This one is a little bit better because there is more dialogue between people. I know I love dialogue so I hope you guys do too. But please review and tell me how you like this chapter. If you don't like where it's going ..believe me there is a twist.. lol ..or not ..no im just kidding.. enough talking back to the story.

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Chapter 6: Secret Meetings

Claira called for a warm bath. A young servant brought in the tub and filled it by hand. She was very young, maybe fourteen, fifteen at most. The young servant finished the tub and nodded her head to Claira.

'Wait what's your name?' Claira asked.

'I'm not supposed to talk to you Miss.' She answered most timidly.

'Why ever not'

'Orders Miss'

'Orders from who?'

'Mr. Watsworth Miss' She was turning to leave.

'No wait. Which Mr. Watsworth?'

'Well if I were to tell you, I might be in trouble Miss'

'I promise not to tell. See I'm in desperate need of some information. Not to mention I would love a female friend. William is great but it's always good to have a good girl chat'

The young girl smiled.

'Alright Miss, if you promise'

'Oh I do!' Claira sat down on her bed tell the girl to make herself comfortable.

'Starting off who is giving you orders about talking to me?'

'Oh that would be Jonathan Miss'

'No more Miss. Call me Claira.' Claira said offering a warm smile.

'I'm Eleanor Miss. I mean Claira.'

'Do you know why I'm to be ignored by everyone?'

'Oh Miss you aren't being ignored. But no, I wouldn't ask him. He wouldn't be at all happy about me questioning his orders.'

'I understand. William isn't involved in this?'

'No, He rarely gives orders Miss Claira.'

Claira smiled hoping she would set the poor girl at ease. It didn't very well work because she had jumped at the sound of feet in the hallway.

'Oh no, oh no, oh no! What is he going to do to me?'

'Jonathan?'

'Yes, He's not going to be happy about this, not at all.'

'Eleanor relax. He will never know. My goodness it's as if you fear for your life.' Claira was joking but when she saw the look on Eleanor's face her smile faded.

'Are you telling me he threatens you?'

'No Miss not in so many words'

'Well don't fret. He will never know you and I are now friends. You have my word!'

Eleanor smiled and broke out in a cold sweat. She walked over and poured the last pitcher or warm water in the tub.

'Good day Miss, I mean Claira. I will see you sometime then?'

'Yes if you will not faint dead away from fear.' Claira laughed.

Eleanor nodded her head and walked out of the room. Claira had made a new friend, one who obviously knew the inner workings of Jonathan's mind. She was frightened out of her mind of him and there had to be a good reason.

She took a bath and brushed her hair. She decided to wear a pink dress with maroon trim; thinking it would make her cheeks pinker. She didn't see the point. She would most likely faint dead away or fall over a loose tile before dinner was over. Then Will would have to pick her up and bring her to her room. Then she would sleep the whole day and just come out for dinner. It seemed that happened a lot here.

William knocked at her door at exactly 6 o'clock. They walked down the long hall. He didn't offer his arm to her like he always did. They actually were walking with a wide gap between them. Claira noticed this but didn't question it.

'So you're feeling better?'

'Yes, It's funny I don't even remember falling.'

'Yes well you hit the ground pretty hard'

William felt his voice crack. Claira looked at him grinning.

'Are you forgetting to tell me something William?' She joked.

The color drained from William's face and he looked away.

'No, why do you ask?'

'No reason really. You're acting different. Did I do something to offend you?'

William forced himself to smile. It came off more as sneer, which sent Claira off into laugh.

She stopped and leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.

'What's so funny?' He asked smiling.

'William Watsworth you are lying to me. Or at least not telling the full truth. Not to mention that pathetic excuse for a sincere smile.'

William couldn't help but laugh.

'I am hiding something, but it really doesn't matter. It's of no consequence. It's just embarrassing.'

'Wait one moment! We are friends, I wouldn't laugh at you.'

'You mean how you didn't laugh at me just now?' They both laughed.

'Please tell me, I promise not to laugh.'

'Maybe later.'

William offered her his arm. She found herself blushing. They walked arm in arm to dinner.

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They walked into the dining room. Rebecca was sitting next to Jonathan. He followed Claira with his eyes all the way to her seat. Henry Watsworth sat stiffly sipping at his water. One thing Claira hadn't noticed the night before is their mother's absence not only from the table from every day life in general.

Claira took the seat across from Jonathan and next to Will. The thing Claira missed most about home were the lively chats at the dinner table. Here you were lucky to receive any sort of acknowledgment.

The dinner passed slowly, so slowly in fact that Rebecca had to leave directly afterwards.

As Claira was walking to her room she noticed Jonathan whispering something to Rebecca. He was leaning over near her ear. Claira stopped for a moment to see if she could hear what they were saying, but it was useless. William was coming; She couldn't allow him to see her snooping around. She glanced once more at the secret meeting, the last thing she saw was something she would remembered, but from where? Rebecca was smiling. Something was so familiar about the way she smiled.

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Hey all you lovely people!! I had a revelation just a few moments before I finished the chapter. I know what's going to happen for sure!! whoop whoop. Well I won't give anything major away but (there's something special about someone you wouldn't expect. ) ok please review, I love to hear when you guys write!! love ya - pink_sneakers85