| The evening was chilly and wet as Mackenzie Reynolds walked along the foggy cliffs of her village in England. Her grandmother's mansion stood hidden in the background by the fog, but its presence was comforting. So much was changing around her and her life seemed to be spinning out of control! As she stared out at the sea, she thought of the position she was in. Her fiance' Raul Gurrirez, had been called off to war several days ago and he was leaving tomorrow. He had pledged his love to her and she accepted it because she loved him. But what if he never returned? She couldn't even bare the thought of living her life without him! But she knew she must be strong, he must not see her in such pain. She wanted him to return safely and not worry about her while he was out in the field at battle. Suddenly she heard her name being called through the fog and turned to see where it was coming from. She regonized the voice, it was her father's and if he caught her by the cliffs she was sure to get it! So she hurried across the grass and slipped into the fog hoping no one had seen her. She arrived at the side door of the mansion and opened the door silently before slipping inside. She walked up the steps and through another door that lead to the kitchen. She had been using the servants door for years to slip in and out of the castle and not once had she been caught. She walked down the hall and into the study room were she to find her father. She closed the door behind her and then stood respectfully in front of him. "Were you calling me father?" she asked with a smile. "Yes my dear, please come here." he said with his own soft smile. "I've been wanting to speak to you all day." "About what?" she asked sitting down in a chair across from him by the fire. The warmth was refreshing so she warmed her hands while she waited for him to continue. "Have I done something to displease you?" she questioned when he didn't speak. "Of course not," he replied "But am however worried about you." "What for?" she asked curiously. "You have accepted Raul's proposal?" he asked. "Yes, of course. I love him." she answered with a smile. "Do you not approve?" "No I think he is a fine young man, and will make you a fine husband." her father remarked. "I just want to make sure you're happy, after all he will be leaving tomorrow." "I am aware of that," she frowned. "But I am willing to wait!" "Are you sure?" he asked. "There are other young men...." "No father..." she interrupted. "I love Raul and he's the man I wish to marry!" "Okay, you've always known your destiny." he smiled. "So I trust your judgement." "Thank you," she replied. "But there's no need to be concerned, I promise you!" "Then we'll make arrangements for when he returns." her father smiled. Mac nodded and stood up. "Was that all you wished to speak about?" she asked. "For now..." he replied. "Goodnight." "Goodnight father." Mac said before disappearing out into the hall. She walked down the corridor and down the stairs. As she passed through the hall that lead to the front door the doorbell chimed. Mac wondered who would come calling so late and then headed to answer the door. But as she approached it Esther stepped in front of her and opened it. "Is Miss Reynolds home?" a familar voice asked. "Why yes," Esther replied stepping aside. "She's right here. Miss Mackenzie! Someone's here to speak with you!" Mac smiled at the visitor and waited for her heart to stop pounding before she said another word. She stared at Raul as he walked into the entryway. "Why have you come this late?" she questioned him once she'd caught her breath. "I had to speak to you." he said quickly. "What for?....." she asked sensing that it was important. Raul didn't say a word, only turned and walked down the hall toward the parlor. Mac hurried after him but she heard Esther call after them. "Where do you think you two are going? You know you aren't to be alone it isn't proper!" "Oh Esther..." Raul sighed. "We're engaged now! I would think it would be okay if we talked privately for a moment don't you?" Esther stared at them and then threw her hands up in the air. "Fine but if your father or grandmother hears about this I am not involved!" Mac smiled and giggled once before she turned and followed Raul into the parlor. She closed the door behind her and turned to face him. "Why are you here so late?" she asked again curiously."What is so important that it couldn't wait until tomorrow?" "I've just received news that my dearest friend in the world is coming for a visit." he said as he sat down in a chair near the fireplace. "A visit?" Mac asked. "But you're leaving tomorrow....how can you possibly?....." "That's what I've come to talk to you about," he smiled. "Do you think your grandmother and father would allow him to stay here until I return?" Mac stared at him in disbelief, there was no possible way her family would allow it! It wouldn't be proper and the village would talk! "I don't believe so....." she finally responded. "But you're very welcome to ask." "Well I know what you must be thinking. But the situation would cause you no disgrace, I swear! You know I would never do anything to cause you embarrassment or scandal!" Mac knew he was speaking the truth, they had known each other for years and he had never done anything to her that had caused village gossip. He was the most considerate man she'd ever met, that was part of his charm. "What do you mean?" she finally asked. "Well my friend is bringing his cousin along.... so it would be as if she was visting you and bringing her chaperone along with her." he explained. "It's perfect and it would allow you to get acquainted with the man I consider my brother." "What is the name of the woman?" she questioned still unsure of the entire plan. "Miss Rianna Minor." he answered. "That's a very interesting name." Mac remarked. "Indeed it is, but believe me it is a family name." he replied. "I think it is a lovely name, but of course no lovelier than Mackenzie!" Mac