Chapter 3

Grissom and the captain trotted up to the back of the house, leaving a path of dust behind them and dismounted. Tying up their horses, Grissom followed the captain up onto the veranda where they had observed Laura pacing as they pulled up. Upon hearing the horses she turned around quickly and watched as they approached.

"Thomas! You're back, thank goodness."

The captain could sense the panic in his wife's words and held up his hands. "Calm down, my dear; all is well."

"You got them all back? You managed to find them?" She questioned opening up her fan and wafting it through the air to cool her face.

Grissom had indeed been right earlier that morning, it was turning into a very hot day and the sun had already found its momentum.

The captain nodded and looked at Grissom who was removing his hat and wiping a band of sweat from his brow. "With a little help, yes. But if it wasn't for Gil we may have struggled."

"My dear boy, thank you," Laura choked hurrying to Grissom with haste and pulling him into a fierce hug.

Grissom was stunned, not quite sure how to react to the attention and felt his body tense.

Sara passed by the open veranda door and upon hearing the commotion rushed outside.

"Mother is father back……." She began but upon seeing Grissom in her mother's bear hug she stopped and shuffled backwards a little. "Oh, erm…" She stuttered, unsure of what to say, as Grissom's eyes locked with hers. "…hello…"

Grissom smiled his response as Laura released him. "Sorry, Gil, I guess I get a little carried away, but thank you."

"Your thanks are not necessary, Laura; I'm sure any other man would have done the same." Grissom's eyes floated back to Sara and he noted she was watching him. Her gaze quickly faltered and turned to her father.

Tucking a loose curl behind her ear Sara stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her father's arm, he smiled noting her face of concern.

"Everything is okay now Sara but we have much to go through." He noticed Sara once more looked back to Grissom with an inquisitive gaze and he grinned. "I am sorry, Sara, I haven't introduced you, have I?"

Sara gave her father a weak smile.

"Gil, this is my daughter, Sara, as you know. Sara this is Gilbert Grissom, a very good friend, he lived her a long time ago and has returned after being away for many years. I'm not sure if you'll remember him but I hope you'll make him feel welcome for as long as he decides to stay."

Taking several tentative steps forward Sara eventually held out her hand, and a slightly shaky one at that. Grissom took her hand tenderly in his and softly raised it to his mouth, lightly brushing her knuckles with his lips.

"My pleasure, Miss Sara." He spoke softly as his breath ghosted over her flesh and Sara felt herself shudder at the exquisite feel.

It had been a long time since Grissom had smelled or tasted anyone quite as sweet. He secretly inhaled before releasing her hand, savoring her fragrance.

Sara tried hard to show her appreciation in an appropriate manner and simply nodded, despite the fiery churning she felt building inside. "Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Grissom. My father has yet to tell the reason to your visit, but I'm sure while you're here you'll find everyone at The Grove quite accommodating."

"I hope so." Grissom smiled and Sara found herself smiling back.

"Well, gentlemen," Laura interrupted, "I have things to attend too, I will leave you too it. Sara, you should come too."

"I'll be through in a moment, Mother," Sara replied and watched her mother enter the house.

"Come, Gil, sit. We have lots to talk about." The captain gestured to the wicker chairs and table.

Grissom nodded and sat, placing his hat down on the table as the captain looked back to Sara.

"May I stay, Father?" Sara asked sweetly.

"I don't mean to be rude, my dear," her father began, "but this is business. If you would be kind enough to ask Roberta to bring out some tea, then you can be on your way."

Grissom looked on curiously as he noticed Sara's expression change to one of sadness as her smile gradually disappeared.

Chewing lightly on her bottom lip Sara took a deep breath. "Why won't you let me help, Father? I want to help."

Slowly, he sat in the wicker chair next to Grissom and took out his pipe. Tapping it into the ashtray to discard the dead tobacco, he watched as Sara folded her arms. He raised his brow.

"I am not having this conversation with you again, Sara, not now. I have enough on my mind."

