Just a little intro to a story that's been rattling around in my brain. I own nothing but my OC.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX
1918
That second morning in December dawned frigid and murky. Clouds masked the normally cheerful sun over Devonshire and rain fell heavily as Rosaline Narracott made her way to the barn. Every drop that met with skin was like a tiny needle. The pain sharp but fleeting. She caught the distinct jingling of Joey's tack as she entered through the side door ringing the damp from her charcoal tresses. "Only a cousin of mine would be fool enough to journey out in a storm like this" Rosaline thought shaking her head. "I swear he loves that horse as much as any man would love a woman." Albert stood alongside the red bay stallion gently stroking the animal's back. He glanced up as he heard her footsteps and she was pleased to note that the damage around his eyes appeared to be healing nicely.
"Saline, what are you doin'? You'll catch yer death out there," he said taking in her sodden condition. Even though she was older than him by eight years Albert had always taken on the roll of a big brother of sorts. Rosaline was thankful that the war had not changed that in the least.
"Must you call me that Albert?" She had never been able to understand why people insisted upon hacking off part of her name. "As for catching my death I could say the same to you. Why on Earth are you out here when the whole of Devon is flooding?" Coming to stand beside him she relished the warmth afforded by being so close to Joey.
Albert grinned sheepishly at her before answering quietly " I didn't want 'im to be afraid. 'E's out 'ere all alone you know"
"Of course, I should have known but we have to get to the house" Rosaline chided lightly. "Aunt Rose said she'd have both our heads if I didn't drag you inside. Now go make sure loft doors are closed tight and we'll be on our way." She took Albert's place and continued to soothe Joey as the boy made his way up the barn ladder. "Silly lad thinking a big war horse like you would be frightened of a wee storm."
All of a sudden Albert began shouting down from the loft "Saline, someone is comin' up the road!"
"Has everyone in Devon taken leave of their senses today?" Rushing to the main doors she fought with the howling wind until she pried one of them open. Peering out into the tempest she saw that there was indeed what looked to be a young man in a ragged soldier's uniform. He struggled through the muck leaning heavily on cane as he tried desperately to keep hold of suitcase with the same arm.
"We should 'elp 'im" Albert said making his way over to her.
"We don't even know who he is."
"Mum always said to be careful to entertain strangers…" he recited.
"For by doing so men have entertained angels unawares." Rosaline finished. "She's my aunt as well as your mum remember?" Just as the last word left her lips the young man's legs seemed to give way beneath him and he tumbled to the ground. "He better be an angel," she murmured grabbing Albert's hand as she pulled them both out the door and towards their unlucky visitor.
Squinting in an attempt to see through the onslaught of rain the two Narracotts made their way cautiously through the yard. "Captain Nicholls!" Albert exclaimed as they neared the fallen soldier. "You weren't to be 'ere 'til next week!"
In spite of being covered from head to toe in mud the young man laughed. "I decided to leave Eton a bit earlier than planned" he said taking the shoulder that Albert offered and getting unsteadily to his feet. "It appears that my judgment may have been flawed."
"I'm glad to find that the two of you are acquainted but perhaps we could continue this conversation in more hospitable surroundings." Rosaline announced ostensibly startling the two men. "Take my shoulder too Captain Nicholls and we'll get you to the barn. It's closer than the house and you look in no shape to walk."