The cottage in the countryside was actually quite lovely. Violet thought this to himself as he stood outside the picturesque front garden and gate, with its quaint little wooden fence, staring at the building with a critical eye. It would be lovely to paint as well on one of his sketch books. He might add some wolves or a jabberwocky of course, just to make things interesting. This house was the one that Josie had purchased only a few days ago. She had quit her job as a maid, much to the lament of his peers, but he was actually happy to see her leave that place. She did not need to spend her life serving others, she deserved this home out here in the peace and quiet and fresh air.
Others were there at the house. Men were moving in and out of the home, carrying the few possessions that Josie still owned as well as some new furniture. Also there was Josie's aunt, the former cook at the school. Her few possessions were also being moved into the home. The older woman had tears in her eyes when Josie invited her to come out into the country to live with her. Josie would make sure that they both lived their life in peace.
But the whole thing made Gregory feel anxious, but he was not sure why. He was very happy for her of course, but the thought of going back to the college and knowing that she was not there made the whole place seem dull and uninspiring. She had been like a burst of sunshine in a thunderstorm. And now she would be gone, giving that same light to this house and to anyone else who might meet her.
The day was bright and lovely but as usual he was wearing a dark cloak to cover his face, and he turned his eyes to the ground, tired of looking at all this movement and sunshine. The fresh air was giving him a headache. The cottage was perfect for more than one reason. It was also a short thirty minute walk from his parents estate, where he would spend more time he was sure. Violet had been the one to suggest that she buy this particular home. When she learned it was close to his family home she had readily agreed. It filled him with a pleasant warmth to know she would be close to him during the times he would visit his parents.
His gaze drifted to Josie, who was sitting off to the side of the front door. She had spread out a blanket and placed a wicker basket on top of it. He knew it was filled with a variety of foods for lunch, she had made and packed them herself, her Aunt was a few yards away picking flowers for a bouquet. It was a scene straight out of a children's book.
Josie looked up and waved at him, motioning him over for the meal. Violet walked over and sat down cross legged, wishing silently for a chair and table to eat the meal on. But he could not really complain, he was happy to be invited along with them.
"I think that I made enough food for everyone. I made sandwiches," Josie explained as she handed Gregory a small sandwich on an almost equally tiny plate.
Gregory took it with a nod of thanks and took a bite. It was delicious but it was getting hot outside, and it made it hard to enjoy the food.
Josie served herself a sandwich and smiled at him, and he found himself smiling back. "I do love this place. I'm glad that it is so near to your parents, so that you can visit me when you come back home."
Violet gave a faint smile and finished his food, setting the plate aside and looking at Josie. "So you would like me to come visit you then? Whenever I have the chance?" He asked softly.
Josie smiled and nodded, finally breaking out into a grin. "You will always have a place here, if that's what you want." She said with assurance.
Violet smiled back and felt himself blush a little, he turned away and looked down. Without looking back at her he answered. "I would like that very much," he said with sincerity. He hoped that he would always have a place here. Josie was a person he hoped he would know for his entire life.
Eventually she sighed, moving closer to him on the picnic blanket. They passed the rest of the afternoon in that way, and Gregory found that he was perfectly content.