Til The Shadows Veil Their Sighs

by GreenNGold19

He survived the Great War but Captain James Nicholls has little to come home to. In an attempt to find purpose again he visits the young man whose horse he rode into battle nearly four years ago. Will his search end at the Narracott farm or will the captain be forced to look elsewhere? AU. Movie-based.

4. Chapter 4

A HUGE thank you to everyone left reviews/ favorite/followed the story: Karafil, DarkestInk, Elianna1031, Pengellyn, FutureRockstarBrisa, MarsKilljoy, Katy-The-Platypus, Shesal, midnightblue93, Massacare Girl Tasha, ponzi382. I apologize for the delay in posting but this semester was absolutely packed and I had no time to write. Also apologies for the short chapter…this was a way to shake a bit of the cobwebs loose from the creative side of my brain. Hope everyone enjoys this chapter!

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I have always a sacred veneration for anyone I observe to be a little out of repair in his person, as supposing him either a poet or a philosopher. ~Jonathan Swift

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"Aunt Rose" Rosaline exclaimed taken aback by the older woman's declaration. "Of all the things to say!" Her aunt merely chuckled at the color that was rising in her cheeks.

"My dear, there is nothin' wrong with appreciatin' one of God's fine works" Rose said gathering the cutlery and placing beside each bowl.

Rosaline sent up a silent prayer of thanks when she heard the two men come clamoring down the staircase. "Thank the Lord for small favors. I value my aunt's opinion but some things are better left unsaid." Catching sight of Nicholls as he trailed behind Albert she had to admit that some of her aunt's word were not entirely an exaggeration. His cerulean eyes appeared to all but glow when set against the crisp white shirt he now wore. "I swear I've never seen a man with eyes as such." As if reading her thoughts the young captain meet her gaze and flashed her a quick smile.

"I apologize for the noise ladies," he said as they made their way to the table. "It looks delicious Mrs. Narracott. Thank you again for your hospitality."

"No need t' thank me Captain. Meals are meant t' be eaten" Rose made to pull out her chair but was pleasantly surprised when Albert mimicked Nicholls earlier actions by doing it for her.

"A lady shouldn't 'ave to pull out 'er own chair" he proclaimed giving his mother a smile to rival her own.

"Well aren't we the gentleman?" she said lowering herself as gracefully as she could into the seat.

Rosaline giggled softly at her cousin's well-mannered display. "I suppose this is yer influence at work?" she questioned James as he showed her the same courtesy.

"I dearly hope so," he muttered beside her ear seemingly elated with Albert's behavior.

She was barely able to discern his words due to the sudden shiver that traveled down her spine at his nearness.