A/N: Thank you mingsmommy for yet another amazing beta. Thank you to everyone for the great reviews, please keep them coming. Your thoughts and words are always appreciated.

Chapter 26

After a good ten minutes Sara returned to the dining room with a seriously concerned look on her face.

"Is everything alright?" the captain asked as she returned to her seat.

"Not really," she sighed in response.

The entire family looked at her.

"Why?" Lara asked apprehensively, leaning forward in her seat.

"May I…" Sara stopped and looked to her cousins, "discuss this with you in private?"

Gregory's brow hit the ceiling as his cousin made her request. "No offense, boys." She quickly held up her hand apologetically. "But this is sort of, personal."

"Alright." The captain stood. "We can talk in the study, honey?" He looked to his wife and she nodded her agreement, standing also.

A satisfying smile passed over Sara lips as she followed her parents out of the room but she stopped when she heard Gregory.

"Sara what are you doing?" he hissed.

Flapping her hand at him she told him to shush. "I'll explain later, just keep quiet." She offered him no other form of explanation and rushed towards the study.

He sighed, irritated and glanced at his brother who just looked completely baffled. "Do you know what's going on here?" Nicolas asked.

Shaking his head the younger man drummed his fingers on the table. "No," he half lied but he was indeed very curious to find out exactly what his cousin was up to.

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Hurrying into the study Sara closed the door behind her and exhaled a hearty sigh. Her parents stood next to each other and waited in obvious interest to find out what the issue was.

"So, is everything alright?" Laura questioned.

"Well, you know how close Elizabeth and I are?" she asked with a tender smile

"Yes," her father replied. "Best of friends and I know you have missed each other since she moved away last year."

Sara nodded in agreement. "She is in desperate need of a friend right now." She walked past her parents and towards the desk. Turning, she casually leaned upon the furniture. "She is very down after her accident and her husband is away on business."

"What accident?" Laura enquired.

"She broke her leg several weeks ago and is still recovering," Sara lied.

"Oh, dear," the captain exclaimed softly. "But I don't quite understand where you are going with this."

"I would like to go and visit her, give her a little support. She really needs cheering up."

The rancher gently folded his arms. "I don't know, Sara."

"Please, Father," she begged before looking to Laura, "Mother?"

"I'm not sure, Sara, and you know this is your father's decision, not mine." She looked to her husband then back to her daughter. "Is it really necessary for you to go?"

"Yes, she needs a friend. Please." She stepped forward clenching her hands in a pleading manner. "You know the Sidles do not let their friends down."

"Well put," the captain grinned rubbing his chin. "Crafty, but well put."

"Thank you," Sara smiled contently.

"I'm really not sure, Sara," Captain Sidle began. "I mean, how do I know you will be safe? You have never been away from the estate alone before and how will you travel? I don't feel comfortable about…"

"What about Grissom?" she interrupted, not allowing him the opportunity to continue with his negativity.

"Gil?"

"He is travelling the same way, is he not, to go home?"

Now the rancher's eyes narrowed. "Yyyes…"

"He could escort me and then bring me back when he returns. Then you know I will be safe." She smiled. "You trust him?"

"I do, but what about when you are at Elizabeth's, how do I know you are safe there?" He slipped his fingers into his pocket and pulled out his pipe.

"Oh come, Father," she sniggered. "You know Elizabeth's parents, they will be there. Do you really think they will let anything happen?"

Casually moving to his desk the captain tapped the dead tobacco into the ashtray, obviously in careful thought.

"Please…." Sara flicked her eyes between her parents and awaited an answer.

Filling up his pipe the rancher turned his attention to his wife, "Your thoughts?"

Laura shrugged her shoulder in uncertainty. "I am not entirely comfortable about this…"

Sara was about to butt in but her mother held up a finger and her mouth closed.

"…but, it would give her the opportunity to see a little of the outside world," she smiled knowingly, "and I can't think of anyone else I would rather have escorting her, can you?"

