Love Begins In Winter

"What on earth is there to do here in a blizzard?" James mumbled to Sophia.

She sighed, "Not much. Drink?"

"No wonder she reacted like that." James said softly.

"If it eventually stops we can go outside but you'll get drenched to the bone." Sophia sighed.

"Isn't their anywhere out there that is warm but out of the house?" He grumbled. He was so pissed at his uncle in that moment.

Sophia shook her head, "Minus the barn. With all the snow it will be impossible to get to town. Aha it looks as though today, you'll be confined to doing no damage."

James snorted, "We shall see about that."

Sophia rolled her eyes, "One day lacking of self destructive behavior won't kill you. Indeed it'll do exactly the opposite."

He sighed, "Fiiiine. What do you have in mind?"

Sophia thought for a moment, "I was planning on baking.."

He looked at her incredulously, "Are you serious? You want me to bake?"

"It is not my job to entertain you, James." Sophia said, "But yes you're welcome to join me if you'd like."

"I'm sure that Matthew and Emma will also be helping. They see smitten." She told him.

"Fine." James eventually grumbled.

A few hours later, the two "couples" and Thomas were in the kitchen.

"You're awful at this." Sophie laughed as she tried to teach James how to kneed dough.

Matthew and Emma were in a corner talking softly. She was showing him how to prepare some dinner dish.

"This is too much work." James muttered, "This is what wives and cooks are for." She raised an eyebrow at him.

*&*

"Do you enjoy cooking?" Matthew asked.

"You are such a pig." She told him honestly.

*&*

Emma nodded, "Yes. It's rewarding."

James chuckled, "I merely speak my mind."

"Perhaps you should do less of it." Sophia mumbled.

*&*

Matthew nodded, "I can see that."

He loved how outspoken she was.

&^&

She giggled, "You know, if you get past your title, it is fun. After I realized that, I enjoyed and appreciated this better."

James smirked. "I think I'm charming you."

Sophia laughed, "You are ridiculous."

*&*

Matthew laughed, "Fun yes. However, I fear I'm not very good." He looked down at his sad excuse for a meal.

He winked at her.

&^&

Emma laughed, "Well, I guess I'll have to teach you better."

Sophia laughed, "Well you're certainly entertaining."

*&*

Matthew smiled, "Oh this mess is all my fault."

"Good. I try." He laughed.

&*&

Their eyes connected and they smiled at each other. He started to lean toward her. Thomas cleared his throat across the room. Matthew leaned back quickly and cleared his throat.

Thomas eyed both the men for a minute, he certainly did not bring them here to flirt with his sisters. His eyes narrowed then he shook his head and reminded himself they were of marrying age.

"I think we're in trouble.." James whispered with a chuckle, eye Thomas's glare.