Thank you to everyone who left a review or a follow. As most of you know, reviews keep the energizer bunny writing... and writing... and writing...
But seriously, it is nice to know others are enjoying the effort.

It sounds like everyone is having a good holiday. Wonderful! I hope everyone has a happy and prosperous New Year as well.

I hope to have chapter 3 sometime this weekend.


Later that afternoon, Aunt Rosamund stormed into the library where the family was having tea. "That insufferable, puffed up, shrew!" she exclaimed as she fell onto the bright red sofa.

Edith and Sybil exchanged amused glances while Mary almost gaped at their aunt. Cora's eyes grew large as she observed her sister-in-law's behavior and Robert frowned. It was Granny who inquired about the identity of the shrew. "Oh? And just who might this shrew be?"

"Amelia Chetwood, of course! "

"Oh my," Cora said softly.

"Strallan's sister?" Robert asked impatiently.

"Oh Robert, of course she is," Granny interjected.

Rosamund glared at her brother. "Yes dear brother, I went to Locksley to call on Sir Anthony. I had no idea she would be there. When I asked to see him, she refused. Stood right there in the entry and told me he was not available this afternoon. I asked if he was on the estate and she wouldn't answer, just puffed herself up with self importance and told me that was none of my business. Then she all but threw me out!"

Edith listened intently. She'd met Mrs. Chetwood once or twice when she had called upon her with Mama. That had been before Lady Strallan's death though and Edith had not seen her since. Like her brother, Mrs. Chetwood was tall and blonde but her eyes were a sparkling green. She always seemed to be smiling, Edith had thought as little girl. Mama and Mrs. Chetwood seemed to get along well enough, with Mrs. Chetwood even helping Mama organize a charity bazaar one year. Edith thought that if Mrs. Chetwood lived closer that she and her Mama would be friends. Aunt Rosamund's description of her afternoon didn't sound like the lady Edith remembered at all.

"I... I saw him earlier," Edith joined in. All eyes turned to her. "When I was in the village. He was in the churchyard, visiting Lady Strallan most likely. "

"That explains it well enough," Granny said softly. "Poor man still hasn't moved beyond his loss. He's likely not ready to company, Roasamund. He was always so very emotional when it came to Lady Strallan and that boy of his."

"He seemed alright when I spoke with him," Edith said. "Sad but not overly emotional, I thought."

"You spoke to him?" Papa asked incredulously. "Edith you are not to go near the man."

Edith looked at her father in surprise, as did Cora. "But Papa, I couldn't very well ignore him when we were looking directly at one another. And why should I anyway? He's been our friend and neighbor all of our lives."

"Because... because of what he has become," Robert said darkly. "The man that I knew... that we knew, is hardly recognizable in him now. He's dangerous Edith and you simply must give him a wide berth." Then turning back to Rosamund, he looked at her pointedly. "As I wish you would do as well."

"Oh Robert," she huffed. "Edith is right. He has been our friend for as long as any of us can remember. Why, his father and our father used to hunt together. And I needn't remind you of the mischief the two of you created as boys together."

Robert cast a worried glance around at the other occupants of the room. "Really Rosamund. That was years ago. And I would remind you that he was the older of the two of us and therefore the leader in all that."

"Older by six weeks," Granny reminded her son. "And he most certainly not was the leader of the tomfoolery at the Willoughby's farm. In fact, as you will recall, it was he who saved you from being trampled by those cows," Granny said sternly. Then softening a little she continued. "Of course I can't condone his behavior these last years but we are his friends and we shouldn't treat him as anything less." Then turning to her daughter, her voice became forceful. "However Rosamund, you really should stop chasing the man. He simply isn't interested. You missed your opportunity with him decades ago. And it was best. You would never be happy with him for the long haul; you'd find him boring."

"Oh Mama," Rosamund replied with a huff. "How can you say that?"

"I can say it because it is the truth. He's far to bookish for you, my dear. And you are far too flighty for him. He would not have enjoyed your social schedule at all and you would not have enjoyed evenings in the library. It simple was not or could ever be a good match." Granny paused and looked around the room. "If there was any Crawley woman who might be suited to Sir Anthony, it would be our Edith."