smiled and blushed at his forwardness and then looked at him silently. "And what's the name of your friend? Have you spoken to me about him?" she finally asked once her pulse was calm again. "I don't believe so, but we haven't spoken in years." he explained. "His name is Sir Willam Foster Abbott, but he is known to people as Billy." "I have heard that name before." Mac said. "Yes, his father is Sir John Abbott the businessman and banker." Raul informed her. "That's right." she agreed. "So would it be alright for me to discuss this with your family?" he asked as he stood. "As you wish," she smiled standing up to him. "Who am I to turn away your dearest friend?" "I will miss you while I am gone." he smiled taking her hand. "And I you...but you must go." she sighed. "And I accept that I am willing to wait for you." "I'd understand if you'd like to change your mind." he whispered. "No.... I love you." she insisted. Raul smiled and kissed her lightly on the forehead. He turned and walked out into the hall and toward the entryway. "I'll be back tomorrow to say farewell before I leave." he said once they reached the door. "Until then...." she whispered. She then watched him disappear into the fog wondering if after tomorrow if she'd ever see him again. She then closed the door and walked upstairs. As she walked down the dark hall she jumped as someone called her name! Mackenzie turned around and spotted her grandmother standing in the doorway of her bedroom. "Good evening grandma!" she greeted her. "Why are you still awake? You should have been asleep hours ago. You need your rest!" "I need no such thing," she argued. "But I heard the doorbell.....Who was here at such a late hour?" "It was Raul...." Mac started. "He wishes to speak to you before he leaves tomorrow." "Is that so....." she smiled. "About?" "I'd rather he speak to you about it." Mac insisted. "But I don't know how you feel about it....well I guess we'll find out in the morning." Katherine remarked walking over to her. "Will you miss him?" "Yes of course, but he's not to see me upset." Mac responded. "He needs to concentrate not worry about me here at home! I will be fine and before I know it he'll return safe and sound!" "I hope you're right my darling but you know things don't always...." Katherine started. "No," Mac interrupted. "He will return to me and we'll live a long happy life together." "Yes I am sure you will," Katherine agreed not wanting to upset her granddaughter. "Will it make you happy if I agree to his propsal?" Mac was very aware of her gandmother's hurry to change the subject but she wasn't about to object. In fact she would rather not speak of Raul's departure the following afternoon. "I am sure it will make things eaiser." she replied. "Well then I will give what he is going to say some serious thought," her grandmother agreed. "All I want is for it to be easy on you and for you to be happy. And if you will be happy with Raul then I will be happy to grant his request." "Thank you grandmother." Mac smiled as she hugged Katherine and kissed her cheek. "It's time for you to get some sleep," she instructed. "And I am sleepy as well, it's been a long day." "Very well then.....I'll see you in the morning." Katherine smiled and they hugged again and then headed in their own directions. Mac walked to her bedroom door and stopped just outside. She touched the handle and then turned it slowly. She stood there for a moment dreading the lonely dreams that would come with sleep and then slipped into the dark room, closing the door behind her. Tomorrow was a day she would say goodbye maybe for a short time, maybe forever! The next morning Mac walked out of her room fully dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. As she entered the dining room, she smiled at the sight of Raul sitting with her father and grandmother at the table. "Good morning darling," Katherine smiled. "Did you sleep well?" "Better than I expected," Mac replied as she went to sit next to Raul. "You're here early?" "Well I wanted to speak with your family," he explained before he kissed her cheek. "And this way I can spend more time with you before I leave." Mac smiled but her heart sank. "Raul was explaining his request," Mac's father stated. "What are your thoughts?" "It's perfectly okay with me," Mac answered. "It is of course, your decision." "Well I see nothing wrong with it," Katherine smiled. "Do you son?" "Well as long as the young woman will be here too, I see no problem with this arrangement." he replied before standing. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." "Yes..." Katherine stated. "I have things to attend to as well. Raul I wish you luck....please write often. And don't worry, we'll take good care of Mackenzie." They both left the room then Raul turned to Mac. "Are you positive you're okay with this?" he asked taking her hand. "Of course," she smiled. "I'd love to meet both of them. Besides you know I'd do anything for you!" Raul nodded and then stood. "Shall we walk before I leave?" he asked. Mac nooded and then asked, "When are you leaving?" "The train leaves at eleven." he replied. "That's only two hours away." she whispered. "I know..." he started to say. "But let's make the most of it shall we?" Mac sighed and then followed him outside. He took her hand and they began to walk along the cliffs. "It's beautiful here," he said. "I will miss it." "You don't have to leave," Mac insisted. "We could leave together and no one would ever find us!" "That would break both our families hearts and duty calls you know that," he remarked. "I have to go but it will only be for a little while I swear!" "But what if...." Mac started to ask. "There are no what if's," he interrupted. "I will be back and we will get married. We'll spend the rest of our days together." "I just wish......" she sighed. "I wish that too my dear," he replied. "But I must go and you have to be strong!" "I am trying, but it's so hard!" Mac cried. "I'll miss you so much and the thought