A/N: Righty, here we go. The beginning of…well, I guess you will have to read this story to the end to find out :) This is a very Sara centric chapter but a very necessary one. And no matter what you think, I am NOT a Hank fan. NO NO NO! I have had…ugh, so many thoughts on this fic the last few days. And after a looooooooooong, chat with SSC, I have decided to change the end of this story completely. Not that you knew what the original plan was but now it's changed :) So when it comes about (not for a while yet, but) you can blame SSC.
And SweetSouthern, I love you hun, you keep me sane in times of grrrrrrr and cheer me up when I'm blue but most of all, you support and help me and yeah, yeah, kick my ass when I'm wrong. Yes I know, I know! All my thanks to mingsmommy too, your help and guidance makes me better each and every time and also, thanks for telling me I was wrong too! (Oh the wrongness was for the next chapter, which is ready, but it's stuck in my brain!) *Hides in the corner with bad hat on*
Thank you so, so much for the reviews. Please keep them coming. They give me the whoomph to write quicker and make me happy see - :-D
Enjoy!
Chapter 51
Sara stared at the man standing before her and repeated her question as she didn't receive an immediate answer. "Why are you here, Hank? It's so late and I don't think my father would be happy to see you, especially after what happened earlier."
"Well…" He stepped closer. "…I came to offer my sympathies, Sara. I've already spoken to your father, he knows I'm here. I know this must be a hard time for you all and my uncle was way out of line earlier. He knows it, even if he is too stubborn to admit it."
He closed the gap between them and she studied him hard, unsure of what he was up to.
"My uncle can be a little power crazy." He smiled and slipped his thumbs into his belt. "I asked him to back off and take a good look at what his options really could be. So, he won't be harassing your father to sell up anymore."
Frowning deeply Sara shook her head in confusion. "You…really did that?" she asked with uncertainty.
"I did."
"Why?"
"Shall we…" He pulled a hand free and pointed into the garden. "…Take a walk and I can explain?"
Thinking hard, Sara looked to the garden and then to the sky. It was beginning to get dark and, although she didn't feel one hundred percent comfortable about being alone with Hank, he had certainly gained her curiosity. "I'm not sure…I…"
"I promise I will be on my best behavior, Sara, and I think you will want to hear what I have to say. I hope so anyway."
"Alright," she agreed with some reluctance, "But not too long."
Smiling broadly, the young rich man nodded, "Whatever you wish." He walked beside her and held out an arm. "Shall we?"
A little hesitation crept into Sara's mind as he waited for her to accept his gesture.
"I won't bite," he jested with a grin. "Trust me, I promise you won't be sorry."
This was very peculiar, why was Hank being so nice and bizarrely sincere? They had known each other for a long time but he had never acted like this before. He usually did at least one thing to irritate her.
"Don't make me regret this," she responded, slipping her arm through his. "This is just a walk, nothing more."
Looking her straight in the eye, he nodded again. "I know and that's all it will be."
She offered a single nod in return, although, she still felt a little doubtful. Nonetheless, she allowed him to take the lead and they strolled deeper into the garden.
"So, what is this all this about?" she asked. "There is something going on here. I am by no means stupid."
"I would never imagine you were stupid, Sara," he returned quickly. "You are by far one of the most intelligent people I know or have ever known."
"Alright…" She swiftly turned, pulling her arm free from his. "…What…is going on, Hank? You are, kind of…upsetting me. Tell me now what it is you want or I'm going back to the house."
"Sorry," he began. "You are right. I know you have had a long day." His whole body slumped. "I will…get on with…well…" He seemed to hesitate, moving a hand to his right temple and rubbing over the pulse point.
Sara watched him, an odd churning beginning in her stomach. Something just didn't feel right. He was actually nervous and in all the time Sara had known Hank, he was never nervous.
His lips trembled as he blew out a hot breath of air which seemed as though it came from the very bottom of his lungs. "I…have a proposal to…"
A deep frown formed upon Sara's brow as he hesitated again. "Just tell me, Hank," she insisted, feeling the impatience building inside her.
"I have asked my uncle to help your father," he suddenly blurted out. "Instead of trying to buy him out and be his enemy, why not be his ally? They are friends or are supposed to be and they have known each other for a long, long time. They should not be fighting, especially in a time of need such as this."
"Um…you said that?" Sara struggled to believe what she was hearing.
"I did," he replied with a confident nod.
A weak smile passed over Sara's lips. "Look…" She shook her head. "…I don't understand, exactly what are you trying to say?" Suddenly she shivered as a cool breeze passed by them and she folded her arm across her chest in an attempt to protect herself from the chill which was quickly setting in.