"True," the captain agreed.

"So, I may go?" The youngest lady of the house enquired giddily.

Pressing fresh tobacco into his pipe the rancher mulled over his final decision. "If Gil is alright with it, then yes, you may go."

A quaint grin passed over Sara's lips. "I'm sure he won't have any objections."

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Leaving her parents in the study, chatting amongst themselves, Sara rushed to her room to finish packing. Most of her things were ready but there were a few bits she still needed to add to the trunk. She felt excited that her plan was working, her only obstacle now was Grissom but she was confident she could make him see the light. As she was about to close her second trunk she spotted Grissom's book on her bed. She reached for it and ran a finger over the cover before placing it with her things. She smiled as she closed the trunk, hoping at some point he would be able to read to her again.

A knock at the door broke her from her wish and she almost skipped across the room to see who was there.

"Hello, cousin," she beamed with a hearty grin.

Folding his arms Gregory shuffled passed her and entered her room. "What are you playing at, Sara?"

Pouting a little, the young lady shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what you mean."

"Yes you do," he insinuated. "Uncle just informed us you will be going away. With Grissom, may I add? What are you doing? What have you made me party too?"

"Relax, Gregory," she soothed, placing a tender hand on his arm. "I know what I'm doing."

"Do you?" He sounded like he didn't believe her.

"Yes," she insisted.

"I know you made up the story about Elizabeth. It's all just an act isn't it?" Gregory walked away and towards the window, looking out at the estate as workers commenced towards the workshop. He turned to her and awaited an answer.

Biting down on her lip Sara nodded.

"If Uncle," he moved back towards her, "finds out about this, he is going to kill me for helping you. I can not see him being particularly pleased with you either."

"Why would he find out?" she asked with confidence. "I'm certainly not going to tell him, are you?"

He thought for a moment and suddenly Sara looked worried.

"You're not, are you?"

"No," he huffed causing her to sigh with relief. "But are you sure you are doing the right thing? Why him? You barely know each other and I'm not sure Uncle will be very pleased to…"

Cutting him short Sara took her cousins hand softly in her own. "I want to do this, Gregory. I need to do this. I have to find out some things that are impossible to discover while I am here."

"You really like him, don't you?" By the tone of his voice it was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes," she almost whispered. "I really do."

"Just," Gregory stuttered, "be careful, Sara, please. A broken heart is not a pleasant thing."

Squeezing his hand she leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "I will."

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Trotting up to the main house Grissom pulled to a stop and dismounted upon seeing the captain chatting with Ecklie by the main steps.

"Ah, good morning, Gil," the older man looked in his direction and Grissom removed his hat in respect.

"Good morning, sir," he responded. "Conrad." He dipped his head towards Ecklie and placed his hat back on his head.

"Grissom," Ecklie mumbled in response. "I'll leave you to it, Captain, I must get on," he finished, bobbing his head before walking away without another word.

"What is it with the two of you?" the older man asked looking to his aid.

"I'm sorry," Grissom stuttered, "I'm not sure what you mean, Captain."

He flicked his finger between the departing Conrad and his second in command. "You and Conrad, every time you are around each other, it feels so awkwardly tense. Well, between the two of you."

"Just a little," the younger man thought carefully about his answer for a while, "personal issue between us."

"Not something that will affect the Grove, I hope," the rancher responded quickly looking straight at his friend.

Grissom's reply was firm and to the point. "Never, sir," he said.

"Glad to hear it," the captain smiled. "Well I guess this…" He didn't have a chance to finish when Roberts voice cut through the air. The two men turned to see him running their way.

"Captain, Captain!" He gasped out of breath as he came to a skidding halt.

"Whoa, easy there young man," the rancher held out his hands to calm his young worker.

"Sorry, sir." Robert wiped his brow on his sleeve and took a deep breath.

"Is there a problem?" the older man asked with evident concern in his voice.

