Sitting on the opposite side of the room, James sat on the ground, hand still over his face as snickers were still heard. "Alright, gentlemen, that's enough," he hissed, removing his hand and glaring at the mob gathering. As the sounds slowly quieted, a sudden, dull sound coming from within the room Miss Donnaugh occupied sent them shouting with laughter once more. It seemed that she had thrown something. It meant nothing, yet to the other men, that was all it took for them to double over once more.

His annoyance sent the room giggling, something that had come to an abrupt halt as Miss Donnaugh opened the door. "Back already?" One man, George Grant hollered out, snickering to himself before the entire room paused. Everything next seemed to occur in slow motion. As if there wasn't enough humiliation, he felt a sudden jolt before Miss Donnaugh landed atop of him. Eyes widening once more, James released a small yelp before attempting to squirm onto his legs. "I'm so very sorry I didn't- You tripped over- I thought you'd see me-" As the laughter grew louder, James struggle more, trying to separate himself and Miss Donnaugh at once before pausing.

"This is unbelievable! Are you not men? This is atrocious and innapro-"

"I'll say it is," spoke one of the detectives in a smug grin, offering a wink.

Not another word was spoken, that is, nobody could speak, as Miss Donnaugh began to yell, causing a series of hoots and noises to be sounded. "Here," he mumbled, face remaining red as he resuming trying to help her. He place her hand in his and helping her regain her balance away from him. "I- Shut it you bafoons!" He complained, veins in his forehead bulging from both embarrassment and frustration.

When she finally stood, he felt a great wave of relief, that is, until she tripped over his feet once more. "What a klutz!" A man giggled, before another man added on: "A pretty one. What I wouldn't have given to be 'ol James there." The laughter remained for well over a few more minutes, even as they saw his frown increase.

Still upon the ground, he watched as Henry stepped forwards amidst the laughter, snickering like a madman as he offered his hand to his colleague and friend. "Thank you," James muttered, being hoisted up onto his legs once more before feeling a whack of praise on his back. "No, James, thank you," Henry responded, to which many others agreed before snorting. "Oh, grow up." James shook his head, face still lit red at his mistake. "One would think you were a pack of hyenas, going on like you are." His annoyance sent the room giggling before he waved his hands at them, leaving them to go on with their juvenile behaviour.

♥Caiti♥

The young woman didn't look up when it seemed as though the others had all returned to their desks. Her eyes stayed focused on the pages though it felt as though she was reading the same lines over and over. The rest of the afternoon seemed to fly by and she had spent a little portion of it trying to speak to the suspect they had gathered just hours before. She stepped out of the interrogation room chewing on her bottom lip before looking over at the officer at the main desk. "Do you mind putting Mr. Harttig in one of the cells for the night? Maybe a night away from his so called sweetheart will loosen his lips some more." There was almost a weariness in her voice from the exhaustion of the earlier events.

After he nodded and stepped towards the interrogation room, Caite moved over to her desk gathering a few of the papers and looked over at James reaching out to take the ring, pausing for a moment as color seemed to fill her cheeks. "I think I am going to take this home and read over it tonight, see if I can find something without prying eyes." She looked towards the coat hanger and raised an eyebrow before remembering that she had traded her coat with a mother earlier. "Damn I forgot about my coat..." She muttered but stepped towards the door.

Caite hadn't even said goodbye before she was walking out the door in the darkening sunset as she began walking down the road towards her home. The young woman had worked out finding a little farm not far on the outskirts of London where she could keep her horse but yet was far enough away that she didn't feel suffocated by the swarms of people. All Caite really wanted to do was get into her own clothing and try to erase the memories of what had happened earlier. James's cologne still resonated in her nose from being so close to him and the tiniest part of her was more upset that she hadn't lingered longer, though that part was quickly squashed as she rounded a corner.

She was getting so lost in her own thoughts, she wouldn't have heard someone walking up beside her unless they called out. Was that a dangerous position to be in, possibly but not many seemed to bother the brooding female who chewed at her lip as her brows furrowed trying to work through what she had been told.