"Here…" Hank quickly removed his jacket, leaned forward and placed the garment over her shoulders before stepping back.
"Thank you," she said, appreciating the gesture and pulling the jacket tighter to her body
He smiled and continued. "What I am trying to say is…I had a long chat with my uncle. A…heart to heart if you will. He has become too power crazy of late and I told him he really should take a good look at himself. Instead of offering to help the captain in his time of crisis he just thinks about himself and the opportunity he may now have to pressure his friend into selling. Because what other option does your father have, right?"
"You'd be surprised," Sara said. "I doubt he will ever sell."
"Well, that, I personally don't doubt, which is why I asked Uncle to change his whole approach to the situation."
Sara's eyes narrowed. "In what way?"
The young man's smile broadened. "By forming an alliance with your father and helping him get back on his feet. I mean, by God, Uncle already owns ninety percent of the county, surely that's enough. He can loan the captain funds, offer him staff to help rebuild the place and have him as a partner, rather than a rival. I'm tired of all the fighting, Sara, I really am."
"I…" Sara hesitated, she was a little stunned by Hank's statement. "…I don't know what to say. What did your uncle say when you made this proposition to him?"
"Well, he thought long and hard about it but eventually, he said he would do it. Time to stop the fighting, so to speak."
Sara was still finding this very hard to believe. After everything that had happened of late, the colonel was suddenly prepared to help her father? "There must be a catch, Hank. What do you want out of this?"
He grinned as he stepped closer. "The one thing I have always wanted…"
Sara jumped when he reached out and took her hand but as he looked deep into her eyes, it suddenly dawned upon her as to exactly what he was eluding to…he wanted her. "Hank…I…"
"Please, let me finish?"
The pleading tone to his voice surprised her and although she really wanted the conversation to stop there, something inside her allowed him to continue. "Alright," she said in barely whisper.
"I want to do what's right here; Sara, and…I want to make you happy, I've always wanted to make you happy." He squeezed her hand tighter. "You deserve to be happy. And if you accept my proposal then I can not only look after you but form an alliance between my uncle and your father. They shouldn't be fighting, they should be working together."
Struggling to find the words or any form of response, Sara just stood there with her mouth open until she finally found something deep within and a quiet reply stumbled from her mouth. "Are you saying…what I think you're saying?"
"I want…" He swallowed hard. "…You to be my wife, Sara." He held his arms out, stretching them out by his sides. "You can make all this better and your father and family will never have to worry about anything again. And I…can give you…everything you will ever need…everything…"
Suddenly, Sara felt light headed and a little sick. Her stomach turned over as Hank's words filtered through her brain. She could save her home and family but at the cost of giving herself? How…? She struggled to focus, her whole body felt numb and she just couldn't think. Slowly, she reached a hand to her shoulder and removed Hanks jacket. She held it out and urged him to take it, all the while trying to convince her brain to kick in and think of something to say.
Hank took his jacket and folded it over his arm but he didn't take his eyes from her for a single second.
Finally, Sara found she was able to speak, licking her now dry lips before beginning. "This offer…to help my father and the estate…only applies if I agree to marry you?"
"Sara…if we are together, my uncle can't refuse to help…that was part of my leverage in getting him to agree to this. I have made my feelings clear to him…about you and it does aid his motivation. It's all about family. He will do anything for family. I do truly care for you, you know? And, I desire to be with you."
Again, Sara found herself lost for words. "I don't know what to say," she whispered again, feeling the butterflies growing in her stomach.
Hank looked around, it was almost dark now. "You don't have to answer me now, Sara, but I will need an answer soon. Uncle is not the most patient of people, especially with something like this, he may change his mind. So, I will come back in the morning; I'll let you think about it overnight."
Swallowing heavily, Sara tried to process everything that had just been said.
She struggled.
"Come…" Hank spoke tenderly as he held out his arm. "Let me take you back to the house, you look tired."
She didn't argue, she just didn't have the energy or the mental capacity at that point in time.
Slipping her arm through his, she allowed Hank to lead her back out of the garden and towards her home.
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Hank wished a bewildered Sara goodnight and left her by the main door to the house. She didn't see the smirk on his face as he walked away and she stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind her. She leaned against the framework, tipping her head back against the fine oak finish. What on earth was she supposed to do? Hank had offered her the opportunity to save her home, rebuild the estate and end her father's misery but at the cost of giving herself to him.
She really needed to think about this and weigh all of her options and whether she could actually bring herself to accept such a proposal. She doubted it; she was in love with Grissom. How could she possibly give herself to another man?
