A/N: All my thanks to mingsmommy for the advice and beta and again to cropper1818 for the read through and help on the 19th century bits and pieces.

Chapter 20

By the time Sara had returned Dante to the stable and walked back to the house, the sun was rising and the estate was coming to life.

She hurried through the main door, hoping she could get inside before anyone saw her but she was out of luck and immediately bumped into the captain, literally.

"Whoa, slow down, Sara!" He exclaimed in shock, taking a step back. "Where's the fire?"

"Oh…I…" She stuttered, attempting to gather her bearings, not expecting her father to have risen so soon. "I'm sorry, Father, I didn't see you there."

"I'm not surprised, child, the speed you were travelling." The captain suspiciously eyed his daughter, pulling his pocket watch from his jacket. He looked at the time. "Why are you up so early? It is barely six."

Sara's gut rolled. What was she going to say? "Um, erm…well…"

"Spit it out, Sara. Why are you so flustered?"

She drew in a breath and blurted, "Grissom had an accident." She looked her father in the eye, pleased that she had managed an answer that, while not completely accurate, was not entirely untrue, either.

"An accident?" the rancher expressed concerned. "What kind of accident, is he alright?"

"Yes, Father, he is alright, he…we…well…"

The captain lightly folded his arms, a frown forming on his brow and Sara knew she had to come up with something, fast, he was already suspicious, she knew it.

"I couldn't sleep so I was up around five. I went for a walk and found Grissom on the ground by the outer field. It appeared something had spooked Dante, causing Grissom to fall off and he hit the fence."

"Is that so?" The rancher questioned.

Sara nodded.

"And you feel it wise to be wondering the estate at that time in the morning, in the dark?"

"Well, um, I didn't really consider it a problem, Father." She had to think quickly, think…think… "I knew Grissom was around, I saw him through the window a little while earlier."

"You did?"

"Yes, Father."

"Hmmmm…" He didn't sound all that convinced. "You say Grissom is alright, his injuries are not serious?"

Nibbling on her bottom lip Sara shook her head. "He has a gash on the head and some bruises but he will be fine in a day or so. I hope it's alright but," now she hesitated again, "I insisted to him that he does not work today. I really don't think he is up to it and I feel he will cause himself more damage if he does."

"And what did he say to that?" Captain Sidle chuckled.

"He was not very impressed." Sara found herself smiling now.

"Well, my dear, Gil does not like to miss work, he never did. No matter what the issue may be but I trust your judgment. If you feel he is unwell then, ensure he stays in bed and if he argues, tell him I said so."

"I will, Father, thank you." She leaned forward and lightly kissed his cheek. "You don't mind if I tend to him today? Otherwise, I feel he'll exert himself and I don't think he'll allow a servant to watch over him." Now, Sara grinned. "I feel he needs a little persuasion to relax and do as he is told."

"And you feel he will do as you say?" The rancher scoffed.

"I think he will…compromise." Sara's grin grew.

"As you wish, my dear, I will ensure Conrad distributes duties around the estate. Do you need anything from me?"

"Do we have any medical supplies?" She asked. "I could use some fresh bandages."

The captain rubbed his chin in contemplation. "Hmmm, try the kitchen; I'm sure Rana put a few things away in there. She should be preparing breakfast, so you can ask her."

"Yes, Father." She nodded and turned, heading for the kitchen.

"Oh, and tell Gil I will pop by later to ensure he is resting," he called after her.

Sara bit her tongue at her father's comment. She would have to assure Grissom's story tallied with hers, so she increased her gait and hurried to the kitchen.

Upon entering the kitchen the smell of freshly brewed coffee immediately awakened her senses. She loved that smell.

"Good morning, Miss Sara," Rana looked over in the young lady's direction, taking her attention from stirring the eggs for a moment. "You are up very early this morning."

"Yes," Sara agreed with a gentle smile. She walked to the stove and inhaled the scent of the eggs cooking. "As usual, it smells delightful."

"Why thank you, Miss Sara." Rana now bore her own smile but one of pride and dedication. "But I feel you are not up at this hour just for an early breakfast, am I correct?"

"I am in need of some bandages, do we have any?" Sara asked.

"Why yes." The older woman placed her spoon down and took the eggs from the stove to prevent them from burning. She moved to a cupboard by the door. "Do you have an injury?" She asked taking a small wooden box from the third shelf.

"Oh no, I don't but Mr Grissom had a little accident and I just need something to patch him up a little."

