From the parlour room that they share, which is sandwiched between Morgan's room and Molly's, noise of an argument can be heard. It has become so loud that the words can be clearly heard now through his wall. Molly earlier decided to rest a while, head aching, at breakfast her colour had once more been high, and she seemed tense, flighty. It is now nearly two hours later. David: Leave them to it Martha, this is none of our business. Martha: But she seems odd somehow, can't you see that? David: It's just nerves, its normal for brides Martha: No, it's more than that, something in the way they are together, it's different than back in Tawstock, and it worries me. David: You have to let a man deal with his woman's problems, thats what we want, to be your heros. Martha: You are not listening! Something is wrong, she would never go out on her own like this if there wasnt. She is unhappy, and it seems it is only me that sees that! *morgan opens the door and enters the lounge* What's the issue here? They both watch him intently. Martha is the first to speak. Martha: Molly left a little while ago. She said she needed to be alone, to think about things. I said that either you or her father ought to be with her, and she told me she wanted no company, just solitude and the ability to go about as she pleased *martha frowns, watching and waiting for his reaction* *he frowns* I see Martha: *she looks at him* You are worried also? To a point... I think the strain pf acting how she believes she should may be telling on her *she looks puzzled, and David hands her a cup of tea, quietly asking Morgan if he wants one with a raised eyebrow and slight nod to the cup* Martha: I'm not sure what you mean? *he nods to david* She is a naturally affectionate woman... Yet for the sake of appearances before the wedding she has become more restrained. Apart from helping her from the coach yesterday I've not so much as touched her hand.. David: *he pours the tea* Martha: *she nods* you believe that_her_ restraint pains her? You believe otherwise I take it... David: *he hands Morgan a cup* Martha: *she shrugs* I am concerned that perhaps it is your restraint that troubles her, or that something has been discussed that may have hurt or upset her *he takes the cup, sipping the tea* Such as... Martha: *she watches him closely* Your past perhaps, details of the wedding, previous... interests in other women... *she shrugs* who knows? May be it is simply cold feet *he nods* I certainly could not blame her for getting cold feet.. Martha: Why? im not what you'd describe as easy on the eye.. Martha: *she smiles* I don't agree, and I know that my daughter definately doesn't! *her face becomes serious* I don't like to see her so troubled Nor do I *he sips his tea* Have you no idea where she went? Martha: *she shakes her head* She went very quickly, which is why I thought perhaps an arguement had occured between you... it would explain the way she looks at you *she frowns, sipping her tea* The way she looks at me? *he looks confused* Martha: *she nods* I have only seen it here in Carleon. She watches you sometimes as if she is very angry, very intense I hadn't noticed that... Perhaps I should try to fin her Martha: perhaps David could make enquiries with the coachmen, see if she went on foot or by carriage? David: *he paces the floor, finally starting to look worried. There is a sudden noise of the door of the next room, and David turns to his wife. David: Perhaps she will confide better in her mother? Martha: *nodding* Aye, I'll see what I can do to ease her mind. *she goes out of their door, and enters the room next door* David: *he turns to Morgan* I would not worry, I'm sure all will be well. Would you like some wine whilst we wait? * he shakes his head * No. The tea is fine Before long, the voices escalate and can be heard Molly: because I do not wish to tell you, Mama! Where I went is my business, and mine alone! Martha: You will not take that tone with me, my girl. You have your father and I very worried. Molly: It is nothing to concern either of you, it is my problem, no-one elses! Martha: Were you meeting someone? Molly: *there is a long pause* Yes. Does that make you happy to know? Martha: Oh Moll, how could you! Was it a man? Molly: Yes, Mama, it was a man. And it is still none of your business! Martha: *her voice becomes rougher, laced with anger* Molly Isabella Forrester, how could you do such a thing! He has lost one wife, and you will wrench from him another with your foolishness? Molly: *her voices becomes cooler in response, the way it does rarely, how it did the day the Rose sank and the Colonel was flippant about it, how it was when she confronted John.