The days were passing by quickly. Seren spent the mornings with Maddie, tending to things about the house, making plans for the holiday party her father wanted to host, and mainly just enjoying each other's company. Madeline was very close to Seren's heart, a second mother, nearly as dear to her as her first.
Prae continued to humor Lord Overton as he went on about the textile industry endlessly. Seren would peek into the study from time to time, wiggling her nose and poking her tongue out at Prae. He would give her a crooked smile that nearly shouted "Just ye wait...." She simply grinned and sashayed about her own tasks.
Prae and Seren managed to make a quick trip into London by themselves. Each sighing with relief to be out from under the ever scrutinizing, but well meaning glances from the household in general at Colchester. The couple walked along the busy walks, pausing to admire window trimmings now and then. Seren ducked into one shop in particular to secretly purchase a gift for Prae. She had seen it on her trip to London a while back but wasn't sure at the time about the purchase. She tucked the wrapped packaged snuggly under her arm, grinning at Prae's questioning look, but merely shrugging and pointing out the next window display. That day went by quickly, as did all the times she spent with him, regretfully.
Christmas day came. The sweet scent of freshly baked goods floating upstairs, waking her from her slumber. Getting out of bed, ruffled and messy locks cascading down her back and over her shoulders. Anxious to get downstairs to give out presents, not caring that she was still in her nightdress, she dashed out her bedroom door...nearly colliding with Prae. Laughing and blushing as she stopped and grinned while he stepped back, swept a hand forward for her to pass first down the stairway. Chuckling as she looked him up and down quickly, taking note how he always managed to look completely together no matter the time of day. She lifted to tip toes and gently kissed his cheek, whispering near his ear. "Merry Christmas M'lord"....then skipped down the stairs into the large library, her father had decided to set up the holiday trimmings this year.
Seren, skidded to a stop as her father came about the doorway from the hall, took in her appearance and scowled. She covered a giggle and was about to turn tail to go back upstairs...until Madeline came into the room and actually swatted Reginald Overton over the head with her dish towel. Seren burst out laughing, clasing her hand over her lips but unable to quell the bubbling laughter. The very thought of someone swatting the grand Lord Overton, much less Maddie. To Seren's surprise though, her father deeply chuckled, looked about then slyly smacked Maddie's fanny. Seren gasped then pretended she had not seen.
Prae entered the library, looking curiously for the source of all the laughter. Seren greeted him, took his hand and quietly mentioned that she would tell him about it later. She tugged him over to sit near the tree. Her sitting to her knees then leaning back on her heels as he joined her, criss crossing his legs, something she had never seen him do. Seren started pulling out presents from the piles under the tree...passing one to her father, one to Madeline and one to Prae. Grinning, she sat back and watched them open the gifts.
She had made her father a vest of rich tapestry. The warm, muted browns and reds matching one of his favorite suits. Seren had loved the candles kaydee had made for her so she had enlisted kaydee to make something special for Maddie. The gentle natured woman rarely did anything of such frivilous nature for herself. Prae then opened his present. It was a traveling pouch of sorts. She was not sure whether he would use such an item, but the storekeeper had assured her that no fine gentleman would be without one.
Warm embraces were exchanged before more packages were unwrapped. Madeline and her father had wrapped several heirloom pieces of clothing and jewelry. Things that had been her mother's. Rivelettes of tears streamed down her cheeks as she hugged them both tightly. Brushing the tears away with the back of her hand before opening the gift from Prae. Laying the wrappings aside carefully, gasping softly as she lifts a package of colored sketching impliments. She had never seen such a thing. At first she thought they were charcoal, but had never seen any color but black. There was a rainbow of colors. She had longed to be able to sketch her garments in color. Tugging her bottom lip between her teeth as she looked to Prae with a soft smile. He nodded back to the wrappings, lifting through the thin paper to find a very expensive sketch book. The pages were nearly velvety in texture, a luxury she had never allowed herself. Holding back her tears, as she knew he didn't like that sort of thing, she leaned to hug him gently, softly kissing his cheek, whispering her appreciation.
The day passed into evening. Merry sounds rang through the house as the air buzzed with holiday spirit. Her father was busy planning the farewell party. He liked to send one off with a flare. Prae and Seren relaxed by the fire, sipping warm cider, cozily conversing into the later hours.
