Thirty Two Part Two

"Have ye ever seen a brand new puppy, Jonah?" Paulie was trying to keep the young boy happy and occupied, while the majority of their group waited inside the coach sitting in front of the Kent residence.

Elizabeth stood outside on the stoop, leaning back against the stones that fronted the building. One foot kicked up behind her on the wall, she reposed there lazily, whistling to entertain herself. She stood by at the ready just in case Brutus needed her.

"I do not tink so, Paw Paw. "Me 'n Timmy had a dog before. She was a big dog, not a widdle one." Jonah told him.

Pete had come along with their group. They had already swung by Rebecca's first, as she accompanied them on the ride out.

"What was your dog's name, Jonah?" Rebecca asked her nephew, as he sat up on Pete's lap next to her.

"Her name was Wucy." Jonah nodded in remembrance.

"Woosey?" Pete repeated what the babe had said.

"Lucy," Paulie informed them, "From what he has told me, she was a great, hairy thing."

"And she wuved me, and I wuved her!" Jonah said matter of factly.

Pete chuckled, as Rebecca thought she must get a dog for these boys. Probably not a huge, hairy one, though.

Rebecca and Pete exchanged a smile, as if he could read her thoughts, "Think long and hard on that one, Becca," Pete admonished her. "They require quite a bit of care and ye may have your hands full with just the boys."

Rebecca thought it may be good for the boys to have something to care for, "If Marcus has brand new puppies, I may have time to consider it wisely before they are ready to leave their Mama." Rebecca smoothed Jonah's curls, returning the boy's soulful look.

"A sound idea," Pete agreed, "A dog is good to teach a boy responsibility, and for companionship, if'n it be a good one."

All agreed, as Katy peeked out the window to see if there were any activities to be discerned yet.

Elizabeth had explained Brutus' desire to stop and appeal to Margaret. Katy could not wait to see what kind of girl had turned his head.

She had watched Brutus and Violet manage to stay unattached for so long, the kind of girl that would be of Brutus' choosing interested her greatly.

Brutus had been admitted entrance into the residence.

Bentley remembered the man who had visited just a few days before, previously accompanied by the Lady Eleanor.

Brutus stood in the foyer, hat in hand, waiting to see if Margaret would appear and talk to him.

"The miss will be along momentarily." Bentley informed Brutus, as he came back from the kitchen.

"Thank you, Sir." Brutus held his tricorn by the brim, spinning it round by sliding his fingers, catching up with the other hand, then sliding again, as he wiled the moments away.

Bentley went back the way he had come, and after a few moments Brutus heard light footsteps.

As soon as Margaret appeared, the hat stopped it's rotation, and Brutus smiled charmingly at the young maid.

She was just as pretty as he remembered her to be.

The light grey dress she wore, with it's hidden blue tones, appeared silver against her golden skin. Her clear, blue eyes shone forth brightly, framed by her silky, jet black hair.

"Brutus," She dipped her head slightly, her almond shaped eyes showing a little embarrassment at receiving a visitor. "I am surprised to see you here."

"I know of no other place to see you, Margaret." Brutus smiled a bit shyly.

"Why would you have a reason to be seeing me?" She asked of him, a bit of bewilderment in her question, yet, posed matter of factly.

Brutus looked to the floor at her words.

"I have no objections to your visit, Brutus, I just do not understand why you would want to see me." Margaret looked upon him, her eyes delving into his, questioning him as to his motives.

She knew she was not worthy of his attention.

She knew she was, and very much so, poorly used goods. She had been abused to the point that no man could ever want her, no man in his right mind would want her, unless it was to use her as the others had.

This man needed someone so much more worthy than she to spend his time with.

Brutus decided he could try a bit harder, "I have been made Captain of the Wench, and I shall only be in port for a month or two, I know no one else in the city, and I did not think you did either."

He did not want to push her into doing anything that may frighten her, he honestly would not blame her if she feared and hated all men after what she had endured at the evil Bailey's hands.

Yet, Margaret had spoken to him on the beach those few times, when the Green Eyed Lady had been stranded. She had not seemed overly intimidated by him then.

Brutus then thought that there had been many others around them on the beach at the time, so it may be that she had felt safe out it the open, with other people about.

"Congratulations on becoming captain, Captain." She smiled, nodding once to emphasise her congratulatory wishes, again striking Brutus with how pretty she was.

"Thank you," Brutus dipped his head, acknowledging her kind words, then looked into her eyes, "I just thought to ask....." Brutus took a deep breath and launched, "If you would like to bring the babe, and take a short ride, to spend the day in the country." Brutus finally spit it out. He took a quick breath, and held it, waiting and wondering what her reaction would be.

"Now? Today?...." Margaret looked to him for confirmation, as he blushed lightly, from his neck all the way up to his cheeks.

"Aye," He nodded, "We did not have the plans ourselves until last eve, however, I still hoped you may want to come with us."

Margaret thought of her options, she could stay here and iron more sheets, or she could ask to leave for the day. She was convinced the latter would not be a problem.

