Chapter One #2
I took to my feet. “With such short notice, I can only hope that is possible. I’ll call on her right now and see what she has to say on the matter.”
“Tell her we really want her to come,” Rose pleaded.
I agreed to do just that and headed for the front door. Of course Jarvis was there to open it for me. “Would you like me or your maid to accompany you, madam?”
“I’m only stopping next door for a few minutes, Jarvis.
There’s no need.” I didn’t even bother with a hat or coat as I skipped down the stairs and took the few steps to my aunt’s door.
It was still lovely outside. I would never understand the attraction of snow, but then I’d had enough of it when I lived in New York.
That thought brought some images to mind, and I had to admit that a blanket of snow made anyplace magical for a short time, while it sparkled quietly under the sun or even in the moonlight.
But the effect lasted for a day at most. Once people began to go out and about again, the fluffy white stuff turned to slush, and the streets to mud.
I applied the knocker, surrounded by a festive wreath, to Hetty’s door and allowed my thoughts to drift back farther in time.
Back to Ohio, where I grew up. My brother, Alonzo, and I would play in the snow all day if Mother let us.
I smiled at the memory. I suppose I could understand the attraction, after all.
The door was opened by my aunt herself. “Frances,” she said, gesturing for me to come in. “Your timing couldn’t be better. I was just on my way to call on you.”
She drew me into the drawing room, where we settled into the sofa.
Hetty was my father’s younger sister, and she had many of his traits—a mass of dark hair, deep brown eyes—and while she wasn’t quite as tall as me, she definitely had stature.
She was just past her fiftieth year. Strands of gray were beginning to show in her hair, and faint lines framed her eyes. They deepened as she smiled.
“To what do I owe this pleasure?” she asked.
“I’ve come to discuss our plans for the Christmas season.”
Hetty clapped her hands together. “I’m quite excited for it this year. I believe I have the perfect gifts for the trio. Were you able to secure tickets for the carols at Albert Hall?”
“I was, but now there’s a chance we won’t use them.” I sighed. “George and the trio want to accept Fiona’s invitation to Hadley Grange.”
Hetty frowned. “They wish to spend Christmas in Norfolk? When it is warm, sunny, and dry right here?”
“I tried to explain that to everyone, but for the girls, the Norfolk weather is part of the attraction,” I said. “They would like to have snow for Christmas.”
“Are those plans fixed, then? You mentioned there was a ‘chance’ you wouldn’t use the tickets.”
I waved a hand. “That was self-deception. We are certainly going, that is, if you will come with us. It would not be the same without you.”
“Dear me, Christmas won’t be the same without all of you, either, but there is the problem of Gilliam.”
“He is more than welcome to join us,” I was quick to assure her.
“Thank you, but that is unlikely. He has holiday programs right up to Christmas Day.”
Gilliam owned a theater and produced plays. I had forgotten how popular Christmas pantomimes were and that he would be working at this time. “Is it possible for Gilliam to join us on Christmas Day? Hadley Grange is not so far away by train. Do the two of you have plans prior to Christmas?”
Hetty rested a knuckle against her lips and seemed to ponder much more than the question warranted, in my opinion.
I watched her silently until her gaze met mine, and with a start, she collected herself.
“Apologies, Frances. I’ve been having some concerns about Gilliam lately, and I wonder if inviting him for a family holiday would be wise. ”
“Concerns?” I echoed. “Do you mean for his health? Has he been unwell?” Gilliam was ten years younger than my aunt and had appeared quite fit the last time I saw him.
“No, nothing like that.” She looked flustered, her hands fluttering around her.
“It’s silly, really. Please forget I mentioned it.
I gratefully accept your invitation and shall extend one to Gilliam, asking him to join us on Christmas Day.
” Her hands finally settled in her lap. “It’s a fine idea, now that I’ve thought it through.
A fine idea indeed. When do you plan to leave? ”
“We have yet to consult the train schedule, but I believe we are prepared to leave tomorrow. Can you be organized that quickly?”
“Of course. Let me know the time, and I shall be ready and waiting.”
Her smile had me rather disconcerted, and I longed to ask her to elaborate on her concerns about Gilliam.
If his health wasn’t the issue, what was?
He had brought such happiness to my aunt’s life.
I hated to think that something might put an end to their relationship.
But Hetty was a grown woman, not one of the trio.
She knew how to handle her own affairs. In addition, she had the right to privacy.
She had asked me to forget she mentioned anything, and I would endeavor to do just that.
At least for the time being. Perhaps over a quiet family Christmas she’d be more inclined to confide in me.