"I kno' not'ing. I am tellin' t'e trut'. I got it for me girl, she asked specifically for that ring. She said it twas a fam'ly 'eirloom." His words dancing in her head as she stopped at one of the busier crossroads letting the traffic pass by. She almost mumbled something when the familiar cologne seemed to stop her words. Of course her dark hues looked over at the man that was standing next to her.

"I can see myself home. I don't need your protection nor do I want to ruin my image even more."

Hiding at his desk with his nose buried behind an insignificant case, James blocked out the still-chittering individuals boasting about the event earlier. Ye gads! He had never been so humiliated before in his entire existence. His mind wandered back to the situation, walking in upon Caite and-

Face flushing red, he shook his head. Poor woman. They had their differences, and whilst he wasn't fond of her, she didn't deserve that. Shrinking in his seat, he peeked over the papers and straightened up. He was acting improper, foolish even, hiding behind his desk like a mere boy. Adjusting himself, James tilted his head high, only to shrink once more upon the sight of the dark-haired woman approaching. Refocusing himself back onto the minuscule case, he averted his gaze and glued it onto a single spot on the papers before him. Pretending to be busy, he shuffled through them, not looking at her when she spoke. "Alright, have a good evening," he nodded, only gazing at her when she left the room. Standing abruptly, James advanced for the coat hanger, grabbing his own off the rack and leaving.

He had hoped to offer her his coat once more, but she had left before he had the chance to remember that she had traded her own. Tsk, it was the least he could have done. Shaking his head, he returned back to his desk, only to meet the gaze of a smirking Henry in the corner. "Had to kiss the little miss goodbye?" He joked, giggling like a schoolgirl over meaningless gossip. "Don't you have more important work to do than spy on me?" Henry shrugged. "Sure I do, only that isn't half as amusing."

James simply waved him off before departing himself.

After today, he couldn't wait to go home and sit by the fire, a good book in hand and a coffee in the other. It was an old white Victorian house on the outskirts of London, been in his family for a few years. A half-mile away from the house stood a small stable that could fit four horses. James only owned two. It was full of free-roaming chickens, after all, there was nothing better than fresh eggs.

Glancing around as he strode towards his wooden fence in the distance, his eyes narrowed, head snapping towards a familiar figure. Oh for- Surely it wasn't- Why was she-

And just like that, a scowl crossed his features upon the sight of Caite, all events of earlier being forgotten. "Surely you don't think I'm bored enough to have followed you." Approaching the wooden gate, he motioned to his house. "I live here. My real question is why are you loitering around my residenc-" Pausing, James' eyes skimmed to the neighbouring house right next door. There was a sold sign not too long ago, and now-

Releasing a chuckle of pure disbelief, he turned back to the woman. "See yourself home? You're the one who bought this place?"

This day surely couldn't get any worse.

♥Caiti♥

Disbelief filled her features as her gaze moved over to the white Victorian home that was next to hers. Her home was slightly smaller with a dark red brick frame only interrupted with light blue trim around the windows of the two story home. There was a golden buckskin friesian cross stallion lazily grazing in a paddock that was more than enough for the one horse though it seemed a smaller dappled grey gelding was also grazing. Caite looked between the two houses and then let out a forced laugh as she shook her head.

"Is it really that shocking that a woman bought her own home? If I had known that you were going to be my neighbor I would have looked on the other side of town." She moved over to the wooden gate that led to her own home and stepped inside closing the gate while keeping eye contact with him.

"Well my room is on the opposite end of your house so you won't be getting any more free shows." The words were out of her mouth only to be occompanied by a gasp as a woman who appeared to be not much older than the dark haired female came walking out the door. "Catherine that is no way to speak to a man!" There were similarities between the two women but Elizabeth was thinner in her frame and face compared to her younger sister. The woman also had her light brown hair pulled back into a bun with only two loose ringlets caressing her cheeks. She carefully lifted the dark grey traveling dress she was wearing as she descended the stairs and walked up beside her sister.

"I apologize for my sister's rudeness. I think it comes from her job." A arm was looped rather roughly with her sister's and Caite bit her lip to hold back the curses that were wanting to escape her lips. "Now dear Catherine, apologize to our neighbor."

