Finding none and hearing the shouts of her pursuers as they found an easier way into the wood from the other side she scooped handfuls of the wet grit...y mud into her mouth and forced herself to swallow some. Not daring to pause any longer she pushed her way downhill between the branches, scrambling recklessly over boulders, managing to find a way out of the little wood of dwarf trees downhill of the furious men who were still trying to find their way into it. Barely able to keep her balance. He had razor stubble, and although he said he was a deckhand on one of the family boats, his hands had the smooth feel of a man who'd never worked a day. He looked like Central Casting sent over an actor for the family black sheep."Momma!" She heard JD's cry over the rest of the room's conversation and stood up to greet her future mother-in-law. Rachael was just a touch surprised. They were here to celebrate the woman's 83'd birthday and Rachael had expected an elderly, frail woman. Instead,. The turreted Chesley House looked dark and ‘brooding’ as he navigated its tree-lined drive. Four-square and solid, this grey stately pile epitomised Victorian wealth.There were barely half-a-dozen cars in the car park. He paid his admission charge, which included the official brochure. “Are there any guides on duty upstairs?” he asked.“I’m afraid not, sir, as it’s Sunday.”Mark climbed the central marble and onyx staircase, the base of which was flanked by a pair of life-sized ebony blackamoors. That you're not doing it to make him happy, or because he begs you to, or because you figure what the hell, or because you think all your friends are doing it and you're falling behind. When you say to yourself, 'I want this, it feels right' with no hesitation, no reservations, then you're ready." Have you ever felt that way?" asked Cheryl."Yes," Sophia smiled. "With Warren, every time. That's how I know the difference." How long were you guys going out the first time?" Cheryl asked.Sophia.