* Mother, I request that you leave me, right now. In a few minutes, I may be able to speak with you in a civil manner, and possibly explain myself, but right this moment I would prefer to be alone. Martha: *sensing her daughters temper, she leaves the room. She waits in the hall* David: *he watches Morgan closely* My wife is just jumping to conclusions... I doubt it is anything to be concerned for.. We shall see if and when molly chooses to enlighten us A sudden, heart-renching sob is heard, followed quickly by the sound of the door opening. The conversation is continued quieter, barely audiable, though it is obviously a calmer exchange, suddenly punctuated by : Martha: *she laughs loudly* Oh Moll, you silly fool! You could have come to me with such a problem! Molly: No Mama, I needed to know properly, not what is written in the book of the prophets. Martha: *she laughs again* I may be religious,my girl, but I am still a woman, and a passionate one at that! Molly: Mama! Martha: *she laughs, and the conversation becomes quiet, punctated by the laughing of both women, and their giggles sound almost scandolously bad. David: *he coughs, a little red* I dread to think what is being discussed You and I both sir. After a minute or so of quiet, the door opens in to the hall, and then the into the room they wait in. Molly studiously keeps her eyes on the floor, hands folded in front of her. David continues to watch Morgan's reaction. Martha: *she looks from the couple to her husband* David, I'd like to take a walk to the riverfront, will you come? David: *he smiles at her, knowing that to draw attention to her obvious ploy will not end well for him* Of course. Though I thought we could make a romantic afternoon of it, and take tea in one of the shops. It could take all afternoon... Martha *she gets her cloak which David helps to wrap around her and she smiles at Morgan* We shall return for dinner. *Molly nods as they leave, waiting until the door is shut. she goes to stand by the mantlepiece, half-turned from him* My ummm... mother's voice carries well, doesn't it? *she watches him as if trying to guess what he heard.* I suspect she'd make a good public speaker... Though I'd advise not trying to speak through partition walls as it muffles her words badly *she watches him nervously* how much did you hear? Not a great deal... *she studies him, and her eyes become intense, as martha said, though it doesn't look quite like anger* Did they tell you I went out? Aye. They did. *she looks a little annoyed* must Mama meddle in everything? I -haveF been in Carleon alone before, though I was mot this time *she blushes now, looking at the flames in the grate* * his face is very calm but his eyes watchful * Who accompanied you? *molly blushes upon meeting his gaze, and there is a brief flicker of anguish* Young William, the kitchen boy, accompanied me in the carriag for propriety, until I reached my destination. I came back with him also I see *she watches him, searching his face* I had to leave him outside, but he was safe, rest assured And where precisely did you go that was unsafe for him to follow you? *Molly's gaze flicks back to him* It was not unsafe... I did not wish him to be present when I spoke to the gentleman in question That being... *she turns her back, winding the mantle clock* Mr Hargreaves, Doctor Trevithicks apprentice... Why? * his voice is hard and cold* *she turns then, not expecting his tone* He is a qualified doctor now, and I trust him * he sighs, hanging his head and pinching his nose *she watches him, eyes becoming tender* Are you unwell? I'm fine though I'm at a loss as tp your reasons for running out alone to see a doctor *she looks at him, eyes sad, and sighs softly* This was far easier when I could tell you anything without worrying that you would be disapointed in me Please blossom do not draw this out any longer... *Molly comes to him, and cautiously takes his hands. Her voice is quiet, her cheeks very red* Mama said not to tell you, that you wouldnt understand and might think less of me... I sought him out on pureply medical grounds, nothing more.. If you wish not to tell me I cannot force you *she watches him closely* I... I went because I was afraid. I keep having very intense, vivid dreams I see. *she looks at the floor, speaking slowly* The dreams are... well... detailed... and I awaken with the strangest sensation, never sure if it pleasure or pain, just overwhelming. My heart races, whole body tense, hard to breathe, find myself on the verge of crying out... I was afraid there was something wrong with me.... I take it he assured you otherwise... *molly nods, looking at him* He explained the cause, yes, and then my mother did also... I hope you think no less of me... Of course not... Its natural. *molly watches him, blushing hard* I wish I had come to you first... but I was afraid you might think I brought it upon myself with my lusty curiosity... and that we should not speak of such intimacies, not until we are wed. I take ut that your fears were alleviated by the doctr and your mother? *she nods* yes. Mama thinks I am unhappy... I know.. I'm forced to wonder the same thing *she frowns* Will you tell me why you think so? Mama said she was leaving me here alone for the afternoon with you in the hopes I would be more cheery upon her return, but that she and I would have to have a serious discussion if not.. You seem more... Distant I suppose. Perhaps your feelings for me have waned.. Or changed completely *she looks to the floor* I am distant because I have to be. Behaving properly means being less affectionate. And that is the only reason? *she looks puzzled* I am finding it painful that it seems so easy for you to be so distant from me... But that is all You've made it clear that you wish for space... I will not crowd