The Enharatence

[LittleSprite2]

Modern Day 2009...

Jamie Fraser wasnt getting any yonger at 89 he was pretty far over the hill and had hoped to see some grand kids or rather great grand kids before passing on but his grandson seemed only interested in his work. Jamie had raised his grandson after both his parents died in a wreck and his grandson had come to live with him in Castle Fraser in Grampian, Scotland. He had seen the boy well educated and well versed in sword play as well as able to defend himself.

Ohhh the boy had had a few mistresses here and there but never seemed to settle for just one and marrie.. ohh he was a good lad and treated the girls right that he was with but was never with one for long.. but if one ever came along that could hold his attention he would make her a fine husbend.. His grandsons Enharatence was Castle Fraser itself, and the grounds that went with it.

The central oblong block building is surrounded by two towers at diagonally opposite angles. The Z plan construction is also known as three stepped and a Scottish Baronial Tower House. This was known as the Scoto French style of architecture and can also be seen in other Scottish castles such as Glamis Castle and fellow Aberdeenshire castles such as Fyvie Castle. Though it would be more accurate to describe Castle Fraser in Scotland as a tower house rather than a French chateau.

The architect of Castle Fraser was I Bel who was an Aberdonian master mason. His name can be seen to this day in the North side of the castle. The Bels were a family of master masons and designers and the father, George Bel, was thought to have designed Midmar Castle whilst his son, David, designed Pitfichie Castle.

His other son John, also known by the initial I, was the designer of Castle Fraser. It is also thought that John I Bel also designed other Aberdeenshire castles such as Crathes Castle, Craigievar Castle, the old Castle of Cluny (no longer in existence) and the extension of Drum Castle built after 1619.

Jamie had called in his lawer to make some changes to his will... first and for most which his grandson he was sure would not like was that He must be married by his 35th birthday or the Castle would go to the historical socioty...

Jamie hated putting that last in there Not wanting anyone but a Fraser to have it, but if it went to the Historial socioty he knew that it would be kept intact and still standing in years to come.

Now all that remaind was to inform his 32yr old Grandson that he had only 3yrs to find a bride and settle down... Jamie sighed knowing that it would not be a plesent meeting..

 

[wolfknight20]

Draco had just been called in to his grandfathers study he wondered what it was his grandda whanted with him he hadnt gotten in to trouble with any fights or even any the village ladys of late but as head of the family when granda spoke it was best to answer his summons

 

[LittleSprite2]

Jamie waited for Draco to have a seat once he was comfortably settled he begain explaining the situation as it stood and what Draco would have to do to gain his enharatance..

Jamie knew his grandson was not happy in the least and nearly winced when before his grandson walked out of the office he said.. By the way Lad there's a Lass renting one o our cabins for the summer an Artist of some sort.. will ye stop by and see that she has all she needs?

Jamie didnt hear his reply over the slamming of the office door well that went better than i thought he said to himself as he settled back into his chair thinking that he would give it a day or two and if Draco hadnt stoped by to visit the lass, then he'd send one of his other ppl to see that she was doing alright..
........................................................................................................................................................

Jessica Bryant had just recently moved to Grampian, Scotland it was a Mt. reagion with few others who lived near at hand which she liked most. As an Artist it would give her time to paint and relax with out alot of interuption. She was renting a little two bedroom cottage on Fraser lands not but 3 miles from the castle itself the landscape was beautiful and the air clean..

Jessica stood 5ft 4in weghing 130lbs soaking wet with long black hair and dark blue eyes. She wore glass's but they did not distract from her natural looks rather they inhanced them making her look a bit smarter.. She was dressed in hiking boots, blue jeans, a light blue tank top, with a Blue and White Flanal shirt over top with the sleeves rolled back above her elbows. Her hair was braided down her back to keep it out of her way as she drew.

She walked up an old path and looked over the view finding something she liked she settled on a bolder sketch pad in hand a pencle tucked behind one ear another in her hand she began to draw, losing track of the time and the noises around her as she became absorbed into her work..

 

[wolfknight20]

draco hated haveing his grandda trying to force him in to a aranged marrige and he would be damed to let the old coot have his way in this he was going for a ride on the moors and to hell with the new renter

 

[LittleSprite2]

Jess finnished her drawing and stood streatching out the kinks from sitting in one position or another too long, and decided to head back to the cabin she was renting to fix something to eat. It was a quiet evening and peace full as she walked she listened to the birds and smiled as a couple of squirls chattered at each other before taking off up a tree and jumping over across its limbs to dissapear out of sight..

