by Неизвестный
To everyone's surprise Elizabeth had dinner in the large dining room. She also had Dayton, Jayne and Simon join them. The room was filled with excitement, yet Marisa stole the show. Her endless chatter had everyone laughing.
By the time dinner was over, Marisa was almost asleep in her chair. Reluctantly, Treece coaxed her up the stairs. "Momma, I don't want today to end." Marisa said.
"I know, honey, but tomorrow is another day. And you will have all day to explore and play. " Treece said.
"All right, Momma." Marisa said as she snuggled under the covers. "Mom, I'm too tired to pray, will you pray for me? "
"Yes, honey I will." Treece said as she knelt down and started to pray. Long before Treece had finished with her prayer, Marisa was asleep. Treece gently kissed Marisa and tucked her in.
After Treece secured the room, she slipped out and down the stairs. Dayton met her at the bottom. "Elizabeth, had retired for the night. I think the excitement has worn her out." he said.
"Oh, I so wanted to talk to her." Treece said a little disappointed. "I guess it can wait until tomorrow. By the way , Dayton would you happen to have a flashlight? I would like to take a walk." Treece added.
"Yes, we have a few here in the hallway." Dayton said opening a drawer. "But the walkway is lit down to the stables."
"Oh, great, but I would still like a flashlight." Treece said. "Thank you, for everything. " She said as Dayton handed her the flashlight.
"No, I should be thanking you, Treece. I am so glad you came. " Dayton said.
Treece smiled, then headed out the door. The lights from the walk-way gave the garden a romantic, festive atmosphere. Treece smiled at the warm feeling that overcame her. It had been too long since she had felt this kind of excitement. Maybe she did have one more dream left to dream.
Simon was already in stables when Treece arrived. "I'm glad to see you found your way." he said teasingly.
"How could I not. I mean the path is lit up like an airport." Treece said.
Hero snorted when he noticed Treece walk in. He seemed to be looking for Marisa behind her.
"I'm sorry, Hero, Marisa is in bed fast asleep." Treece said to the horse.
Almost as if he could understand, Hero shook his head. Then went to the back of his stall.
"That was amazing how that horse took to Marisa." Simon said. "It was almost as if he had been waiting for her."
"I know, it was amazing. Yet, Marisa seems to be able to communicate with him. " Treece said.
"You know, when we went to market to pick out horses, Hero came up to the fence and stood right in front of us. He wanted us to see him. If I didn't know better, I'd think that horse planned all this." Simon said.
"Oh, I think it was all planned, but not by the horse." Treece said pointing towards heaven.
"I never really thought about it before, but today makes it seems so. I mean so many changes in such a short time. I never would have thought it possible." Simon said leaning back against the wall.
Treece could hardly keep her eyes off of him. The dim light just seemed to magnify his good looks. Her mind kept drifting. What would it be like to hold him?
Suddenly Treece shook her head. She had to stop thinking about Simon like that. Before she could get lost again, Treece spoke. "I need to know any information you have about Elizabeth. " She said.
"Oh, yes, the stories." Simon said sounding disappointed. "There are so many of them. I don't know where to began."
"I know Elizabeth was married. I think he must have been terrible to her. She really didn't want to talk about it. " Treece said.
"Oh, yes to Lucas Davenport, the meanest man alive." Simon started. "I understand he wasn't always this way. I've heard he always had a mean streak, but something happen a few years before Elizabeth kicked him out."
"You mean Lucas is still alive and Elizabeth kicked him out?" Treece said a little amused.
"Oh not only is he still alive, but he lives just a few miles down the road. It has been said, that when Elizabeth kicked him out, he fell hopelessly in love with her. That's why he's never been too far from her." Simon continued. "Even though Lucas is so mean, he seems to be afraid of Elizabeth. It's as if she's holding something over him. Maybe she is. I've heard some rumors that he killed someone over in America. He probably got into some fight with some man and hit him too hard. Who’s to say , it's probably just another rumor." Simon said.
