WITH HELD

Charms.

"You have lovely hands. How did you learn that?.." Bell had released Ethan's arms from her hold. She then laid each hand on the table, with her hands gently resting on his.

"I never thought I had nice hands. The nuns told me they were useful. For hard labour. The matron told me I was the child of a whore, so they were sinful. Evil fingers that did the devil's work. If I was ever caught doing things that didn't involve being of use - She would see to it, I would lose them. She would personally chop them right off! I cried for days over that single thought.."

"Nasty things are often said. But, that was a horrid thing to say.." Geer lightly rested a finger on Bell's hand. "I don't remember much of my life, bits and pieces. So much hate in our living days. But, we won't bring harm or hate to our charges. No.." Geer's voice went briefly stern, but he then grinned.     Ethan stared at the pale cold hands on top of his, grumbled a minute - What was Geer doing?

Why did his stomach feel so empty?!     Could he grab these two and bang their heads together?      The Bell woman seemed to have very heavy hands, yet they were so thin. They really shouldn't have any weight to them, and yet they felt like lead. He suddenly felt trapped, at the mercy of someone else.

"Try some fruit.   If Exie get's disruptive, I offer fruit.   She keeps yelling at me, saying I don't listen to her.   But, I note her eyes look straight for the bowl.   She's easily distracted..."      Bell pulled the small bowl forward.  "Do you think, Ethan tries to do things - And has forgotten some how?      Clark had that problem with some of the maids.    They quickly re-learned.     Ethan looks to be very capable..."        Bell held one of Ethan's hands, placed an apple slice in it.

"Very possible, some of boys outside were the same.    The gardener threw them in a hole in the garden, lightly buried them - They very quickly worked their way out!   It was funny at the time, we boys got it.   Benton wasn't impressed, but any how!.."

Ethan stared at the apple, took a small bite.    He seriously needed to focus.    He needed to regroup his thoughts, set a plan of action. He always seemed be able to think after eating. Interesting....Very "interesting!".

Geer poised another spoonful ready for Ethan, when a figure of complete black stood at the other end of the long kitchen dinning table.

"I see not much has been eaten. This is not acceptable.  It is a form of disobedience.   He was to have eaten, he was to be ready for a daily wash.    We, meaning you two are behind in your chores of the day!.."     Clark swiftly stood behind Bell, looked straight at Geer, frowned at Ethan.

"Bell. Return to Exie this minute.    Geer. Is Frank available to assist you?     No?    Why?!.."        Bell shot a look to Geer. Clark's face got an annoyed edge to it.    Geer shook his head..."Mr Benton sent him to do another job this morning.  I can get him?.."      Geer suddenly felt that wasn't the right answer either.      Clark rolled her eyes, swayed her head in a slight movement..."No. leave him! I will speak to Benton later!.."

Clark then turned her attention back to Ethan (Who was looking up at Clark, and fidgeting)

"Stand Ethan up.    You and I, Geer - Will be taking him to the wash rooms.      Bell!   Get to Exie.   If she tries to climb out that window again, and breaks her neck.  I will re-break yours!.."

Bell did a very quick curtsy, ran off in the direction of the upstairs rooms.       Geer shifted Ethan's chair - A little, tapped his arm, finger flick to stand - Ethan slowly stood.    He then turned and glared right at Clark.     His thoughts were shifting, mixing - Losing space.    Movement seemed to do that.    If he could just sit/eat/think - He would have a chance to straighten everything out!     Remember, what needed to be thought about!