Author's Note: Wakes up from hibernation . . .ooops forgot to set my alarm . . .heh heh . . .Anyway, I know there's no way to apologize for this laps of time, but you should know I'm determined to finish this story no matter what!
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.
Chapter 29: Raging Emotions
"Here goes nothing indeed." Kenshin thought exasperatedly to himself for the tenth time since entering the house. The lady of the manor as soon as she had spotted the young girl had whisked her into the house to get cleaned up. Since then Kenshin had been sitting inside Mr. Bartowe's office being . . . analyzed.
"So . . ." came the gruff voice of Kenshin's interrogator. "You have known these kids long?"
Kenshin sighed internally this was the fourth time Mr. Bartowe had asked him this exact question just in a different form. "Like I said Mr. Bartowe, I only just met them on the street. They were having some trouble with thugs and I stepped in. The young lady was in such a fit that I decided to bring her with me. I only came here to see if I could rent a room for the night."
Mr. Bartowe stared at Kenshin thoughtfully weighing his testimony. So far everything had measured up exactly as the young girl had said. He was slightly apprehensive still if only for the fact that the boy was injured. He stood and called in a servant. "Silas, see that Mr. Himura is given a warm bath and clean clothes. I must ask you to please stay for dinner Mr. Himura. We'll talk more on this matter at a later time."
Kenshin was dumbfounded but allowed himself to be led away. George Bartowe watched him leave then sighed and stared out the window into his back yard. He was not a man given to rash actions and harsh judgments though he did pride himself on his ability to measure up someone's character in a matter of moments. He ran his hand through his silver lined hair and sighed. 'Now, what to do about the two children.'
It was at that moment his wife Cecile entered and caught him staring into space. "George?" He turned and looked at her. "Is everything alright?"
"Just fine. I believe Mr. Himura is a man with great character. You should not worry."
"What about the boy?"
Mr. Bartowe just shook his head. "Now, now Cecile, do not worry your pretty head over such a matter. Go and make sure the young woman is comfortable. I've asked them to stay for dinner. Also send for Dr. Acon, I'm sure the boy will need tending to." With that Mr. Bartowe kissed his wife on the head and dismissed her.
He turned back and stared at the sky. 'So Mr. Himura wants to rent the room for a night . . . not my normal policy . . . though I do believe I might make and exception for this one.' He would have dwelt on the subject longer if one of his stable hands hadn't diverted his attention to one of his horses who had thrown its shoe. In a split second George Bartowe had placed his hat on his head and was out the door without another thought about his new tenants.
Things had turned out pretty well for Kenshin at the Bartowe's. Not only had he been able to rent out a room for a night, but they had also convinced him to stay for a while to rest before resuming his search. Kenshin had told them about his excursion and all the problems that went with it. George Bartowe, though not always given to quick speech, had talked long hours into the night with Kenshin advising him in several different areas and had promised to do all he could to aid in Kenshin's search of Sano.
Along with getting to know the Bartowe's, Kenshin had learned a great deal about the young girl that he had rescued. Her name was Tsubame and she had just recently immigrated into the country along with her husband Yahiko. They both had had a very rough start, and though Yahiko was recovering rather slowly Tsubame took to doing several odds and ends around the house to help pay for the rent.
Mrs. Bartowe was a sweet lady with only a few strands of silver tainting her golden locks and was given to brag about her new found helpmate on more than one occasion. Whenever her friends would come for tea she would just comment, "Tsubame just picks up where the maids leave off she's such a smart young lady." Along with Mrs. Bartowe falling in love with Tsubame, Tsubame had of course fallen in love with Cecile Bartowe immediately.
The two of them would often walk through the gardens giggling like schoolgirls. One time George had commented to Kenshin, "I haven't seen Cecile so happy in such a long time. I do hope that you do not plan on leaving soon." And as much as Kenshin would have liked to reassure his new-found friend he would stay he knew that before long he would have to pick up his search again or go home.
It had been about a month and a half since Kenshin, Tsubame, and Yahiko took up residence with the Bartowe's. During the course of time he had been able to send Kaoru two telegrams and search all of the surrounding towns. With no new leads and his wife getting on in months of pregnancy Kenshin was beginning to feel it was time to go home, with or without Sano. He didn't know why, but he knew he couldn't leave the Bartowe's just yet.
He was in the stable brushing Summer when he heard someone walk through the door. He turned to see Yahiko standing rigid his hands shoved in his pockets and staring at him intently.
"Good morning Yahiko. It's good to see you up and about."
"Yea . . . I guess so."
Kenshin turned back to Summer and began brushing again.
