A/N: This is an Edith/Sir Anthony story, set after the Christmas Special. I developed it from one of the drabbles I published earlier. What do you think?
Future Prospects
The day had started full of sunshine. The blue sky and the cold, but clear air tempted Edith to slip out of the house unwatched. It was the perfect day for a long walk; perfect to clear the head and to get some fresh air.
Edith decided to walk to the old churchyard near the village. It usually was a deserted spot and due to freezing weather people might stay at warm homes. She enjoyed the loneliness and the perfect views. The landscape seemed to widen because of its white colour. The trees looked ghostly. Every sign of life seemed to be hidden.
The young woman was so fascinated by the surroundings that she nearly overlooked the man who suddenly appeared in front of her.
"Sir Anthony" Edith greeted him surprised.
"Lady Edith…" His surprise wasn't any less. "Good morning! How are you?"
"I'm well. Thank you!" She sent a smile towards to him.
"This is a lovely morning, isn't it?" he continued their formal conversation.
Her eyes wandered over the white covered landscape. The snow lay on everything like a gleaming bed sheet.
She smiled at him again. "Lovely, indeed."
"I've heard your sister is going to marry." He tried to avoid an upcoming silence.
"Yes, she will" Edith answered. Yes, Mary was going to marry – and she would become the maiden aunt. There had been a time, when her prospects were more shining. It seemed to be ages ago. Back then, before the war, there had been the possibility that she would become the wife of the man in front of her.
Edith fought the angry expression on her face.
"Yes", she started again. "Cousin Matthew proposed on New Year's Eve. We're all glad that he and Mary are a happy couple now."
"So, your home has to be an eventful place at the moment." Sir Anthony suggested. "All these wedding preparations will keep a lot of people busy."
Edith laughed slightly. "Yes, indeed. They not even set a date, but Mama and Granny are already discussing the choice of dresses and decorations."
"I'm sure, whatever they will choose as bridesmaid dress you will look splendid in it." Sir Anthony's voice had an effusive undertone.
I would rather prefer to wear a potato sack at Mary's wedding, Edith thought sourly. How splendid would she look in a bride's gown...
Aloud she confessed: "I'm running away a bit today. Everyone is so busy. Everyone chatters. A walk alone through the snow would do me good, I thought."
"So, I better say goodbye then." Sir Anthony bowed lightly. "I don't want to disturb you, Lady Edith."
"No!"
"No?"
"I mean..." Edith stammered. "I'm sure we'll find other issues than the wedding to discuss. It's only the wedding talk I'm escaping from."
"Fine" he answered. "Where are we going to?"
"The old churchyard?"
"Very well." He offered his arm and Edith accepted. They walked together silently and enjoyed the crisp snow, the fresh air as well as the company of the other.
TBC