"OUR neighbor? Since when do you live here?" Caite's eyes shot up when her sister mentioned the word our and she shook her head pulling her arm away from her sister's embrace.

"I am sorry that I must leave this wonderful exchange and get the fruit washed out of my hair." With that Caite turned on her heel and stormed towards her home, uncerimoniously storming her way into the home with a loud slam of the door. Elizabeth visibly flinched before offering her hand to James. "I am Elizabeth Donnaugh. It is a pleasure to meet you. Also please do not take anything that Catherine says to heart. She has always had a rougher time when dealing with men."

The woman seemed to be the polar opposite to the firey young woman that was watching the exchange from the livingroom window. Killing both of them with her glare before finally heading upstairs to the master bedroom. There were still trunks of her items scattered about the house and it was her plan to finish the unpacking during the weekend.

Elizabeth waited until after shaking hands with the man to rest her hands in front of her. "I would like to make it up to you about my dear sister's horrible actions by offering to make you dinner one of these nights with tea in our home. I know with time that Catherine will come to show her gentler side."

For years, James had enjoyed living in his childhood home, and now, the idea of residing in the old structure made his insides turn. There was a difference between having to share your area of work with a woman and having her reside in the house standing alongside your own. His house.. His beautiful, creaky, old farmhouse was his escape. It was where he relaxed, reading outside on the porch with a newspaper in one hand, and a coffee in the other. Now, he had to risk seeing Caite hovering around?

Could James not escape this woman?

Eyebrows furrowing and facial expression transforming into that of a scowl, he watched disbelief fill the woman's face. Rightly so. Hands shoved into his pockets, James stared at Caite with an unreadable look, but one could note that it wasn't pleasant. "I'm not shocked over the fact that you bought your own home, but more so that I have to see you not only at work but here as well. If I hadn't known any better, I would say that you're stalking me." Whether the last sentence was a joke or not was unknown, for James delivered it in monotone paired with a straight face.

Standing near his fence, James eyeballed Caite until he nearly spluttered when she mentioned their earlier humiliation. "Free show? I guarantee you.." His voice trailed off as a gasp interrupted him. Not too far away, a pretty woman with similar features to Caite appeared, only she had brown hair. Were they cousins? Sisters? James stood there, eyeing his house and wishing no more but to dart inside and hide in the comfort of his library, but his eyes returned onto the woman, who began to speak.

How grand.

However, soon, James found that he was rather glad that he stayed. "Catherine?" Glancing to Caite, his eyes lit up and a sly grin crossed his face. Leaning back against his fence, James crossed his arms and nodded. Ah, so they were sisters. "Yes, Catherine, apologize." Oh, he was truly enjoying this. Granted, she had enough humiliation for the day, but how could James pass up the opportunity to get under her skin, just like she got under his at their work, stealing his cases and whatnot.

He released a 'tsk' as he observed Caite stalk off, he himself preparing to depart until he noticed that her sister made no move to leave. Instead, she made an effort to introduce herself. Seeing as James was a gentleman, he took the woman's hand as she introduced herself. As all the gentlemen did, he leaned down to peck the back of it before straightening and releasing it. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Donnaugh. I am James Burton. I work with Catherine.. Er, Caite back in town." He couldn't help but note how different the two sisters already were. How could these two be related? Caite was so.. so stubborn and frustrating and bold, and this woman here was.. Elegant?

Checking his watch, he glanced back at Elizabeth.

He blinked once as she invited him to dinner before nodding. He couldn't refuse now, could he? "I appreciate the invitation. Would you by any chance find yourselves unoccupied tomorrow night?"

--- skip to next night ---

James wished Elizabeth had never said yes. In fact, he should have taken a detour home so that he didn't run into Caite. Releasing a sound of annoyance, James clattered a pan full of English muffins onto his wooden table in the kitchen. The smell of charcoal and something burning infiltrated the air, and James had to wave his hands and open the window to get rid of it.