Treece fell back against the wall. Another vision flashed in her head. She saw Lucas at her Mother's house. They were yelling at each other. She couldn't make out what they were saying. Treece just knew it was awful.
"Treece are you all right?" Simon asked ending her vision.
"I don't know. I just keep having these visions with Lucas in them." Treece said.
"You know Lucas? " Simon asked.
"No, I don't think so. His face did seem familiar to me when I saw his picture. The visions seem to be from when I was very small, I think. I just can't make any sense out of them. " Treece said. "You are the second person to mention that he was in America. Maybe I do know him. If I do I think I was extremely afraid of him."
"You know there is another rumor that he was in love with your Mother, Treece." Simon said.
"My Mother, but he was married to Elizabeth when my mother was alive." Treece said.
"Yes, but from what I've seen your Mother's beauty could have won the heart of any man. I vaguely remember her. But I do remember her beauty... and her kindness." Simon said.
Treece smiled. She remembered her Mother the same way. Her beauty was surpassed only by her kindness.
"The rumors tell how he went out of his way to be near her. It is said he was even caught peaking into the key hole on her door." Simon said." Dad's the one who caught Lucas outside the guest room door, on his knees. When Dad walked up Lucas jumped to his feet and said he had dropped some coins. But, Treece, don’t get the wrong idea, you Mother wouldn't even give him the time of day. She didn't like Lucas at all. When your Mother would tell us stories, the villain was always be named Lucas." Simon said.
Treece was intrigued. She was finally getting to know her Mother. She was a wonderful person. Though it must have been hard having Lucas at her like that. Treece knew that her Mother adored Elizabeth . "Did my Mother ever tell Elizabeth? " Treece asked.
"She did and Elizabeth confronted Lucas . He denied it, but Elizabeth knew. She wasn't blind. I think that's when the trouble started." Simon answered.
"Trouble, what trouble? " Treece asked.
"I don't know for sure. It's just that the atmosphere changed at the Manor. There were a lot of arguments, everyone just seemed on edge. Elizabeth and your Mother stayed together all the time. You have to remember I was just a small child, things are different from a child's point of view. It seemed to me that your Mother and Elizabeth were playing some kind of game to stay away from Lucas." Simon said.
"The only time they were not together, was when Lord Van Drake was here. Your Mother spent a lot of time with him." Simon continued.
"Lord Van Drake, why does that name sound so familiar? " Treece asked.
" It should, he is very famous and very rich. It doesn't hurt that he also the third in line for the crown." `Simon said.
" Oh, now I know who he is! And my Mother spent time with him !?" Treece exclaimed. " The more I hear about my Mother the more exciting she becomes. Oh, how I wish I could have really know her." Treece said as she sat down on a bale of hay.
" People say they had quite a romance and that Lord Van Drake loved her. But.. Lord Van Drake's family forbid the relationship. You see his marriage had already been arranged. " Simon said.
Oh my poor Mother Treece thought. She must have been devastated. Treece knew that she must have loved him. She could feel it. Treece hurt for her Mother.
Simon walked over and sat down beside Treece. " Are you All right? " he asked.
" Yes, it's just that there is so much I never knew and still don't. I guess it's just a little
overwhelming and sad." Treece said close to tears.
Simon put his arm around her. " I think that's enough for tonight. I didn't mean to overwhelm you." he said.
Treece looked up into Simon's eyes. Their lips meet just for a second. Simon jumped up. " I'm sorry, Treece . I didn't, it's just that you are so beautiful. I know I just meet you. I had no right." Simon mumbled.
Treece stood up and walked over to him. " It's all right, Simon. I didn't mind." She said as she reached up for his face. As Treece's hand touched his cheek " and thank you for saying I was beautiful. I really needed that."
Simon could no longer hold himself back. He couldn't take the torture of Treece being so close. Before he could stop himself, Simon grabbed Treece and drew her into a long passionate kiss.