"I think somehow, Mr Ecklie has managed to rile Samsun. He just came into the stable and your horse, sir, has him pinned in a stall. I can't get him to move. I was looking for some assistance."

With speed Grissom held his hand to his mouth to hide his chuckle. Ecklie never really was a master with horses.

"Gil!" The captain exclaimed, shocked, but then couldn't hide the smile that formed on his own lips.

"I'm, sorry," Grissom sniggered, removing his hand. "Would you like me to help?"

"No, its fine, I'll go. After all, Samsun is my boy." The rancher tightly pulled his gloves onto his hands. "Just don't leave until I get back. I want to see you off."

"Not a problem, Sir." the younger man grinned. "I will wait right here."

"I will return shortly," the captain chuckled as he followed Robert towards the stable.

Grissom shook his head with a smile as soon as his mentor was out of sight. Ecklie and horses certainly did not mix. The man just had to look at one funny and could get a kick in the mouth. His smile slowly faded though when the voice of his newest student calling his name cut through the air.

Slowly and rather nervously turning around he watched as Sara descended the steps to walk towards him.

"Morning, Grissom," she spoke softly. Her eyes refusing to keep still as a shy, almost childlike expression formed on her face. She seemed to struggle to meet his eyes with her own.

"Morning," he responded with uncertainty.

Finally, her gaze locked with his and he sighed within. No matter how he had treated her the previous day she still managed a smile for him. He needed to apologize for his actions and he knew it; he just hoped she would understand.

"Sara," he began, fighting in earnest for the right thing to say, "I…" That was as far as he got before the rumble of an approaching wagon caused both of them to avert their concentration. They turned to see Nicolas as he pulled up by beside them. Two horses pulling the wagon and Pandora tied at the rear.

"Good morning, Grissom," he said as he stepped towards Sara. "She's almost ready to go," he informed his boss as he looked at his cousin with a smile.

"Um, morning," the rancher expressed somewhat confused, "and who is ready to go?"

"Oh," Sara cut in as Nicolas looked at Grissom with his own confused expression now, "I'll," she flicked a finger between herself and her teacher, "enlighten him."

"Alright." The younger man shrugged his shoulders with enthusiasm and a chuckle. "I'll go help Gregory with your things."

Nodding her thanks, she turned her attention back to her teacher who was looking at her in somewhat trepidation.

"Are you, going somewhere?" he asked with uncertainty.

As Sara stepped closer to him, he tried to read her face. The look she bore was one of confidence and one he didn't expect considering the previous day.

"You are heading towards Virginia, are you not?" She walked by him to the back of the wagon where she patted her horse.

He followed her with his eyes. "I am," he responded, wishing he'd actually told her that himself.

"Good." She continued to stroke Pandora. "I need someone to accompany me; I will be going with you." Now her eyes flicked to meet his, just as his brow reached for the sky.

"I'm sorry," he stuttered, taking a shaky step forward. "You're what?" He was most certainly confused.

"I need an escort to Virginia." She shimmied around Pandora and to the front of the wagon as he followed her from behind with a firm frown on his face. She was always one step ahead. "Father said you wouldn't mind escorting me."

Now Grissom found it hard to believe that and the fact Sara was going away from the estate. "He said that?"

"He did," she lied.

"Why? I mean…" He was positively flustered, "Where are you going and why me?"

Faking a laugh she spun around to face him. "Is my company an issue?"

"No," he responded immediately but on a sigh. "I just don't…I mean…I…"

"If this is too much to ask, Grissom," she said rather hurt now, "then forget it, I can just…"

"I will take you," he cut in, tapping his knuckles on the side of the wagon.

"You will?"

Clicking his lips together he nodded. "Yes, its fine." What was he doing? Again……

Now, Sara smiled truly and almost bashfully. "Thank you."

A false smile passed over his lips as a sudden burst of apprehension built within him. He was supposed to be leaving to separate himself from Sara not to spend the entire day with her and alone, at that.

