Richard and Audrey were sitting alone in the front pew of the church waiting for the rector to appear. They were supposed to meet him 10 minutes ago to discuss the details for the nativity scene they were providing this year.

Audrey checked her watch again "Honestly the nerve of the man he lectures us about being on time and then he's late."

Richard walked over to the piano in the corner, sitting down he tapped a few keys before he started playing a tune on it. Audrey was shocked she didn't know he could play. He was good to, she recognised the song he was playing as O Holy Night.

She came and stood behind him putting her hands on his shoulders as he continued to play "Darling I didn't know you could play the piano."

"I haven't played in years. I taught myself when I was younger but then my business took off and I just stopped, I forgot how much I enjoy it" he said smiling as he played

"You play beautifully darling you should do it more often."

"I dont think the rector would appreciate me being in here playing all the time" Richard joked

At that moment Audrey knew exactly what to get him for Christmas. A Grand Piano, they could put it in the great hall and he could play whenever he wanted. Pleased with herself she made a mental note to talk to Brabinger tomorrow about her plan.

The rector was another 10 minutes late but audrey found she didn't mind content to listen to richard play. It was dark by the time they had finished their meeting, putting there coats on they started walking back to the manor.

They strolled hand in hand and were halfway back when the first flakes of snow started falling.

Audrey stopped and looked at the beautiful scene of the snow falling against the backdrop of the manor. She shivered as the temperature dropped and wrapped her other hand around his arm, hugging it to her trying to keep warm.

"Are you cold darling?" Richard asked feeling the tremble in her hand.

Audrey let go of his hand and slipped her hands under his coat, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Not when you're holding me darling"

Richard pulled her closer, his hands running up and down her back trying to warm her up. After a few more moments in his embrace audrey slipped out of his arms and took his hand again.

"Come on darling this snow is really starting to come down, we don't want to be stuck out here" she said as they started walking again.

"Yes, I don't think I'll be going to London tomorrow if it carries on like this the roads will be impassable and the trains won't be running"

"Oh darling I dont want you to even attempt to get to London if the weather is bad, I shall worry myself silly."

"Don't worry darling I wont, I'll just have to stay home with my wife and play in the snow."

Richard grinned bringing her hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles.

"Did you manage to get hold of Marjory" he asked

"Yes, her aunt still isn't well. She's not sure if she will be back for Christmas."

"Oh that is a shame. Actually darling I was wondering if we should invite Henry to the Manor for Christmas Day he'll be in his own otherwise. He could stay overnight in one of the guest rooms save him driving back home." Richard suggested

"I think thats a wonderful idea darling" not being able to resist teasing him she continued "Of course he might be more comfortable sharing with your mother."

Richard stopped walking a look of horror on his face "Absolutely not he stays in the guest room even if I have to lock him in"

Audrey laughed "I'm only teasing darling, I'm sure they don't normally share sleeping quarters when they go on their little outings."

"Audrey please can we stop talking about my mothers…you know"

"I'm sorry for teasing you darling its just your so very attractive when you're like this" she giggled

"I forgive you" he chuckled

By the time they got back to the manor the snow had covered the drive, as they approached the front door Richard thought about tomorrow and how much he was looking forward to playing in the snow with Audrey.