11
Snow’s Bliss
The being who had no right to read the letter now within his possession, nevertheless opened the folded square with great care, smoothed the creases and read the words he’d practically committed to memory in just a short few days. Proof that his idea pot wasn’t totally betwattled, eh?
Ward,
Your father has not worn this for ages. It no longer fits his podgy finger.
You need not fear the taint of his soul upon it, for I have cleansed it every way I could conceive before bringing it to you. It has been washed with water, with soap (two types), even with salt water. After praying over it, I laid it out along my window ledge during the day and let the sun burn any residual ill will and all hints of the man who wore this before you. (I left it on the ledge during two full moons as well, so the fairies could lend their aid, but let us not speak of that again, lest you think to commit me to Bedlam.)
No matter how many times he read it, that always managed to bring a rare and rusty chuckle to the surface.
As is beyond apparent, I have done everything I could think of to bring this symbol of our family back to the neutral state it should be in before you, my dear Ward, place it upon your finger and wear it with the respect and honor it deserves.
Your father and brothers may have done all they could to besmirch our family name, but I have no doubt you will find a way to return it to the prestige that is its right.
“Poor cuss.”
Phineas remarked upon the unknown fellow whose family Bible contained a wealth of worn pages but no discernible name of its owner. Smaller than many, likely meant for travel and not recording ancestors.
“Heavy weight she’s tasked you with, my unknown, one-handed friend, this fond mother of yours.”
How I wish I could recall mine.
He liked cats.
No matter how many times she acknowledged the truth of it, the realization warmed her down to her slippered toes.
They had arrived, as required, at the ballroom only to find a frolicking reel just underway. A shared look confirmed they were in accord—neither wishing to traipse upon the dance floor, scuttling others out of their way to claim their place.
When Lady Redford bustled over, Anne encouraged Ed to enjoy a private moment with his mother.
So here she stood, off to the side. hoping not to elicit Mama’s attention quite yet. Hoping no one else noticed her either, came to gabber and begged the next dance. For her spiraling thoughts would no doubt twist her feet and land her in a heap.
As if your reckless actions of a few days prior haven’t already done so!
He liked cats…
Surely you will accept him now?
A bracing breath inhaled the scents of fresh greenery and spiced wassail set out for the season, while she tried not to notice how many sprigs of mistletoe, bound and tied with ribbons, her sister had managed to procure.
If you don’t, he will no doubt pursue someone else. Must get an heir, that is his duty above all else now.
The thought of this man, her Mr. Edwards, Lord Redford, Ward…Ed, with another woman at his side pierced her heart like a dagger. Had she not acted the scold toward Amelia Fairfax if for no other reason than the pleasant young woman had dared to smile at him, to speak in favor of him?
“Merry Anne?” He’d returned!
Yet his unusually somber tone caused no little amount of angst. “Aye, Lord Redford?”
“I seem to have found myself in quite the quandary. Might I beg your counsel with regards on the best way to move beyond my currently mired state?”
“But of course.”
“You see, Miss Larchmont, I am confounded by a situation I find myself in.”
Dash it! He’d been speaking with his mother. What if, after the contretemps when he arrived, Lady Redford had taken a dislike—