Ties That Bind

Chapter 51

Different View

Author's Note: Hi everyone let me just say wow! I am so pleased and very excited for the incredible feedback I received for the last chapter and it is also one of my favorites too. I am so glad to see some familiar names along with new readers following along and enjoying the story with each new twist and turn that comes along. To respond to one review I got asking how many more chapters are still ahead. I can't say the exact number, but I will say that the story is coming nearer to the end, but is not over yet there are still some interesting twists ahead so please continue to read and follow along. Thanks so much to all my readers and those who sent in your great reviews. One last thought for anyone that is dealing with the Corona virus stay safe and be well. Thanks Mars Light.

Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon never did, never will Thank you!

Darien looked to the man sitting at the table, seeing by the way he was dressed definitely gentry, but if he knew something of Serena's where about he could be the prince himself and it wouldn't matter if he was standing between himself and what he wants as he walked over to him calmly asking "do you know where she is?"

The other gentlemen sat back in his chair taking a look at the man before him with his clothes dripping wet and leaned back with his arms crossed on the table telling him "maybe?"

Darien grew angrier seeing the way the other man was just toying around as he ordered him "if you know of her where about, you will present her to me at once"

The other gentlemen paid no heed to his order as he stood up from the table and stared him down asking "and who are you to be making such a demand of me sir?"

Darien was blazing mad and ready to grab this other man by the neck to show him exactly who he was and that he wouldn't let any other intimate him as Andy saw the battle of pride building up between the two men and quickly rushed over to stop Darien holding back his arm before he swung as he told him quietly" you will not find out what you wish by fists"

Darien dropped his hand down knowing he would take enjoyment in pounding into this other man's face, but stood down as he heard Andy say in a more reasonable tone to the other man "we are friends of hers, and have traveled a long distance searching for her in this storm and are deeply concerned of her welfare" as he looked over at Darien hoping to get the point across to the other man that he was growing more impatient by the second for answers.

The other man nodded his head understanding as he took a seat back down at the table not taking his eyes off of Darien and nodded his head telling him "yes I know of the girls where about and I can assure you she is well"

Andy nodded his head feeling relieved this other man was at least speaking to them, but knew if real answers were not presented soon Darien would start throwing fist punches as he looked to the other man seeing he was being defensive and asked "how did you happen to come across Serena"

The man was still on guard with these two strangers standing in front of him asking questions about a girl he found wandering alone in the woods and was not ready to disclose any information about her to them and told them back "by chance circumstances"

Darien grew impatient with these answers and leaned down on the table looking to the man demanding to know "is she here?"

The other man folded his arms taking no fear by Darien's challenging behavior and told him calmly as a reply "maybe?"

Darien was tired of the game this man was playing and would no longer settle for anything but the truth as he reached over the table grabbing onto the man's shirt yelling loudly "do you know where she is or don't you man"

The gentleman shook his head not about to give Serena up to this domineering man in front of him when they heard a woman's voice nearby asking "is everything alright dear?"

Darien let go of the man's shirt and turned to see a woman come slowly walking down the steps. As the man before him was, she was also well dressed most likely his wife as he stood back from the table acknowledging the lady in his present company.

The woman walked down the steps keeping her eyes on the two men as she carefully went towards the gentlemen and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tender embrace and then looked up to see Darien and Andy standing there unsure what to make of her.

The gentleman took her arm in his own and gave it a gentle a pat and kept his eyes on Darien the whole time seeing he at least knew how to show some decorum in front of a lady as he told her "everything is fine dear, these men are here inquiring about Serena"

The woman smiled warmly to them both asking curiously "are you friends of hers"

Darien was taken back by this woman's calmness and kind demeanor knowing full well that she had witnessed him grabbing onto the other man's shirt as a small smile crossed his face thinking she reminded him of someone else who was also kind hearted and very caring, who showed less judgement on some of his questionable actions.