She was glad she had come here to scottland to clear her mind and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.. at least for awhile anyway.. reaching her cabin she entered setting her sketch pad and penciles on the coffe table she made her way to the kitchen to see what she had to fix for supper and to make a list of things she would need to pick up in town when she went in..

altho Mr. Fraser had said he would send someone around to check on her she didnt like to rely on someone elses schedule or take time away from them that could be spent elsewhere when she was fully capable of taking care of things on her own..

 

[wolfknight20]

drake decided to humer his granda and stop in to check on the new renter any how so with his cross bow in hand case he saw a wolf or something else to put in the pot off he road

 

[LittleSprite2]

Jess was just stepping out onto the front porch after cleaning up from supper. Her keys, purse and shopping list in hand she closed the door and stopped hearing a vehical comming up the road she stood on the steps and watched as a hummer pulled up infront..

She pushed her glass's back on her nose.. they did not distract from her natural looks rather they inhanced them making her look a bit smarter..

She was still dressed in her hiking boots, blue jeans, a light blue tank top, with a Blue and White Flanal shirt unbuttoned over top of the tank top the sleeves of the flanal rolled back above her elbows. Her long black hair was still braided down her back to keep it out of the way.

She waited for the man in the hummer to get out and start walking her way .. Can i help you ? she asked

 

[wolfknight20]

draco shook his head at the new renters remark and said not likely lass im old jamies grandson he sent me up to look in on ya rather i whanted to or not it dont do to go aginst grandas wishes if ya be seeing me point ay way the names draco but ya can call me drake if ya like drake knew at 5foot 6 he struck a intimidateing figure with his body like one of his vikeing ansesters with shoulders almost as wide as a barrle is long and a 6 pack set of abs it was no wonder he had no trouble with the grls and you throw in his red blond hair and blue green eyes he was a force to recon with any way you looked at it

 

[LittleSprite2]

Jess smiled at the man standing there he was a handsome fellow a few feet taller than herself she did undersand where he was comming from she had a gran that could be just as agravating when she wanted to be..

Its a plesure to meet you Drake.. My names Jessica but please call me Jess..I was just on my way out. If its not too much to ask maybe you could take me until i get to know the area better? . she asked offering her hand as she stepped down off the last step of the porch and greeted him.

I met your grandfather after i first arrived, please let him know that i am doing alright and appreceate his concern.. i also feel i should apologize to you. Jamie's not making you check on me is he?? she said in no hurry to leave right away finding she was enjoying the mans company..

 

[wolfknight20]

like ya said lass ya know the drill he makes a suggestion and ya take it how ya whants to some times they can be right arses about it but most times there not me i had not better to do sept go for a ride may be thought id find a bit of something to put in the pot back home

 

[LittleSprite2]

I should go on my own into town then so i can let you hunt.. maybe i'll see you again sometime. Jess said still smiling as she moved away and started walking twords her own vehical. She didnt want to impose on him and he was only hear because Jamie had sent him, nothing more..

The trip into town would only take an hour or so 30 min there and 30 back for the drive plus the time spent shopping.. and getting what she needed. She put her key in the door of the jeep to unlock it, and opened the door to get in.. stopping long enough to ask Drake if you could would you back up for me so i can get out..? Thank you very much..

 

[wolfknight20]

ay lass not a problem and if ya do need any thing be sure to let gramps know

 

[LittleSprite2]

She nodded and let him go and for some odd reasion thought she might be seeing him again soon. She drove into town and got the suplys and grocerys she needed then drove back out to the cabin..

It was two days later she recived an invation from Jamie to visit the castle and have lunch with him. She wondered what he was up too but he seemed a nice enough old fellow and she had no reasion to turn down his invatation so she sent back the reply that she would indeed join him..

The lunchon however was actually a small party where Jamie invited sevral unmarried females as well as a few friends who were already married and there familys.. He wanted to see if his granson would show interest in anyone there..

He was pleased to recive Jessica's note letting him know she would attend.. he smiled wondering what his grandson had thought of her because he hadnt really spoken much of his thoughts one way or another at least no to Jamie..

Jess dressed in a white spegitti strap sundress that came down to just above her knees, she pulled her long black hair up into a bun ontop of her head leaving wisps of it hanging down here and there.. she wore sandles to match and insted of wearing her glass's she put contacts in her dark blue eyes.. but wore no make up or jewlery.. hoping she looked presentable and yet casual enough for a simple lunch she drove over to the castle..

