her to the door. He bowed, taking her hand and kissing her fingers. “I'll see you tomorrow evening.”
above the entrance to the main room. Ellie stood on the chair surveying her handiwork.
Her eyes sparkled as she entered the door; he wanted to dance his way back to the carriage, but managed a dignified walk. Once again under the cover, he leaned back and closed his eyes, enjoying the ride home. He had not expected these stirrings deep inside him, he had not expected to fall in love ever again in his whole life.
“Ahh!” Ian stood close to the chair, ready to catch her if she fell. “It seems you are caught in your own trap,” he softly teased, looking up at her.
*** Grandmother and Grandfather appeared at his home very early in the day; he had expected their appearance and had places set ready for them to join him at breakfast. He decided to keep any information about Ellie from Grandmother just because he knew she would be in an 'I told you so' attitude, and he did not wish to put up with it. Also, it was the only way he knew to make her anticipate Ellie's arrival almost as much as he. Grandmother complained of no decorations until Grandfather insisted the she either go out and get some greenery or for her to sit down and hush. She huffed and sat, he lit his pipe, Ian waited by the window waiting for Ellie's coach to arrive from town. Upon the stroke of twelve, the coach pulled up in front of his home. She and her sister got out of a coach filled with fragrant greenery. She was all smiles as she turned in the cold air to greet Ian. He called for his footmen to unload the greenery. “I brought green decorations for the main room. I hope you do not mind.” “You are the answer to Grandmother's prayers. She's been grumbling at me all morning about no decorations.” He cradled her arm inside his on one side and offered a hand to Ellie's sister, Christina. “Welcome, Christina.” The rest of the afternoon was spent in laughter and friendly conversation as the fragrant greens were placed in the main room and hall. The rosemary filled the rooms with wonderful scents backed by the cedar and pine. The ivy and mistletoe was twined throughout the arrangements. A sprig of mistletoe was tied in a red velvet ribbon and placed
She put her hands on her hips and smiled down at him, “How can I be trapped when I so desired you to be right where you are?” Ian reached up and lifted her off of the chair, held her in the air for a moment while he turned, then lowered her so that she was in his arms. “Merry Christmas, Ellie,” he spoke softly. To say that they were lost in each other’s spell was an understatement. Instead of a chaste kiss on the cheek, Ian kissed her mouth and she allowed it. It was Grandfather's throat clearing that startled them apart just as her sister and Grandmother walked into the area. They were both rather stunned. Both were people who had come to consider that they were very controlled and calm. Now they both stood trying to control their breathing and get their heart rate back under control. He placed Ellie's hand on his and walked with her into the sitting room. He chose to stand by the fire place. She chose to stand just in front of him beside the chair where her sister sat. This allowed his hand to rest at her back. Ian noticed the glint in Grandmother's eye. She was up to something and he thought he knew what it was and had been. She had meant for him to pay attention to Ellie. *** The lessons and carols at the small church were beautiful. Of all the songs, “The Holy and The Ivy” was always one of his favorites. He read part of the lessons to the congregation. Hearing Ellie's sweet alto and her sister’s soprano combined in harmony of the carols was beautiful. For the first time in many years the service was more than something he attended because it was part of his responsibility.
(continued further on in this issue)