Shaking her head in an attempt to force her brain into gear, she pushed away from the door and approached the stairs. The house was quiet, not a soul was in sight and she presumed everyone must be sleeping. That was until she drew closer to the study and suddenly, her father's voice caught her ears.
A long sigh slipped from her lips as she passed the stairs and approach the study, her mother's voice now coming into ear shot.
They were arguing again and it was very heated.
With caution, Sara placed her ear against the study door and listened…
"Damn it, Laura! How many times do I have to say this? I am not selling!" the captain shouted.
"Then tell me how we will survive, Thomas…" Laura's voice cracked as she spoke, "…tell me."
"We will."
"How?" the lady of the house cried, her voice now screeching and high pitched.
"We still have crops," he snapped.
"And how will we farm them?" Laura's voice seemed to calm again. "We have no money to pay the workers, so what use are the crops? We have no money at all…"
"I…I…" the captain stopped and it was quiet for a moment. Sara could hear his footsteps, as if he was pacing back and forth. Then he continued, "We can sell things, we have…things. Jewelry, furniture…whatever it takes."
Sara heard her mother sob. "And how long will that money last and what will our home become? It's not enough, Thomas…it's not enough…We can't fix this…"
Suddenly all was silent.
Nothing.
Not a word, nor a whisper. Sara couldn't hear anything at all coming from within the study and it made her nervous.
Swallowing the heavy lump which had formed in her throat, she reached out and her shaky fingers wrapped around the brass door knob. Turning it, she slowly pushed the door open, just enough so she could poke her head inside.
Her eyes swept around the room until they finally came to rest upon a sight that made her heart sink. Her parents stood by the window, her mother's arms wrapped tightly around her father's broad shoulders and her head rested upon his chest. Laura sucked in a ragged breath and clenched her eyes closed as tears slipped down her already damp cheeks.
"It will be alright," Thomas whispered, placing a gentle kiss in his wife's hair. "I promise…I promise…" he trailed off and sucked in a deep unsteady breath, tightening his hold on his beloved.
Sara felt her own tears forming now but decided to leave her parents be. This was their moment and she couldn't bring herself to break it. With a heavy heart, she closed the door, being careful not to make a sound and quietly walked away from the study, towards the stairs.
As she was about to climb the stairs she stopped when she faintly heard her name being called.
"Oh, Miss Sara…"
Stepping back, Sara saw Rana coming towards her. "Oh…hello, Rana, I didn't realize you were here. I thought father gave everyone the rest of the day off."
The worker smiled. "He did but I was waiting for you, Miss. Are you hungry? Would you like me to prepare you something to eat?"
"Oh, no," Sara replied. "Thank you, but I'm not really hungry."
Rana pointed behind her and towards the kitchen. "I have water boiled; I thought you may like a bath."
Sara loved Rana. She had been with her family for years, just like Roberta had and the two ladies always put them before anything else. They were always so willing to serve. "That does sound tempting," Sara admitted.
The worker placed a soft, comforting hand onto Sara's shoulder. "Go upstairs and I will have the bath and water brought up, I still have a couple of helpers in the kitchen."
The right side of Sara's mouth curled a gentle smile. "Thank you."
With a swift nod, Rana turned on her heels and retreated back to the kitchen.
Sara quietly climbed the stairs and headed to her room. Stepping inside she left the door open and walked towards the window. It was almost dark now and the moon glowed from up above. She reached a hand to the back of her neck and massaged her taut muscles. She was so tense and her whole body ached. The idea of a good long soak in the tub was very, very welcoming indeed.
But a sad breath seeped from her lungs as she turned and looked around her room. Sara had never been one for over extravagance. Her room had a reasonably simple décor compared to some but it was more than adequate…
A beautiful, reddish colored mahogany writing desk with a striking grain lay off to her right by the window, two candles in holders sat upon it. Her father didn't allow lanterns in the bedroom, too much of a fire hazard he would always say. The desk housed a matching chair in its well underneath.
A mahogany dressing table sat in the far right corner. This was such a lovely piece with its beveled mirror with molded edges and two beautiful scroll carved upright supports.
The back wall housed a satin birch breakfront triple armoire with a molded cornice above the central mirrored door with arched molding and beautifully carved corbels.
To the left, in the center of the wall, was a small but beautiful marbled fireplace with carved rosettes, reeded panels and matching mantel. Sara was very grateful for the fireplace, especially during the winter season when her room could be very drafty.
But the glory of this entire room was its center piece along the far wall. A tall, hand carved, mahogany four poster bed, boasting nothing but the essence of quality. The dentil molded cornice sat on top of four tapering straight posts. The head-board was lavishly carved with three pierced splats of scroll-crested flowers & foliage alternated with turned spindles below an arched top molding.