His English muffins, something so small and easy to make, looked deformed and slightly burnt, but it would have to do. James had put effort into making them so that he would be kind. Pah, he should have ventured out and bought something, like a cake.

Wearing his dinner jacket, James shook his head and grabbed the pan before exiting his house and making his way over to his.. neighbour's house. Pausing a few feet out of his home, he saw a bush of flowers that he had planted earlier and picked a few. Hopefully, that would make up for the lack of edible food. With a heavy sigh, he made his way over, wishing to simply be at home.

Without another thought, he reached up his hand and knocked.

♥Caiti♥

Elizabeth was just putting the final touches to the little dining room table when she heard the knock on the door. She smoothed the front of the apron on her dress and stepped away to examine her work before walking over to the door. She opened the door with a smile. “Welcome to our humble home.” She stepped out of the way to let James step in. The little foye was a deep blue with a bench that was set under a long mirror. Coats were hung on pegs on either side of the mirror. There was a pair of dirtied riding boots sitting on a small rug below a thicker looking coat that had bits of hay covering the arms.

“Can I take your coat? Catherine will be down shortly.” Elizabeth offered a hand to take the man’s coat but her eyes were moving between the flowers, pan of burnt muffins, and his features. “I was so relieved when you said yes to coming over for dinner. I didn’t want Catherine’s brashness to cause a riff between us as neighbors.”

The woman had her hair pulled back in a simple bun and her dress with a light grey plaid pattern that gave her the look of a happy housewife. Once she put his coat on one of the empty pegs, she moved to step into the dining area. There was a staircase that landed at the end of the foye that was a deep burgundy red with intricate work on the banister. To the right of the foye was the dining room that led to the simple kitchen. The dining room had light cream colored walls with the same darkly colored woodwork for the small table and chairs. To the left of the door to the kitchen, there was another door that appeared to lead under the stairs and to the parler that had a dark blue wallpaper as the foye. A small settee as well as a couple of chairs sat in front of the medium sized fireplace with a small table that had a couple of books sitting upon the worn surface and a teacup from earlier in the day when Elizabeth was sitting waiting for her sister to return from the store. There was also a piano that looked well used/loved that sat against the wall where the stairs ascended.

There was a dark grey rug that covered the stairs to the second floor, though now was not the time to worry about the layout of that area yet. There was also an entrance to the parler to the left of the door when one first walked in. To the right of the door near the entrance to the dining room from the parler was a wooden door that led to a separate entrance/office area where Caite would sometimes spend time if she was staying up late working or coming in from the stables after a long night out in the pubs. Speaking of Caite, the young woman had just finished cleaning up with a bath in the upstairs bathroom. There is also a bathroom that connects the kitchen to the little office space but one has to walk through the kitchen or office to get to it. Caite had changed out of her ‘normal’ clothes and much to her discomfort, had put on a simple dark blue dress with an apron tied about her waist ready to help her sister finish cooking. Her hands were working deftly as she pulled her long hair back into a braided bun that added to the softened appearance of the female. After slipping on a pair of small ankle high boots, she walked down the stairs nearly tumbling when her eyes landed on their company. Her hand gripped the railing tightly as her eyes moved over to her sister, who was now grinning widely at the shock written in the young woman’s features. “I invited Mr. Burton over for dinner as a way to apologize for your rudeness the other day.” The veins appeared along Caite’s jawline as her sister spoke and without a word, she stepped down the rest of the stairs and turned into the parler avoiding any conversation at least for the moment.

She moved into the kitchen that was emitting all sorts of delicious scents and picked up a couple of towels to pull the meat out of the oven cursing at her sister under her breath. Out of the two Caite was a slightly better cook than her sister but she preferred to work on desserts rather than main courses, which the main course for tonight was a ham with a brown sugar and honey glaze. There was also a pot with fresh pick beans and cut corn still simmering on the stove as Caite moved to set the hot meat down.

“I am sorry about Catherine again Mr. Burton. She doesn’t like when I spring surprise visits and visitors upon her. She takes after our father in that aspect...but why don’t you have a seat and maybe I can get you something to drink?”

