As the tiny bundle within her womb grew, her pain lessened moderately through the approaching weeks but Dorian’s loss remained branded on her heart. She knew she would never love another and slowly came to means with her new life of loneliness, and yet, her life was not as lonely as she imagined it to be. She had her child and Lucile, even the servants who adoringly waited on her, and her beloved friend Ellison. She was not entirely alone and somehow that brought a bit of reassurance.

            The approach of winter brought heavy snowfalls and vast white skies. Ginelle spent a majority of her time with Lucile, preparing for the holiday season. Cook was especially excited for this was the season that induced hearty meals and delightful desserts. The servants bustled into preparing Ashford for the Christmas holiday, creating hand-made ornaments and decorations made of glass beads, tinsel and an assortment of lace and ribbon. Days were spent devoted to preparations for the approaching festivities and it gave Ginelle much distraction from a monumental absence.

            She noticed particularly that Lieutenant Cummings visited often, his warm demeanor brought on a sense of security but at the same time, his company reminded her painfully of the man she loved.

            That evening, Ginelle settled into the parlor, finding comfort next to the fireplace. It was one of her favorite rooms in the entire house. Every inch of the room displayed an assortment of gilt porcelain and hand-crafted pottery. The ceiling bestowed a beautifully silver chandelier that in the full-bloom of spring, the crystals glinted light stars on a crisp night. Oil paintings adorned the pale walls and floral carpets extended along the smooth surface of the parlor floor. Sheer lace curtains ran the length of tall windows where the light of day could shimmer across the sleek black surface of the piano.

            She had settled into one of the velvet seats before the hearth and occupied a book to pass the time. She could hear the servants hustling about, engaged in their daily tasks, and could smell sweet aromas drifting from the kitchen where Cook prepared the evening meal.

            She closed the book in her lap and stared blankly into the fire.

            “I thought I would find you here.”

            Ginelle jerked to the present, her attention averting to the front of the parlor where Lieutenant Cummings stood, smiling gently, his arms folded modestly behind his back.

            “May I join you?” he inquired.

            She straightened and offered a tentative smile, “Of course.” She said lightly, motioning towards the seat across from her.

            He settled across from her and she was discreetly grateful for the sudden distraction. “Will you be staying for supper?” she asked gently, noticing his gaze strayed away from hers.

            “Thank you but no, madame.” He replied.

            Ginelle frowned; did she detect a slight edge to his voice? She folded her hands in her lap and studied him with due consideration until finally she asked, “Is something troubling you, Lieutenant?”

            His eyes fixated on her and she noticed a slight unease in his warm, russet stare. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something, Ginelle. I have just been waiting for the opportune moment.”

            Her heart fluttered lightly in her chest as she leaned forward, “That moment being now?” she asked gently.

            He nodded and turned fully in his chair towards her. She was taken aback when he reached across and gently took her hand in his. He cleared his throat before asking, “I would be honored, if you’d accept my hand in marriage.”

            Her eyes widened and she released a startled gasp at his unexpected question. Her mouth parted but she found herself at a loss for words.

            “I would treat you kindly.” He said quickly, “I would give you everything you need, for you and the babe.”

            Her heart accelerated tenfold and she found herself on her feet, pulling her hand from his. “Lieutenant-“

            “I know this seems all so sudden-“ he said, gathering to his height.

            “I am truly flattered but you do not want to marry me, Lieutenant.”

            “Because you carry another man’s child?” he asked gently.

            Ginelle fell silent, her heart taking on a sudden pain. Not just any man, she thought brokenly to herself.

             “I assure you, my intentions are honorable.”

            She smiled a small smile but her eyes remained saddened. “Why do you wish to marry me, Lieutenant?”

            He gathered her hand in his and stared down at her in honesty. “I admit, I do not love you as of now, but in time, we could grow to love each other. We are friends, are we not?”

            Slowly, she nodded.

            “I do not wish to see you succumb to the vicious taunts of society. They are unaware that you carry Dorian’s child. I would marry you and cease any mockery before it begins.”

            Ginelle smiled as she reached up and admiringly brushed Stefan’s face. “You were always a dear friend to Dorian; you do this for his child?”

            He nodded, “And you.” 

            Her eyes fluttered down and she stared at there entwined hands. “I need time.” She whispered softly.

            “Of course, please, take all the time you need.” He lifted her hand and gently brushed a kiss across her knuckles. After he had left the parlor, she settled back into the chair by the fire, completely lost as of what to do.

**********

            “He did what?” exclaimed Ellison.

            Ginelle nodded, staring out the window of her bedroom window, pressing fingers to the cold glass. “He asked me to marry him.”

