Seasons
Part of my 10_quotes Mary/Bert series. Inspired by kateqp's "Mary Poppins" fanfic "The Turn of the Seasons". This story uses the lyrics from "If Ever I Would Leave You", from the musical Camelot.
Her eyes sparkled like sapphires no matter what the season and he knew he could never leave her – not that he wanted to. His heart was lost to her – his wife – forever.
If ever I would leave you
It wouldn't be in summer.
Seeing you in summer I never would go.
Your hair streaked with sun-light,
Your lips red as flame,
Your face with a lustre
that puts gold to shame!
During the summer he believed it was then she was at her most beautiful. She let her dark brown hair tumble down her back, the curls infused with a deep golden light, making the chocolate strands glow. Her lips, bright red without the aid of cosmetics, were often curved into a pleased smile. Her face was radiant, the sunbeams gently caressing her features. Even the shine of gold sovereigns could not compare.
But if I'd ever leave you,
It couldn't be in autumn.
How I'd leave in autumn I never will know.
I've seen how you sparkle
When fall nips the air.
But then autumn came, and in autumn he believed she was at her finest. Roses high in her cheeks, her hair pinned up once more, revealing the soft curve of her neck, the white, white skin contrasting against the dark brown of her hair. Her delicate hands fluttered like doves against a background of changing leaves.
And could I leave you
running merrily through the snow?
Or on a wintry evening
when you catch the fire's glow?
Next was winter, and she radiated beauty and happiness. She loved the snow, allowing her childish side to slip past her practically perfect façade, and spent hours upon hours frolicking in the banks of snow. The evenings they spent sitting in front of the warm light of their parlour fire. Her hair, when they were at home, was pulled back into a simple braid, the locks seeming red in the light of the flame. Her features, even the nose that she so despised, were soft in those evenings they curled up in front of the fire.
If ever I would leave you,
How could it be in spring-time?
Knowing how in spring I'm bewitched by you so?
Oh, no! not in spring-time!
Summer, winter or fall!
No, never could I leave you at all!
And finally spring, the world emerging from its deep winter sleep. As the pale green buds sprouted from the ground, her vitality also was renewed. And in spring, that one glorious spring ten years after they were married, their baby was growing within her. Finally, after loving each other for twelve years and being separated for nearly seven years (two before their marriage and five during their life together), their love had a physical form – their baby.