Author's Note – Thanks again for reading and posting. I know that I say the same thing every time I update, but I really do appreciate you all reading my story. I'm also glad to see that some are becoming intrigued by Jeremy's story. I assure you, all will reveal itself soon on that front ;)

Also, I want to apologize for having so many peeping toms (LOL). The characters in this story are all amateur spies.

Chapter Eight

Wilhelmina had been listening to Vivian rant about Pete Dixon for the past ten minutes. And though Vivian complained about his arrogance and audaciousness, it was clear that she was fond of him.

"Wilhelmina" Vivian whined suddenly "You're not even listening."

"I'm listening" Wilhelmina answered as she continued dusting the hearth's mantle. "In fact, I'm finding that your endless chatter about Mr. Dixon means that you don't dislike him as much as you'd like me to believe."

Vivian considered denying Wilhelmina's suspicion but found it would be pointless. Wilhelmina had practically raised her after her mother left the family for the glories of Europe, and thus she could read Vivian well.

"Okay…I'll admit it" Vivian said "Though he has the most annoying mannerisms, I find him…intriguing."

"Intriguing?" Wilhelmina said as she turned from the mantle "It sounds to me like you've jumped out of the pan into the fire."

"Pardon?!" Vivian cried "I haven't even seen him…at least not in that way."

"Good, because a mysterious man is not the type of person you want to have calling on you." Wilhelmina warned "Gentlemen with such temperaments tend to keep secrets that can be hurtful. A man that's undisguised would be more appropriate."

"Someone more like Sean right?"

But Wilhelmina didn't answer only giving Vivian a look of approval. Though Sean had displayed un-gentleman like behavior when he ended him and Vivian's engagement, he was still a good man and if Vivian was set on courting again, she should only entertain those who were open like him.

"Uh…" Vivian sighed once she'd deciphered Wilhelmina's look "A man like Sean guarantee's nothing" she argued "He was an open book, yet he still broke my heart."

"And that broken heart is all the more reason for us not to be having this discussion. It's too soon after your parting with Sean."

"Wilhelmina it's been weeks!" Vivian said as she fiddled with the flowers on the sideboard. "And I personally believe that Pete Dixon may be just what I need to get past what happened with Sean."

"And what does Mr. Winters think of your impending courtship?"

"Father doesn't know…but I will tell him" Vivian continued before Wilhelmina could lecture her. "Everything will be fine."

Wilhelmina looked at her skeptically, then resumed her cleaning. She accepted that there was nothing she could do to change Vivian's mind about this Pete Dixon. Wilhelmina had never met him, but from what Vivian had conveyed about him, she was not impressed and she was especially not pleased with Vivian's enchantment with him. She couldn't help but feel that Pete Dixon was trouble.

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"Hey" Sean said as he entered his office

"Hey" Marita replied barely looking up from her work

"Where's Pete?"

"I'm assuming he's still meeting with Lloyd Spalding." She said as she continued working

"Have you eaten?" Sean asked as he hung his hat and blazer

"No…" she answered distractedly "I've…" she paused, quickly scribbling something in the ledger, then continued "I've been working on this budget."

While Sean labored to finalize the builder's contracts, Marita had been working long hours to complete the budget for the materials needed during construction. Out of all of the budgets she'd constructed for the project, this one had been the most challenging and as a result the most frustrating. The past week, Sean had watched her work tirelessly on the numbers, refusing to take a lunch and sometimes carrying the books home so that she could work during the evening. Though Sean knew that her reason for being so relentless was due to Clancy's scheduled visit at week's end, at that time, the Assemblyman would be expecting the budget and contract portions of the project to be completed, Sean was worried that she wasn't taking the time to rest.

"Are you going to eat?" he asked with concern, as he walked towards the desk

"I don't have time right no…"

"Have lunch with me." Sean interjected as he gently placed his hand on top of hers, preventing her pencil from continuing its trek.

"Sean!" Marita scolded, as she looked up into his piercing blue eyes. Though she was upset that he'd interrupted her work, she couldn't deny the feelings his touch had ignited. "You ruined my calculation." She continued, attempting to silence the storm that was brewing within her.

"I'm sorry" he smiled, with little sincerity "Now will you have lunch with me?"

"No, I can't…" she stammered as she pulled her hand from his grasp "I…I have to…complete this budget. Clancy will be expecting it when he arrives."

Though Marita's excuse was valid, the truth was, she feared spending time alone with Sean. When they started the project, she had coped with his nearness well, but as time went on her resolve had began to weaken. On numerous occasions she'd slipped up by being too warm when encouraging him after a difficult meeting or when he had a headache or was exhausted but needed to push on. And then there was her response to him now. She couldn't risk being alone with him in a non-business setting, no matter how much she want to go.

"Come on" Sean pleaded, interrupting her thoughts "It's a gorgeous day out; we could walk to the park; Mabeline a great lunch."