"Oh, dear," Rana expressed her concern as she placed the box on the wooden table in the middle of the kitchen. "What happened?"

"Just a little fall," Sara replied quickly. Stepping forward she looked into the box.

"Is he alright? Is there anything I can do to help?" She stepped back to the stove, slipping the eggs back onto the heat and continued to stir as she spoke.

"Thank you but I'm sure I'll be fine tending to him." She picked up several bandages, cotton balls, gauze and a bottle of liniment, placing them on the table. "But if you wouldn't mind, could you put together some breakfast for him? He will need to eat."

"Of course, I will get a tray ready and have one of the boys bring it over when the food is ready. He is in his cabin?"

"Yes," Sara replied. "But leave it till around eight. He is sleeping right now; well he should be sleeping, so I'd rather not wake him."

"Whatever you say, Miss Sara."

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After a change of clothes and a little freshening up, Sara grabbed her first aid supplies, left the house and returned to the cabin.

Entering quietly, she softly closed the door behind her, not wanting to wake Grissom if he was sleeping.

Alas, he wasn't and was sitting on top of the sheets leaning against the headboard, seemingly in a world of his own.

"Couldn't sleep?" Sara asked gently as she entered the room, placing her supplies onto the bed.

Slowly his head turned to look at her. "No," he said simply.

"Have you slept at all since I've been gone?"

He shook his head. "But I stayed in bed, as you requested."

Now a light smile graced his lips, a smile which Sara returned.

"How are you feeling?" She removed the supplies from the small wooden crate.

Grissom eyed up the items as she placed them on the bed, "A little better."

"Hmmmm…."

Why did he have the feeling she didn't believe him?

Walking around to his side of the bed, Sara passed her eyes over his abdomen. "Can you stand?" Her eyes drifted over his bruises.

"Am I allowed to?"

Pursing her lips, she picked up a bandage and held it up. "I wish to strap your stomach. It will be very difficult if you are sitting. Unless," she grinned now, "you would like for me to sit on your lap?"

With his left brow inclining upwards, he bit lightly on his tongue, a nice thought but never going to happen. "That won't be necessary," he replied quickly, clearing his throat. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed he was about to stand when Sara placed her hand on his shoulder.

Slowly her other hand reached out, her finger tips lightly brushing over the bruise covering his right eye. "Your eye looks sore."

A feeble smile passed over his lips but he remained silent. It was sore; he just didn't want to say so.

She smiled knowingly and removed her hand. "Do you need some help to stand?"

"No," he responded on a hiss, pushing himself up from the bed but then he frowned when Sara sat down before him and leaned towards the items she had laid out.

"What are you doing?"

She didn't answer and picked up the bottle of liniment oil. "Just let me tend to you, I know what I'm doing, alright?" She looked up to him as he hovered frailly over her. "Please?"

He thought for just a moment before he nodded his approval.

"Good," she replied, popping the cork from the bottle and a pungent, earthy aroma suddenly filled the air.

Pouring a little of the oil into her palm Sara rubbed her hands together, coating them. "If I hurt you, you must tell me," she appealed to her teacher and again he bobbed his head.

Deliberately, but carefully, Sara smoothed her hands tenderly over his battered flesh, one bruise, then the next and Grissom's eyes fluttered closed as her cool, gentle touch soothed his scorching skin. For the first time in his entire life, he was sure this was as close to heaven as he'd ever got.

Even though he was hurting and this was all supposedly therapeutic, it felt good, oh so very, very good and he couldn't deny his pulse had hitched a notch.

As his tongue slipped from his mouth to skate over his bottom lip, his eyes slowly opened and fell upon the woman caring for him. Her concentration was immense as she worked her hands over his body and never took her eyes from her task, carefully ensuring she massaged every area that needed attention.

He swallowed hard, attempting to control the other sensations now building within him.

"Are you alright?" she asked as he tensed a little under her feathered touch. She looked up for a second and he met her eyes.

"Yes." He all but whispered and she smiled softly.

Removing her hands she leaned across the bed, picked up several bandages and began carefully wrapping them around his torso.

"You still haven't told me how you know how to do all this," he said, attempting to take his mind off her hands touching his body.

Sara grinned as she tied off the first bandage. "Well," she began, starting on the second bandage, "A few years ago I had a short courtship with David Phillips. He, at the time, was pursuing a career in medicine. He did very well, in fact." Leaning closer she wrapped the second bandage several times around him before tying it off just like the first. "He is now the town's doctor and he taught me a few things while he was training. I'm a good listener, you see." She looked up to him, a mischievous smirk forming on her lips.

