It had been a chilly morning, quite chilly indeed, but now the sun at last appeared on the sky. Soft clouds covered the blue sky which could just be seen. But the sun was visible and gave some warmth to the large garden of the Grey family estate and some light to the rooms of the large manor.

As a part of his usual morning ritual, General Grey walked through the many halls and corridors of his home, making sure nothing was amiss and all was well. He had done this for years and certainly had no intention on stopping. It had become custom to hear his firm footsteps stomping down the corridors and to see his rather large frame pass by as the servants were doing their chores in the morning. As he passed by, servants bowed and uttered their greetings in a hushed voice, whishing their master a good morning. The servants feared as well as respected their master, who was a just, though sometimes hard. But they were devoted and loyal to him, since he had always minded their conditions and were given their rightful wages for their hard work. They were treated well, that was all they cared about.

The general stopped as he reached a room in the east-wing of the house. He looked out, standing proudly with his arms behind his back. He looked out at the large lawn, stretching far away in the distance. And there was more than his eyes could see. All this, and more, belonged to him, was his due to his long struggle for his country. Thanks to him, the Grey family had reached this high. And the Grey family would stay here, he was sure of it.

“Come, children, let’s go inside!”

He looked to a large oak outside the window. Three children had centered around a young girl, older than the rest. The girl was about sixteen years old, with brown hair and radiant eyes. She was dressed in a simple blue gown that fitted well her slender build. She began to walk back inside with the children behind her. the General smiled as he saw his grandchildren running around. They were his hope for the future, they would on the family name.

He walked out of the room and towards the door that led to a terrace in the garden. He heard the children talking and laughing as they walk inside.

“Grandpapa!” they shouted as they saw him.

“Good morning, children.” the General greeted them with a smile. Then he looked to their companion, the smile gone. “Eliza.”

“Papa.” the girl said and led the children onwards. “Quickly go to your room and get your coats off.”

The children rushed of and left the General and Eliza alone.

“You were out walking with the children?” he asked and began to walk. Eliza started walking and followed him as he slowly walked through the room.

“Yes, I was. It’s such a lovely morning, so I thought they might enjoy a walk after breakfast.” Eliza replied.

“I am sure they did.” the General said without looking at her.

“Your brother will be leaving today.” he then said. He didn’t have to look at her to see that the colour in her cheeks vanished. Eliza nodded.

“Yes.”

“They are finishing their packing now, so you might go now if you want to talk to them before it’s time to say goodbye when they leave.” the general said and looked at her. Eliza stopped. She had a strained look on her face, as if she tried to hide her shook.

“Now? But, Papa, do they need to leave so…”

“Charles has many things to see to in London. ” the General interrupted without stopping to look at her. Eliza walked on, knowing it was useless to discuss it with him.

“Yes, Papa.” Eliza replied. But the General could clearly hear that she was not best pleased. “I will go see to the children.”

Eliza left her father and walked upstairs to the children’s room. As she entered, she saw the two boys chasing the girl. Eliza rushed after them, trying to get hold of the boys.

“Will you stop this? Leave her alone!” Eliza commanded as she succeeded in getting hold of one of the boys, Henry. Frederic managed to escape

“But she started!” he shouted and pointed at the girl, his two years younger sister Louisa. The girl sneered at her brother, who sneered back.

“That is enough, you two! I think I have to talk to your father about this.” Eliza said and sat down on one of the small beds with the two boys.

“You don’t have to tell me what I already know.” an amused voice said from the door. They looked up and saw Charles stand in the doorway, smiling at them.

“But, Father…”

“Enough.” Charles said firmly, silencing the boy. Charles walked towards the bed and sat down. “I will talk to you two later.”

The boys ran along, not looking too pleased with themselves. Eliza and Charles smiled at each other.

“They are such good children.” Eliza smiled and looked after the two boys.

“They are.” Charles replied. “Their mother has done a good job raising them. Mary has really done well.”

“Is it true that you have to leave today?” Eliza asked, looking at Charles, who now sighed sadly.

“Yes.”

“But why? Can’t it wait?” Eliza asked. “At least until Monday?”

“I am afraid not. There are things that has to be done, and my presence is required in London.” Charles said. “I wish I could stay. I am sorry.”

