Love Begins In Winter

Emma put a sleeping gown on and sat by the window.

She noticed that Matthew had wondered outside for a bit of air.

*&*

Sophia stole a sip from her brother's scotch.

"Do you always drink scotch?" James raised an eyebrow.

"No. Are you always so uptight?" She countered.

She bit her lip in thought and then stood up. She grabbed a heavy cloak and pulled it on. She and her sister had been sneaking out of the house for ages so she knew exactly how to sneak past everyone who was still up.

)()

He laughed, "No I am not."

Matthew eyes widened slightly when he say the beautiful figure walking towards him.

*&*

Thomas laughed, "I know I really should be chaperoning Sophia but I am exhausted. James, I can trust you will mind yourself with my sister?" He rose from his seat.

"Course." James nodded.

"Excellent. Then I am off to sleep." Thomas said his good nights and walked upstairs.

"Why are you out in the cold, all alone?" She asked him as soon as she reached him. Matthew shrugged.

"Clearing my head." He said honestly. He couldn't think clearly around her.

&*&

James smiled, "He's a good man."

"And you?" He asked her.

*&*

"That he is." Sophia smiled, "And you James? Why ever did you leave London for the countryside?"

He chuckled a little, "Didn't have much of a choice. My uncle was quite mad at my behavior, banished me out here for the winter."

"I saw you." She replied honestly, "Are you not freezing?" He shrugged and she smiled slightly.

*&*

"What behavior would that be?" Sophie inquired.

"Are you?" He asked, beginning to take off his coat to give her.

*&*

"I fear you will think less of me." He winked. She gave him a look, "Just typical young man outlandish behavior. Too much drinking and gambling."

Sophia laughed slightly, "So now you're trapped in the middle of nowhere, where you can presumably do no harm."

She giggled, "I'm fine. Come, let's go to the kitchen. We won't be bothered there and it is warm."

*&*

"Exactly. I'm sure I can do plenty of damage though."

Matthew happily followed her. "Here.." She smiled. She handed him a warm cup of tea.

*&*

Sophia laughed, "Oh you can't be too awful."

"Why do you say that?" James smiled.

"My brother left me alone with you." She pointed out.

"Thank you." He said simply. He was a very quiet man.

Emma sighed, "You are so dreary."

&^&

He inclined his head slightly, "Very true,"

"I am sorry." He muttered, "I have a lot on my mind."

*&*

Sophia smiled, "Though he knows I am not a dumb girl. You're charms won't work on me, Mr. MacAvoy."

"You play so well." He complimented her. Emma smiled.

"Thanks. I love the piano. Mother often has me play for possible suitors. It's stupid. Who would possibly pick their future wife from a song?" Emma shrugged.

*&*
"A challenge!!" He said delightedly.

"You'd be surprised." He chuckled.

*&*

"Oh I've awakened a monster." She teased.

Emma smirked, "I suppose YOU would be one of those? Well, you wouldn't want me for a wife."

*&*

James laughed, "Aye."

"Oh I don't know about that." He smiled.

*&*

She smirked and stole a few sips from his scotch. "Good luck with that."

"I have a lot of unladylike moments. And I don't plan to change myself." She informed.

*&*

James grinned, "Just try and resist me."

"Means you have spark!" He smiled.

*&*

She drank more scotch then he took it away, "Enough for you miss!"

Emma nodded, "Something like that."

&^&

She rolled her eyes, "I can drink more than a man."

"I'd like to get to know you." Matthew laughed.


*&*

"I highly doubt that." James laughed.

Emma looked at him, "Does this mean you'll be here for a while?"

&^&

"Okay okay. I can hold my own though." She laughed.

"Until at least early April." He smiled, "That was the plan at least."

*&*

James laughed and cheersed his glass to her, "You are a fun girl."

Sophia smirked, "You're rather entertaining yourself."

Emma stood up abruptly, "I'm going to bed." She walked toward him, kissed his cheek and walked off. He watched her with a silent smile. She was odd. But he liked her.

7^&

James smirked, "You have NO idea."

"Bedtime I think." Sophia smiled and stood up.

"Bed..sounds excellent." James teased.

"Alone!" She laughed.

"You won't be alone. Emma will be with you." He pointed out, "And I am envious."