"Sean I can't eat up your lunch …and someone might see us."

"You wouldn't be eating up my lunch, besides Mabeline always packs for an army." He said as he pulled her from her chair. "And as far as someone seeing us… so what, there's nothing to see…we're just…we're just friends…." He finished as he gazed into her eyes.

Sean knew just as Marita did that there was more between them than friendship, but he didn't care. He wanted this time, this moment with her. They'd been working so hard on the Project, on fighting their feelings…he just wanted to get away from it all, the office, the ranch and be alone with her, even if it meant them pretending to be nothing more than friends.

"Please" he whispered

Silence.

"Okay" Marita conceded, closing her eyes, against the conflict in her heart. Though she knew that her decision would lead to more tension between her and Sean, she couldn't make herself turn away. "But we can't be gone long, I have to fin…"

"Don't worry" Sean said excitedly "We'll be back to work in no time!"

Minutes later, they arrived in the Park. Sean was right, the weather was gorgeous, it along with his easy conversation during the walk over had managed to relax her…the spot Sean chose was breathtaking. He'd forgone the more populous areas of the park and selected an area surrounded by an array of trees and freshly blooming flowers. There were several paths that led through the paradisiacal garden, but Sean assured her they were hardly ever used. It was very secluded and though the day was warm, they remained cool due to the shade of the trees and the steady breeze. After Sean spread the blanket he'd retrieved from the carriage, Marita sat down, tucking her legs to the side, then straightening her dress so that it would fan out around her. As Sean joined her on the blanket he longed to tell her how beautiful she was, looking up at him as the wind played in her hair, but he chose to keep silent. He'd convinced her that this outing would be totally innocent; he didn't want to ruin it by openly conveying what he felt for her.

"So what's for lunch" Marita asked nervously, attempting to keep the mood light "I'm starving…"

"I knew this was a good idea." Sean said, amused, as he opened the basket Mabeline had packed

"Well I did bring my lunch, and it's not like you're rescuing me from permanent starvation." Marita countered with a smile

"Hmm…" Sean chuckled, knowing that he had indeed rescued her, not from starvation, but from the claws of that monstrous budget. "Let's see," he continued as he looked in the basket, "we've got Turkey, Ham..."

As Sean rattled off their menu, Marita gazed at him lovingly, succinctly embracing the feelings he continually stirred within her. He was everything she wanted and so much apart of the dreams she had for her life. Though he was just a breath away, she wanted so desperately for him to be closer. Marita closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, quietly, trying to keep her heart from overwhelming her.

"…sweet tea and apple pie." Sean said, completing the list of dishes Mabeline had packed

"That sounds…that sounds wonderful." Marita said shakily

"Are you okay" he asked, noticing the unsteadiness in her voice

"I'm fine" she rebounded strongly "Let's eat!"

Though Marita objected, Sean prepared her plate. Giving her turkey, instead of ham - a meat that he knew she did not care for, and a small portion of the other items in the basket.

"Thank you" she said as he gave her the plate

"You're welcome" he replied, holding her gaze, then going on to prepare his own serving.

They sat quietly eating the lunch Mabeline had prepared, enjoying the sound and beauty of the nature surrounding them, but more so the companionship of each other…

"Any word from Cholena?" Sean asked, breaking the silence. He'd been wanting to know for weeks if she had heard when she'd be expected to start. He knew it was selfish, but he secretly hoped the school would rescind their offer. It wasn't unheard of, especially when a school found that they needed help sooner than expected…

"No" Marita said quietly, bringing him back to their conversation "But I expect to hear from them any day now. I suspect they'll be needing me by late August. Since that is when the Fall term begins."

I need you, Sean wanted to say, but instead drew a deep breath and looked away. Marita's soul cried at the pain she saw in Sean's eyes and felt in her own heart. Her certainty that moving to Cholena was the answer to their dilemma, was starting to falter. After working so closely with Sean for the past few weeks, she didn't know if she had the strength to leave him. It all seemed so inconceivable, so absurd for them to live their lives apart when they cared so deeply for one another…

"Sean…" Marita began, she wanted so much to tell him what she was feeling, but logic quickly overpowered her will "…This place is beautiful" she said as she took in the view

"It is isn't it?" He remarked with a strained smile, attempting to move on from what his heart was still feeling. "I know how much you love nature…and therefore I knew that you would appreciate the beauty of this place… All the flowers and the trees… it's you." He whispered softly

"And you," Marita added. "For as long as I can remember you've always enjoyed nature just as much as me."

"Yes" he admitted as he gazed across what seemed like miles, into her eyes "But it's only because of you…you…Marita, inspire me in ways you probably never imagined."