“Elizabeth, dear sister, I could use some help not burning myself.” Caite called her reined in anger noticeable in her words. “Though nevermind I can figure this out. Just please stay out of the dining room and kitchen until everything is ready.” There was the smallest hint of resignation in Caite’s voice as she began to set the table after placing the hot meat on a clean area of the stovetop. It would seem as though there were the sparks of the true Caite as she milled about taking the pan from her sister and set it down on a counter near the sink much like a busy little bee.

“Thank you Catherine.” Elizabeth turned the same dark green eyes that mirrored Caite’s towards James after watching her sister for a moment with a chuckle. “You mentioned that you work with my sister.” Moving to one of the open chairs, she sat down and folded her arms in her lap after motioning for James to also sit down. “What is it that you both do? Catherine, I mean Caite, doesn’t say much about her job other than she works with men. I thought at first that it was working in a factory or something of the like but she always shakes her head when I ask that.”

The house was larger than he remembered.

He had been to his neighbours house perhaps once or twice in his lifetime. The previous owners were kind individuals and had welcomed him inside a few times. To say the interior looked different was an understatement, however, James hardly remembered much of anything besides the layout. The last time he was inside, he was a small boy.

"Ah, thank you," he spoke, offering a polite smile as he took off his hat. "I have to say, it's been a good while since I've seen this house." Attempting to be polite and strike up small talk, when he'd much rather be at home. What would they say at work knowing that he'd been invited to Caite's house along with her sister? Oh, he'd never hear the end of it. Clearing his throat, his eyes skimmed onto the pan he was holding. "I must apologize. I attempted to bake some English muffins, but I believe they're more burnt than anything. However, I did manage to collect these." Offering the bundle of white flowers along with the pan, he set them down on the first table he espied.

Gazing around, James stood awkwardly. There was a reason why he didn't do social events. He wasn't extroverted nor knew how to socialize well. So, rather, this was a large pain for him. Glancing at Elizabeth, he paused. "Huh?" He uttered, noticing she had said something. "Oh, my coat! Yes, thank you." Taking off his coat, he gently handed it to her. "My hat as well, if you don't mind." Offering her the hat as well, James was practically stiff to the bone. "It's not everyday I agree to come to dinners, as you can tell from my food.. Well, whatever edible part left."

Only remembering his manners at that moment, James turned to Elizabeth. "I had forgotten to mention that you look lovely." Well, that didn't sound very good. Eager to change the subject due to his awkwardness, his eyes landed upon a piano, his mood brightening. "Do you play?" James knew little about the piano, only a single song. His mother used to play when he was a child, and she had taught him a song. However, that was before she had gotten ill.

His curiosity fell short when he heard somebody descending from the stairs. Turning towards them, James' face lit up with sudden amusement upon the look of Caite's face at the sight of him. "Good evening, Catherine." On second thought, he'd repeat everything all over again if he was able to see the look on Caite's face once more. It was almost payback for snaking her way into his case. Then again, he supposed that the events earlier was payback as well.. Oh well.

He had to admit, Caite looked rather intriguing. He wasn't used to seeing her dressed up, which was why his gaze lingered for a moment before turning back to Elizabeth. "It smells wonderful in here," he complimented, noticing the scent of food coming from the kitchen.

Pausing as she spoke, apologizing for Caite, he shook his head. "No need to apologize, and please, James is fine. Mr. Burton makes me feel as if I'm at work. As far as I'm concerned, we don't need any formalities." Offering another small smile, he pondered for a moment. "Water is fine with me, thank you." Good grief, he hadn't used this many manners in a long time. Regardless, he followed Elizabeth like a lost puppy, unsure of what to do with himself.

As he entered the kitchen, his eyes scanned the food. "This looks wonderful." He was grateful to see the food rather than his own biscuits. It was certainly an upgrade. Brushing off his top, he strode forwards, preparing to offer Elizabeth and Caite the chair. It was common etiquette to do such a thing, at least in today's society, but he was rather grateful that they had already sat down. He didn't want to seem overly professional.