Upon entry she was shown the way into the ball room where the other guest had already begun to gather and felt a little underdressed but as no one said anything she tryed not to let it bother her..but as she looked around she seartiously thought about bolting.. this was soo not where she belonged..

There ye are lass.. she heard Jamie say as he walked up to her she smiled too late to bolt now.. Jamies grin and the look in his eyes told her he knew exactly what she had been thinking.. and she knew he offered her his arm now so she couldnt run.. Ye look lovely lass... Jess blushed and gave him her thanks as he introduced her to some of the other people in the room..

Jess didnt see his grandson but she was sure he was there somewhere, she doubted Jamie would have let him out of such a gathering...

 

[wolfknight20]

drake louged in a darkened cornor fumeing at his grand sire he knew how the prience from cinderrilla must of felt at that damn ball haveing all the eligible maiden praded in front of him like he was some prized bull or stallion that they whanted to mate up

 

[LittleSprite2]

Jess smiled and danced with a couple of people so that she wasnt being rude but when she finnaly had the chance to slip away when Jamie was buisy talking with someone she went out into the garden for some air and for some peace and quiet.

She still had yet to see Drake but with the room as crowded as it was she doubted she could have found him if she had tryed.. Why didnt Jamie understand she had come here for peace and quiet to get away from large gatherings and here he was drawing her into one..

She found a bench not far from the ball room in the gardens near a tree that over looked a small pond, and sat down to enjoy the view. She knew she couldnt stay long because if Jamie couldnt find her he would just send someone to look for her..

.......

In the mean time Jamie spotted his grandson and walked over to join him.. Whats this lad? why are ye no havin a good time? go.. dance w some o the lassies.. enjoy yerself.. ye might like one er two., but yell no find out sittin here.. he said half chuckling half serious..

even if his grandson wasnt having a good time Jamie was it had been awhile sence he had done any entertaining of his own save for buisness and he had to admit from some of the women that had come were he a bit younger he would try for one of them himself..

He scanned the crowed looking for someone a worried frown on his face as he looked over the crowed but wasnt seeing who he was looking for..

It was then he saw one of his guests step out into the guardens but it was a male not female and as his wife was gone as well he assumed that Donnal was slipping out to spend some time in the guardens with her.

Still not seeing Jess however Jamie turne back to Drake.. Drake lad i know yer sor vexed with me at the moment but i dont see that young artist girl Jessica in the crowed could ye find her yer a bit faster than i am..

 

[wolfknight20]

aiy grand pa i chould at that least it gives me a reson to be away from here and turn down the dance offers i might be agetting

 

[LittleSprite2]

Jamie rolled his eyes and threw up his hands shaking his head as he watched his grandson move off whishing the lad could at lest pretend to enjoy the party.. ahh well he moved off into the crowed to join another buisness partner.

..............

Jessica was still sitting on the bench enjoying the view of the garden when she heard someone approching she turned to see who it was and was surprised to see the man Donnal who Jamie had introduced her too earler when she had arrived..

She started to stand up to leave when he stopped her.. Please dont get up .. it is a beautiful spot. I saw you come out and thought you might like some company.

Jess watched him come closer but stayed where she was. I just needed some air.. Where is your wife? Donnal gave that all knowing smile that she supposed was ment to be sexy but it came off more of a lear and she didnt feel so comfortable now..

She is na feeling well and went ta lay down.. Jess stood and moved away from him as he sat on the bench.. I see, well i think its time to return to the party..

Donnal was faster then she thought and was off the bench grabbing her arm to turn her to him before she had time to think to run. Let go of me.... she said

he just smiled down at her and said.. I donna think so.. but before he did anything else he felt suddenly like they were not quite alone and turned to see Drake standing there..

a look of fear and then anger crossed his face as he let Jessica go.. How long have ya been there Drake? Jess took that moment to move wide around Donnal and away from the two men giving them plenty of room..

 

[wolfknight20]

long enough to see your up to your useul no good self its a wonder we have any snakes here with a big one like you around its a wonder the others arnt scared out of there scales by the likes of ya

 

[LittleSprite2]

Donnal's face turned a deep angry red at the insults as he took a swing at Drakes head missing only by inches

 

[wolfknight20]

drake stood there with out flinching as donnals fist went passed his nose by only inches and gave him a shove as his swing carried him all a way around that made him fall over the bench that he had just been sitting on and steped away to wait for his next move

 

[LittleSprite2]

Donnal redfaced and embarassed at having fallen over the bench and not even scratching Drake threw both him and Jess dirty looks as he stood back up This isna over Drake, another day we'll finnish this.. and with out another word he walked away leaving Drake and Jess alone in the garden.

