Albert breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he got back to the villa, having left Candy behind at the mausoleum to be back with Annie and Archie later. How draining the whole affair was, the viewing and funeral had been difficult and the burial even more so. It was over now. Much of the distant Ardlay acquaintances and distant relatives were able to come to the funeral at such short notice even though Aunt Elroy has never been a particular favorite because of her demeanor.

The weather had suddenly become biting cold and it looks like snow is in the offing for Christmas. It's Christmas Eve tomorrow, if only Rosemary was still alive…if only.

Ah, there were a lot more families suffering from deaths and loss, this war had made sure of that. A German-Russian armistice has been signed and a peace negotiation at Brest Litovsk has been initiated, but nothing has been definite. It will be a sad Christmas this year for many more families.

Albert swept his eyes on the red and green decorations in the villa, thinking how quiet it will be here tomorrow. The Aunt planned to spend Christmas dinner here with the Leagans, and even now Eliza was at still at the hospital. He remembered clashing with Sarah today after the latter tried to push him to quell the storm of uproar in the media because of Eliza's actions. The media trash press as expected had their field day, and for once, Albert was glad for them in giving Eliza her just deserts.

"Goodbye, Annie, Archie!" Candy waved to both her friends as she went up the steps of the villa, the two friends promised to see each other at Pony's home on Christmas Eve the next day, as Patty had already went ahead at Miss Pony's request. As soon as she came in, Candy asked Dorothy if there were any messages for her but the latter answered in the negative. Feeling dejected, she went to the kitchen and saw Albert half asleep slumped down on the small dining table.

"I have no news from Terry yet…" she began as Albert smiled at her wanly.

"Perhaps he's been delayed, holiday traffic, you know? I'm sure you'll hear something soon." All is fair in love and war, but Albert, noble man that he is, didn't plant any doubt into Candy's mind which he would have done had he been a lesser man.

"You're coming with us to Pony's home tomorrow, Albert?"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss Christmas at Pony's home for the world, I know there's a death in the family, but we can still have a quiet celebration, it is our Lord's birthday, you know." he said.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." 4 Candy quoted.

Candy clasped Albert's hands in hers as a soft, quiet peace settled between them despite the turmoil of the events that day.

4 Luke 2:8-12