Taking his own seat, he glanced at Caite before turning to Elizabeth. "Ah, yes, we do work together." He paused, turning towards Caite. Was there a reason she didn't speak of her job? He would think that she would be proud of it, so why was she so secretive. "We work in an office in the city as detectives. We solve cases, both common and difficult." Of course, he didn't mention that they were partners at the moment. That was a fact that he'd certainly like to forget. Out of all partners, he had a woman. While she was intelligent (he would give her that), it didn't look good on his part. While he had warmed up to the idea slightly, James still found himself frusterated with it.

"What do you do, Miss Elizabeth?"

♥Caiti♥

Every fiber in Caite's being was screaming. How dare her sister invite their neighbor over without giving her a warning. At least that way she wouldn't have wasted her time putting on a dress. Of course she had taken note of James's eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than normal but she brushed it of partly due to the events that had happened just yesterday.

She had finished with setting the rest of the meal down and poured everyone a glass of water before she sat down. She was just smoothing the napkin on her lap when he mentioned that they were detectives. Her gaze shot up to look between the two and she quickly chimed in before her sister could reply. "He means I am the receptionist for the dectives. You know how much they don't like women as police officers." If one watched closely, fear danced in the corner of her gaze as she spoke. Clearly her job was something that maybe was frowned upon by her family.

Elizabeth nodded but raised an eyebrow at her sister's sudden outburst and looked over at James folding her hands together on the table. "I do want to answer your question about the piano. Yes I do play and you should hear Catherine when she sings. It seems I have to beg her to sing while I play anymore." Her gaze softened before she continued. "I have done a little bit of everything but right now I am working as a house cleaner for the Hendersons. Lovely older couple that I think enjoy having someone around the age of their children to talk to."

She didn't say more before she said a quick prayer and began to serve the food to James first and then her sister. "So you are a dective. Isn't that a dangerous job? I can see why Catherine has been drawn to help even if it is just being a receptionist. But if our father found out she had a foot in one of the police stations, he would be riding down here in an instant to drag her back home. He is so protective over his youngest child."

Caite was doing her best to help her sister but keep her gaze away from looking at James when her sister spoke. Though when their father was mentioned, her foot firmly planted itself on Elizabeth's and the slightly older sister turned an icey glare to her younger sibling. "Sorry, I sometimes forget where to put my feet." The jovial tone of Caite seemed to quelsh her sister's fury at least for the moment and Caite looked over at James.

"Catherine can be a bit of a clutz especially when she gets angry. Sadly we have all tried our best to teach her how to control that tongue of hers but we weren't able to teach her how not to tumble over her own feet." Caite shook her head and hung it down as she took a bite feeling heat rise to her cheeks remembering what had happened between her and James due to her clumsiness.

It wasn't until Elizabeth's next question that had Caite staring with wide eyes and slack jawed in horror. "So James, are you seeing anyone or attended any single dances?" Elizabeth was not one to be shy when it came to asking if someone was taken or if they were single. The woman intent on finding herself and of course Caite a husband before the two would be spinsters and shunned by society.

"I apologize for my own bluntness. I just worry about poor Catherine never finding someone that will be able to tame her wildness. I think she has scared off more men with a single glare than she has attracted with a smile." All of the color was draining from Caite's face as her sister continued to speak to the point she almost looked as if she would feint. "Excuse me James and Elizabeth, but I feel like I need some fresh air." Before Elizabeth could even stop her, Caite had stood with a quick bow at the pair and then disappeared out the back door heading towards the horses. It was taking every bit of her being to not run towards her mount and wrap her arms around his neck only to bury her face and try to ignore the embarrassment her sister was currently doling out. Instead she stopped to lean on the fence watching the two happy horses grazing quietly.

Hidden behind a straight face was a smug smile radiating amusement. The man had found it entertaining to irk Caite. She had, after all, disrupted his reputation of working alone. He wasn't used to having a partner like the others within the firm, especially not one so.. feminine. One may call him petty, considering Caite had also solved a case of his within a few minutes upon entry. He had been working on that case for at least a week. He was so confident that he was on the right track until she waltzed in. Yes, his ego was hurt. Did he admit it aloud? Never.

