Learning To Love Again Ch. 1

Just random writing that I started doing.

Chapter 1

     Peter O’Conor sat gazing out the carriage window, watching while the hills wandered by. The last time he had touched, or traveled, this stretch of rode had been a horrible day. He had lost a part of himself and felt that he needed to gain it back. He had been called back to Vixenburg Hall by special invitation. Well it was half-truth at least, and he had decided it was time to put the past behind him. That was until he pulled into the drive and seen her, framed in the window, the picture of perfection. He could recall the beauty of Lady Rachel, yet she only seemed to blossom over the years they had been apart. She sat and seemed to watch without so much as a frown, nor an acknowledgement. He sat back in the carriage with mixed feelings he knew he could not show.

***

     Blackness had become the enemy for the last ten years. Rachel cold hear a carriage driving up, but the darkness that ruled her life made it impossible to make out who it was.

     "Kelsey?" Rae called out questionably. She heard footsteps almost as soon as the "y" had made a sound.

     "What is it pet?" She asked.

     "Whose carriage is that out…" Rae started before she heard a string of curses escape her brothers lips. Stephen was walking past the parlor and out to the visitor.

     "Who is it Kelsey?" Rae asked, now both a mixture of curiosity and a hint of worry. She saw Kelsey’s shadow move to the window.

     "Oh lord, have mercy upon us all!" Kelsey exclaimed.

     "Who is it!" Rae questioned for what felt the hundredth time.

     "Good lordy Miss. Rachel, its Sir Peter O’Coner." Kelsey replied.

***

     Peter descended from the carriage and was greeted by Stephen Vixenburg, most likely Duke of Vixenburg Hall. Peter looked back to the window quickly, but Rachel was gone and the window sat void of any imagines.

     "Hello O’Conor, How may I be of aid to you?" Stephen asked, coldly.

     "You had not received my letter than?" Peter answered. He told Stephen he was sure that he had labeled the letter to the Duke himself.

     "I do not make it a habit of rummaging through my fathers mail, if that is what you are implying." Stephen answered. Peter figured Stephen had been offended by the error. He did not mention the thought that the Duke had passed on and instead let Stephen speak. " As it may be, we can not discuss this now," Stephen said, "The house is busy in preparation for our house party, which begins tomorrow." He added. When Peter made no motion to move, Stephen continued on, "Possibly we could get together next month some time?" He asked, his voice showing a hint of annoyance. Peter grinned.

     "My apologies for not explaining earlier, but the house party is why I am here." Peter said. Stephen’s mouth seemed to drop. Peter stifled his laughter as he went on, "As my letter explains, Lord Mannering’s son, as well as business partner, was unable to attend. The invitation was extended to myself since I am well established within the firm." Stephen stood staring at Peter.

     " I am not sure I understand." He said stupidly.

     "Yes, Well, Lord Mannering sent along his apology for not being able to arrive with myself and the excuse for sending me ahead. I’m sure you will find everything in order." Peter said, he pulled an envelope from his breast pocket and handed it to Stephen.

     "Wait here." Stephen told Peter before disappearing into the house. Peter smirked and turned, looking again where Rachel had sat, enjoying the thought of the moment that they had to confront each other once more.

***

     Rae rushed to her room, slamming the door behind her. She sat against the door, watching the dark shadows as she breathed heavily. Her chest was pounding as she waited for her heartbeat to return to normal. She heard feet pounding up the stairs, and seeming to stop outside her door and then quickly moving on down the hall. Rae didn’t know what to do next. "He’s back." She whispered to the empty room. Her heart seemed to pound all the harder at the words. She stood quickly, then, deciding that she would not hide. She would face him, and she sent a silent prayer for what was to come.