"Hey, Mr. Himura?"
"Hmmmm?"
"I want to thank you for . . . well, saving Tsubame and all that. I uh . . . couldn't have done it myself . . . I wasn't strong enough."
Hearing the defeat in Yahiko's voice Kenshin turned to offer a reassuring smile at the young boy. "You did a fine job I believe. I was only able to do as much as I did because you held them off so long."
Yahiko brightened a little and smiled. "Thanks. Though, the next time I meet those brutes I'm gonna tear them limb from limb."
Immediately Kenshin tried to defer the boy, "I don't know that that would be very wise Yahiko, after all what if something was to happen to you? What would Miss Tsubame do then?"
"No, this time it would be a different story. I'd be the victorious one." Kenshin only shook his head and turned around. Yahiko frowned, "You just wait and see" He mumbled before making his way back to the house.
Sayo stared blankly at the tiny brown box Carter had pushed across the table. "Carter?" She whispered shakily as her trembling fingers opened the tiny case. A rather large diamond glittered back at her and she felt a lump lodge in her throat.
Carter watched her intently as she stared at the gem. He wrung his hands nervously and began to sweat. 'Why doesn't she say something?'
"Carter." She managed to squeak out.
"You don't like it?"
"No, no it's not that it's just . . . is this . . . what I think it is?"
He smiled weakly and got down on one knee. "It would give me great honor if you would become my wife."
Sayo's head was now spinning off. She was being proposed to. What was she to do? She couldn't come clean. Not here, not now, not to him, even though she had been waiting all her life for this very moment. "I –I don't know what to say."
Carter felt his heart stop. She was going to turn him down . . . how could she, after all he had done. He had fought this decision with every ounce of his being, but in the end he could not deny that it was the only course of action he could see himself taking.
Sayo saw the hurt leap into his eyes and wished more than anything to be able to run and hide. Then a thought occurred, what was she doing anyway? Why not say yes? It was what she wanted; didn't she have to right to happiness? "Yes." She said quietly.
Carter started not sure that he had heard her right glanced up, and upon seeing the affirmation in her eyes he about fell over. 'she said yes!' He smiled victoriously as one would when he had just won a great prize. He leaned in and kissed her soundly. "I love you Sayo, and I will never let you go!"
Sayo warmed at his words and smiled back as he slipped the cool band around her left ring finger. She stared down at it for a moment then looked away. Now perhaps her troubled mind would find some peace. She would finally be rid of him and all the pain he had caused her. 'Or was it that you caused yourself?' The lingering voice of doubt whispered to her. No. I refuse to listen to you anymore.
She turned away from her thoughts and listened intently as Carter talked animatedly about their new life together. Our new life, my new life, yes I can start over and have a new life!
Kenshin rounded the corner heading back to the Bartowe's after a long day of running errands for Mr. Bartowe. Kenshin knew he was running short on time and could have been packing to head forward or back home, but the time he had spent at the Bartowe's had turned into a larger ordeal than he had originally thought. Mr. Bartowe had refused the money Kenshin had offered him for rent and insisted that he allow Kenshin stay for free as long as Kenshin had need for the room.
He looked up and saw Tsubame taking the laundry inside the house and frowned. He still had not decided what to do about the young couple. He knew they would be safe in the hands of the Bartowes, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he should take them back with him. More than on one occasion Yahiko had talked animatedly of wanting to move west, own a farm, and raise a family. Kenshin had balked at the idea of hauling them back with him if only for the fact it would bring more work and stress to his wife who was going to have her hands full with an infant in less than three months.
Kenshin dismounted and led Summer into the barn. He instructed the barn boys to give her a good wipe down before heading inside to wash up for dinner. Kaoru . . .how he missed having her nestled against him during the nights. He missed her smile, her laugh . . .and Kenji, His son, who was the spitting image of his father. How dare he have left them all alone in the middle of the countryside. He looked at his reflection with disgust. It was only now that it dawned upon him. He was traipsing all over the country looking for a man who he was not even responsible for, but Kaoru . . .he had pledged to honor and protect her until death do them part and here he was halfway across the continent. This new revelation did not sit well on his conscience at all and he decided that at dinner he would announce his departure. He would go home . . . where he belonged. Sano was old enough to take care of himself. As for Yahiko and Tsubame, yes, they were young, and even though he felt partly responsible for them, they had traveled across the Atlantic without his assistance, and it was time they learned to fend for themselves. The Bartowes would help them, he knew they would, but it was time for him to do his duty.