"I can see that."

With a gentle snort she stood and eyed her handiwork. "How do they feel?" Running a hand softly over the bandages from front to back she stopped behind him.

"Good," he responded on a shiver as her hand passed over him again, "Very good in fact."

"Excellent," she sighed, evidently proud of herself.

Grissom turned to face her and looked deep into her eyes. God, she was beautiful, he just wanted to touch her, just like she had touched him but as he finished his thought there was a knock at the door, breaking his train of thought.

"I'll go," Sara said with a sweet smile.

Exhaling heavily as he watched her walk to the door, Grissom clenched his fists together and closed his eyes. What the hell was he doing? He couldn't fall, he couldn't. Why was he allowing her to get so close? Why Sara? Why now?

"Are you hungry?" He heard her ask as the door closed.

Opening his eyes and turning around he watched as Sara placed a tray onto the dresser.

"I asked Rana to send over some breakfast, you really should eat." She removed the lid from the tray and chuckled. "I am presuming your favorite cook thinks you should eat too, there is enough food here to feed an army."

Stepping up behind her, he inhaled her engaging scent before sighing softly. "You don't have to do all this, Sara."

"I know I don't have to," she admitted facing him. "But I want to."

Lightly working his jaw, he sought a response. He knew he should say she had done enough and that she should leave but something inside him was preventing him from doing so.

"So, are you going to eat?" Folding her arms, she raised her brow.

"On one condition."

"What?"

"You join me."

His answer was soft and sincere and when Sara smiled he was sure it was the brightest smile he had ever seen.

"I think I can manage that."

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The couple sat on Grissom's bed and ate the array of food set out before them. Sara enjoyed eggs, toast and waffles while Grissom added in a little of the smoked bacon to his meal, enjoying the saltiness on his tongue.

"Can I ask you a question?" He inquired as he poured two cups of coffee and handed one to Sara.

"Of course," she responded, taking the cup.

"Why do you not eat meat? I have noticed through the meals we have shared that you seem to stay away from anything that was previously living."

Swallowing her piece of toast, she shrugged her shoulders. "I am just not particularly fond of the idea of eating something that once had a pulse. I don't begrudge anyone who chooses to eat meat but personally, I don't want too, never have and never will."

He nodded with understanding while sipping his coffee.

"Have you had enough?" She asked pointing to his now empty plate. "There is plenty more."

"I've had ample, thank you."

Taking his plate Sara placed it back on the tray with hers. "I ran into father at the house," she said, gnawing a little at her bottom lip before turning back to him.

"You did?" He frowned, placing his coffee down.

"Um, yes, he knew something was wrong so I had to say something."

Grissom's eyes narrowed and he slowly stood. "What exactly did you say?"

"He had me on the spot, Grissom, and I was worried, I had to…"

"You told him what happened?" He whined, flabbergasted.

"No, no…" She held her hand up in defense as he stalked towards her. "I didn't, I told him you'd had an accident that is all."

Taking a deep breath, Grissom tried to relax. "What kind of accident?"

"I told him you fell from Dante and into the fence."

His mouth dropped open. "You told him…I fell from my horse? How could you do that?"

"What? Why? It sounded like a reasonable explanation to me."

Rubbing a shaky hand over his chin Grissom sighed and sat back on the bed.

Quickly Sara approached him and knelt. "What did I do?" she asked, worry in her words.

He smiled weakly. "Your father knows me, Sara. I do not fall from my horse."

"Why? Everyone has accidents."

"No," he shook his head. "Well, yes, people do have accidents but I don't fall from horses, Sara, ever. I have never taken a tumble in my life and the captain knows exactly how good I am at staying on board. He will highly suspect you are lying."

With a gentle sigh Sara stood and folded her arms. "I am certain he will believe me or at least not question the answer I gave him." Turning she began to pace back and forth. "I know how much respect he has for you so, if he suspects another reason for your injuries he will more than likely wait for you to tell him, rather than ask."

"I hope you're right."

Sara stopped pacing. "Is it so bad if you do tell him the truth?"

"I shouldn't have even told you, Sara." He stood with a light moan and walked to the mirror. "But you were so…" He stopped, rubbing his finger over his eye.

She frowned and slowly approached him, looking him in the eye through the mirror, "So what?"

"It doesn't matter," he responded shaking his head.

