The Gilded Age

[FloatingAroundSpace]

The voices lowered after a second and continued on in their tone. Suddenly, the door opened again and the voices stopped.


Marius' voice floated up the steps, asking how Grace was. Naomi said something in return and he nodded. The other two voices said polite hellos to Marius, which he returned and his footsteps could be hard coming up the steps.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace heard Marius and nervously awaited him.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius entered the room, humming lightly. He didn't seem to see Grace in the bed and went straight to the desk, sighing heavily and running a hand through his hair. He took out a sheet of paper and a fountain pen along with a bottle of ink. He filled up the pen and started scratching something out on a piece of paper, bent over the desk. He flicked on a light next to the desk and continued working, furrowing his brow the entire time and pausing every now and then to take out another piece of paper and examine it.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace looked curious as to why Marius didn't notice her.


"Hello, sir," said Grace nervously, in a soft and gentle voice.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius glanced up, frowning and turned to see her.


He suddenly flushed and stood up, nearly upending his bottle of ink.


"I'm sorry Grace," he said hurriedly. "I didn't see you there. I'm sorry for intruding on your privacy."

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"It's all right, sir," said Grace, her cheeks heating up slightly. "It's your house. You are allowed to go where you wish."

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

"No, no," Marius said hurriedly, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "I should have been more careful."


He quickly shuffled out towards the door.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"Oh, it's all right, sir," said Grace. "I should probably go home. Ada will be terribly afraid if I don't come home."

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius blinked at her slowly. "Are you alright to go home now?" he asked. "Are you still feeling ill?"

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"I'll be alright, sir," said Grace. "I just don't want to worry Ada."

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

"Well," Marius said, "we can certainty bring her here for the night if she will worry. It will be easier to ensure you are well and it might do her some good to be somewhere less cooped up."


He suddenly flushed again.


"Not that I'm saying where you live is not decent for her," he said quickly, "I'm sure you're doing your best."

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"It's all right, sir," said Grace kindly. "But I'll be fine at home. You've already done more than I deserve."