Work Text:
Hamburg, Christmas eve, 1842
Freddy smiled genuinely happy at his sister who stood by the fireplace, her hand draped in the crook of her husband’s arm. Ever since the announcement of Leander’s and Sophie’s wedding, Freddy felt that life was good, against all odds of current turmoil.
“I have got something for you.” He said, holding o, that looked like a put something that looked like a painting frame wrapped in a blanket.
Sophie and Leander blinked bewildered as Freddy handed them the square parcel. Leander took it and Sophie unfolded the blanket, gasping out loud, and Leander’s eyes went wide.
“How… when… this is… amazing.” His eyes roamed the picture, and Sophie pressed a hand to her mouth, teary eyes looking up at her brother.
“Freddy, this is wonderful!”
“I couldn’t get that picture out of my mind – of you two – please forgive me for prying so secretly.”
That moment when Freddy passed the window of the Count’s salon, catching Uncle Ben standing in the shadows of the curtains with a content smile on his face – and then, he noticed himself, the young couple by the great tree in the count’s gardens, down that little path. Leander and Sophie seemed wrapped up in a mind deep conversation when the former Abbé in disguise took her hand and she didn’t retrieve it contraire to her stated animosity. Yet, her gaze softened and her posture melted into something graceful towards the man bending close to her. Freddy stood in admiration for the moment, certainly realising that he watched like a thief, prying on their intimate privacy; but his heart leapt with gratitude for his little sister when she responded so eagerly to the shy kiss. It didn’t matter that it was not the custom to kiss in public in broad daylight. They were safe in the parc of the count of Dolenburg. If anywhere an engagement kiss could be shared freely and without any shame, it was here. And this moment, the bliss of this sacred confession, Freddy wanted to keep alive for prosperity.
Leander suppressed a grin and Sophie shook her head, flying at her brother and wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing her cheek against his. “You’re forgiven.”
Freddy beamed, hugged his sister back and then shrugged, pointing to the picture. “Glad you like it.”
“I had no idea we looked that romantic.” Leander pursed his lips. “Considering how anxious I was that your sister will turn me down.”
“Oh, but she didn’t. And this is the proof.” Freddy laughed and with a wink turned around to grab a glass of champagne from the passing servant.
Ben Achtmann came around and glanced over his son’s shoulder. “Well, look at that. What a lovely gift.”
“The best, ever.” Sophie whispered. “Come on, let’s find a good place for it.”
“Yes.” Leander smiled and held out an arm for his young wife.
They went upstairs to their bedroom and found the perfect spot over their bed. So, then, where they shared their marital bond from now on, the moment of their confession was their companion. This was what they felt was the meaning of love, namely that they stood together, hands enwrapped and leaning against each other for eternal halt.
Sophie leaned her cheek against Leander’s arm, admiring the moment of their reconciliation.
“Come to think of it, that it was you who encouraged Freddy to pursue his dream of painting in the first place.”
“And it almost cost me your trust.” Leander said quietly, the memory of Sophie’s antipathy still stinging in his chest albeit it was the past.
“Look at it. Freddy is right – it’s the proof that everything worked out to the best.” She smiled up at him.
“The best… yes.” Leander turned around and hugged Sophie to his chest, rejoicing inwardly as she melted into his arms in response. “You are the best gift to my life, ever.”
“And you to me!”