Saving Gray

Chapter Four;

Allen Leech is who I have chosen for Lord Nicholas Ward, future Earl of Derby of course you are more than welcome to envision him however you wish. Also just a quick note this chapter will be in Theodore's POV.

Feeling the gentle lull of the carriage come to a halt I slowly sat up straight feeling parts of my body ache from the long journey, shaking away the sleep I glanced towards my niece and nephew who were both asleep on the opposite bench seat. Smiling sadly my heart clenched Sybil was nearly eleven years in age and Archie was a mere five summers, he was too young to even inherit the earldom that was to be bestowed upon him. He would attend Eton first when he was of age before I would then teach him the dealings of an earldom and how to manage his estate, "Sybil, Archie wake up we are here" I said in a soft voice watching as they opened their eyes which caused me to suck in a deep painful breath.

This was going to be no easy feat with both of the children having the matching eye color of my dear sister, "Uncle Teddy is this your castle" Archie said sleep still evident in his voice as he glanced out the open door as the footmen unfolded the steps. Stepping out of the carriage he turned around to help Archie and Sybil descend the steps, "Yes Archie this is not only my home now but it is also yours" I say as I bend down to look him in the eye as I watch Sybil watch us quietly. She used to be such an outgoing and happy little girl now after the loss of her parents she had folded in unto herself, I held out my hand to her and let out a quiet sigh of relief as she gently took it standing slowly we headed through the main gatehouse of the castle. As I glanced up towards the steps I noticed my butler Mr. Thomas stood waiting "Milord it is so nice to have you returned to us safely, hello Lady Sybil, Lord Archie" watching as he smiled towards the children I quickly glanced down towards them.

Archie gave a polite bow and Sybil bowed her head "please could you have the footmen take the children's trunks to their individual rooms Mr. Thomas" watching him smile warmly and nod I stepped into the main foyer just as Mr. Thomas stopped me once again. "The morning mail is in your study Milord shall you require a tray of tea?" nodding my head he simply bowed before heading in the direction of the kitchens, "now let's show you your rooms shall we," I say in a gentle voice as we all head towards the stairs. After showing the children to their rooms and with the promise that I would come and get them for dinner I headed quickly in the direction of my study, entering the room I made my way towards the mahogany desk sat in the center noting the letters upon it. Taking a seat I shuffled through the letters until my hand stopped on one that had beautiful cursive handwriting, noting that it was addressed from Lady Cynthia Ward from her uncles home in London, I quickly turned the letter over in my hand and broke the wax seal unfolding it and scanning the contents.

Dearest Lord Gray,

I am sorry to hear the news of your sister and her husband, please accept not only my deepest sympathies but that of my aunt and uncle. I pray that the children are well and let us forget about what happened and what was promised the eve of the militia ball. Dances are not important as of right now and the situation can be rectified in due course.

I heartily accept your invitation, I have written a missive to my papa and mama to inform them of your invitation however I shall be leaving within the next hour of writing this letter. I however regret to inform you my uncle and aunt shall follow tomorrow morning for they have a prior engagement this evening. I am so looking forward to seeing the splendor that is surely Berkeley Castle and it shall be exciting to visit Gloucestershire for the first time. Until we meet again Lord Gray.

Lady Cynthia Ward

(7th October 1811)

Taking a quick note of the date I noticed that it was now the 13th of October knowing that Lady Cynthia could arrive at any moment, I quickly folded the letter placing it into the top draw of my desk before quickly sorting the other letters. After writing the various responses I stood slowly from my desk and pull the gold rope cord, not a while later there was a knock upon the door. "Come in" I called loudly as I watched Mr. Thomas enter "did you require something milord?" he asked while watching me carefully, standing slowly from the desk I handed him the sealed and addressed letters "please make sure that these letters are sent post-haste, I also need you to inform the maids that the guest bedrooms need to be cleaned and prepared for we should be receiving Lady Cynthia Ward, she is the Earl of Dumaston's daughter as well as her aunt and uncle the Earl and Countess of Derby".

After giving me a brief nod and a bow he quickly left the study as I let out a quiet sigh, letting a small smile grace my face I could not help but let my thoughts wonder to a certain beautiful young lady that would soon be gracing our corridors. After taking note of the time I left the study and headed towards the main staircase where I quickly ascended it before heading in the direction of the children's bed-chambers. Knocking softly upon Sybil's door I heard her gentle reply as I slowly opened it "Sybil sweetheart it's time to come down and wait for dinner" watching as her blue eyes turn to me she gave me the softest of smiles before standing and walking towards me to take my hand.

After knocking on Archie's door we all headed along the corridor and back down to the drawing-room where Sybil and Archie took a seat on the settee closet to the fire. It was not long before there was a knock on the door and a footman entered "Excuse me, Milord, a Lady Cynthia Ward, and a Miss Rose Thorpe" the footmen then slowly moved aside as my breath caught in my throat. Her dark brown hair was up in delicate plaits woven into a bun that was then encased with little pearls, her blue day gown made her hazel eyes that much brighter and she wore the softest smile.

I walked slowly towards her watching her follow my movements, as I got closer I bowed before standing and taking her hand gently placing a kiss on her knuckles. "Lady Cynthia what a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance once again" watching as she blushed a rosy shade of red I could not help the grin that adorned my face. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Lord Gray" watching as she bowed her head I released her hand and turned to what I assumed was her lady's maid "Miss Thorpe it is a pleasure to meet you" after placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles though not lingering as I had done with Lady Cynthia I turned back to her again "Milady would you do me the pleasure of joining us for dinner this evening" I smiled gently as I stepped aside and motioned my hand towards Sybil and Archie. Watching as the children watched her ever so cautiously I could not help but smile as she sent them a warm smile "it would be a pleasure Lord Gray" she whispered softly as she slowly headed towards the children.

So here is the fourth chapter which I decided to write in Theodore's POV please let me know what you guys think and whether you would like to see a few chapters that are spaced out and in Theodore's POV. Please also let me know what you guys think of the new book cover.