Andy looked to Darien waiting for him to answer the ladies question but seeing he seemed somewhere else at the moment he spoke up for him telling her kindly "yes we are, Serena is under the care of my lordship" as he extended his arm towards Darien and continued explaining "we were concerned when she did not return home this evening when the storm started to get worse"

The woman looked to the two men in front of her and saw they both did seem deeply concerned and nodded her head in understanding telling him "oh yes of course I can understand how concerned you must have been I myself…"

She was quickly cut off by the gentleman she was with as he looked to her displeased telling her "dearest I don't think that we should be discussing further at the present time"

Darien heard the gentleman and his lady speaking back and forth deciding on whether they should disclose certain information, but did not hear anything that was said between them because he turned around after hearing another enter the room and saw her as she came walking down the stairs wearing a cream color peasant top with a light blue skirt and matching corset.

He didn't know whether it was from lack of sleep or his wanting of her caresses, needing her body next to his own, but the sight of her walking towards him everything seemed to slow down for a minute and she looked completely amazing with her golden hair shimmering in the light behind her.

Serena walked down the steps expecting to see her new traveling companions sitting waiting for her, but had an unexpected surprise as she looked down to see Darien standing there with them as her heart skipped a beat to see him again.

She quickly rushed down the rest of the steps and over to him ready to run into his waiting arms, but then quickly stopped herself, remembering her place and that no one knew of what she was to him here, and instead curtsied down to him formally saying "my lord what a wonderful surprise to see you here"

Darien was unable to take his eyes off of her as he stood there speechless to her polite actions watching her bow down formally towards him and felt Andy give him a slight pat on the shoulder to make him remember where they currently stood, while he saw the other gentlemen stand up front the table and look over to Serena asking uncertain "so you do know these two men"

Darien kept his eyes on her seeing her stand up and blind the room with that bright smile of hers again that lit up her cheeks a perfect shade of pink and made her eyes sparkle a most brilliant shade of blue as she turned to man at the table and said happily "yes I do"

Andy looked to Serena now knowing she was safe and kept the tone between them friendly and innocent as he looked to her asking "you are alright then?"

Serena nodded her head knowing they must have traveled a great distance in the rain to find her here and told them apologetically "yes I am sorry if I caused you concern" as she looked over to Darien not knowing what his reaction would be of her disappearance.

Darien looked to her with the reminder of her absence, but before he could reply to her comment the gentlemen before them extended his hand out politely as he looked towards Darien telling him courteously "my apologies for my curtness sir. You can never be too careful with the people that travel these woods"

Darien nodded his head and looked towards Serena thinking of how he would enjoy getting her out of that outfit she wore and underneath him as he reached out and shook the man's hand telling him "no apologies are necessary I thank you both for coming to her assistance"

The gentleman looked to Darien knowing that the girl Serena did indeed belong with them, but it still did not explain why she was wandering alone in the woods as he explained "yes we came across her this afternoon wandering through the woods alone in the pouring rain"

Darien turned to look towards Serena forgetting for a moment in his admiration to see her again, that she had gotten herself lost in this storm as the lady beside the man spoke up gently saying "yes poor dear was lost outside, alone without a shawl or cape. She would have frozen for sure. It was pure luck that we happened to break the wheel pin on our carriage right when she happened to come along"

Serena felt Darien's hard gaze on her as she gulped sure that he was thinking of far worse scenario to her behavior and a suitable punishment to go along with it as she told him back "I am sorry my lord. I was out walking and the sky turned dark and cold. I became lost in the woods and was unable to find my way back to the manor"

Darien found that moment to find his voice again as he turned to her placing a strong hand on her shoulder as she looked up into his cold eyes as he told her "we'll discuss all of that later"

Serena nodded her head knowing she was out of the raging storm outside, but the rage inside was only starting with the danger she would be in for making him come out searching for her in this weather as she told him quietly "yes my lord"

Darien took a deep breath seeing her lowering her eyes towards him knowing she at least knew what would be coming to her and turned back to the man and woman telling them politely "I thank you for coming to Serena's assistance. Please let me take care of your lodging accommodations for this evening for coming to her aid"

The gentlemen nodded his head while he kept his eyes on Serena seeing how she reacted to this man before him, who he now knew was a lord of some kind and replied telling him "that is a very generous of you sir. Thank you"

Darien kept his eyes on the other man not letting it go unnoticed that this man had not taken his eyes off of Serena since she walked into the room as he told him keeping his tone level "no thank you for your assistance" as he put his other hand against Serena's back possessively.