Taking a light grip on his arm she turned him back to face her. "It matters to me, Grissom, what I am?"

"Persistent."

"And you are stubborn," she countered quickly. "I was worried about you, I am worried about you."

"Why?" he asked without even thinking.

Sara shook her head in disbelief. "I'll tell you what, Grissom," she almost spat, "forget it." She turned and walked to the tray, slamming the dirty crockery onto it. "You just do whatever the hell you want; I apologize for giving a damn."

Picking up the tray she started for the door but as quickly as his body would allow him to move, he was there, blocking her exit.

She scowled at him. "What are you doing? Let me pass, you obviously don't need me."

"Sara, I'm sorry, please, put the tray down."

"Move, Grissom," Sara half demanded but he stood firm and lightly folded his arms.

"No. Please, don't go, not like this."

"Why?"

"Because you are upset, I have upset you and I don't want you leaving like that."

Slowly, she lowered the tray and stepped closer to him. "Why?"

A heavy sigh fell from Grissom's lips and he stepped aside, running a shaky hand through his hair.

Sara watched him as he moved away only to stop to face her again. It was obvious this wasn't easy for him and he seemed uncomfortable.

"Because, I care about you."

She placed the tray back on the dresser and took a step forward. "Was it that difficult to say?"

He opened his mouth to speak but in the usual Grissom fashion the room was filled by only silence.

She stepped right up to him now, their eyes never parting. "Why do I have the feeling you…" she began but was cut short by another knock at the door.

They both automatically turned their attention to the knock before looking at each other once more and Sara sighed as she turned away to answer it.

Grissom sighed also, working his jaw from left to right but he was thankful for the interruption.

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Walking to the door, Sara opened it to find Gregory standing before her.

"Good morning, cousin," he expressed with a smile.

"Gregory? What are you doing here?" she asked a little stunned.

"I just came to check that Grissom was doing alright."

Eyeing him suspiciously, Sara closed the door and stepped out onto the porch. "Is that so?"

Gregory nodded.

"I had the suspicion that you were not too happy working for him, why the concern all of a sudden?"

"Sara," he leaned against the rail, "I feel for any man who takes a fall from his horse. I have done it myself, it is not particularly pleasant."

Sara nibbled on her lip, word sure got around quickly regarding Grissom's accident.

"You must feel for him too," Gregory smiled, "taking care of him like you are."

Suddenly, Sara felt herself tense. "I…I don't know what you mean, I'm only helping a man in need. He has no one and needs a little care; that is all I am doing."

"Sara, relax," he said quickly. "My only concern is that the cousin I feel deeply for is making the right decision."

Frowning, Sara tried to contemplate what Gregory was saying. "I don't know what you are alluding to."

Moving, Gregory leaned by his cousin. "I have seen the way you look at him, Sara. At work, at the dining table, I just…I…just be careful. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Gregory, look," she put on a fake, slightly bemused smile, "I don't…"

Taking her hands, he stopped her. "I'm not here to preach, Sara, I love you deeply and I just want to see you happy. Just know I am here if you ever need anyone to talk to."

Still a little confused, Sara just nodded. She didn't realize her cousin was so observant. "Is there anything else?"

"Oh, yes." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a book. "Uncle asked me to bring this for Grissom." He handed it to her.

Sara looked at it. The book was brand new, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

"Just in case he gets bored in bed I guess," Gregory said, shrugging his shoulders as Sara ran her finger over the book's cover.

"I am sure he will be very grateful."

"Well, I better get back to work," Gregory informed her.

"Alright, I will tell Grissom you were asking after him.

Gregory smiled softly before heading down the steps. "Oh," he called back, "Uncle said he would pop by later this afternoon to make sure Grissom was resting, otherwise he would have to answer to him."

"I will make sure he gets the message," she grinned as Gregory disappeared down the pathway.

She stared at the book for a few moments before taking a deep breath and returning inside.

Grissom sat on the bed fiddling with his fingers, he rose as soon as she entered.

"Who was that?" he asked.

"Gregory; he wanted to see how you were and," she held out the book, "bring you this."

He reached out and took the book.

"A gift from Father," she finished.

A small smile graced Grissom's lips as he looked the book over.

"So," Sara began, "what do we do now?"

A/N: Thank you guys for all the reviews. They always make my day when I receive them. So any suggestions as to what they should do now? Hheeheehe, I know what you're thinking – naughty people! I promise, it is coming soon…