The occupants of the Sidle residence retired for the evening. Sara had gone to bed first, followed by Nicolas, her mother and father. Gregory had decided to read outside for a while before his eyes began to falter and bedtime called to him.

The young worker strolled up the stairs with a gratifying yawn and stretched when he reached the top. En route to his room, he was suddenly taken aback when Sara's door flung open and she grabbed his arm, yanking him inside.

"Sara!" He gasped in surprise.

"Shush…" She urged placing a gentle finger over his lips. "Quiet or you'll wake the house."

"What are you doing?" He all but whispered.

"I need you to do something for me," she responded walking to her bed and picking up an envelope.

His eyes followed her and a light frown formed on his brow. "Couldn't it wait until the morning?"

"No." Her reply was flat and to the point as she approached him again. Holding out the envelope she urged him to take it.

"What's this?" he asked taking the envelope.

Smiling mischievously she slipped her hands onto her cousin's shoulders. "I need you to give this to me in the morning, say a messenger brought it."

Shaking his head, Gregory looked at her confused. "I don't understand. What is it?"

"It doesn't matter what it is but what I need you to do is to get up really early, before everyone else. That way the messenger could have arrived before anyone else saw him. Say you couldn't sleep or something if anyone asks." She slipped her hands free and walked towards the window, looking out. "Then," she faced her cousin again, "just act innocent during breakfast and give me the envelope. I'll take care of the rest."

Looking bemused, Gregory slipped towards her. "What are you doing, Sara?"

"Please, Gregory," she begged, "Just, do this for me."

Exhaling a heavy sigh, he shrugged his shoulders, "Alright."

"Oh, thank you." She leapt forward and pulled him into a tight embrace causing him to chuckle.

"I just," he slowly pulled away, looking her in the eye, "I hope you know what you are doing." He frowned. "Whatever it is you're doing."

Sara grinned. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

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Morning came all too slowly for Sara. She hadn't slept at all and spent most of the night staring through the window. She knew, however, upon seeing Gregory exit the house shortly before dawn that he had lived up to his promise. A tingle of excitement washed over her when she realized she was actually going to attempt this but then nerves struck. What if he refused or her father wouldn't allow it to happen? Or worse, someone found out the whole thing was a lie?

Well, she wasn't about to change her mind and as the sun began its ascent she hurried to get dressed. Ready and eager to put her plan into action.

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Once dressed, she waited until everyone awoke before making a move. Giving it a few minutes after the final footsteps passed by her door, she departed her room and proceeded straight to the dining room.

Slipping inside she noted Nicolas, her mother and father were already seated at the table and drinking coffee but Gregory was still to arrive.

"Good morning," the captain announced to his daughter as she sat and placed her napkin on her lap.

"Good morning, everyone," she responded with a cheerful smile.

"I see you are feeling better," the older man at the table presumed as he placed another spoonful of sugar into his cup.

With a wispy frown highlighting her face she looked back to her father in confusion. "Better?" she questioned. "I don't recall being unwell, Father."

Before the captain could continue the conversation Gregory entered wiping his brow. "Sorry, I'm late," he apologized, removing his gloves.

"Where have you been?" Nicolas asked, looking his brother up and down. "And what time did you rise? I didn't even hear you get up."

"Couldn't sleep," the younger man responded taking a seat. His eyes flicked to Sara and she smiled gently. "So, I decided to get any early start at the workshop."

"I am, impressed," the captain cut in. "Nice to see you eager at last."

Smiling to herself, Sara took the coffee pot and poured herself a cup. "Coffee?" she asked her youngest cousin, holding up the pot.

He nodded and pushed over his cup.

"Will we be getting to the breeding program as soon as Grissom is fit for work, Father?" She poured Gregory's coffee and placed the pot back on the table before returning her glance to the captain. "I know he won't be well enough just yet for work but…" Sara was crafty with her questioning; giving the impression she was of complete innocence in regards to knowing Grissom would be leaving. She didn't get the opportunity to finish.

"Actually," the rancher began, "he will not be returning to work for several days. He will be leaving this morning to return home."

Everyone looked at the captain in surprise and Sara attempted to look as equally shocked.

"Why?" Laura was first to ask, just as Rana and another servant brought in several silver platters of breakfast foods.

"Just to collect a few belongings," he responded quickly, licking his lips as his nostrils caught the aroma of the delicious smoked bacon set down before him. "He will only be gone a few days."

"Oh, well, at least it will give him some time to recover," the lady of the house finished.

"That it will," the captain agreed, "and," he continued, "it will give you boys the opportunity to shine while he is gone. Show me you do not need to be told what to do all the time."

"Yes, Uncle," the two boys sounded together.

The housekeeper finished laying out breakfast and asked if there was anything more the family needed. The captain excused her and urged everyone to dig in before the food went cold. They all did so and the younger boys at the table piled their plates high while Sara was content with just a little scrambled egg and toast.

As they ate Gregory casually reached into his pocket and pulled out Sara's envelope. "Oh," he started, "I almost forgot." He held the envelope out to Sara. "A messenger came earlier and brought you this."

"For me?" she asked innocently taking the envelope.

Rolling his eyes, Gregory went back to his breakfast and mumbled a, "Yes."

"Ooohhh." Sara wiggled a little in her seat pretending to be excited. It wasn't often she got mail and although it was all an act, she wanted it to look realistic.

The entire table, well, apart from Gregory, looked on keenly, obviously intrigued as to who the message was from.

"Well?" Captain Sidle asked.

Looking up from her letter Sara met her father's glance.

"What is it?" he asked curiously.

"A letter from my dear friend Elizabeth," she informed the group and pretended to continue reading.

"How is she finding Virginia?" Laura asked, sipping on her coffee.

Sara didn't answer and seemed transfixed by the epistle.

"Sara?" her mother questioned and she eventually looked up from her reading.

"Oh, um, I'm sorry, Mother," she stuttered. "May I please be excused? I would like to read this in private, if that's alright?"

Her parents looked at each other with equal quizzical looks on their faces.

"Is everything alright?" the captain asked his daughter.

"I'm not sure. May I?" She stood and waited for her father's approval to be excused.

"As you wish," he nodded. "But, I require an explanation afterwards."

"Yes, Father," Sara replied immediately and hurried from the dining room. Once clear of prying eyes she leaned heavily against the corridor wall and exhaled a content but slightly nervous breath. A smile crossed her lips as she held the piece of paper tightly in her hand.

So far, so good.

Now, for the next step….

*** Passage taken from: A Tales of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A/N: Hmmm, what is Sara up too and how will Grissom react? Let me know how you think the story is going :)