Flight and Fancy

Chapter 6

Lord Graystone was walking around the gardens of his Manor. He hadn't ever taken time to enjoy his surroundings before although he'd been out in them walking many times. A new spirit seemed to have embedded itself in the heart of the Lord. Albert came out to where Hugh was standing and watching birds. He cleared his throat to let the Lord know of his presence.

"Good morning, Albert," Hugh turned and smiled.

"Yes, it is a very pleasant morning, sir." Albert said hesitantly. "Would you like me to set you some morning refreshment in the rose garden?"

"Yes, please and would you care to join me? I feel that there is much we need to talk about. Will you still help me?" Hugh Graystone asked.

"I shall return shortly and I shall do as I have said that I would." Albert hastened away.

Lord Graystone made his way casually to the rose garden and was shortly joined by Albert carrying a tray laden with cool drinks and fresh cake. Lord Graystone took a seat that was partially shaded by a nearby tree. Albert sat opposite. The men helped themselves to the drinks and cakes.

"How can I 'help' you m'lord?" queried Albert.

The Lord shifted in his seat. "It seems I have been bitter and full of hate for a long time. How do I rid myself of these things? I desire to be a new man. How can I become such? asked Hugh.

"Well, sir, I think you're off to a good start. The fact that you have recognised these loathe-some traits is the start to you changing them." Albert was cringing inside and preparing to take flight if the Lord chose to lunge.

Lord Graystone wriggled in his seat and had signs of anger building on his face. He was clenching and opening his hands. Albert was now sitting on the edge of his seat and watching the Lord very carefully.

"Sir, I can see you're getting upset, maybe we should continue this conversation another time." Albert stated and stood up to leave the angering Lord.

"NO!" Lord Graystone said gruffly through clenched teeth, "I need you to help me now! How do I get past these feelings?" he continued.

"May I suggest you take a brisk walk and breathe deeply as you do so," answered Albert, "... and as you do so try to turn you thoughts to pleasant things -you were happy enough when I greeted you earlier." he added.

Lord Graystone simmered for a while and then dampened his previously building temper.

"I must get back to my duties with-in the house sir, if it pleases you that I should take my leave." Albert politely spoke.

"Yes, yes, that's fine." Hugh waved his hand at his man-servant, "We can talk again later." he added, seeming to have his anger under control once more.

Albert collected the tray and went back into the house and breathed a sigh of relief as he entered the doorway.

"Maybe Hugh Graystone can reform himself after all." he thought to himself.

Hugh took to walking around the grounds again and pondered on the few words of conversation he had had with Albert. He sat down beside a small pond and looked out across at the insects as they darted about. He started talking to himself out loud. "Hugh, you will turn from your bad tempers and unpleasant ways!" He sheepishly looked around and hoped no-one heard, then let out a belly laugh like he never had before. "It felt good to laugh." he thought. His thoughts returned to Amelia once more. She had always been happy. He remembered Isabelle and how he'd hurt her. He no longer felt anger neither did he feel joy, he felt disappointed in the way he had handled the whole situation. As he thought again of the past years and his abhorrent actions regret was spiked and tears began to well and fall. No more anger, no more joy, just empty hollowness of regret.