Upon conversation, James found himself leaning in as Caite had denied being a detective. Instead, she spoke of being a.. receptionist? A flash of glee crossed his eyes at having discovered this little secret. So, Caite didn't like her sister knowing of her true job. Why? Was she ashamed? Did she wish for her sister's approval? Was she afraid of putting a bad name upon their family? James would have thought that she would be absolutely boasting about it, though it seemed as if he was wrong. Quite wrong indeed.

However, that look of mischief remained upon his own eyes as they danced around Caite. "I know one of your secrets," was what they seemed to say, a small grin forming upon his face which was quickly covered up with a cough, followed by a napkin beind dabbed around his lips. Clearing his throat, James nodded a singular time. "Yes, of course, my apologies. Catherine here works as our receptionist, filing and planning appointments and whatnot. She's quite useful." Leaning back in his chair, James did his best to sound convincing, including turning towards Caite. "Remind me, I do have that meeting with the Chief tomorrow at.. was it noon?" Furrowing his brows, he then turned to Elizabeth. "I really shouldn't be talking about business at the table, should I? As you may have noticed, I don't go out very often," he teased, all sense of mischief vanishing and now replaced with a form of humour.

As soon as his smile vanished, it returned, this time, wider. "Catherine, you can sing?" He chimed with interest. To a stranger, James would seem genuinely interested, but to those that knew him, they would know that he was merely teasing. "I'd love to hear your voice one day," he added on, smile widening before turning back to Elizabeth, rather hoping that his words had annoyed Caite. "My mother used to play. She was set on teaching me, but I was never good at music. Too uncoordinated and tone deaf," he said, waving his hand in a playful manner before he listened to Elizabeth's occupation.

"The Henderson's?" He asked, almost pondering. "I've spoken to them a few times. They're very kind." He concluded his words before blinking, bowing his head as Elizabeth delivered a prayer. It had been a long time since James had said Grace or any prayers before meals. He remembered his family was rather adamant about it, but that was a long time ago.

"Thank you," he mumbled as he was served, knowing enough not to eat until everybody had obtained their food. In the meantime, he was set upon answering Elizabeth's question about being a detective. "It can be dangerous, but it's more enthralling than anything else. It gives you a rush knowing that you're out there helping solve things and helping." His eyes moved onto Caite as he spoke, knowing she'd understand the feeling before turning back to the meal, his interest increasing as Elizabeth spoke of Caite.

Ah, so it was a family thing. That was why Caite had lied about what she did. "Do you have any other siblings?" James asked, not quite remembering if he knew or not. He was rather intelligent at solving things, but often, had a sloppy memory when it came to personal things. "What does your father do for a livi-" He paused, eyes glancing from sister to sister as Elizabeth's tone had suddenly gone icy. Had he missed something?

James quieted, listening to how Caite was being ridiculed. He glanced to her, noting her head hanging and cheeks reddening. His own flushed, having a hunch at what she was thinking about. However, he felt an odd feeling of.. Guilt when Caite was being spoken about. "I don't think it's such a bad thing," he began, coming to her defense now, "You should see how she is able to keep everybody in check at work. She's earned my respect, if that counts for anything." Did he fib at all? Perhaps slightly, but it felt odd for him not to defend Caite and sit there in silence.

He reached his hand out, taking a sip of water before coughing, hearing the sister's next question. "Well," he began, nearly spluttering, "No, well, I'm not.. I'm not seeing anybody at this moment. I don't really attend dances or socialization.. Work is busy." In truth, James had tried to find a good match, but he never grew interested in any women that he met besides one or two, and even then it didn't work out. He couldn't find a suitable conversation with any. Most spoke about occupations, families, and dowries. Putting himself out there only made him disappointed and exhausted, as if he had to create a fake identity. James wasn't the type that enjoyed fancy parties and balls. He enjoyed mellow things and adventures, not being thrown into a stuffy room and forced to converse with strangers.

