CA*morgan nods* i dont find the idea of being seated so far apart particularly appealing, i must confess *she looks up at him, the rough road underneath their feet as the drive meets the main Tawstock road. She smiles softly* Just because there will be so much space does not mean I will not sit upon your lap, if you wish. It is only necessary that you make clear that it is your desire... mostly it is... though i can imagine sitting before the fire with some tea might be difficult with you in my lap *she grins* I rather think it sounds wonderful... do not mistake me blossom, it appeals to me greatly... *he looks at the sky* i wonder if we might need some firewood tonight I'm sure... *she blushes*... yes, you may well be right. Might we get some in the village on the way home? i rather thought i'd chop some myself... Upon the estate, or elsewhere? I shall be quite eager to ride Aurora... *she walks close beside him, the back of her hand grazing his now and then. The road is quiet, as usual for mid-morning, most traders having set out far earlier* *he chews his lip slightly* perhaps then we could go for a ride first... chopping enough wood at the cottage should not take long so it can wait until later I believe it will be limited by when we have completed everything here and in the village, though I would certainly like to. *she looks around her, almost nervously* either way we'll pick her up on our return today. *he looks at her for a moment* is something $rong? *seeing no-one on the road, she stops, and slips her hands, which are quite cold, into his. She looks up at him, voice soft* I wish to thank you, for everything you've done, for caring for me, and listening to me, and supporting me, and reconciling me with my family, and getting my fathers blessing, and letting them come to Eisen for the wedding... there is no need to than me blossom... none at all. *he smiles, squeezing her haand* i could not have refused their attendance after your father made such a momentous acceptance of his errors *she squeezes his hands softly in return, and finds her gazing dropping to his lips before she blushes and looks away* Need or not, you have my thanks. My father seems to be a changed man, though in truth, I can not understand what has wrought such a change from him. i think perhaps he realised how... trapped he had made your mother, reducing her from her glorious nature to that timid person she could be. he smiles* I am glad of it. Mama tells me that she is far happier now, and that ummm... things have returned to as they once were... As demonstrated by their behaviour when we first arrived *he blushes* quite. still, i'd much rather that than what we thought it to be... *she squeezes his hands* It most certainly explains why my brothers used to laugh when I told them my fears... indeed it does, blossom. *there is a faint noise of carriage wheels, which Molly doesn't notice* I would have had a far happier childhood, had they not allowed me such fears! *he looks round briefly* thats as maybe, but i suspect they felt you too innocent to know the truth *she looks in the direction of the carriage, and pulls her hands away with a soft sigh. She speaks quietly* One day... *morgan reaches out and takes her hand again* today... *Molly flushes, and looks at the approaching carriage* You... you do not think it too risky? *morgan thinks for a minute* actually... there is something needs to be done first... *he takes his hand from hers gently* i must remember to visit the smithy *there is a brief and intense flash of disapointment before she becomes neutral. The carriage rolls past* Would you see the one in Tawstock, or in the village? i think i will see both... i havent yet decided who would do a better job *she nods* though I cannot vouch for his shoeing of horses, he made the broach well... i'm sure he'll br able to do what i need. *she nods, distracted* Yes... can you think of anything else we may need? not presently, no. I thought I might buy some champagne, to celebrate our success here that is your choice of course. *he smiles at her* your mother is remarkably... eisen.. *she smiles back* what makes you think so, *her voice drops a little* my love? the passion and pride... but mostly the absolute feistyness of her nature... its a very eisen trait And you find that pleasing in a woman, dear heart? *she grins playfully* *he sniffs loudly* take it or leave it in all honesty... it can get tiresome if its shown too often. Oh? One can only wonder what you do prefer in feminine traits.... well *he looks thoughtful* there is something to be said for wilful determination, providing it is not thrown at every subject... but there must also be a softness, tenderness if you will. Tis a very tall order for a woman to fill... *he smiles fondly* and yet you manage it easily *she blushes* I would not have thought myself of a soft and tender disposition... *he nods* oh you are... as far as i'm concerned at any rate *she smiles softly* perhaps you just bring out the best in me... that seems unlikely... i seem to bring out the worst in most people *she grins* Then imagine what angel I would have been, had I not f-... were I not in your company so oft!