It was not with some small disappointment that Robert watched bess head off out of sight and into the kitchens. He hadn't counted on the innkeeper being her father. It had been too many years since he had been in the countryside, ten at the least, but his first to actually visit the inn. Why bother when his own house was a just a goodly walk up the lane? While the men seemed not to hold his interest in the young woman against him, Robert still wanted to make a good showing of it.

"Robert Vaugh," he graciously answered the barman, "I have but recently returned to Grenmere Hall, it being in my family for several years. I find myself in need of relaxation and rest after my many travels and have decided to restore the manor to its former glory."

He shot a quick eye to Hammish before looking back Bess' father with a genuine smile. He raised his voice just enough to carry across the room to the one handed youth. "In fact, I am still in need of stout young men! The gardens and ground needs much tending, and if not that there is a plenty of labor and coin for those with a willing hand. They'll find me a fair master. I know a soldier's sins, God save me, have committed a few of them myself. Those without much more to lose would do well by me, especially those of strong constitution and brave countenance. The King, long may he reign, might give a man a handful of shillings for those who kiss the book. I would give a good crown to he who swears service to me. So an you know such a willing young man in need of work, send you him to me at my manor, and I'll see to his needs."

The beer was surprisingly good, bitter and dark stout that was far better than the German lagers he'd grown used to back in New York. The rum was... less so. No doubt watered so as to make it last, cut with spring water and bolstered by cider to hide the fact. He didn't hold it against the innkeeper, though. The taxes upon rum were outrageous, and had Robert been in command of a Navy ship instead of horses he would have done well to enter some small smuggling himself. As it was, however, he could scarcely complain as to his lot in life.

As late afternoon settled into early evening and more men entered the bar after their daily duties, it became clear to Vaughn he would not have a chance to get Bess to himself again that day. Her father kept the girl busy, most often at the other side of the room and away from his table. While this did not keep him from giving her amenable glances and smiles, his knees ached to have her upon it. He had to have her. He would have her! It would just be a matter of time and patience, a well planned campaign to mount his attacking guns against her and breech her breastworks! Oh, but for the damnable chaos of the battlefield that threw her father between them! Like any obstacle in war, Robert would find a way either through it or around it.

Clear that his first attempt would be for naught, Robert prepared to leave some four hours after the fact, paying what was owed and bidding the man to keep any change in thanks for such a brew as he'd not had in many a year. Stepping out into the evening air, the stars floating overhead and the moon just beginning its pale rise agains the darkening sky, Robert Vaughn began a thoughtful walk homeward.