Love Begins In Winter

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.

Emma smiled and whispered, "Meet me in the hidden sitting room tonight."

*(*

Sophia giggled, "That's Thomas for you."

Matthew's eyes widened and her nodded with a smile.

*&*

"Ah yes." James laughed, "We were warned to stay away from his cherished sisters."

She was determined to get that kiss tonight.

*&8

"I'm sure you were. Thomas loves us." She laughed.

Matthew looked at her for a moment and truly took in her beauty.

*&*

"I'm not very good at following directions." James smirked.

"I can see that!" Sophia said.

She'd turned her attention back to the food and was ignoring him. Thomas walked over and started helping his sister.

&^&

James shrugged, "I am sure you'll tell me if I overstep my boundaries."

"Enjoy their visit?" Thomas asked his sister.

*&*

"I certainly will." Sophia smiled kindly.

Emma shrugged, "I suppose." Matthew had left the room at this point.

&^&

He grinned, "Good."

"Something the matter?" Thomas asked.

*&*

"Care to brave the weather?" Sophia asked, "I need some fresh air."

"I like him a lot and you're going to ruin it." She said softly.

&*&

He nodded, "Let's just grab coats."

"I just want you to be happy." Thomas sighed, "Would you really consider him?"

*&*

The pair bundled up and stepped outside in the garden.

"Christ..." James mumbled when the cold hit him.

Emma looked at Thomas, "I don't know. I don't like any of the gentlemen mother has brought around. I like him."

*&*

"To be fair, I did warn you."

"Okay." Thomas nodded, "I will keep out of it."

*&*

"I know.." James muttered, "How on earth do you people live out here?"

Sophia rolled her eyes, "I prefer the city as well but it's not so bad."

She looked surprised, "What?"

&*

"What do you even do for fun?" He asked.

"I'll you two be." Thomas said, "I swear it."

*&*

Sophia sighed, "I get lost in making artwork most days. But when it's not horrendous out here I like being outdoors. You've come at the worst time possible, honestly. It's much nicer in the more mild months."

"Huh...well thank you."

*&8

"I can somewhat see the appeal." He admitted.