P & P FF AU. NON-Canon GENERAL REGENCY

To Catch a Shining Star

Previously:

Corianna mounted her horse and rode over the hill not admitting to herself that there was something different about the one called Mr. Bennet. There was a pull in his eyes, but it was not anything the lady was going to admit to anyone, let anyone herself. Hence, her sole focus was getting to the Kendall's main home as she had heard about Lady Arianna's passing.

Talk with 'Uncle' Wallace

Ch. 13

Wallace had been struggling all morning with his mood swings and had finally had his butler take him out onto his porch. It was far less depressing then being indoors. The late fall air felt good as the older gentleman did not deal with the hotter weather as well as he once had. His eyes scrunched up in confusion as he saw Corianna ride up and dismount.

"I heard you had come back and performed with Mr. Bruce's circus." Sir Wallace spoke once the lady's horse had been taken and she was up by his side. "I thought the person telling it had to be speaking in jest."

"Clearly not." Corianna then hugged him. "I had no idea about Aunt Áine when I left my father's circus, though when I was told I was not surprised." His 'niece' then asked if it was alright if she spent the night. "I am not eager to share the same tent as Annie, a little too high and mighty for my taste. And the circus ended up moving closer to your main home then I thought they would."

"You do not plan on staying with them?"

"Come on Uncle Wallace, you know how I feel about all that traveling."

"Well, yes, I do. But If I am to be honest, I thought it was simply connected to your father, not to that way of life."

"Sorry, to disappoint you." Corianna grinned. "It is not. I was kind of hoping your estate would have something for me. I can cook and clean with the best of them. That is if your son would not balk at it."

"Honey, you can stay for as long as you need to." Wallace patted her hand. "And I doubt Blake is going to let you do servants work, though you can try to convince him of it. I am more than willing to sit back and watch."

"Watch what?" Blake Kendall came around the corner with his wife on his arm.

"Letting your adopted sister do servants work, she is here asking to spend the night. She is trick riding with Mr. Bruce's circus but will not be moving on with them."

"Servants' work my foot." Blake spoke before his wife could speak. "However, I would love it if you could convince a couple of our horses they are not the masters. Have you had your supper?"

"I have not, but I really do not eat much in the evening."

"I see somethings never change." Blake smiled and hugged Corianna; his wife did not. However, that was not because Peggy hated her, the lady simply was not the type to show much outward affection -at least not outside the four walls of her home.

Mr. Kendall rolled his father into the house, down the marbled hallway. Many items Sir Wallace, or his late wife, had bought over the years had been placed on tables, or hung on walls. A few items had been gifted to them by children, or other relatives. The small group then entered the dining hall.

The dining room of Sir Wallace Kendall's manor was a grand yet cozy space, reflecting the knight's status and taste. And yet there was no sense of holier-than-thou in the air. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries depicting scenes of Scottish history and landscapes. A large fireplace dominated one side of the room; its hearth empty as there was no need for a fire quiet yet... Above the mantel hung a family crest which had been placed there by the old man's father. The long wooden table, polished to a gleaming finish, was set with fine China and silverware, ready for the evening meal.

Corianna loved the fact she no longer felt like an outsider among the Kendall household. She really did feel just as much a part of their family as she did the Duncan's. Now, as her second family gathered around the table, the atmosphere was light and friendly.

Her Uncle Wallace took his seat at the head of the table. Blake Kendall, and Blake's wife, Peggy, joined him. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories. Corianna, seated next to Peggy, smiled as they recounted their adventures. She felt a sense of belonging and contentment in this household. As much as she loved her birth mother and, as much there was no hard feelings against her blood siblings; a simple truth existed -her interests fell much more in line with the Kendalls then they did the Duncans. Ignoring all that Corianna focused on the food being brought out by the servants.

The meal began with a hearty soup, followed by roasted game and an assortment of vegetables. The conversation continued, with Sir Wallace sharing tales of his own youth and Blake discussing the latest news from the small village. Peggy spoke of her plans for the upcoming wedding of her sister.

Corianna listened and contributed to the conversation; her heart warmed by the family's acceptance. She spoke of her experience with the circus earlier that evening, describing the thrill of performing and the camaraderie among the performers. Stories were also told of things she had witnessed from other performers practicing, or simply talking to them prior to shows. The family listened with rapt attention, fascinated by her stories.

As the evening drew to a close, Sir Wallace raised his glass in a toast. "To family, both old and new," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "May we always find joy and strength in each other's company." The glasses clinked together, and the room was filled with a sense of unity and love.

Corianna smiled and excused herself, saying she was tired and needed to lay down. Going up a long flight of stairs she knew which room to go to, it was one which the lady always used when the Kendalls. It sported pale pink walls, a large bed with rose covered blankets and pale pink pillows. Ignoring the writing desk, chairs and comfortable sofa; she lay down and only feel to sleep so quickly due to being absolutely exhausted.

Later that night a strange dream came.

Horses dancing turned to now rearing, branches came to life, one in particular; benches began to tap a beat, and the next thing Corianna knew she was flying and then falling. Just as she hit something, or someone, Corianne was sitting straight up with a picture in her mind that she was not about to share with anyone for with it there was imprinted a couple of pictures deep in her brain which she thought for sure could qualify her as mad.