"Please...I'm not a child, Father," Sara begged. "I want to help you."

"Enough!" Her father shouted and slammed his fist down on the table.

Sara jumped, swallowing hard, as Grissom squirmed in his seat feeling a little uncomfortable at the exchange.

With eyes of steel the captain glared at his daughter. "Do as you are told, Sara!" His voice was calm but commanding.

Bowing her head, Sara unfolded her arms and fiddled with her fingers; she felt the tears welling in her eyes. "Fine," she mumbled sadly before turning and heading back inside.

Captain Sidle sighed heavily as he watched her disappear. "Sorry about that, Gil," the older man apologized as he filled his pipe with fresh tobacco, "Sara can be quite - persistent at times."

Grissom considered whether or not he should say what he was thinking. "May I ask a bold question?"

The rancher tilted his head and looked at Grissom with curiosity. "Exactly how bold?"

With a smile Grissom edged forward in his seat. "You probably won't like it, but you don't have to answer."

Thinking for a moment, he lit his pipe, taking several long satisfying drags as he seemed to enjoy the smooth flavour on his tongue.

"All right, Gil, as you feel yourself brave enough to be bold with me, ask away, although as you said, I may decline to answer and have every right to do so."

Grissom cleared his throat. "It seems very evident to me that Sara wishes to help around the estate and forgive my frankness, but you're not exactly over staffed." Grissom knew something just wasn't right. There were barely any workers around. "So, why won't you let her help if she wishes too? Is she not your heir and will take over The Grove when you pass or did I miss something?"

Captain Sidle grinned, taking another drag from the pipe. "You are very observant, Gil. I'm glad I taught you well."

Grissom smiled. "That you did, sir. So..."

"So?" The captain interrupted. "I think you asked me two questions there, Gil, not just the one." He raised his brow and Grissom grinned, "One - why won't I let Sara help and two - why are there so few workers? Am I correct?"

"I guess," Grissom conceded.

"All right." He sighed, "I'll start with The Grove. This is not common knowledge, Gil, so I would appreciate if you keep this to yourself."

Grissom nodded. "You have my word."

"Well, the past few months we have struck hard times and as you know, I do not condone slavery. I have always treated my workers well and paid them what I feel is sufficient for their work."

"That you have, sir." Grissom smiled, proud and relieved by the fact that Captain Sidle was never a slave master, always a good man. Grissom had no idea how his life might have turned out otherwise.

"Anyway," the captain cleared his throat now, "we have had a few, should I say, issues. The crops have been failing, cattle dying or escaping, the main stable caught fire several months ago and we lost most of the horses. This is hard for me to say, Gil, especially in front of you but I am struggling to keep The Grove going. What money I have left is withering away because nothing is going right and most of the workers left because I could not afford to keep all of them on. Then when Robbins was killed I lost the only one who put his heart and soul into this place. He was my right hand and took care of everything, now I just feel lost. I can't do this by myself."

"Do Laura and Sara know about the financial troubles?" Grissom asked. "Or the problems and your concerns?"

The rancher shook his head with a sigh, "Laura is aware of certain things but I haven't told her everything and Sara, I don't want to worry her. She knows of the fire and is suspicious that I seem to be working a lot but that's about it. Actually," he chuckled slightly, "I'm sure she knows more than she is letting on, I think maybe this is one of the reasons she is so keen to help."

"So," Grissom began, "it seems you need the help..."

"Let me tell you, Gil," the captain interrupted knowing where Grissom was going, "about my daughter. I didn't raise her so she would have to graft, she is worth so much more than that. She is a lady and should act like one; but even if I did allow her to work around the estate I don't think she's ready for the responsibility. Plus, I simply haven't had the time, and with what has been happening there is no one I trust enough to show her the ropes and ensure she stays safe."

Grissom thought for a moment. "Do you trust me?"

"I do."

