I do not own "Crimson Peak", not at all.

TapTap

Edith and Thomas had been married for about two and a half months when their first Christmas was imminent. They stayed in, like Edith had used to do, rarely seen out in society in any context, and if Edith was seen out and about, she was alone.

Edith's father was very displeased with his daughter's married life, and disapproving of her husband, but as his daughter seemed content, he said nothing. It was true that her eyes shone in a way they had never used to when the englishman showed her any attention, but that was far too rare in Mr Cushing's eyes.

That was why he was so confused and surprised to meet her out Christmas shopping at her husband's arm, shining far more brightly than the late day winter sun managed to do. Himself, he was out walking with Alan, discussing the upcoming holidays.

Alan spotted the couple first, and they had time to watch the almost newlyweds for several moments before the baronet spotted them, nodding, his expression somewhat guarded. But there had been time enough for both of them to study him, when his focus was only on Edith; his expression warm and unusually vivid, as if the man had awoken for the day from the apathetic sleep the last few months had found him in.

Then the nobleman pointed them out for his wife, and let himself be dragged along to meet up with them without complaint.

Edith found herself worried when Thomas' expression grew guarded, but then he bent down to whisper in her ear, and the fear evaporated in the chill air. Thomas followed along willingly as she went to meet her father and Alan, staying right next to her, shielding her somewhat from the wind, just like he had done all afternoon.

He had remained unguarded, and his eyes unveiled, all morning, seemingly taking great delight in enjoying a day out with her. Perhaps, she speculated as she let go of her father again after giving him a hug in greeting, reclaiming Thomas's arm, Thomas missed properly spending time together as much as she did.

"I was surprised to see you out, dear," her father stated, giving her husband a searching glance as he spoke to her, but Edith decided not to notice. Her father was only trying to look out for her. It wasn't needed, of course, but just because she knew that, it wasn't certain that he did. "We are Christmas shopping!" she answered instead with all the enthusiasm she was feeling, smiling at Alan as well as her father, giving Thomas' arm a reassuring squeese, noticing him smiling at her from the corner of her eye.

"It is good to see you accompanying her, Sir Thomas," Alan noted, "it is rare to see you both out together". "Too rare. Perhaps as it grows warmer, it shall become a more common sight," Thomas replied, and not only Edith, but Alan, too, noted the slight hint of hope in the baronet's voice.