thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

William dropped down from his horse. It had been a long ride - from London straight down to the southern coast of England. But he'd barely stopped, only doing so when his horse refused to go further without rest and water. But each time, William did little more than tap his foot anxiously, trying to focus on anything but his thoughts of what happened the day before.

But now that he'd arrived, there was nothing else to distract him. The horse was forgotten as he walked towards where the English Channel extended out to what seemed like eternity. With the thick fog of the early morning, there was no telling just what was out there. William's breath was shaky as his gaze then drifted down. Beachy Head, a beautiful site for some, with the tall cliff towering over the shore line below. But for him, this day, it was his enemy - or perhaps his closes friend. Whichever the case, he was terrified.

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[ Watching her fuss with the meat gets him to frown. ]

I could have cut them smaller, to begin with.

[ He makes a mental note to think more on anything she might need done differently before returning to his bowl. The bread is dipped in the broth and he finds the taste rather pleasing. ]

We should be able to achieve that.

[ Pausing, she tilts her head. ]

It's fine, really! Really, it didn't occur to me until now...

[ In truth, she probably wouldn't have said anything, even if it did... In any case, she seems uncertain. Instead of saying so, she'll chew at her stew. ]

Say, Will... [ She briefly presses her napkin to her lips, before continuing. ] What's something that I could help you do? I feel as though we've focused on me so much...

You have been helping me.

[ He sets his mug down, so he's certain she takes him seriously. ]

You're keeping me focused on something other than my thoughts. It's calming. I feel like I can breathe again.

[ Face softening, her cheeks grow warm. ]

Oh, Will... [ Head bowed just so, she smiles. ] I can't believe how fortunate I've been to have met you.

If we could have met sooner, perhaps things may have worked out different.

[ It's something to ponder, certainly. ]

I wouldn't mind sharing a bit more about myself, if you wouldn't as well.

[ Her shoulders rise and fall with a quiet sigh, smile going a bit lopsided, at that. It's a bit of a sad thought, so the change in subject is certainly welcome. Not to mention, she's eager to know more about him. ]

Of course, I'd be delighted. [ Tearing a piece of bread, she likewise soaks up some of the broth. ] Have you anything particular you'd like to share?

[ Now that he's pressed for something, he realises he didn't have an idea to start with! He stirs the broth trying to think of something interesting about himself. She's already discovered his passion for the violin and knows a bit about his profession... ]

It's not terribly interesting, but I am an only child. Quite uncommon these days, really.

[ That has her brows ticking upward. ]

As am I! It really is an oddity, it seems... What led your parents to such a decision?

[ William gets a fairly surprised look at that information. To think they'd both be. ]

I believe my father was satisfied the moment he had a son. Passing on the family name and business and all that.

[ The thought of that being his only real purpose in life doesn't aide in him keeping a good mood most days. ]

[ Reaching out, she places a hand atop his wrist. ]

Well, I can see why he would have such faith in you.

Faith or merely expectancy.

[ There's a huff that carries quite a bit of irritation. But, looking down to their hands has him calming. ]

It isn't something I necessarily mind doing, but I would not mind having other options, as well.

[ An understanding hum, though her brows press together in empathy. ]

What might you want to do, if given the choice? Play violin professionally, perhaps?

That would have been an option, I think. Perhaps the only other, but it's the mere principle of the thing.

[ Another sigh escapes him. ]

I sound a bit childish, don't I? At this age, I should have things in order rather than complaining about them.

[ With a fond little smile, she shakes her head. ]

To me, it sounds as though you father might be a successful boss, but as a parent, he has failed you. Through good intentions, I imagine, but nevertheless.

[ Grell gives his hand a faint squeeze. ]

Your joy, your passions-- those are important, William. If you're miserable, other options should be considered.

[ He thinks on it a moment, nodding softly. ]

I think my mother would be quite fond of you, should I ever introduce you.

[ Her free hand rests at her lips, keeping them from parting while she grins. ]

I couldn't imagine such a thing. Mothers typically fear I'll be a bad influence!

[ And yet, it clearly brings her joy. ]

If she saw the effect you've had on me, she would think quite the opposite.

[ That doesn't mean it wouldn't be a difficult task. William's well aware of the trials they will have to face simply by remaining beside one another. ]

Something about yourself, next?

[ Eyes warm with fondness, she nods. She's silent for a moment after, as she contemplates over what to say. ]

My mother passed away when I was six years of age, and my father never bothered to remarry... Consequently, I am the only child he has.

[ Talking about it doesn't seem to bother her, but she does seem to look up at him nervously, fearing the subject may be too heavy to begin with. ]

My memories of my mother are incredibly dear, however; she had gentle hands and a strong disposition. Whenever I was teased for my hair, she would say that it was her favourite thing about me - a reminder of all the love I have to give... She was the most beautiful woman.

She sounds like a wonderful mother.

[ He knows what he'd like to say but doesn't want to sound as though he could even match what her mother was able to be for her. ]

I want you to feel that sort of comfort and caring again. I hope I can do so for you, eventually.

[ Grell can scarcely believe her ears. Never has she heard of an intense platonic love, such as they've seemingly developed over the course of two days... And yet, she's afraid to question it, for what if she were to discover that it wasn't true, after all! ]

I'd say we're off to a very good start.

Certainly so. Do you think she would have approved of me, as well?

[ Phrasing it that way sounds almost as if they're hoping to be wed and are seeking their parents' blessings. ]

[ Ah, it's a bit confusing to her, how his behaviour contradicts his earlier words. Surely, his intentions are different, and he's simply oblivious to how it sounds.

Still, she can't help but get a bit emotional by the question. Misty-eyed, she nods with the smallest smile. ]

For everything you've been for me, I can imagine that's an understatement, Will. She would adore you.

[ Humming pleasantly, he returns to his stew. ]

May I ask how she passed?

[ Likewise, Grell picks at her bread. ]

Carriage robbers caught us on the way to church.

[ A crease forms near immediately in William's brow. ]

Despicable people, honestly. I am sorry you had to go through such a thing.