Serena stood stiff unsure exactly what was currently going on between the two men as she watched them both starring back and forth at each other like they were trying to wager over who would take control of a prized mare as she heard the innkeeper speak up saying "the room that you requested for the evening is ready gentleman"

Darien nodded his head not taking his eyes off the man in front of him as he replied telling her "thank you madam"

Serena stood there feeling the hold Darien had on her growing stronger, while hearing that they would be spending the night here in this small inn and part of her wondered if it would be better taking her chances outside with the storm.

The lady across from them seeing the tension rising between the two men looked to Serena kindly asking "would you like to sit and join us for a meal"

Serena stood there unsure what to do what Darien would expect of her. If he would insist on carrying out her punishment here in this small inn in front of the others as she took a deep breath thinking of the pain that would soon follow. Instead she watched on in surprise as he pulled out a chair at the table for her to sit.

She hesitantly did so taking the extended seat while keeping her eyes on him as he quickly pushed her chair in closer to the table and then took the seat beside her.

The other gentleman carefully took a seat down at the table looking towards them both with almost a challenge in his eyes as he looked over to Darien asking formally "so I take it that you are a lord of some kind with lands of your own to speak of"

Darien looked to the man in front of him curious to see where he was going with his questioning as he nodded his head telling him forwardly "that is correct"

The gentleman sat there obviously sizing him up as he spoke to the others at the table stating "I find it unusual that you would come out yourself in this weather to fetch the girl home and not just send a group of your men to do so for you"

The lady beside him gently pated his arm telling him carefully "that is not a proper way to speak with the gentleman before you"

Darien shook his head hearing in the others man's words the challenge as he shook his head telling the lady before him "no it is alright, indeed I do have other men who were out searching for her as well, but it is I who have found her first" as he reached his hand down and grabbed onto Serena's thigh looking across to the man before him.

Serena looked over to Darien seeing him raging a war with the other man with just his words, while speaking politely, but letting her know loud and clear that she was his and no one else's.

The storm continued to rage on outside as they sat and talked Serena found that she enjoyed the company of the woman that she sat with, while they discussed stories and poems she has read throughout the evening, even though they were from two very different classes of people she enjoyed her company and speaking to the woman across from her while being treated as an equal and not thought lesser of.

Darien kept his eyes on Serena the whole time while she spoke of works by different authors seeing that indeed with the right clothes on she could fit in with the most dainty of gentry as the woman politely sat quietly across from her smiling and nodding her head once in a while in agreement as Serena spoke on of books and literature far beyond that of the other woman's knowledge he was sure.

The gentleman sat listening with his arms folded in judgement making small comments here and there as Serena spoke to the woman of Jane Austen and Emily Bronte while he made a skeptical look that any woman could be so well versed in literature.

Darien looked to the other man knowing better that his Serena was full of surprises as a small grin crossed his face and he made comment to Serena asking her "what are your thoughts on Ms. Austen's book Pride and Prejudice regarding a Mr. Darcy" while he watched with a knowing look that the gentleman across from him was about to get an earful from her.

Serena looked to Darien surprised that he would ask that specific question knowing full well that when they spoke of this particular book they would never come to an agreement as she looked to Darien stating "well I would have to say that this particular character is the ideal English Aristocrat"

Darien looked to her in a silent challenge as he crossed his arms over his chest asking her "go on" while the lady across from him looked on pleased telling her "yes please do so"

Serena looked over to Darien not sure what he was looking to gain from this discussion, but if he wished to hear her thoughts she would gladly do so and nodded her head politely telling him "alright, he is both snobbish and far too arrogant taking on much of the same qualities of other gentry, having everything handed to them and expecting such treatment from others in return"

Darien looked on the two faces across from them both sitting there starring back not sure what to say to her comment as he looked to Serena with a little smile knowing this was only the beginning that she could go on for hours if he let her do so asking "anything else?"