            Ellison’s green eyes brightened with a sudden flare of elation. “I always did like him.” She said with great mirth.

            Ginelle turned from the window to study her friend, a small smile curving her lips. “You agree than, with the proposal?”

            “Of course I do.” She said diligently, “Lieutenant Cummings is a charming, young man.”

            Ginelle withdrew into her thoughts, knowing how right Ellison was.

            “The child would be assured and well taken care of, my dear.” Both women lifted their heads as Lucile entered the room.

            Ginelle straightened, surprised to find the older woman at the door. “You are already aware of his proposal?”

            The housekeeper nodded, “He told me of his intentions the day he arrived; it seems he has given it much thought.”

            Ginelle bit down on her lower lip, struggling internally with her own conflictions. She knew Ellison and Lucile wanted the best for her but she couldn’t cope with the idea of marrying Stefan. Indeed, he was exceptionally charming and handsome, and very clever, but she did not love him.

            “He has said that he’s ready to settle down.” Lucile explained, “He’s finished with the mercenary life.”

            Of course, Ginelle thought sadly, struggling with tears, his Captain was dead. Her hand fell to her belly and she felt the evident bump that concealed her little blessing.

            She lifted her chin and met their waiting stares. “You’re right.” She said meekly. “I must do what I can for my child.” She turned away from them, unable to hold her tears any longer.

            The following week leading up unto Christmas, there was a great happening of festivities. To announce their engagement, Ginelle and Stefan attended many, including the great hall of Hadley.

            The night of the occasion, she had chosen an evening gown of azure blue with flowing skirts that concealed her evident bump. She wanted to keep as much speculation to a minimum for she feared if asked, she would burst into a flood of tears.

            Stefan had selected a fitted pair of gray trousers with an adorning vest beneath a flowing frockcoat. He completed his ensemble with a matching tall hat.

            Ginelle smiled inwardly. Stefan was very much the appeal of every admiring female but she found it difficult to enjoy the evening, especially since the last time she had been to the Hadley estate, Dorian had been alive.

            She proceeded into the evening in mute silence. The weather was exceptionally cold reminding her all too well of frightened nights wondering the streets of London as an orphan. She abruptly pushed those memories away, not wanting to dwell on her second life that seemed all a bad dream.

            Stefan escorted her from the carriage once they arrived to the Hadley estate and Ginelle trembled within her wintry cloak as she cast a meaningful stare around her, wondering if Pierino lurked in the shadows. Her heart began an erratic beat as she imagined their last encounter.

            “Are you alright?” Stefan asked his youthful face etched with evident concern.

            She turned to face him and quickly nodded a reassuring nod and slowly placed her hand in the crook of his arm and they started up the snow-laden path into the Hadley manor.

            Ellison had outdone herself once again, creating a room specifically assembled for entertaining her lively guests. The room exhibited exuberance and excitement, glittering colors of holiday décor and the combined smells of pine and cranberry, etched perfectly for the holiday celebration.

            “Ginelle!” Ellison appeared from out of the crowd, her green eyes shining beneath the bright chandelier light, donned in a full-skirted gown of deep crimson, her raven curls bouncing atop her slender shoulders as she moved forward for an embrace.

            “Everything looks so lovely.” Ginelle said appreciatively.

            Ellison’s smile widened, “As do you, my dear friend. Lieutenant?” she turned to Stefan, “You wouldn’t mind so much if I steal your betrothed, do you?”

            Stefan grinned, “Of course not.”

            Ellison wrapped an arm around Ginelle and motioned across the room. “My husband is somewhere in this room-“ she paused, scanning the room with her emerald stare. “Ah!-there he is! Come!”

            Ginelle released a delighted laugh, knowing Ellison was doing her best to ease some of her anxiousness at being in a crowded room with many curious stares. They strolled across the room until they reached Edmund’s side and immediately the Duke turned to plant a kiss gently against Ellison’s temple.

            Ginelle quickly turned away, feeling a pang of grief at the tender display. “It is good to see you, Lady Ginelle. How are you faring?” she turned back to greet Edmund, his eyes warm and genuine as he studied her quietly.

            “I am very well.” Ginelle said as convincingly as she could. “Ellison has been very adoring of late, treating me exceptionally well.”

            “She is a darling.” Edmund cast an admiring look onto his wife. “My lovely wife has told me that you are engaged?”

            Ginelle found herself nodding.

            Sensing Ginelle’s detachment, Ellison quickly added, “I’m sure you’re famished; let’s get you something to eat.”

            As the two women crossed the room, they were distinctly unaware of the large silhouette blended obscurely in the shadows of the room, a piercing pair of ice-blue eyes watching in curbed contempt. 

**********