“Very well.” Eliza said and smiled weakly. “The party needs you.”

They both stood up and walked out of the room and made their way down the corridor.

“Now tell me, how is the election going?” Eliza asked. Charles leaned closer, as if to tell her secret.

“Terribly.” he replied. “But do not tell Father.”

“Oh, I won’t.” Eliza promised. “But what’s happened?”

“Oh, nothing, really. Just bad luck, I suppose. But we are doing what we can.”
“I wish I could help, but don’t understand politics, nor will I ever.” Eliza said supportively and took a firm grip on Charles’ arm.

“You just be happy for that. Politics can be a horrible business.” Charles said, looking away distantly.

“So that is why you have to go? Because of the election?” Eliza asked.

“Of course. What else could at present demand my presence in London?” Charles chuckled and looked at Eliza, who smiled back.

“Well, I just hope it goes…”

“Charles!” the general called behind them. They both turned around.

“Charles, are you and Mary done packing?” the general asked.

“Now quite yet, Father.” Charles answered.

“And why is that?” the general asked and approached Charles.

“It is no rush, Father. There is time…”
“… And that time I think you could put to better use in London.” the general said sharply, but calmly. The general was a man who would not lose his temper lightly.

“Yes, Farther.” Charles replied. Eliza knew he did not care to get into a fight with his father.

“Now, you must excuse me.” the general said and left them. He disappeared into through a door, and as soon as they heard the sound of the door closing, Eliza and Charles started walking again.

“He means well, Charles.” Eliza said, as she could see Charles was bothered by something.

“I know. But he will insist on treating us all like soldiers.” Charles said.

“Can you blame him?” Eliza asked. Charles looked at her, not understanding.

“He is a general, after all.” Eliza said and smiled. Charles laughed, which had always had a contagious effect on Eliza, who also started laughing.

It took another two hours before everything was ready for Charles’ leave. But then everything was also completely ready. The family gathered outside, the general, Eliza, Charles, his wife Mary and the three children. They hugged goodbye and Mary was the first to enter the carriage.

“Promise to come and visit us soon.” Mary said and looked at Eliza with a smile.

“I promise. It’s been too long since I was in London last time.” Eliza replied and smiled back.

“You are always welcome.” Charles smiled and hugged Eliza goodbye.

“Safe journey, Charles.” Eliza said as Charles turned to say goodbye to his father.

“Oh, I’ll miss you so!” Eliza exclaimed as she hugged the children goodbye.

“We’ll miss you too, aunt Eliza.” Louisa said sadly as she flung her arms around Eliza’s neck.

“But we will see each other soon, I promise.” Eliza said as the children joined their mother in the carriage, closely followed by their father.

Eliza waved at them as the carriage started moving down the driveway and out of sight towards the gate entrance. Eliza sighed soundlessly and turned to go back inside.

“I have something to discuss with you, Eliza.” the general said and joined her.

“Yes?”

“What would you say about going to London?” the general asked and looked at Eliza. Eliza stopped immediately, not believing her own ears.

“To London?” she asked.

“Yes, to stay with Charles and Mary.” the general said.

A bright smile came to Eliza’s face. She could not believe it. For so long had she hoped to come to London, but her father always said no. It is not proper for a young lady, he had said. But now she would finally go! And she would love to spend more time with Charles and Mary. They very rarely saw each other, so Eliza would take any chance to spend time with them. She had always been very close to Charles, and she often missed him.

“You are young and should soon think about marriage.” the general said. “And you will not meet young men out here, will you?”

The general put a loving shoulder around Eliza’s shoulder. Eliza smiled at him.

“I would like to go to London.” she said and hugged her father. “Thank you, Papa.”

“I have discussed it with Mary, and Charles won’t mind letting you stay. You’ll go to them next week.”

That night Eliza couldn’t sleep. Her heart was filled with anticipation and excitement that she couldn’t find rest. The only comfort was that she would only have to wait for three or four days. When she finally fell asleep, dark clouds drew nearer outside her window, clouds that would either bring destroying rain and wind to the weakest of nature’s plants or leave them stronger than before.

So that was chapter 1. Please review and let me know what you think!