Donnal found his wife and made there excuses and good byes to Drakes grandfather and left the party. Donnals wife not saying anything knowing that it was best to leave him alone, and not ask questions when he was in such a mood..

Jess turned to Drake letting out a breath she hadnt reolized she was holding..until Donnal was gone.. Thank you . i am not sure what i would have done if you hadnt come.. she said and waited for him to yell at her for being stupid enough to come out here on her own unescorted.. tho she was already yelling silently at her self for being such a fool..

 

[wolfknight20]

no need it twaws me granda what sent me to look for ya lass be thanking him and with drake turned on his heel and left

 

[LittleSprite2]

Jess watched him leave not moving until he was out of sight, she felt ashamed for some reasion as tho she had done something wrong.. and in away she had she shouldnt have come out here even if she had just wanted a moment or two of peace and quiet..

She sat down on the bench again for a moment determend not to cry so what if Drake had only come out here because his grandfather had sent him what had she expected he probably thought she and Jaime had planned this or something for which she couldnt blame him..

She decided it was time to make her own excuses to Jamie and go back to the cabin.. she should never have accepted the invataion in the first place and wouldnt have if Jamie had said this was a party rather than just a simple lunch..

Jess straitened her sholders and stood entering the room a few moments after Drake had and found Jamie.. I want to thank you for inviting me but i dont belong here and am not feeling too well i am going back to the cabin.. thank you for your invatation but i prefer my privacy.. and thank you for sending Drake to find me..

Jamie looked puzzled and concerned for a moment and excused himself from his guests taking Jess by the arm and escorting her to a privet alcove out of ear shot if they wispered What happened lass? I know i invited ye only fer a lunch and ye arrived ta a party, but i thought ye'd have a good time once ye were here... Did Drake upset ye??

Jess quickly assured Jamie that Drake hadnt done anything wrong and explained what had happened in the garden.. Its my fault really i shouldnt have gone out there..

Jamie frowned.. nay ye shouldna have let me have Drake take ya home.. Jess winced and stepped away.. no thank you i can make my own way home Drake has done enough for me.. thank you tho.. Before Jamie could stop her to change her mind she turned and was gone

He smiled for a moment shanking his head she was as stubborn as any scot when she set her mind to something.. he decided however that he and Drake needed to talk about this and one of them would need to check on her later to make sure she really was ok..

It wasnt until the party memebers were heading home and it was just the two of them that Jamie finnaly caught up with Drake to talk with him the rest of the evening had gone well.. or rather as well as Jaime could expect with Drake's additude..

he hadnt shown interest in any of the lass's there.. ahh well Jamie supposed he should back off a bit but he wasnt getting any yonger in fact he had according to the doctors only a few years left his heart just wasnt as good as it used to be but he hadnt told Drake that and wouldnt..

Drake Lad.. we need ta talk I didna get the chance ta speak with ye after the young artist left the party so early, she made her excuses and gave me her version but i'd like ta hear yers.. she said ye saved her from one of me partners.. which one lad i'd like ta keen all before i do anythin drastic..

As he spoke Jamie absent mindedly rubbed his chest it didnt hurt badly just a dull ache too much excitement for one evening he expected thinking it would ease now that everyone was gone and things would calm down..

 

[wolfknight20]

aye grands twas the only one slimy enough to try to take libertys with in your own home

 

[LittleSprite2]

While Jamie and Drake talked Jess made it back to the cabin safely and took a long hot shower to try and wash away the memory of what had almost happend if Drake hadnt come along but knew it wouldnt help much of anything save to clam her a bit..

Once out of the shower she dryed and dressed for bed but pulled a bath robe on over top.. going to the kitchen she heated some water on the stove and made some tea.. enjoying its comforting smell and warmth as she sat down in the living room to drink it.

She took a book from the shelf in the cabin to read hoping to distract her mind.. she fell asleep around midnight.. Deciding that she would accept no more invatations to the castle no matter how well intended Jamie might be she knew he was match making for his grandson and that was one world she didnt belong in.. and wanted no part of..

In a few weeks she would go back to America and present her newest works of art before dissapearing again for another break she had liked scottland and had hoped this was a place she could return to but now knew differnt she would have to find somewhere else to stay..

Somewhere where mr drake would no longer need worrie she was plotting with his grandfather or anything else.. maybe she should retire her art shows and become and art teacher insted ... it was a thought..