It only took a second for Treece to respond. Letting all her defenses down she submitted to the kiss. They kissed for what seemed like eternity, neither wanting to let go. Soon the intensity became too much and they fell to floor. Finally, without warning, Treece pulled away.
" I can't." she said. " It would go too far. I vowed never to let it go that far again." Treece blurted out as she ran from the stables.
Treece ran until she reached the garden. Finding a bench in the shadows she sat down. This was almost too much for her. Could she handle this ? After all, it had only been one day and already her life had changed. Was she in over her head ? And what about Simon. He was so handsome, how would she ever be able to concentrate on her Mother. And what about all the rumors ? It seemed that Treece would have to do a little research to find out the truth. So many questions, so much to do.
Finally Treece went back to the house and up to her room. Marisa was still sound asleep, with a smile on her face. Treece smiled down at her and whispered " I love you." Then changed her clothes and fell asleep.
Chapter Eight
Morning seemed to come too quickly. I felt like Treece had just put her head on the pillow, when Marisa jumped in her bed. " Mom, it's morning. Get up!" She said.
" It can't be." Treece said. " Go back to bed." She didn't want the dream to end. That's when she realized it wasn't a dream and jumped out of bed.
" I told you, Mom. Hurry up and get dressed. I want to go to the stables." Marisa said.
Treece and Marisa dressed and almost ran down the stairs. To their surprised breakfast was ready and everyone was waiting. Smiles filled the room as they walked in.
" I hope that you were not waiting on us." Treece said.
" No, we didn't want to disturb you." Elizabeth began " I knew you two would be tired after your long day. I know I was." she smiled.
Elizabeth seemed to change dramatically. She was not the same person Treece meet yesterday at this time. Her night had been filled with memories, good ones this time. It seemed Elizabeth had forgotten there were also good memories. All these years she had been protection herself from the bad memories, not once thinking of the good ones. It was those memories that she would share with Treece and Marisa. Treece deserved to know her mother. What a life it must have been without her.
Treece sat down at the table, not once looking at Simon. She was afraid if she did, everyone would see, including him, her feelings. After a few moments Simon excused himself to go to the stables. Treece didn't know if it was her imagination, but he seemed a little hurt.
" I was thinking , maybe after you two eat, we could go down to the stables. Marisa could show me this horse I've been hearing so much about." Elizabeth said. " I haven't been down there in years. It would be nice."
" I think that's a wonderful idea." Treece said." I know Marisa can't wait to see Hero. That was the first thing out of her mouth this morning."
Marisa was shaking her head in agreement. She could not wait to get back to Hero. She had dreamed all night about him.
Dayton and Jayne exchanged glances. Lady Crumbly was going out to the stables. I was all just too much. This was going so well. It was more than either could have imagined. Life had taken a drastic turn, and no one was complaining.
Elizabeth took Treece and Marisa by the arms as they walked down to the stables." I don't know where to began. I want to tell you all about your Mother, and Grandmother." She said. " I had forgotten so much till last night. I think, Treece, when we go back to the Manor, we should meet in the library. Maybe Marisa would like to stay with Jayne awhile. I think we would bore her too much."
Jayne smiled. " You know I would love to spend time with her."
" I agree, but don't spoil her too much Jayne." Treece said.
"Agreed." Jayne said.
Marisa ran ahead of them to the stables. Hero was waiting for her at the gate. Elizabeth stopped in mid step. That horse looked just like Sharon's horse. The color, the height, he was an exact duplicate for Spree.
Sharon had spent many hours down here riding Spree. Sharon said she got his name from a combination of speed and freedom. She loved that horse and Spree loved her.
"Elizabeth, are you all right ?" Treece asked.
" I don't know. That horse. I don't know if you will believe when I tell you, but your Mother had one exactly like it." Elizabeth said. She told Treece about Spree and her mother. " It was hard for them to part."