She knew the staff here had been being kind, finding unnecessary tasks for her to perform, just so she would feel needed. They would probably welcome her absence, as they would not have to find things for her to do. All of them had been on staff here for years, the home ran very smoothly, and they really did not need her underfoot.

"Who is 'we'?" Margaret used her shrewd, cerulean eyes to inquisition the handsome man in front of her.

"Elizabeth for one, and my Captain's mother, Katherine." Brutus paused, "Paulie, he watches the babes, he is an old grandpa. The crew also, except Violet, as he is with the Lady Eleanor on an errand for the King." He saw a look of interest when he mentioned Elizabeth.

"How will we get there?" Margaret had already decided to go, once she heard Betsy would be going also.

"We have a carriage outside, I will wait while you do whatever you need to if you would like to accompany us. I look forward to seeing the babe again, also. You will bring him, will you not?" Brutus asked hopefully. Was she going to come with them? Had she decided to say yes?

His face begged a positive response.

"I will bring him, and I will be very quick...... Thank you, Brutus, a day in the country sounds divine." She smiled impishly, before returning sedately to the kitchen to inform someone that she would be leaving.

Brutus stood in the hall, smiling widely, he then turned on his heel and went to the front door.

Opening it a bit, he spoke to Elizabeth, "We should be out shortly, she agreed."

His grin assured Elizabeth she was not needed to help convince the maid.

Hopefully, that was a good sign, Betsy thought.

Brutus felt the same.

He closed the door again, and went back to waiting, spinning his hat in front of him, but this time he rocked back onto his heels and then back up on his toes.

Rocking happily, as he spun his hat, Brutus was well pleased with his progress so far.

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"That has to be a record Marcus. She must be the swiftest and most well trained falcon that exists." The King boasted.

Six hares and three doves bulged in the King's saddlebags, as his new pride and joy rode in front of him, atop his pommel.

Of course, him being the King, he must have the best falcon. No one else would dare to boast having better.

"She, is absolutely wonderful."

Marcus agreed, "Are you prepared to skin those hares yourself?"

The King gave Marcus a dubious look, "I think not. I caught them, I shall let someone else clean them." The King nodded, then sat up even taller in the saddle.

This had been a quite enjoyable morning indeed.

The men on horseback topped the rise, then headed back down, towards the rear of the barn. They could see the small lake in the valley below the front of the manse, sunshine sparkling on it's surface, as a light morning mist still rose from the water.

They saw Sam and Bart, a couple of Bart's gunners, the King's men who had driven the boys out, and what looked to be all of the cabin boys, fishing on the shore.

The King and Marcus stopped at the barn leaving the falcon and horses to the grooms. They were assured the hares and birds would be taken care of and added to the menu for the day.

Marcus and his King started walking towards the lake, they thought to see how the fishing was going, wondering if fresh fish would be added to the menu also.

Before going too far, however, they both heard a carriage approaching and stopped, waiting to see who it was.

T'was a hired hackney, and Marcus grew a bit concerned, as his Liege stood next to him unguarded, while someone, he did not know who, approached.

The carriage pulled around to stop between the lake and the manor, Alfred alighting with a wide smile upon his face.

Marcus approached his son, as Alfred turned to hand Merry from the conveyance, before addressing Marcus.

"Father, I did not know you planned to be here today." The men embraced quickly, before Marcus welcomed Merry to his humble home.

Alfred suddenly realized who had been standing next to his father, and he swept a deep bow, his confidence wavering as he tremulously stated, "My King," He then turned to indicate to the young woman beside him, "May I present Miss Merry Whitaker, my liege."

Merry gasped, realising who the tall man was, she curtsied deeply, blushing to the roots of her hair.

"Charmed." The King replied, as Merry flushed an even darker shade of red.

"I offered to bring Merry out to sketch for the day," Alfred laughed nervously, "I assured her she would be alone and undisturbed."

Merry gave him a look, trying to insinuate he was embarrassing her and to please stop.

"I have an engagement at noon," Alfred continued, ignoring the blushing miss, "I was going to leave her here under the staff's care and return for her late this afternoon."

Merry turned, if possible, an even darker red. "But you are all here, so we should be going....." Merry pulled on Alfred's sleeve, trying to gain his attention and have him realize she was imposing.

Marcus smiled upon this young maid he had already come to like the last time they met, "I would return you to town this eve, if you would like to stay and sketch, Merry. I would even welcome a sketch or two myself, if you would be so kind. I have none that depict the estate and that would be welcome to have, if you would do so for me."

Merry needed a few moments to cool her skin, so nodded at Marcus and smiled somewhat embarrassed, before she stuck her top half in the carriage and pulled a case from inside.

Alfred came up beside her and took the case, a blanket, and then Merry's hand. "Where would you like to start?"

The two bowed shallowly once again, smiling tremulously at the King, before wandering towards the lake themselves.

"She can not be a lady love, Marcus, she has no chaperone." The King mentioned quietly as they followed a bit behind the couple.