"I can imagine…" she replied softly, implying that Sean inspired her in the same manner. Powerless to stop the wave of emotion her response had caused, he gradually leaned forward gently placing his hand her cheek. He sighed at the feel of her soft skin, and she closed her eyes savoring his touch. He then moved closer…closer to the caress he'd yearned so much to anew …he was a breath away and the sweetness of her scent was consuming him when there was a noise, the sound of a falling branch or perhaps someone nearby. Sean hesitated, then quickly pulled back, holding her gaze a moment… before glancing in the direction of the sound.

"I'm sorry" He said huskily, silently scolding himself for losing control. "We should get back…"

Disheartened by the kiss unfulfilled, Marita was slow to speak, but agreed that they should return to the office. She immediately began assisting him in packing things up and found herself fighting back tears. She couldn't go on this way; fighting and suppressing her feelings; she felt her heart would burst if she didn't soon surrender to the love or banish it forever…

Several yards away, Pete stood behind a tree, observing as Sean and Marita prepared to go. When returning from his meeting with Lloyd Spalding, he had spotted them walking towards the Park, and decided to follow. Though he'd been suspecting for weeks that they were involved, he was still shocked to see all that had transpired during their intimate lunch. He could not understand how a man like Sean, who had so much to gain, could throw it all away over a woman of Marita's station. But he guessed the why was pointless. Now that his suspicions had been confirmed, Pete knew that he must proceed with the next step.

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Ned slowly walked down the hall towards Isaac's room. Since they had completely the horse deal and had several hours before leaving for Lexington, he felt that it would be a good time to discuss their children. After weeks of observing Sean and Marita's apparent heartache and the subtle but obvious exchanges between them, most notable at the celebration dinner for Jeremy, Ned had concluded that they had deep feelings for one another. When he reached Isaac's door he again debated whether he was doing the right thing. He was, he thought, no matter Isaac's reaction, he needed to know what was going on…

"Ned" Isaac said surprised, as he opened the door. "I thought you were down stairs."

"I was" Ned answered seriously "Can we talk."

"Sure" Isaac said as he stepped aside, allowing him to enter. "What's going on?"

Gathering his thoughts, Ned didn't answer immediately, but sat in a chair nearest to Isaac's seat on the bed. He wasn't sure how to say what needed to be said, except for to just…say it.

"It's our children." he finally stated

"What about them?" Isaac asked, confused

"I think…I think that Sean and Marita's…relationship…may go beyond friendship."

Isaac sat there a moment, astounded by what he'd just heard.

"That's crazy." He finally answered "Where would you get an idea like that?"

"From our children" Ned sighed as he stood and turn to look out the window.

"When? Where?" Isaac asked, still confused

"I noticed Sean's unusual behavior weeks ago. Coincidentally, around the time Marita announced that she would be accepting the teaching position in Cholena…Sean seemed to be hurting, but when I asked him about it, he wouldn't open up…and then there was Marita, expressing the same kind of pain. She covered it well overall, but when I talked to her about Sean's…changed behavior, I discovered to my dismay that she too was experiencing the same feelings."

"Oh come on Ned, I haven't noticed anything alarmingly different about Marita's behavior and the kids have been close for years, maybe what you were seeing was their sadness due to Marita's choice to leave Lexington…when she moves it'll be difficult for them to continue the friendship they have now."

"No…"Ned countered as he turned to face him "I thought that too, but that's not it. Just the other day, when Marita brought by the custard she'd made for Jeremy's dinner, I witnessed a look between them that was not that of friends. Both thought that no one saw them, and I think the exchange went unnoticed by everyone else, but I saw it... and Isaac…the way that they looked at one another …"

"I can't believe this." Isaac said as he rose from the bed and began to pace "I won't, Marita would never allow herself…"

"Isaac, this isn't about them 'allowing' themselves…we both know that being in love is not something you can control."

"In love?" Isaac questioned incredulously "Do you really believe it's gone that far?"

"Unfortunately…yes" Ned answered "I don't think Sean would've broken his engagement to Vivian if he weren't in love with Marita."

"What?!" Isaac exclaimed as he stopped pacing and focused on Ned "What do you mean Sean ended his engagement because of Marita."

"Just what I said" Ned confirmed "After witnessing all that I have between them and then re-thinking Sean's reasons for the break up, I believe that he ended his relationship with Vivian because of his feelings for Marita."

Stunned, Isaac slowly returned to his seat on the bed. "I had no idea" he whispered "I mean Marita has been a little distant lately, but I just thought it was the pressure of all the tasks she's been working on…they have to know that it would never work" he continued "though Kentucky law now permits such a relationship…society would never accept a courtship between them."

"I know" Ned agreed, when he, Isaac and Clay had arrived in Arlington they spent nearly a day trying to find a saloon that would allow Isaac to stay under the same roof as their white patrons or even just have a room at all. Though Kentucky was a bit more tolerant than Virginia, there were many who still harbored the same views as the confederate south. "So what are we going to do?" he asked "…do we confront them about this, what?"

"I don't know" Isaac said as he shook his head still shocked by what he'd just learned "I just don't know."