This is just a quick something to thank everyone in the Andith community for all the support, respect, and camaraderie that makes it so wonderful, and to wish you all a merry Christmas!
I have to thank Lady Tarlea for the original prompt, and for her friendship through thick and thin!
Sir Anthony and Lady Strallan were pacing around Dury's, the biggest department store in York. Christmas shopping. On the twenty-third of December.
They were both very organised people. When they had married, they were delighted to discover that they were of one mind concerning family events: there were master plans and lists, tasks were allocated to named people with deadlines, and everyone around them was, metaphorIcally speaking, bashed over the head with organisation until they succumbed.
But this year was different. Edith was running a publishing house now, realising a long-held dream, with Anthony's backing. She really needed a secretary or a personal assistant to be as efficient as she liked to be.
For Anthony things were different. He still relied on his loyal valet and gentleman's gentleman, Stewart, and yet in the last few months, even Stewart had forgotten a few of Anthony's lesser dates and engagements until the last minute. It felt like chaos was catching.
But they were getting the Christmas shopping done now. They had chosen gifts for Edith's family...a not inconsiderable achievement, and now they were discussing the suitability of some silver cuff links for Anthony's nephew.
"He just doesn't strike me as a cuff links sort of young man. Perhaps when he's graduated" said Anthony.
"You know him better than I do, of course, but how about a new pair of driving gloves?"
"That's perfect! He's so keen on that new motor. Well chosen. Is that everything?"
"Everybody except Stewart and the staff" Edith answered, looking at the detailed list she held.
"Why don't you choose some nice, sweet bracelets for the maids and kitchen staff, and I'll see what might be good for Stewart?"
"If we can have tea and sit down afterwards, that's a deal. I'm exhausted."
Over tea in a nearby restaurant, Edith showed Anthony the bracelets she had chosen. They were had cost enough to make sure they meant something, though not so expensive that the staff would be embarrassed.
"They are perfect, my darling. You had such good taste" Anthony said appreciatively.
"What have you chosen for Stewart?" Edith asked, sipping her tea.
"Well, that's the problem, really. I couldn't find anything that I felt was right. And anyway, he's been so distracted recently, that I find myself quite concerned about him, and yet annoyed at the same time."
"He's just going through a bad patch, that's all. Lord knows, he's seen you through enough of the rough."
"Very true. Perhaps I'll go back to those cuff links."
After dinner they began to wrap up their purchases whilst drinking their coffee. They were finally beginning to feel relaxed and festive, now everything was done. Packages were decorated, with Edith doing most of the work and Anthony providing a spare hand to help with tying bows. This led to some mild flirtation; Anthony was about to propose an early night when Stewart asked for a moment of their time.
"Yes, what is it Stewart?" Anthony didn't mean to be brief, but he was distracted by some tissue paper that had slipped down his wife's décolletage.
"I'm sorry to give you this now, Sir, but I felt it really needed to be done as soon as possible." Stewart held out an envelope. Edith noticed his eyes glistening.
"Thank you, Stewart, and a very merry Christmas to you too. In fact, I have a small mark of my appreciation hereabouts…" Anthony looked around for the gift.
"I'm sorry, Sir Anthony, but this isn't a Christmas card."
"What is it then?"
"It's my notice, Sir."
Dun dun duun! There will be more before the New Year.