Here you go! Sorry this is a bit later than I wanted it, but this week has been crazy. No, not personally but news wise. Robin Williams dead. The events unfolding in Ferguson. It's a bit hectic, and I haven't had much gumption to write. So, if this feels bland or forced, I'm sorry.

Chapter Nineteen

Green eyes darted over Jackson's head to focus those he had traveled ahead of that were quickly approaching. He followed his gaze to see the gardener snatch his hat from his head and wring it in his hands. His aunt and uncle appeared puzzled, but their confusion left the moment they heard the man apologizing for any disruption that had been caused—he had not been aware of the gentleman's return.

Mr. Haddock waved the apologies off and turned to introduce him to Mr. and Mrs. Clause. When he learned who they were and that they had been the party taking up Mr. Edmund's time with a tour, he sent the gardener on his way and stated that he would finish showing the grounds himself. He ushered the trio along and strolled past the stables to the woods in the distance.

The young man was astounded with Mr. Haddock's civility over the whole matter, especially when it came down to their last meeting. His ears burned at the thought of the words said; he brushed his fingers through his hair to ensure they were covered. As he walked, listening to the gentleman showing the grounds—complete with anecdotes from his and his ancestor's youth—the paper that sat nestled against his breast in his coat pocket began to sear through the fabric and to his heart.

A large hand cupped his elbow, and he turned to see it belonged to Mr. Haddock. With a soft smile, the gentleman redirected him in the direction the others had taken a few minutes ago having believed he was at their heels and paying attention.

Jackson struggled to push down a blush and cleared his throat as he followed him back to his aunt and uncle.

They turned down a path through the woods that followed the edge of a wide lake; its mirrored surface dusted with autumn leaves. The trees that had grown to an immense size under the generations that had cared for them towered above. Their craggily and knotted branches stretched across the pale blue sky like wizened hands.

The young man turned his eyes down and focused on the back of Mr. Haddock head, studying the messy fall of the auburn locks. He wished they could peer right through to see what he was thinking. Perhaps it would ease the rushing pound in his chest. Or, maybe, it would only make it worse.

He shook his head and focused on the way the gentleman stood: his broad shoulders back, his slender arms somehow supporting and keeping up with his rapidly moving hands that pointed and emphasized each point he made, the slight swing of his hips to compensate for something wrong with his left leg. Mr. Haddock's eyes were wide as he spoke; his eyebrows arched and freckled cheeks pushed up to crinkle the corners of his eyes.

When his aunt called out for his opinion, Jackson realized he had not been present in the conversation being too lost in his own thoughts. He gave an apologetic smile, which he hoped had enough of a smirk, and said, "Pardon?"

"Honestly, Jackson," she reprimanded, but she didn't repeat her question.

The young Mr. Overland let out a puff of air in relief and put his focus on what was being said among the other three.

"I'd welcome you to fish here," Mr. Haddock said to Mr. Clause with a nod to the lake, "but the cooler months are on us. The lake won't be restocked until spring. However, if you are ever in the neighborhood then, don't be shy. You are welcomed to come by and fish as much as you'd like."

"Thank you. I will take you up on that, one day," he responded with a hearty chuckle, patting the gentleman on the back.

Jackson froze at the action of familiarity, but relaxed when he saw the lopsided grin that pulled at Mr. Haddock's lips.

The gentleman stopped and gestured towards a narrow path off to the right that arched away from the lake and back the way they came. "We can take this way back. You will see some of the wonderful flora Berk has."

When no one else in the party made to move ahead of him, he stepped forward. Jackson followed after him at the urge of his aunt and uncle. He fell in step next to Mr. Haddock; the Clauses fell into step several paces behind them just out of earshot.

Jackson focused on the well-worn dirt beneath his feet. Clearing his throat, he looked up and ahead of him. He said, "I do wish to apologize for any intrusion or hindrance we may have caused. We were informed you wouldn't be returning today."

"It's quite all right. That had been the plan actually, but I decided it was best to come home earlier and prepare."

The young Mr. Overland nodded but didn't probe the issue of "preparing".

"Is your party passing through or do you plan to stay a while in the city?" Mr. Haddock asked.

"Why do you care?" Jackson found himself asking out of habit.

"Just pleasant inquiry. Also, I was hoping to introduce to a particular person who just arrived with me."

"Who?"

"My sister."

