Chapter Text
It was a crisp December evening, and the manor was adorned with festive cheer. Audrey fidgeted with a delicate ribbon on the banister, casting an approving glance at the enormous Christmas tree that stood resplendent in the drawing room. She had insisted on a fir large enough to touch the ceiling, despite Richard's muttered complaints about logistics and costs.
"Christmas is not a time for penny-pinching, Richard," she'd said, her tone imperious. He had wisely chosen not to argue further.
The entire household had gathered to admire the tree. The lights sparkled like stars, casting a warm glow that filled the room with festive magic. Just as Richard stepped forward to plug in the final strand of lights, there was a sudden *pop*. Darkness engulfed the manor as the tree lights flickered, sizzled, and died.
"Oh, for heaven's sake!" Audrey exclaimed.
"Must've overloaded the circuit," Richard offered, though his voice lacked confidence.
"Overloaded, indeed," came a familiar gravelly voice. Ned stood in the doorway, his arms crossed and his face alight with mischief. "Told you it was all Mr DeVere’s fault, didn't I, Mrs DeVere?"
Audrey turned to her husband, her expression a perfect blend of exasperation and triumph. "Richard, is this true? Did you meddle with the wiring?"
"I did no such thing!" Richard protested. "I merely—"
"He swapped the fuse yesterday," Ned interrupted, clearly enjoying himself. "Said the old one was ‘antiquated.’ Wouldn’t listen to reason."
Audrey arched an eyebrow. "Richard, darling, you’ve been married to me long enough to know we don’t meddle with tradition, even in fuse boxes."
"Well, forgive me for trying to modernize!" Richard retorted, though his indignation was tempered by a wry smile.
Ned chuckled. "Modernize all you like, sir. Just don’t expect those fairy lights to forgive you."
Audrey sighed theatrically. "Looks like I’ll have to save Christmas, as usual."
She turned to Brabinger. "Fetch the candles. And, Ned, perhaps you can help Mr DeVere find his way back to the 20th century."
As laughter rippled through the room, Richard surrendered to the chaos with a rueful grin. "Married life," he muttered under his breath, "a masterclass in humility."
But when Audrey glanced at him later, her face softened by the flickering candlelight, he thought that perhaps even blown fuses were worth it for moments like these.