[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=39b54a]William Fraser[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]https://bookesther.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/john-thornton-smile-gif.gif?w=500[/img][/center][hr][hr][center][color=39b54a][b]Location:[/b][/color] [b]Kirkpatrick House[/b]
[color=39b54a][b]Skills:[/b][/color] N/A [/center][hr]

	William was glad of the distraction as footsteps approached. The kitchen had quickly been becoming far too dreary a place, and all of the grief was starting to make William's skin itch. Grieving had always seemed like a weakness to William, not something that he had ever suffered from. If nothing else, it had robbed him of his appetite. Not least because he could imagine the disapproving looks from the servants if he started tucking into some cold meats while they were still reeling from the deaths of their friends. No, for now he would forgo the tray that had been prepared for him, instead turning towards the doorway expectantly, hoping that whoever came through the door might alleviate the mood somewhat. 

	No such luck. At least the butler's message suggested that the grieving would be alleviated, at least in the immediate vicinity. He was sure if he had known the two men, then William could regret their deaths, but he had never known the men in life. The only experience he had ever had with them was dragging their bloody carcasses off the roof of a carriage, and that could hardly be considered a bonding experience. He wasn't cold-hearted, or at least he didn't think that he was, so maybe he was being harsh on these people and their suffering. Lady Kirkpatrick certainly seemed to have anticipated the impact that their deaths would cause if she was willing to give her staff the rest of the day off. Compassionate was not one of the qualities that he had heard mentioned regarding Lady Kirkpatrick, but compassionate she certainly appeared to be. The woman was certainly full of surprises. 

	The butler trailed off, and silence descended over the room again. William glanced down at the untouched tray before him, and frowned slightly at the waste before rising to his feet, and glancing across at the cook. 

	[color=39b54a][b]"Thank you for your hospitality, ma'am, but I do not want to intrude any longer than I already have."[/b][/color]

	William half-turned away from the table, back towards the door of the kitchen, before hesitating. A pang of hunger hit him, and he decided that perhaps he could weather the disapproving glances. He glanced down the tray sitting in front of him, looking at it properly for the first time. Feeling a second pang of hunger, William carefully picked up the bread and slice of ham sitting there. Looking across at the cook again, William smiled slightly. 

	[color=39b54a][b]"Thank you again, ma'am."[/b][/color]

	William glanced at the driver for a moment, hoping the man would follow, before turning to leave the kitchen.