of being apart from you breaks my heart!" "It breaks mine too, but you knew this day was coming." he reminded her. "But this time will pass quickly and I will write often. Besides as long as I have you here waiting for me, nothing can keep me way!" "I hope you're right." she whispered. Raul pulled Mac close and hugged her tightly. "I love you," he whispered. "I've loved you since the day we met and I will always love you." "I love you too." she cried as tears spilled down her cheeks. "Don't cry sweetheart," he said wiping her tears away with his thumb. "Be strong for me!" Mac nodded and bit her lower lip nervously and then waited for him to continue. "My mother gave me this to give to you, it's been in the family for years and it's time to pass it on to the next generation." he explained as he pulled something out of his pocket. He picked up her hand and she stared in awe and surprise as he slipped an emerald ring on her finger that looked as beautiful as the the day that it first been worn. "I can't accept this she gasped. Its to precious!" "It belongs to the oldest son's wife and since you will be my wife it belongs to you. And when you look at it you will think of me" he smiled bringing her hand to his lips. "I will treasure it, but I will always think of you she replied. Raul kissed her forehead and they continued to walk in silence. But after what seemed like only seconds to Mac Raul stopped and stared down at her. Mac shook her head and she knew it was time You can't go she cried I need you!" "Be strong my girl he whispered pulling her close I will think of you always but I must go!" "No...no....no she cried holding tightly to his hand I love you....stay with me!" "I will return soon, you must believe that he said soothingly I promise besides you must look after my friend that will keep you busy. He'll be here tomorrow sometime." "But I want you, not him" she whispered. "I must go or I'll miss my train he insisted pulling away. He quickly hugged her again and kissed her roughly.I love you my sweet always remember that no matter what" he reassured her. "No Raul I beg you don't leave!" she cried. "Goodbye he waved walking away I will write soon!" Mac stood there and watched him disappear and then he had she collapsed onto the grass crying hysterically. Would she ever see him again? And if she did would things be the same? The next afternoon Mac was in the garden when she heard someone approaching from behind her. She spun around on the bench sh was sitting on ans stared into the most intense blue eyes she had ever seen. "Who are you? she asked when she had regained her control. "My name is Willam Abbott, but you may call me Billy he replied walking over in front of her. And you must be Miss Mackenzie Reynolds?" "Yes she rasped unable to find her voice or look away from his gaze. "I am Raul's friend he said when she said nothin more. "Yes I know who you are but where is your cousin?" she asked. "She will be here in two weeks, something came up at home." "Oh dear Mac said but you must know this won't be...." "Proper" he finished for her. "Well yes...." she said. "Don't worry" he smiled. His smile warmed her like no other and she was unable to look away. It was as if she were under a spell. "What do you mean?" she asked finally. "I mean I will do nothing to cause you disgrace he replied. I was sent out here by your grandmother to fetch you, she wishes you to come in for tea!" "Yes, yes of course she said as she stood up Billy smiled at her and offered her his elbow which she happily accepted. They walked in silence back to the house and Mac knew there was something behind those intense blue eyes and if it was the last thing she did, she was going to discover what it was. So Mr. Abbott..... Mac said. You and Raul are very close I hear." "First please call me Billy, and yes, we met when we were boys and the bond was instant he replied. Unfortunately we have lost touch over the years and I was hoping to fix that wit this visit but...." "Yes well he promised to be home soon Mac interrupted. Besides this gives us a chance to get to know each other better without him watching our every move. Billy laughed and then stared at her. Is there something on your mind? she asked noticing his gaze upon her. "I just realizing how lucky Raul is to have found someone as beautiful and kind as you are he remarked. He is a very lucky man and I can only hope to be as lucky some day." Mac blushed a deep crimson and then glanced away stare at the raising fog. "Please tell me about your cousin" Mac asked trying to change the subject. "Rianna is a very head strong girl, yet her manners are more refined then anyone I know he answered. She is very kind and gentle. I have a feeling you two will get along nicely." "I hope so.....she sounds charming Mac smiled. How long did you say she'd be delayed?" "About two weeks depending on the situation at home" he replied. "But it is very exciting and nice to meet you Mac smiled and then sit her teacup down on the table. Have you setled into your room?" she asked standing up. "No not yet, when I arrived I was sent to fetch you for tea" he answered. "Well then let me show you to your room she offered. I am sure after such a long travel tou'd like to rest." "Yes I am feeling a bit tired" he replied. They walked out into the hall snd Mac lead him up the stairs and down the hall. She stopped outside a door only across from her hall from her room and opened the door. "Your bags should be inside she remarked. Please let me know if there's anything else you need my room is across the hall." "Thank you Mackenzie" he smiled. "Dinner will be at seven please join us in the diningroom" she informed him. "I'll be looking forward to it." he smiled again before disappearing into his room. Mac leaned against the wall and breathed deeply. What an effect he had on her, it was exhausting! She shook her head slightly and then headed across the hall to lie down. All she needed was a nap and she would be perfectly fine. |