The beauty of the furniture was further enhanced by the delicate detailing in the room. The mantelpiece, with its elegant detached columns and urns, and the lacey molding that encircled the room.
Sara suddenly had an overwhelming thought that all of this was really just a luxury to her, just something she had become accustomed to. An image of her room being bare and empty quickly crept into her minds eye, recalling her father's words about having to sell things to survive. She knew in her heart, she could live without possesions and such niceitess of glamourous furniture. She could easily see herself living at Grissom's place in Alexandria and be without all the wealth she had grown up around. But then Hanks words floated through her mind..."It's all about family..."
She was jolted back to reality when she heard a knock at the door and she looked over to see Rana standing in the doorway.
"Alright to bring in the bath?" the head housekeeper asked.
"Of course," Sara replied, stepping away from the window.
Rana turned and left the room again and Sara heard her informing her helpers they could enter.
Two young workers lugged the copper bath into the room and placed it by the fireplace. "We will be back shortly with the water, Ma'am," one of them said, bowing his head in respect before the duo exited.
It would take some time to fill the bath Sara thought. Her eyelids now felt heavy and she hoped she could stay awake long enough to be able to enjoy the bath. Although, the things she had on her mind would probably keep her awake.
Rana reentered, carrying a tray and Sara eyed her curiously as she stepped closer.
"I know you said you weren't hungry, Miss Sara," Rana began as she placed the tray onto the writing desk, "But I thought you could possibly change your mind, so I set you a tray up just in case."
With a gentle smile Sara looked over what Rana had brought.
"It isn't very exciting," the older woman continued. "Just some cheese, fruit and bread, I can make you something else if you wish. Some broth or rice perhaps?"
Feeling her stomach rumble, Sara placed a gentle hand onto Ran's arm. "It's fine, Rana, thank you."
"My pleasure, Miss. Just try and eat some of it, alright?"
Licking her lips, Sara nodded. "I will."
Rana's lips blossomed a smile. "Good. You eat and I will go and help with the water."
Sara watched as Rana scurried from the room and then she returned her attention to the food. If she was honest with herself, she was actually hungry because she hadn't eaten all day long.
Well, at least she had something to keep her occupied until her bath was ready. She just hoped she was able to keep the food down.
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Hank strolled through the house with a smile on his face and headed for the sitting room. Upon entering, he immediately spotted his uncle by the fire place, seated in his fine burgundy leather chair. His feet resting upon an equally superior quality foot stool. He held a long fat cigar between his fingers and with his head tilted back against the chair he blew rings of smoke into the air.
"Well, don't you just look pleased with yourself," Hank sniggered as he approached his uncle's side.
The colonel tilted his head, his eyes fixing upon his nephew. "Whatever gave you that idea?" he retorted with a smirk.
Grinning, Hank slipped into a chair next to his uncle, instantly feeling the intensity of the fire upon his face. It was pleasant, considering the chill his body felt from the cooling temperature outside.
"I gather all went well this evening and you got it sorted?" the younger man asked.
"Indeed," McKeen replied taking another lug on his cigar. He blew out the smoke and smiled broadly. "It is all done and everything is in place. There should be no more accusations after tomorrow."
"Excellent." Hank rubbed his hands together. "I admit, I was skeptical that Sara would believe my intentions if she suspected we were involved in the estates misfortunes."
"Well…" the colonel leaned forward and stretched, "…if she is anything like her father, she will always be suspicious but once everything comes out tomorrow there will be no blame on us. Hopefully…"
"Good…" Hank replied.
The colonel stood and placed his cigar in the ashtray on the mantel above the fireplace. "So, how did it go?"
Thinking for a moment, Hank scratched his head. "Well…I think. Sara was quite taken aback but that was to be expected."
"And you think she believes you?" The colonel folded his arms across his chest
"I'm sure she has a few doubts but most of what I proposed is true. After all, I do want to be with her."
"Ha!" the colonel laughed, slipping back into his chair. "That you do, my boy, and she has always turned you down, has she not? Despite your constant pursuit of her affection?"
Hank smirked. "Maybe, but now…she doesn't have much choice, does she?"
Snorting through his nose, the colonel exhaled a content sigh and leaned back. "Tomorrow is going to be a very good day, a very good day indeed…"
A/N: Will it be a good day? If so, who for? Bad, bad men! What are they going to do? And poor Sara, what will she do? Oh and we can't forget Grissom, poor, poor Grissom. Why do I hurt thee so? *Hello hat!* :)
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