The man quieted as he spoke, silencing once more as Elizabeth was speaking about Caite. He was prepared to speak, perhaps defend her once again, though before he had a chance to, Caite herself had beat him to it. He watched as she left, wondering if she should go after her or not. In the end, he decided to follow. "Perhaps I should check up on her?" He asked, glancing to the sister with curiosity. It was more of a rhetorical question, for within moments, he stood. "I fear I may have put her in an uncomfortable situation with my jokes and words," he added on. Another fib. In truth, James simply needed a valid excuse to follow.

Nodding to Elizabeth, he exited the house, glancing around for Caite until he spotted her near the fence, watching two horses. "I have two myself," he spoke, breaking the silence as he approached. "An appaloosa and Clydesdale." The appaloosa was one James often rode, while the larger Clydesdale was used for farm work. He leaned against the fence facing Caite, inviting himself to stand next to her.

"You alright?"

♥Caiti♥

Her eyes and thoughts followed the slow easy steps of the golden stallion who's head lifted with ears perked towards the pair when Caite suddenly squeaked with a jump. She wasn't expecting for someone let alone James follow her out and she offered a quick nod before speaking.

"I will be. With Elizabeth it is always the demeaning tone within her words for me. She has never approved of my love for men's pants and being alone." Caite slowly turned her attention to James with a tilt of her head. "I only own one right now. I used to have a lovely mare but the last winter was hard on her. I now only have the buckskin cross. The grey belongs to Elizabeth." She motioned towards the home where Elizabeth stood for a few moments in the back doorway with her arms folded watching the two before disappearing inside.

"Also in response to your question about if we have other siblings, yes we do. We have three older brothers. Our father is also still happily a farmer with Seamus and Ffion with their family living with him." Her eyes softened at the mention of her eldest brother and his family as she turned more to face James. Caite cared deeply for her three brothers and for the three little girls that called Seamus their father. Ffion had also welcomed Caite with open arms at the wedding and seemed almost to encourage the fire that burned within the younger female.

Of course while he wasn't being solely observed, the stallion slowly started to make his way towards the pair thinking the male human might have a treat for him though he would stop periodically to take a few bites of grass to appear as though he wasn't sneaking over. Caite's gaze moved towards the house looking for any signs of her sister before rolling her eyes as she looked away.

"Elizabeth has always been strict about what to wear to be ladylike and respectable. She did have to step into our mother's place but sometimes it seems as though she only focuses on the negative that I do, which to be honest I like to get her disgruntled as much as I can. I thought I was free from having to be watched by my family when I took the assignment down here...guess I was wrong."

Her hand gently bopped the dark black muzzle that was reaching out tentatively towards the sleeved elbow of the male which was pulled back with a snort. "No Grian. You have plenty of grass in this pasture." The stallion lowered his head as if he was doing a bow for an apology but stepped closer towards the female and nuzzled against her cheek.

"I am sorry for Grian. He likes treats and it is something I have been trying to work with him on but it was the only way he would even get close to me when I first bought him. Though I am surprised he chose to come to you. Most men he doesn't like." The stallion then licked the side of Caite's face to which she promptly pushed the equine's cheek away from her. Her nose scrunched as she wiped her sleeve across her cheek muttering slight curses in Gaelic to which the horse put his ears back as if horrified at her language.

Caite only shook her head trying not to laugh though she could feel the embarrassment rising in her cheeks once more. Of course Grian would do something like that in front of the man that has been nothing but trouble so far for her. The softer side of Caite was starting to show from behind the walls that had been built as she finally let herself laugh as Grian moved to stand beside/behind James almost like he was wanting the man to guard him.

Once Caite was able to pause her laughing she raised an eybrow towards James. "You could have stayed inside with Elizabeth and had warm food but instead you came out to see if I was alright...Are there feelings hidden behind your frumpiness?" It was supposed to be a teasing statement but genuine curiosity danced with each word as it fell from her lips. She offered her hand to him before looking towards her home.

"Shall we head back inside before my horse decides to lick my face once more and the food is too cold for any enjoyment?" The teasing tone filled her features but then darkened as she turned to head back towards the house.

"Thank you for coming out here James." The sentence almost too quiet to be heard unless one was close to her.