Winter came quickly to Locksley. It seemed that only days had passed since the trip to London, in reality it was already December 1st. Snow covered everything, it was a truly beautiful sight. Picturesque even. Mrs. Maisie had taken to making a variety of ginger themed desserts. Agatha was brimming with excitement, a mood that grew as each day passed, bringing us closer to Christmas.
When lessons were finished for the day we would find Anthony and pass the hours before dinner with him. On days when Agatha felt like playing alone Anthony and I would still spend the day together. We still hadn't ventured past a peck on the cheek, but his company was certainly enough to keep me happy until he felt comfortable to pursue our… whatever this was.
I knew for certain that I was in love with him. And as far as I could tell he felt something for me. Problem was his shyness… and my own for that matter. Although I found Kathryn's encouragement rather comforting, eventually I knew we'd both come around.
"You're very deep in thought." Anthony observed, shaking me from my thoughts. I smiled, turning from the window and moving to lean against the edge of his desk, inches away from where he sat.
"Just admiring the winter weather."
"A fan of the snow, Edith?" He smiled, leaning back in his chair to focus on me. He had since dropped the 'miss,' provided I dropped 'sir' when we were alone.
"I suppose I am. Though I do prefer fall over all."
"As do I."
"The colors are best then."
"Agreed. Oh, I've had a letter from Kathryn. She'll be arriving the week before Christmas."
"Wonderful. I've grown rather fond of her company."
"Quite the switch from that first meeting. You looked nervous enough to faint." He teased, standing to look out of the same landscape I was previously admiring.
"You noticed that?" I asked in surprise. He turned back to face me, moving a bit closer.
"When you're in the room you are all I notice." His tone was low, whispering the surprising confession as he took my hands in his.
"Really?" I squeaked with a flush rising to my face.
"Really. I haven't… I haven't embarrassed you, have I?" He questioned nervously.
"No. Not at all. Just surprised."
"You know, I never understood Mr. Rochester before. But now… you've bewitched me, Edith."
"I could say the same of you, Anthony." I replied quietly, moving one hand to cup his cheek. "Will you kiss me?"
My boldness shocked both of us. For a moment it seemed as though he might move away, that I broke the mood. Instead his head tilted and hesitantly moved towards me.
"Would you like me to?"
"Desperately." I breathed.
His mouth was mere inches from mine when:
"Papa! May I come in?" Agatha called from the door. Stifling a groan, he moved back a respectable distance, sadly severing the connection of our hands.
"Come in, Aggie." He called. I moved to the window seat, watching the man who was just nearly my first kiss.
"I knocked and knocked and no one answered." The girl explained, coming into the room, coat in hand. "Miss Edith, may we go for a walk, please?"
I looked to Anthony who shrugged good-naturedly. His daughter was a bit odd but we both preferred her that way.
"Yes. A short walk. And you must bundle up this time."
"Thank you, Miss Edith! Papa, will you join us?"
"Not today, sweetheart. I've some paperwork to see to still. But I will be sure that two mugs of hot cocoa are ready on your return."
Agatha was delighted as she ran off to layer her warm clothes. I stood, lingering near Anthony's desk.
"We'll… will we finish our… conversation later?" I asked nervously.
"Count on it." He reassured me with a crooked smile.
"Fifteen minutes and we'll be back."
"I look forward to it."
"As do I, Mr. Rochester." I teased, moving to leave the room.
"Do be careful, Miss Eyre." He called after me.
Agatha was ready and waiting by the door when I arrived, pulling on my own heavy, wool jacket, then my gloves and scarf.
We walked in silence for a few paces before Agatha felt compelled to fill it with conversation.
"Aunt Kathryn says that you and papa are infatuated with each other." She began as we walked down the snowy path.
"Is that so?" I asked passively.
"Yes. Is she correct?"
"You're father and I have a great regard for each other."
"I hope you fall in love." She grinned before hurrying on.
"Where are you rushing off to, Agatha?" I called, trying to keep up with her.
"One of the farmers who came to visit papa said that there was a beautiful house that way." She pointed in the direction of Downton. "Said it looked like a snow palace and was not to be missed."
No. This would be too much of a risk.
"Agatha, it's much too far for today. Let's head back and we'll try another time." I tried to coax her.
"Must we?"
"Yes. I told your father we would only be a few minutes."
Agatha finally halted her run.
"All right." She agreed, turning to walk back.
With her first step I could hear the echoing crack. Glancing around I realized where we were, what was beneath our feet. Judging by the location of the tree that housed Agatha's fort we were only a few steps out on the frozen pond, I was a bit further out than Agatha.
She was frozen in fear, her downward gaze shifting from her feet to me.
"Miss Edith?"
"You'll be fine, Aggie." I immediately assured her. "Look at me, sweetheart, you'll be fine. We're not too far from land. I want you to move slowly and carefully towards your tree, understand?"
She nodded nervously.
"You can do this, Aggie. Just move carefully."
She slowly began to inch towards the solid surface, holding her arms out to keep her balance. When she was a step away her foot slipped from beneath her, propelling her body forward into the snow. Her feet raised slightly before falling hard against the nice, shattering the fractured surface into a full break.
The last thing I saw before falling into the icy water was Agatha's horrified expression. He desperate screams ringing in my ears.
I tried to keep float, tried not to succumb to the freezing waters. I vaguely heard Agatha scream that she would get help. Trying not to panic I moved towards the land, throwing my arms out ahead of me, feeling for something solid. It felt like a lifetime passed. My body shook violently, I could just imagine the bluish hue my skin was taking on. Finally I felt snow, moving my fingers through the white substance until I felt the grass below.
With my last ounce of strength I pulled myself out of the water, curling on my side in search of warmth. When my eyes opened again I felt as though I was dreaming.
"Anthony?" I managed weakly, not sure if he was truly standing over me or if I was drifting closer towards the cold.
I felt strong arms around me, lifting me from the ground.
"Stay with me, Edith. Stay with me, dear." I thought I heard as my eyes drifted shut and I lost consciousness.
Why was it suddenly warm?