She looked to him with a little grin of her own unsure what motive he had for bringing up this particular book while he sat there listening intently to her thoughts while she looked over to Darien with a little smirk and sat back in her chair telling him "well yes actually I believe in the end of the novel it is actually Mr. Darcy who goes through the largest change of all because he is more understanding of others faults because he is more aware of his own"

Darien sat there in his chair for a moment knowing she did it to him again, but this time it was not only him she had left the entire table speechless with her simplistic views as he nodded his head trying to find a rebuttal but coming up empty telling her "yes well"

A large thunder clap sounded shaking the small inn thankfully breaking away any kind of dispute that he could give which there was none, but the loud noise broke their discussion and caused Serena to jump from her chair and grab onto Darien's arm protectively

Darien looked down at his beautiful blonde knowing how she felt about loud thunder as he gently removed her hand from his arm and gave it a small pat, knowing for now that was the most he could do to comfort her in these circumstances as he gently calmed her down by saying "your safe inside"

The woman smiled seeing the tender interaction between the two, but the gentlemen did not agree with such public display and gave Darien a warning look and then began to laugh to lighten the mood as he looked to Darien asking "so she can quote Austen and Bronte but scared of a little thunderstorm storm is she?"

Darien did not appreciate the tone the other man took with him and butting into what was none of his business as he looked over and saw the hurt look in Serena eyes to the gentleman's comment from her behavior and felt a disturbance well up within him and told him back firmly "well there are others who find further riches in other things beyond wealth. I believe we could all take a lesson from Ms. Austen" then stood up from the table leaving the present company speechless as he took Serena's hand in his own and told her calmly "we are heading out early tomorrow it would be best if you get some rest"

Serena looked to him surprised that he would back her up in such away in front of the other gentleman as she nodded her head and told him with a slight blush to her cheeks "I don't think I will get any sleep with this storm carrying on" hoping he would understand the extended invitation

Darien gave her a look that told her he did understand completely and she would not be getting any rest anyway as she turned back to the table and told everyone "although I am feeling rather tired so I will say good evening to all of you"

The gentlemen stood up also as was customary when a lady left the table as he watched Darien take her hand in his own and gave it a small squeeze then told her with a little gleam to his eyes "good evening Serena" but his eyes did all the talking for him telling her discreetly I'll be up shortly.

Serena nodded her head with a matching look in her own eyes and did a small curtsey back repeating the pleasantry telling him "good evening lord Montgomery" then turned and walked away expecting him to follow soon as she went upstairs to what would be there shared room.

The woman at the table unaware of the secret discussion they just shared between them turned to Darien with a warm smile stating "she is a lovely girl"

Darien nodded his head while he watched Serena walk all the way upstairs with her hips swaying back and forth with her movements knowing lovely was only half of it as he replied telling her "yes she is"

The gentleman looked to him suspiciously seeing where his attention was turned too and knowing what Darien saw also that there was something very special about that girl and asked him "how long has she been under your care for?"

Darien looked to the gentlemen not liking how much he was prying into personal details as Andy who had remained mostly quiet throughout the evening finally spoke up telling him "after the unfortunate passing of her parents she has come to find a home with Lord Montgomery at his manor"

The woman who sat beside the gentleman shook her head sadly replying with pity "the poor girl to lose her parents at such a young age. It was generous of you to offer the girl a home"

Darien looked to the woman knowing Andrew's version of the story was not completely accurate as he nodded his head telling her "yes well she was in need of"

The gentleman looked to Darien having a pretty good idea of who was in need of what as he cut him off replying back "yes I'm sure it was" then took hold of his woman's hand is his own telling her "perhaps it would be best if you retire for the evening as well my dear"

The lady sat there looking between the two men and saw that her companion wished to speak to the other man privately and smiled back kindly as she stood up from the table to leave telling the other gentlemen "good evening"

Darien and Andy both stood up as they bowed their heads down to her as Darien politely wished her "good evening" and she quickly exited the room without another word spoken to her gentleman companion.

Darien waited for the lady to descend the staircase and then turned back to the table knowing the man before him wanted to speak privately, but he had no interest in waiting around to continue this conversation any further. Especially when he had Serena waiting for him upstairs as he began to make his leave saying "I am going to…," but the other man quickly interrupted him saying "I know what she is?"

