Saving Gray

Chapter Eight;

I would like to apologize for not updating this sooner, as some of you may know I gave birth to a little boy last year. He is now 15 months old and is running rings around me everyday, however here is the eighth chapter of this book, I will try to update some of my stories on a regular basis however I cannot promise this. 

Rising early I decided that I would not require Rose this morning, choosing a simple dress that fastened in the front. Sitting in front of the dressing mirror I placed my hair in a simple chignon, hearing a knock on the door "Come in!" I say loudly fixing the last pin in place. Looking through the mirror I spotted my aunt walk into the room "Aunt Ida, what do I owe the pleasure of this early morning visit?" I say gently turning in the seat, taking a seat on the trunk at the bottom of my bed she places her hands in her lap.

She was wringing her fingers nervously, moving to stand I came to kneel in front of her taking her hands gently in mine "Aunt Ida, is everything well?" I question her softly feeling rather concerned. "Nicholas has decided to take a ride with Lord Gray" feeling myself grow nervous I also held a little bit of hope, we could only hope that this was Nicholas's way of repenting for his sins against Lord Gray and putting aside their differences. "Also I would like to speak to Lord Gray on the matter, but your parents have responded they should be here within the week" she said quietly a warm smile on her face, "that is great news aunt" I say softly missing my parents and siblings deeply.

"That is not all dear, I would like to host a ball in their honour do you think his lordship would be akin to this" she says as she moves to stand. Standing with her I take her arm as we head out onto the gallery and walk towards the staircase, "I can not see why Theodore would appose such an idea" I say softly smiling at her. As we step off the last step we both head in the direction of the dining room, as we're announced I greet my cousins and uncle before taking a seat noting the children aren't present. "Thomas I am going to assume the children are in the library" I ask the butler as he stands by the side table, watching him bow his head "Yes they are milady" smiling softly I quickly finish my breakfast.

Placing the napkin down on the plate I stand up "if I may be excused?" watching as my uncle and aunt nod I quickly head out of the room, deciding that I wanted to visit the children I headed in the direction of the library however the sound of male laughter stopped me. Looking towards the entrance foyer I could not believe the sight that greeted me Theodore and Nicholas were laughing together as if they were long lost friends, it was almost as if they could feel my burning stare. Turning their eyes to me they both had boyish grins upon their faces, Theodore looked even more handsome than he had before "Lady Cynthia" they both greet me as they bow.

Dropping into a curtsey I shake my head a smile on my face as I turn to continue my direction to the library, as I gently knock the door I open it to see the children at the table working on their slate boards. Seeing that their governess wasn't in the room I stepped in "Lady Sybil, Lord Archie" I say softly as I head in their direction, Sybil looks to me a smile on her face as she puts her slate down and runs to hug me. Pulling her close I reach down and gently kiss the top of her head as I look up at Archie, opening my arm I watch as he hesitates for a few seconds. Putting down his slate board he jumps down from his chair and runs to me, hugging them both closely we are unaware of Theodore leaning against the door frame watching our interaction.

"Uncle Teddy" I hear Sybil shout as she pulls away from me and heads in her uncles direction, looking around to him I look completely shocked that he had caught the interaction between the children and myself. "Lord Gray" I say a little breathless as I let Archie go as we walk towards him, watching as he smiles at me I can't help the butterflies that dance around inside of my stomach. Greeting Archie he quickly dismisses them to play in the grounds just as Georgianna steps out promising to watch them, looking up at him I can't stop my cheeks from turning a ruddy colour.

How long had he been standing there watching our interaction, I couldn't help that a part of my heart felt for the children so horribly ripped away from their parents and an earldom thrust so quickly upon a young child's shoulders. "They adore you" he says softly as I look up him sending him a warm smile, I have to suck in a breath when he reaches forward to tuck a stray tendril behind my ear. "I have to be honest Theodore they are growing on me, a part of my heart feels for them" I say gently as I look at the direction they scarpered off in. Seeing my aunt exit the dining room I knew we should both talk to him, "Lord Gray, my aunt and I require an audience with you?" seeing him nod his head he motioned for me to follow him to his study.

"Aunt Ida, would you please come with me" I say softly as I offer her my arm, taking it we slowly follow behind him to his study. Upon arrival we make our way inside the room, books line shelves either side and a sturdy mahogany desk sits proudly in the middle. Taking a seat in the deep red leather wingback chair he motions for us both to take the two seats in front of the desk, taking a seat I fold my hands neatly in my lap as I direct my full attention to the man sitting in front of me. "Lord Gray my aunt has brought it to my attention that my parents have responded to her letter, they will be here within a week and if you do not deem it impertinent of me to ask but we would like to hold a soiree for them?" I quickly glance towards my aunt to find her watching his lordship.

"I am pleased to hear that your parents are able to make the journey, of course we must hold a party for them. Should you need any help with the arrangements then please do not hesitate to ask me" his deep voice fills the room, sending the feeling of butterflies dashing through my stomach. Nodding my head "very well thank you milord, I shall see to it at once that invitations are written should you look them over before they are sent to the respective recipients. Now if you'll excuse us we shall not trouble you further" moving to stand I turn towards my aunt as we both curtsey before turning and leaving the study. Breathing a sigh of relief I feel a rush of nerves flood me for this will be my first time planning a party.