With new purpose Kenshin headed down the hall to the dining room. The table was neatly set as always, and maids scurried about finishing the last preparations while Mrs. Bartowe instructed Tsubame how to pour tea correctly. Yes everything was just like every other evening in this house. It ran like clockwork, in two minutes Mr. Bartowe would enter the room, give his wife a chaste kiss, greet everyone present, and sit down at the head of the table. The servants would bring in the soup and the dinner would progress from course to course. Kenshin took his alleged seat just as Mr. Bartowe entered.
"Evening everyone!" He greeted boisterously just before giving his wife a peck. "Ahh Kenshin, I trust no one gave you trouble on the roads today."
"No sir, everything went well."
"Excellent."
"How was your day, dear?" Mrs. Bartowe interjected.
"Just fine, I looked up that Mr. Sagara you're looking for and it would seem that he took the northern route. He's got at least three weeks a heads start on you I'm afraid."
"Yes, well it's just as well. I won't be going after him." Kenshin stated with a shake of his head. The room became silent.
"No?"
"No. I'm sorry to have trouble you all, but it's time I head back home."
"I see . . ." George looked thoughtfully at his bowl of soup.
"I see. You will be returning to your wife in time for the birth of your next child." Cecile said without batting an eyelash.
George looked at his wife and grinned. "Well, of course that's what he's doing. How foolish of me. Well then, you'll be needing to fetch supplies from the market tomorrow. I'll have Stephen hook up a cart for you."
"That really won't be necessary-"
"But of course it will." Cecile joined in happily. "I'll fix you up with a wonderful load of material for that darling wife of yours so that you have a coming home gift for her." She clapped her hands joyously and rose from the table.
"Cecile you'll do no such thing. You will sit and finish your meal." George said harshly, then with a twinkle in his eye. "You and I will BOTH get materials for that darling wife as soon as dinner's over I'll not let you have all the fun.'
Kenshin sat dumbstruck by the kindness he had found in these two wonderful people. The love they shared with each other and of giving to others was one he hoped to one day have shared with Kaoru. It was then he noticed the solemn face on Tsubame who sat on Cecile's right. He realized what was missing from the picture.
"Miss Tsubame, where is Yahiko . . . your husband?" She looked up her eyes glistening.
"I don't- know-' She said shakily. " h-he never- came in today."
"Child, why have you not mentioned this until now?" George rebuked.
"I thought it of no importance that surely he would be in for supper . . . but . . ."
Kenshin rose from the table. "I'll go and look for him."
"And I'll be coming with you." George rose as well. He kissed Cecile. "Worry not dearest we'll find the boy. It may only be that he fell asleep while working. Himura, let's go."
Cecile watched the men go then put her arm around the clearly upset Tsubame. "Hush now dearest. You needn't worry. Men like to do crazy things sometimes."
"It's not that, Ma'am, that has me worried. It's what he said to me this morning."
"What did he say?"
"Something about today being a day of reckoning. I'm fearful for him; he can be rather rash at times." A chill crept up Cecile's spine and she prayed that the men find the boy soon.
Sano walked hurriedly down the street whistling to himself. He finally had a lead! He had walked into the nearest inn to ask about Sayo and the lady behind the counter said there was a woman in town with that name. Upon further questioning it appeared as if all of the dates lined up with around when he figured she would have arrived.
He knew there was still the possibility of the woman being someone different, but after six months of searching and having a lead. Sano felt as if he could hope once again. He continued down the road the woman had pointed him down. Apparently someone had recently seen her down at some local restaurant.
He quickened his pace as his adrenaline began to rush. This could be it. He grinned to himself and began whistling another tune when he saw her. His heart stopped along with his body as he stood in the middle of the road staring at her. She had exited the restaurant laughing while holding on to some man's arm as he led her across the porch to the steps. It was at that moment that she saw him.
He watched her pale instantly as she stood frozen atop the steps. Her mouth hung slightly ajar while her companion, confused by her sudden stop, turned to look at what was wrong. He watched as the man followed Sayo's gaze to where he himself stood, and then stepped up next to Sayo draping his arm protectively across her shoulder.
Sano took that as his cue to approach and while his emotions were raging within him he stopped at the foot of the stairs and said with disinterested calm, "Hello, wife."
The man turned to Sayo, "Who is this man? Do you want me to dispose of him?"
That's when Sayo found her voice and said very coolly. "My husband."
Ok, I'm sorry again. And I would answer reviews I've received, but there's been so many that I wouldn't know where to begin. Instead let me end by saying, thanks to those of you who kept pestering me. You know who you are and I'm grateful! Until next time.
Kairi7