" What happen to Spree when Mom went back to America ?" Treece asked.
" He became very distraught, he missed her terribly. We finally had to sale him. Spree went to Lord Van Drakes' stables." Elizabeth said.
" Lord Van Drake.." Treece said and paused. " Is it true, I mean, I heard that my Mother and Lord Van Drake, well had a thing for each other." She said shyly.
Elizabeth was taken aback for a moment. How had she heard. It had been a secrete. " I don't know how you heard about it, but yes. It is very true. They were so perfect for each other. Everything would have been so different, if only...." Elizabeth trailed off.
" If only the relationship would have been approved of by his parents." Treece finished.
" Yes, his parents forbid him to even see her. They stilled believed in royal family line and such things. His marriage had already been arranged and sealed." Elizabeth said sadly. " They were so in love. He was willing to give up his entire fortune for her. Sharon wouldn't let him. She was so unselfish. She said she couldn't live with herself, knowing that she caused a family to split and to jeopardize Tristan's future."
" Wow, I had no idea Mom had such an adventurous life." Treece said .
" You, don't know the half of it , Treece. There is so much it will be hard to find a place to start." Elizabeth said.
" Elizabeth, come here. I need to introduce you to Hero." Marisa yelled.
Elizabeth walked over to the gate. A strange familiarity came over her. Gently she stroked Hero's head. " I think I already know you." She whispered. The horse nodded almost in agreement.
Simon emerged from the stables with a saddle." Are you ready for a ride?" he asked Marisa.
" Can I Mom, please ?" Marisa asked excitedly.
Treece looked over at Simon and smiled." Yes dear, but please be careful" She said.
Simon was so relieved to see Treece smile at him. He had felt so bad about last night. Simon thought she would never forgive him, but that smiled held forgiveness. Last night after Treece had ran out, he had sat there in the hay for hours. Simon wasn't sure what to think about what had just happen. He couldn't get this feeling to leave him. It seemed to consume him. What was happening? I was clear from her words that he wouldn’t be able just to take her and leave her as he planned. Treece wasn't like the other women. She seemed to actual have values. If you can believe that, in this day in time. It brought a smile to Simon's face. A women with morals.
Treece and Elizabeth sat on a bench and watched Marisa ride. It was joyous watching her. Both women sat with a smile on their faces.
Through the bushed, Lucas looked over at Elizabeth. She was smiling. Her whole face was lit up. For a moment Lucas thought he had gone back in time. It must be some kind of punishment. If only he could go back in time. Lucas w
ould have changed everything. " I can't live with this guilt !" he shouted in his head.
His curiosity was getting the better of him. He was already forming a plan in his head. Lucas had to know what was going on. He knew he could do it, he'd done it before, many times. Still he was getting older, was he strong enough ? He would have to be.
Lucas carefully went back to his cabin. From his drawer he pulled out two good flashlights. Would he need his map, no he knew the passageways in the Manor by heart. He filled a sack with food and drink. He would stay as long as it took to find his answers.
Back at the stable, Marisa finally convinced Treece to let her try riding without a lead. Simon stayed close. Hero galloped carefully, not wanting to lose his rider. Simon still found it hard to believe how well these two took to each other. Marisa was a special young girl. He had instantly liked her. She had made him think there was more to life than just his own wants. Simon glanced over at Treece and quickly shook his head. He could not believe the thoughts running though his head, him with a family, never.
" Marisa, you need to get down now." Treece said. " It close to lunch and you need to wash up."
" Oh, Mom. Okay, but can I come back later ?" Marisa asked.
" We'll see." Treece answered.
Chapter Nine
The new staff had arrived by the time the foursome arrived back at the house. Jayne and Dayton were busy assigning them positions and duties. When Elizabeth walked in everything stopped. The new help all wanted a peek at her. None of them knew what to expect. Relief filled the room as she smiled and greeted them.