you *she looks up at him* have I? Aye... With your actions and demeanor... *she looks pained* I do not wish to push you away But you must... I understand *she sighs softly* it is making neither of us happy... * he shakes his head * No. That it is not. *she takes his hands, looking at him earnestly* You must never doubt that I love you. All this unhappiness, this distance, I bear it out of that love Then I shall endure it. I would not have you think I wish it to be this way, for I really do not. I dislike feeling so constrained * he nods * But you feel it is necessary... Understand blossom *she shakes her head* I only feel it necessary so that you do not worry on breaking your word... *she smiles slightly* Done in by my own issues... I wonder if perhaps were taking it too far? *she watches him carefully* Though you doubt your resolve to maintain your word, I have never doubted my own strength to halt things if they progress overmuch * he nods * *she looks at the clock* I ... *she takes a deep breath* I am happy to take the burden of responsibilty for my purity from you, so that neither of us need to continue feeling this way In truth it is not just that... I fear the feeling of being rejected *she looks puzzled* liebling, I would not reject you. I would happily welcome any gesture you might make... Not quite... What if I were t get too... Forward. You would reject me at the time *the look that passes across her face is hard to read, voice low and quiet* I doubt you would be forward enough for me to have to make you stop. I would still not wish to risk that *she nods slightly, face neutral* would you prefer to carry on as we are? No... Not At all *she smiles, and goes over to the table, pouring tea for them both* What_do_ you want, I wonder... * he sighs * I want it to be obvious that I love you... While at the same time not offending your parents sensibilities *she bites her lip, covering a smile. Coming over, she hands him the tea, and sits down on the couch. She watches him* I would like that, very much so * he takes the tea sipping it * But I don't see how... Your father is very much concerned with protecting you *she smiles, cradling the warm cup* He is not doing a very thorough job now, is he? I think the poor man is more uncomfortable than either of us *she nods, and looks at the seat beside her, before looking enquiringly at him* he has never been in the situation before. Nevertheless, I cannot allow his mild discomfort to pain us both this much... Aye... I suppose you're right * he goes and sits beside her, sipping his tea * *she smiles* mama seems less concerned... *she turns slightly to talk easier, knee against his thigh* I wonder that perhaps her desire to go out came from perceiving the problem? Quite probably. She's a perceptive woman Perhaps I ought to explain my unhappiness to her, and how it can be remedied *she sips her tea* That may be a good idea... I do know she was very worried abou you *she nods, looking at him, eyes soft* she might be able to intervene with my father Perhaps but I'm not sure... He's desperately afraid pf failing you again I am able to regulate my own behaviour! I do not need such close supervision *she laughs* That's as maybe but he's trying to be the father he failed to be before He fails by allowing me to suffer so deeply. He must compromise. After all, had I not allowed him to come, I could have done whatever I pleased. That I did shows I intend to behave apprpriately... For the most part at least. *she grins* * he laughs * I hope this issue is resolved now *she smiles* I undertsand that it is not a desire on your part to keep me so far away... That was my biggest source of unhapiness I'm sorry... I should have explained *she takes his hand softly* I understand, dear one. I believe perhaps my distance has been extreme, and I fully intend to remedy that... * he smiles * Perhaps now would be a good time *she smiles broadly, and moves closer to him. She leans in, and speaks softly, her lips just inches from his, though still looks at him, blue eyes soft, unguarded* I rather hoped you'd think so... I can only imagine the fuss this would cause were your parents to see it *she smiles, wrapping her arms around his neck* then think of more pleasant things instead... * he places a hand on her waist * Things will be simpler once were wed *she nods* I yearn so greatly for that. It is far too hard to stay Away from you I fail to see why... Though I shall be glad when it is no longer a necessity *she lets her fingers touch the thick ponytail at the back of his neck gently. Her eyes are intent on his, voice soft and low.* Because I love you... And because I miss the wonderful way you kiss and hold me... Perhaps we should do something about that * he leans in and kisses her lips lightly * *she kisses him back very softly, barely any pressure, teasingly, though her fingers weaving further into his hair belie the struggle of such restraint* * after a moment he pulls away * our luck should not be pusheD *she looks thoroughly miserable at this* yes, you are right... It was easier when we were here last If somewhat more dishonorable on my part *she leans in and quickly kisses him gently, and pulls back to an easy talking distance* you were less to blame than I