*it is sunday afternoon. the weather has held,and it is cold but dry, sky blue. Molly walks back towards the house from the school house along the coach path. She pays little attention to anything other than the ground before her feet.*

*morgan sits crouched on the wall of the rose garden, watching her walk up the road*

*eventually, she comes to the path where it straightens parallel to
the house, and looks up. From thoughtful contemplation her expression
suddenly changes to joy when she sees him. she goes over.*

I have had a look at the schoolhouse, but see no sign of Mr Black...


He can be an evasive sort when he puts his mind to it.
*he looks at her solemnly*
are you well?



*she smiles softly*
I have never had a weekend like this.. so much loss, so much conflict, but it has not been all bad. And you?


I think that before long the colonel and i will fall out. as soon as he realises not only will he not be paid for his attempt at security, but that he will be charged for each man and each day they remained here.


I doubt he will be best pleased by such *her eyes darken a moment
before clearing* Still, it is of his own making... they do not have to
remain here. In truth, I would be happier if they did not.


As would i... i grow weary of kai's insistance of being in charge and his constant preening.

*she gathers her skirts, and sits beside him on the wall* I
agree. I... I'm not sure how I'll do it, but I will try to pay the
estate for my time here. I am afraid I shall need to go to Tawstock on
tuesday to return my keys and collect my things.


Dont fret so much, blossom. I'm sure the legendary generosity of the Torrington name will extend to one who served the house so well... besides, it may not be an issue for long


* Molly looks slightly puzzled* I'm not sure I understand. It
would be very unlikely that I could amass a good fortune enough to
start over, and truly, I do not wish to be a burden to the estate. I
have an idea, thought payment for such would most likely be in food and
small crafted items than guilders



*he smiles wryly*
you realise you've not given me an answer, dont you?


*Molly blushes harder* I...I did not think an answer necessary. I have already many times said enough, mostly by accident, to make my feelings plain. *she briefly looks around to ensure they're alone*


*he looks off into the distance at the chapel*
i've been giving some thought to moving out of the main house...


*Molly nods*
It might be good for you not to be in the house
all the time. You need your own space, without guests, without
monsters. I found, for the few brief nights that I stayed there, having
my own home was lovely.


Of course, given my job i'd need to be nearby... perhaps in the cottage.
*she smiles softly*

By the gatehouse? Yes, I've cleaned it many times...it's small, of course, but lovely. I think you could be very happy there


*he looks back to her, gaze intent* not alone i couldn't be.

*she meets his gaze and then drops her eyes. She puzzles over his meaning*

I doubt you would need to live there alone if it was not your wish...


I would, were lady torrington to permit it, and were you willing, have you live with me.

*Molly bites her lip, looking at her hands. Her voice is soft, quiet*
I... Are you sure it is your wish, dear heart?


I rarely speak of anything that i am not sure of, and never things of this nature


*Molly nods*
Thinkest you that Lady Catherine would agree to such an arrangement?

I'm not entirely sure... but both my titles give me the right... though i expect that a proper conversation with her will go further than "i'm allowed, so there"
Yes, I should imagine so *she looks out over the village, eyes thoughtful, sounding distracted*

What troubles you so, little one?

*Molly turns back to him with a gentle smile*
I am not at all troubled, dear heart, but surprised, yes.


Surprised? Why so?

*Molly looks to the floor, voice quiet*
 
That you would wish my company in so much of your time... that you would wish things so publicly known...
 

I came to the conclusion while away that hiding from what I feel is, at best, ill advised , at worrst downright dangerous 


*she smiles softly*
 
Hiding what you feel from me, or from others? And dangerous, dear heart?
 

From myself actually. Hiding them from you was necessary until now. I did not wish to give you hope where there was none

Even if you had given me that hope, I would not have expected it to come to pass. As I have spoke before, I had not set my hat at you...


Had not? You realise that is past tense...


*Molly goes bright red*
 
I didn't... that wasn't... I meant 'have'.
 

*he laughs* don't fret so... I meant nothing malicious 

*she smiles*
 
I suppose I am still afraid of my feelings pushing you away or causing you discomfort


Not likely. The only feelings i've feared are my own
 

*her eyes sparkle*
 
Also past tense...



Well spotted. *he smiles*


*Molly looks at him solemenly*
You are no longer afraid, dear heart?


Terrified, but that in itself has never prevented me befoe, no matter how dangerous the action.



*She looks around quickly before laying her hand on his*
 
I am not sure what it is you are afraid of... 




Many things, blossom 


*she nods*
 
You need not be afraid of me, dear heart... What may or may not happen between us will be at the pace you dictate...



If that is the case, then there is chance that no progress at all be made


*Molly looks puzzled*

I am not sure I understand. And I would
not wish for my actions to go further than you are comfortable with, or
faster than they should.

*She blushes awkwardly, and looks down at the grass*