The young man's stride halted before quickly picking his pace back up. "It would be a pleasure to meet her," he managed to squeeze out from his constricting airway. He risked a glance to the side to spy the gentleman's lips twitching.

"I will introduce you when we reach the house," he said.

Jackson nodded and focused on anything but the man walking next to him. God, it was all so confusing and muddled, and he couldn't make out what he really felt. Everything he had known he was doubting and reevaluating; his heart knew something his head hadn't realized and refused to say what it was. His body burned, and he couldn't figure out why. Perhaps, he was understanding the gentleman before him for who he was. But…he couldn't put his finger on it. It was almost as infuriating as Mr. Haddock.

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that another hand from Mr. Haddock—this time on the shoulder—had to bring him back to the current time. He flinched away from the touch, startled and scared from the heat that pulsed under his skin. The gentleman saw the action and pulled away; he took a step away from Jackson.

The two waited on the lawn for the Clauses to catch up, and then Mr. Haddock led them into the house and left them in the parlor with the comment of going to find his sister. He was gone for only a moment before he walked back in leading a petite girl. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a long braid that was wrapped up at the base of her neck. Her greens eyes were wide and bright: lively and youthful versions of her brother's. She smiled shyly and tucked her hair up and behind her ear.

"Mr. and Mrs. Clause, Mr. Overland," Mr. Haddock said with a nod to each person, "this is my sister, Ms. Rachel Haddock."

"Hello," Mr. Clause boomed.

"Hello, dear," Mrs. Clause greeted.

Jackson nodded and gave her a small smile. "Hello."

She broke out in a wide smile. "Hello, my brother has told me so much about you!"

He blinked. "He has?"

"Mhmm. Oh, perhaps you'd like to join us the night after next for dinner? We're having some friends visiting, and it would be honor for you to join us. Your aunt and uncle are most welcome to come as well."

Jackson's eyes darted to meet Mr. Haddock's, watching for his approval over the sudden invitation.

The gentleman smiled after a momentary falter. "Yes, it would be a pleasure to have you, all of you."

"Very nice of you, but my wife and I will decline. Don't want to get in the way; enjoy the time with friends."

"Mr. Overland?" Mr. Haddock prompted.

"Go on, dear," his aunt urged. "You have been trapped with us for too long. Go and enjoy yourself for a night."

"Yes, please, I would very much like to meet the man who's captured my brother's attention," Ms. Haddock exclaimed, her eyes wide and sparkling.

"Rachel," the gentleman reprimanded quietly.

She slunk down and away, biting her lip, but her eyes still sparkled.

"Who will be a part of the party?" the young Mr. Overland asked in effort to move the direction of the conversation for both his and Mr. Haddock's sake.

"Mr. Liely and his cousins as well as a few other friends from Corona."

Jackson paused, his mind racing back to the last time the name was mentioned between them. This visit was proving to be difficult. Yes, it had been enlightening, but he couldn't keep up with this. He feared slipping up; he feared what was stirring under his skin and nibbling at the back of his mind.

"Ms. Haddock, we were shown your brother's recent gift to you," his aunt began to say whether it be by some miracle or intuition.

"What?" the young girl shouted.

"Oh," Mrs. Clause let out.

Mr. Haddock rubbed the back of his neck as his sister squealed excitedly, asking what he got her.

"I am very sorry," Mrs. Clause said.

"It is quite all right," the gentleman said. "Yes, Rachel, you have a new easel and some paints. Go and see."

"Thank you!" She pushed up on her toes and kissed her brother's cheek. With a quick wave to the guests, she dashed from the room with a few chuckles at her heels.

"Well," Mr. Clause boomed standing up, "I fear we should be going. I do not want to intrude longer. Thank you for welcoming us."

"Of course, I will escort you out," he replied and led them outside, sending a servant to call for the carriage.

When it came around, sparse farewells were given as Mr. and Mrs. Clause climbed in. However, Jackson stood on the walk caught between bidding him good-bye, maybe turning down the invitation, and just simply ignoring the gentleman, stepping into the carriage. He stood in conflict for several minutes until his uncle called him.

Jackson cleared his throat.

"Uh, well, it was a pleasure seeing you, and I hope to see you at dinner the day after next."

"Yes, farewell," he said as he leapt into the carriage.

Mr. Haddock closed the door behind him and sent them off with a wave.