"She is Alfred's friend, and a very good artist. Alfred merely wanted to give her a chance to sketch the landscape, as she lives in the city."

"I see," The King replied, not knowing if he did see all there really was to see.

"Alfred has found a woman he is interested in marrying, the daughter of James Ferguson, if you are familiar, Sire."

The King knew of the man, though he had not met him personally. Anyone who came to London and had that much money and influence was worth taking note of.

"Laird Ferguson welcomes his suit?" The King looked askance at Marcus.

"From what Alfred has told me, the Laird has taken him under his wing, he will teach him to increase his own funds." Marcus was thrilled that Alfred had an interest in business, he had been so afraid his son would live off of funds from his mother all of his life.

Once more, the two men did not make it to the lakeshore before another coach, this time one of the King's, approached up the road from town.

The men turned once again, smiling at one another, in hopes that their ladies may have just arrived.

Pete disembarked first, assisting Katherine, who stepped down and smoothed her skirts as Elizabeth came next.

Betsy hopped down from the carriage and looked around her. It was beautiful, the house, the forest behind the manor that stretched out from behind it in either direction.

Her eyes lit upon Marcus and the King, as she noted the lake behind them.

She approached the King, as Marcus smiled at her, walking past her to fetch his lovely Katherine.

"Back to dressing as a boy, I see." The King quipped dryly at Elizabeth.

She curtsied low, while pinching out the legs of her breeches, as she gave him a roguish grin.

"You would not harass me if you had to wear skirts all the day long, I wager." She replied saucily.

He laughed at her and lifted her braid from her shoulder, jerking it lightly, he agreed, "You may just have me there, imp."

The King lifted a hand at Pete, Rebecca and Paulie, before turning with Elizabeth and walking with her towards the lake.

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Katherine brushed down her skirts quickly, then looked all about her at the sprawling estate.

A bit awed by the huge, stone manse, she stood gaping at it as Marcus walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her middle, pulling her back against him.

"Do you think you can live with my humble abode?" Marcus asked her softly.

"My goodness, Marcus, I had no idea it was this grand!" She breathed, awed at this place he called home.

"I will give you a tour later, let us join the others for now." Marcus suggested, as Katy turned in his arms, her eyes lit with excitement.

"I look forward to it." She smiled up into his eyes.

"And I have been looking forward to this....." Marcus lowered his head and kissed her softly, as a sigh escaped her.

Stepping back, Marcus gazed a moment upon his love, before placing his hand at her back and leading her to join the others.

Katherine was joyous as they walked along together, seeing the boys playing and fishing upon the shore, she smiled widely up at Marcus, "They look to be fine, and glad to be here, also."

"I have not seen them yet, the King and I were hunting until just before you arrived." Marcus admitted.

"And how was the hunting this morning?" Katy asked.

"The King is well pleased with his gift, Katy girl, you hit the nail on the head with that idea." Marcus assured her.

Katherine beamed as they approached the others on the shore.

Looking to the side, Katherine saw Alfred helping Merry set up her spot to sit and draw.

"Who is that, Marcus?" Katherine asked as she darted her eyes Alfred's way.

Marcus had not expected to have to introduce Katherine to his other son yet, but....... Here they all were.

The boys called out to Katy to come see their catch, and Marcus was given a short reprieve.

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Violet had to force himself to relax and eat his dinner.

He barely tasted the food, as his thoughts were consumed with getting back on the road and home to his wife.

He knew he could not push the horses beyond what he already had, and he had checked upon arriving, there were no fresh mounts to be begged, borrowed, or stolen.

He sighed as he bit into yet another roll, biding his time, anxious to be on his way once more.

The maid who had brought him and the men their dinner, came back around to see if there was ought else she could provide them with.

Her honey brown eyes reminded Vi of Elizabeth, he bent to his plate, trying to allow the other men to answer for them all.

The maid came to stand directly beside Violet as he had continued to ignore her.

"Can I be providin' ye with any dessert, my lord." She breathed invitingly.

Violet smiled at the lass, knowing what she was offering, yet playing dumb seemed his best defense, "'Tis simply Mister, my fine maid. Have ye any pie for me and my companions?"

He looked upon her innocently, hoping she would catch on that he was not interested.

"I do," She spoke a little disappointedly, "I'll fetch some fer ye, if'n yer sure that be all ye want." She tried again to insinuate she would welcome this man's attentions.

"I am sure, thank ye, Miss." Violet returned to his food and wished he were with Elizabeth and not fending off a over willing maid.

"You could have plucked that one right proper." One of the Duke's men observed, raising his brow at Vi.

"Then why would I have bothered to be married?" Violet answered the man, as he looked down at his hand resting beside his plate. He was very glad he still had his wedding ring after the highway robbery. He would have hated to lose both the rings, he was grateful to still have this symbol of his wedded state.

Not that it had seemed to matter to the serving maid.

Yet, it did to him.

It meant the world to him.

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;)