Andy looked over to Darien as he stood up from his seat quickly and stood against the wall not sure what direction this would take as Darien looked to the other man suspiciously saying "excuse me"

The other gentleman sat back in his chair unafraid to speak his mind as he looked back at Darien accusingly saying "she is your mistress is she not"

Darien crossed his arms in front of him neither confirming nor denying his comment, unsure of where this was going.

Andy looked between the two men deciding to stop this questioning before things took a dangerous turn judging by Darien's response or lack of saying to the other man "she is a fine girl with a good head on her shoulders"

The gentleman nodded his head in agreement, but showed no real interest in anything that came from Andy's mouth as he kept his focus on Darien telling him "my Katherine has taken a liking to the girl"

Darien stood tense knowing he did not like this man from the moment he set eyes on him, but was still unsure of who the company he currently kept was and where he was going with this. Finally realizing the woman he sat with may not be the man's wife at all, some gentleman treated there mistress as well as a wife if not better and looked back to the man before him asking coldly "was there a reason for your interest in Serena" thinking he may be looking to trade or take Serena as a second mistress both which would never be as the man replied telling him calmly "I want to be sure the girl is well taken care of"

Darien nodded his head expecting he was looking more to be sure for himself she is thoroughly taken care of and replied back telling him curtly "I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you Serena is well taken care of and satisfied with her current standing"

The other gentlemen did not agree as his eyes turned menacing by Darien's words and challenged him back saying "your taking care of her needs are you, that is why she was found half-dressed wandering around alone in the woods freezing in the rain"

Darien grew angrier by his comment as Andy quickly stepped forward trying to stop this before anything worse happened telling the gentleman "we appreciate your assistance earlier but" he was unable to deflect for long though as Darien quickly exploded yelling out "Serena is mine to deal with"

The man looked back to Darien showing no concern to his temper asking calmly "and how do you plan on dealing with her?"

Darien looked to him knowing he was trying to get a rise out of him and by doing so have him admit to something about his relations with Serena as he took a step back to compose himself knowing better then to give up too much information and replied simply "she has a lot of spirit"

The man before him nodded his head as he looked on Darien judgingly telling him "it is that spirit that I find most intriguing about her"

Darien looked to him cautiously knowing he was unaware of who this other man was and why his sudden interest with Serena, but he was trying to move onto what is his and that made him an enemy as he asked him back curtly "what is she to you?"

The man before him sat back thinking of his response and then shook his head telling him "she reminds me of someone I used to know many years ago"

Darien nodded his head in understanding, but would not be letting this gent or any other take her away from him as he responded back telling him firmly "I take good care of her"

The other man shook his head in response and mockingly told him "based off what I have seen I don't think you do and I wish to purchase her from you, just give me your best price"

Darien stood firmly knowing there was no price he could ever offer and shook his head telling him "no" The other man looked to him and began to laugh saying back "come now a gentlemen like yourself I am sure you have many other girls for your choosing, so go on give me your best offer for her"

Darien shook his head again knowing this conversation was now done and told him firmly "she is mine there is no amount you could offer that would change that"

The man looked to him not pleased that Darien was not willing to bend as he shook his head telling him "money is no concern to me. I can make it worth your weight in gold"

Darien shook his head not interested in any offer that could be given replying back "I have said all that I will for the evening, good night to you sir" as he turned to walk away as Andy followed behind relieved that no blood had been shed.

The gentleman looked to them both watching the young lord walk away from him and stood up from the table as he shouted out to him with a warning "someday you are going to break that girl and when you do there will be nothing you can do to put the pieces back together"

Darien turned back around tired of this man butting into his personal business and stated back telling him "I know how to handle her"

The man nodded his head as his face turned sad he replied telling him "yes, I'm sure you have no doubt how to control your mistress, but what I'm talking about is the girl"

Darien shook his head not wanting to hear anymore from this stranger as he took his most commanding tone telling him "I believe this discussion is over for the evening. I thank you for your assistance, but she is not for sale and if you indeed try to push this further you will regret it. Now good evening to your sir"

The man stood firm not taking heed to his warning yelling back at him "she is special"

Darien turned around to look at him replying back "you have no idea" and then walked up the stairs with Andy leaving the man standing there starring after him.