Christmas Carols by Daisy Banks

Author:Daisy Banks [Banks, Daisy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Published: 2015-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

The icy surface below the snow made walking down the hill almost as bad as the journey up. Twice he skidded a distance, once he fell but as he thumped down on his rear the landing was softened by the thick layer of snow. He rose on hands and knees and gained his footing again. Blue moved forward with a loud whoofling sniff.

What a momentous day this one had proved to be so far. His qualms of speaking his mind to Alice had dissolved and her utter charm captured him. Her voice, her courage, and her sweetness raised hopes he’d scarce known lay within him. He wasn’t quite certain of her age but she certainly must be under forty, thirty perhaps, and widowed so long it would be permissible to court her. If she’d allow it.

He trudged on after Blue’s steady paces, hardly noticing the depth of snow biting so cold at his ankles, or his frozen fingers as he clutched the leash. Tomorrow he would take Alice for tea again, there would be time and the pavements would be cleared by then. While they had tea, he’d invite her to accompany him to an opera in the Birmingham Town Hall next week. He could send David to obtain an extra ticket for her. They’d need to travel by train together to attend the performance but surely such an outing would appeal to her. The delight of her company would improve the evening for him greatly.

In fact, the pleasure of her would improve any day or evening. Slow down, go carefully and thoughtfully. Only a month ago, she had scarce left her home but for church service. She has the right to look about her in peace. She may not wish for anything more than a polite friendship.

He sniffed, for the cold had made his nose run again.

Laughter echoed across the street and was cut off by the slam of a door. He must be by the Crown. Half an hour more would see him home. Snow fell again now, not the stinging sort, but feathery soft and fat flakes swept like…Not kisses, ridiculous thought. Snow is snow. Gentle and caressing it hit his cheeks and lips. I am becoming a romantic.

He brushed at his shoulders with one hand to stop his coat becoming damper than it already was.

Blue lead him onward toward home.

Stephen shivered but still took a slow pace, each step crunching as he trod. He’d be glad to reach the house, to take off the wet boots and his damp coat. But all these discomforts were well worth it for the reward of knowing Alice was safe and snug in her home. His anticipation of meeting her again tomorrow rose. Whatever the circumstances, he’d take a carriage if he must; he’d be at the church tomorrow morning ready to receive her as she arrived.

What if the snow continued? Alice may not be able to walk to the church. He swept at his shoulders again and said a small prayer the snow would turn to rain later in the night.

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