Grissom shuffled forward in his chair, placing his hands with fingers interlocked onto the table. "If I decided to stay, would you allow me to teach her?"

Savoring another drag from his pipe, the captain pondered Grissom's question. "Gil, I don't...."

"Forgive me," the younger man interrupted, "but in my eyes, even from our brief encounter, Sara is ready. She seems determined, confident and like it or not, strong willed." Grissom grinned, "Just like you."

Captain Sidle smirked.

Grissom continued. "If I were you I would welcome her by my side if that is what she wants. Is there any harm in trying?"

Narrowing his eyes slightly the captain thought long and hard and Grissom watched him but before he could get his answer they were interrupted.

"Your tea, sir," Roberta appeared from inside carrying a tray. "Would you like me to pour?"

"Thank you," he nodded.

Roberta poured two cups, "Milk and sugar, Mr Gilbert, sir?" She asked Grissom with a smile.

"Two sugars," Grissom replied, "no milk."

"Oh yes," Roberta chuckled, "I remember."

He smiled.

Roberta nodded and handed Captain Sidle and Grissom their tea. "Will that be all, sir?"

"Yes." The captain replied and Roberta returned to the kitchens.

"She hasn't changed," Grissom grinned. "How long has she been with you now?"

Captain Sidle smiled. "Almost thirty years, and as I recall, she was very found of you. She was deeply saddened when you left us."

"Ah, yes," Grissom recalled with a grin, "she used to sneak me extras after dinner."

With a cough the Captain choked a little on his tea. "She did?" He sounded serious.

"Oh, no," Grissom said quickly realizing he may just have gotten Roberta in trouble, "please go easy on her I'm sure she didn't do it for everyone I...."

"Calm down, Gil." The captain laughed. "I'm teasing."

With a sigh of relief, Grissom took a quick sip from his cup. The tea was sweet and welcoming on his tongue, the earthy aroma made his mouth water. If it wasn't so hot, he would be tempted to gulp it down in one.

"I wonder where Conrad has got too..." Captain Sidle mumbled. "The three of us need to have a chat."

"Well," Grissom shrugged his shoulders, "maybe the fence was more of a challenge than you thought."

"Hmmmm...."

As he took another sip from the cup, the thought of Ecklie struggling made the younger man grin.

"You know, Gil, I never did find out what happened between you two; you left before I ever got the chance."

Biting his bottom lip Grissom placed his cup down. "Well, as you said, it was a long time ago, so if you don't mind, I'd rather not rehash it."

His companion's eyes narrowed but he left the matter alone. "As you wish."

Grissom nodded. "I do have to say I am surprised Conrad is still here, he gave me the impression he was worth more than this and would leave as soon as he could. Why don't you give him the run of the estate? It's what he always wanted even if he doesn't admit it."

"Well," Captain Sidle began, "Conrad works hard. Don't get me wrong but he seems to have changed lately and I'm not entirely sure of his commitment. I have to be sure, Gil, you understand that?"

"I do."

"Well," he placed is pipe down, "as Conrad doesn't seem to be joining us, I'll show you around, things have changed a little since you were last here."

Grissom stood, "Really, Captain. I can show myself around, I'm sure there is a lot you have to tend too."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, sir, I'm sure I can find my way just fine, I never had a problem before."

"All right, then." The captain got up from his chair. "We are having a dinner party this evening, I will expect you to attend. No excuses."

"If you wish me there, sir, then I will be."

Captain Sidle patted him on the back. "Of course, I do."

"Oh, Captain," Grissom said quickly just as he turned away. The captain stopped and turned back to face him. "Do you have an answer in regards to Sara?"

The rancher grinned, quite intrigued as to Grissom's sudden interest in his daughter. "I don't know, Gil, do I have an answer about you staying?"

A quaint smirk rose from the right side of Grissom's mouth. "I will let you know at enough?"

Nodding, Captain Sidle turned and walked away. "And you, too, will have my answer at dinner," he called before stepping inside.

