Chapter Text
“I’m sorry we’ve kept you away from your family during the festive season, Miss Morland,” Miss Tilney said apologetically as she, Henry, and Catherine watched the snowfall from the window. Catherine looked at her companion and smiled as she clasped her hands.
“When you’ve nine siblings as I have, Miss Tilney, it can be hard for even the most loving parents to remember you’re gone. I can only hope your cook’s plum pudding is as good as my mother’s?”
“I’m sure your parents do realize you’re gone and miss you every second,” Miss Tilney said quickly, returning an affectionate smile.
“To answer your question regarding the plum pudding, it is entirely the best in the country,” Henry broke in humourously, “Frederick and I have made utter fools of ourselves by eating so much that we got sick. Of course, that was a long time ago.”
“I do not believe three years ago was so long ago, Henry,” Miss Tilney said with a mischievous raise of her eyebrows. Catherine giggled behind her hand and Henry glanced down at her, a half-smile appearing on his face.
“Look what you’ve done, Eleanor! How will Miss Morland ever place any amount of confidence in me now that you’ve ousted a foolish experience of mine? And me, a clergyman!”
“I’m sure you’re in no danger, Henry. But won’t you look at that snow? Isn’t it beautiful?”
Indeed, the snow was stacking up around the abbey so that it appeared as a solid white blanket was covering the landscape. Catherine exhaled a sigh.
“Are you frightened to be left in the abbey alone with Eleanor and me?” Henry whispered to Catherine, his head bent down to her ear. He was satisfied when a flush spread across her cheeks.
“Indeed I am not. I couldn’t feel safer or snugger. I was just silently concurring with Miss Tilney- the snow is indeed beautiful, especially unmarred as it is.”
Henry smiled fondly at Catherine. “Most unmarred things are.”
Miss Tilney glanced at Catherine, then at Henry, and couldn’t help but giggle the tiniest bit. Most likely, Catherine would not see that Henry was trying to subtly express his affection, but like most every time, it flew right over her head. Catherine was blissfully oblivious of her brother’s attraction.
“Perhaps,” he said, “we should take a sled ride. What say you, Eleanor?”
A pointed look to her told her that she should probably omit; sometimes she really hated being privy to her brother’s signals.
“I’m afraid it would be too cold for me, Henry. However, I’m sure it wouldn’t be scandalous if you and Miss Morland wanted to go. Just, please don’t let her get too cold. Make sure she’s wrapt well.”
Henry swung from his sister to look at Catherine. “Would you like to go, Miss Morland, though you know that my sister cannot go?”
Catherine’s face flushed again, though with pleasure this time. “I’m sure I’d be honoured. When would you like to go?”
A lopsided smile filled his face again. “As soon as you can make yourself ready?”
Catherine laughed. “Give me fifteen minutes, then. Make sure that you’re warm enough yourself.”
“I must attend to the horse and the sled, but I will do my best.” With that, he strode off towards the stable.