"Hey, watch it!" suddenly broke their conversation and Nicolas and Gregory stumbled through the front door carrying one of Sara's trunks.

"Dear lord, Sara," Nicolas moaned. "How long are you planning on going for? This thing is heavy."

Sniggering to herself, Sara watched as Grissom stepped up. "You need some help boys?"

"No, we're alright, I think," Gregory responded as they made it down the steps. Filling the air with grunts and grumbles the two boys eventually made it to the wagon and dumped the trunk on the back.

"I would consider a few more horses to pull the load maybe," Gregory suggested looking at his cousin and she slapped him softly on the arm.

"Come on," Nicolas gestured to his brother. "Let's get the other one while we are still able."

The younger man agreed and they plodded back into the house.

"Another one?" Grissom asked in amazement. "How long are you going for, a month?"

Sara didn't offer a response, just a disgruntled glare and Grissom held up his hands in defense. "Sorry," he grinned. "I'm sure we have enough pulling power to get moving," he chuckled in jest.

Now Sara couldn't help it and scoffed loudly.

The boys returned with the second trunk, accompanied by Laura and loaded it onto the wagon. As Sara took her mother by the arm the captain returned aboard Samsun.

"Everything alright?" Grissom asked as he dismounted.

With a slender grin the older man nodded. "Just a little hurt pride, that's all."

Samsun walked around to the back of the wagon to where Dante and Pandora stood happily panting next to each other and Sara laughed.

"An interesting trio," she pointed and the group followed with their own chorus of giggles.

"Well, I, um," Grissom began, "I think we should get on going if we wish to get to our destinations before dark. It is a long ride and with the wagon the trip will take longer."

The captain placed a firm arm onto his workers shoulders. "Now you are sure about escorting Sara?" He asked. "If you have any concerns then I implore she stays here."

"Father!" Sara snapped.

"Ah!" The captain held up a firm finger and she silenced. "I need to know you will be safe and not a nuisance."

"She will be safe," Grissom added his two cents with a tender smile, flicking his eyes to her. "I give you my word, Captain, and I'm sure she won't be a bother."

Smiling broadly the older man slapped his young apprentice on the back. "That's all I needed to hear."

"Me, too," Gregory added and Sara glared at him.

"Well, shall we?" Grissom asked his passenger and she nodded enthusiastically.

"Let me tie up Dante for you," the captain offered, walking to the back of the wagon. Taking Samsun he passed his reins to Nicolas before tying Dante securely next to Pandora. "Looks like you have an easy ride today, my boy," the rancher scoffed as he patted the horse on the back. Dante shook his mane and offered a snort in return.

"Captain, would you mind passing me my rifle?" Grissom pointed to Dante and the captain nodded, pulling the rifle from its holster attached to the horse.

"Glad to see you are prepared," the older man said as he passed Grissom the weapon.

"Always," the young rancher responded slipping the rifle under the front seat of the wagon and ensuring it was secure.

"I'll see you soon, Mother." Sara held out her arms and Laura pulled her into a warm embrace.

"Be careful, my child, please." She took Sara's face in her hands. "Promise me you will."

Blushing slightly Sara nodded her agreement. "I will, Mother, I promise."

"And make sure you do what Gil tells you to, understand?"

"Yes, Mother," the younger lady now huffed.

"Good." Laura kissed her daughter on the forehead before releasing her and Grissom held out his hand.

With a warm smile Sara welcomed Grissom's gesture and he helped her board the wagon before pulling himself up to sit next to her.

"Have fun, boys," Sara teased her cousins and both offered her an extremely sarcastic smile. Grissom tipped his hat to the family before taking the reins and with a quick flick of his wrist the wagon was moving and they were on their way. They did, however, miss the figure watching from a distance who smiled as they disappeared down the drive way and out of sight. Now, with them gone, things could be moved along without interference…

A/N: Hmmmm, so away they go but how will Grissom react when he finds out the truth? Will they even make it to their destination? What will happen while they are away? We shall see :) Let me know your thoughts!