Grissom's grin grew large as he leaned over the veranda railing with a contented sigh and looked out at the vast estate, the sun beating down around him. He'd experienced some good and bad times here but overall, he'd been very, very lucky. From the moment he stepped on that boat all those years ago, although it was never intended, Providence Grove was his destiny. Thoughts of arriving in America suddenly caught Grissom's mind's eye and his smiled faded. Although he didn't want to remember some things from that fateful day, certain aspects of the trip would be forever in his memory no matter how much he tried to forget, especially stepping off that boat and what awaited him.....

A very fragile Gilbert Grissom shoved his way through the mass of people disembarking the ship and as soon as he managed to look up and see daylight he pushed harder, squeezing through the multitudes of tightly packed bodies surrounding him.

Once he was free from the pack he ran and ran and ran, without ever taking his eyes from the ground. His heart pounded wildly and it was only the rampant noise of his surroundings that finally caused the young boy's eyes to look up. Grissom stopped, sucking in heavy needed breaths as his eyes roamed the area. He had never seen anything like it. Thousands of people of all ages, all sizes and all colors, people shouting, others commanding. Horses, carts, live stock, crates, luggage, it was overwhelming. And yet, here he stood, alone, without any idea of which way to go, who to talk too – he had nothing, he'd lost everything. His stomach rumbled and the sting of tears burned his eyes, it had been almost two days since he'd eaten.

Grissom continued walking, his heart pleading and heavy, retreating further and further from the chaos and the dock. Things got quieter and he stumbled across several unmanned horses and wagons. Looking around quickly he noted no one was looking in his general direction so he snuck up and jumped upon the first wagon that he reached. He scavenged quickly through the array of crates, his eyes finally brightening when he came across one full of apples. He grabbed one, two, three, four, as many as he could hold and then turned quickly hoping for a fast exit. But as he turned and prepared to jump from the cart he stopped. Standing right in his way was an obstacle, a man, in fact and quite a large man, with a greying beard and a gleam in his eye.

Dropping the apples in shock Grissom jumped from the cart and tried to run but a strong hand grabbed him by collar and held him firmly.

"Going somewhere, young man?"

Grissom squirmed, attempting to break free from the man's grip but alas, he could not.

"Please, sir," he begged, his voice quivering, "I was just hungry. I," he sniffed hard, "have not eaten for many days, I'm sorry."

"Calm down, lad," the man soothed trying to hold onto Grissom, turning him so they faced each other "I won't hurt you."

Grissom stopped struggling and looked up at the man. "I won't hurt you," he repeated softly. "But what are you doing here by yourself, lad? This is no place for a child."

Feeling the tears welling in his eyes, Grissom said nothing.

"Where are you parents?"

Grissom again stayed silent.

The man looked Grissom over; he was dirty and most definitely in need of a bath. He looked tired and well under fed. "Your father, mother?"

Shaking his head roughly Grissom looked to the floor as the tears ran down his face. "They took my father away, he never came back," he cried.

The man fondled his beard, deep in thought. "You came from the ship?"

Grissom nodded.

The man knelt down by Grissom and placed a soft finger under his chin, raising Grissom's head so their eyes met. "And you don't know what happened to your father?"

"No," Grissom whispered. "He got sick, and they took him away."

"And you have no one else?"

Grissom shook his head.

The man sighed but then picked Grissom up and sat him back on the wagon. "What is your name?" He asked.

"Gilbert Grissom, erm, sir."

The man smiled and held out his hand. "Albert Robbins, nice to make your acquaintance young Grissom, and you can call me Robbins."

With a little hesitation Grissom held out his hand and allowed Robbins to shake it, which he did tenderly.

"Now," Robbins folded his arms firmly, "what are we going to do about you?"

A/N: Huge apologies for this chapter taking so long. Sadly things were beyond my control and I couldn't chnage it. Future chapters by no means will take as long. Please, please leave me your reviews and let me know how you think the story is going, there are some great things to come.