Edith felt the flush that rushed up her neck into her face. Both embarrassed and overjoyed, all she could do was study her hands that rested in her lap.

"Mama, you can't be serious," she heard her father roar.

"Oh Robert, hush. You're unbearable when you get this way. I'm not suggesting that Edith should pursue him; I'm merely stating that she is the only one of us that might be considered a good match for him. Of course, he's far too old for her."

Robert looked at his mother disdainfully. "He isn't that old," Robert said in a loud whisper. "As you said, just a few weeks older than me. But he has always been as dull as paint."

"Oh I don't know, Papa," Edith chimed in. "I find some paints to be very vibrant."

Mary and Sybil snickered and Mama couldn't contain her small grin. Aunt Rosamund smiled too. But Granny and Papa looked at her horrified. "My dear girl," her grandmother began, "no need to be insolent.

"But I'm not, Granny. There are some beautiful paint colors, very vibrant. Paint isn't necessarily dull and uninteresting."

"Agreed," said Aunt Rosamund smugly.

Granny glared at her daughter but said no more. Cora, sensing a row found a way to change the subject and tea was passed more amicably. Aunt Rosamund caught up with Edith later in the upstairs hall, however. "I thought I might have another go at Locksley tomorrow; see if I can outwit the witch and see her brother. Would you like to join me?"

Edith quickly considered her aunt's invitation. "Yes, I'd like that," she replied, hoping her excitement wasn't in her voice. By the odd expression her aunt wore, Edith guessed that she hadn't hidden her enthusiasm well though.

Rosamund found her the next morning just after breakfast. "I'll be ready to leave in a few minutes, if you still plan on accompanying me."

"Oh, yes... I'll just get my coat." Everyone was always telling her how the warm brown tones in it was perfect with her coloring. Again her aunt shot her a strange look but merely smiled at her. "Of course. I'll just let your parents know we're leaving. I think perhaps I'll just say we're going to the village though. I wouldn't wish a repeat of yesterday afternoon." Edith hurried up to her room for her favorite coat. She didn't like the idea of lying to her parents but then considered that she wouldn't be the one being false. If they asked her, she'd just simply give as short an answer as possible and if pressed, she'd tell the truth. Not that anyone would ask her about her afternoon.

As they drove along the lane toward Locksley, Edith pondered her aunt's interest in the gentleman there. "I'm wondering, Aunt Rosamund, what it is you see in Sir Anthony. Oh, I know he is very nice and incredibly handsome but it isn't as if you need the money, or a husband for that matter. I thought you were happy being free to pursue your interests."

"I have been," Rosamund replied. "But... well, I've always had a thing for Anthony, you see. Since we were children really. He and your Papa were always into some mischief and he just seemed so affable and he listened to me, really listened to me. And as you know, that's rare in our family. He even tolerate me trying to follow after them, while your Papa would be furious. And then when I was a little older, I had quite the mad crush on him. He's handsome now, but he was gorgeous as a young man. His eyes always seemed to twinkle," she said dreamily. "I tried to catch his eye then but he was off at Cambridge and your Papa was at Oxford, so they weren't together as much, which meant I had few opportunities. Then he met Maud and he had no interest in anyone else at all. She captivated him completely."

"Yes, I remember how he used to look at her, worshipful. He really must have loved her."

"Oh, he did. I've never seen a man so enthralled. He hung on her every word."

"So, why would you try to compete with that now? "

"The thrill of the hunt, darling. Nothing is more intriguing than a man that can't be caught. Besides, I've sensed the last few times I've seen him that he has grown tired of his lifestyle and is ready to return home to Locksley. He just has no reason to. And when he is in residence, all he has are memories to try to live through again. I'd like to give him some new memories," she concluded saucily.

Edith grew quiet. So Aunt Rosamund had been attracted to Anthony since childhood? Obviously he had never felt the same about her, or else he'd have never married Maud. And if Aunt Rosamund couldn't attract his attention, why should Edith believe he would be interested in her? It was then that she began to consider accompanying her aunt as a bad mistake.