On behalf of His Grace, the Duke of Argylle and myself, we would like to wish our family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances a wonderful New Year filled with health, wealth, happiness and abundant blessings. We look forward to celebrating with you in the upcoming year. Happy New Year to all!
Edward and I arrived in Steelhead after the sun had set, not surprising at this time of year. While Steelhead did not have the thick fog Caledon did, there was a light mist, which gave the town a mystical feel. Edward and I walked to Rosehaven, our trunks having been sent earlier. We passed the Sheriff's house, noting that he had not yet had a chance to decorate for Christmas. For the most part though, the town was looking quite festive.
Lunar had managed to get the fires lit at Rosehaven, so the house was warm and snug when we got inside. Being rather tired, we had a very light dinner and then settled for the evening. Edward read the paper and I read a ladies periodical (so full of excellent holiday ideas!) before we headed to bed and a good night's sleep.
The next few days were spent in a flurry of activity and fun. We decorated the house and our businesses for the holidays, Edward putting out his Christmas gift to shop patrons, myself spending considerable time in the kitchen, baking up a storm. We attended the skating social down at the docks, which was great fun. It was wonderful to see the "old timers" as well as the new faces in town, along with those whom were known but now residents to Steelhead. I think everyone had a lovely time gliding across the ice to the tunes the Sheriff provided.
Ah yes, the Sheriff. After debating the state of his house one evening, Edward and I decided to take matters into our own hands and get his house decked out for the holidays. As well, a very special gift Edward and I had specially ordered had finally arrived. One afternoon, when Fuzz was out on his rounds, we snuck down to his house and put up a tree, swagged the outside of his house and put magical twinkling lights on his roof. The best part though, was the present we left carefully hung above his bed, with the appropriate sprig of mistletoe. Merry Christmas Sugar Booger! :-D
Being in Steelhead was a much needed change for us. We were able to rest after the hurried and frantic packing. Our spirits were calmed and restored as well, spending time among friends and family and just being away for awhile.
Word did arrive one afternoon that our new homeland in Caledon had finally been opened. I was very glad we had decided to spend this time in Steelhead because it would be a very busy time getting the new house (whatever it would be) ready for the holidays in time. However, refreshed and rejuventated, it would be less of a daunting task than it would have been.
I was thankful for Rosehaven in Steelhead. As much as I love Caledon, there are times that I miss the sense of community that used to exist. Perhaps it is just because I'm not involved with society as much as I once was, I'm not sure. Steelhead still has that feel and I hope that it never loses it. I will be glad to have closer neighbours in Caledon again, and I know that it is best to lead by example, so hopefully we will be able to host a few events at our new home.
Edward returned to Caledon before I did, to make sure our new home was fit to be occupied and at attend to a few other matters that required his personal attention. I made ready our trunks and cases and hoped that this truly would be the last move in a long while. On to the next chapter of our lives in Caledon!
The house was eerily quiet, the only sound being Edward's footsteps as he went from room to room upstairs, making sure all the windows were latched and everything had been packed away. We had given the staff an early Christmas bonus and some vacation time so they'd be available when it came time to move. I sat among the multitude of crates in the main hall of Primbroke Manor, quietly surveying the outer trappings of our possessions. Outside, a thick fog smothered everything, wrapping the house like a layer of cotton batting and making it impossible to see further than a few feet beyond your nose. I looked around the grand hall of our home and sighed.
"It would seem everything has been packed and the windows are fastened tight." Edward said as he descended the staircase. "I'll lock the front doors behind us when we leave."
I rose to my feet. "Everything will stay here until the move?" I asked.
"Yes, the Guv'nah hasn't given his approval for the move yet, so Primbroke Manor will have to serve as a storage until we can move. Are you ready to go my love?" Edward asked.
"We might as well. I doubt this fog will lift and it's getting chilly in here. I want to get to Steelhead as soon as possible, preferably in the daylight."
Edward smiled softly at me and escorted me out. He carefully locked the main doors behind us and pocketed the key. He paused for a few moments, deep in his thoughts and then turned to face me. I took his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, understanding implicitly how he felt about having to leave. I gave him a small smile and we walked to the bridge in silence.
The fog had coated every branch, twig and blade of grass with a thick layer of hoar frost. It made our footsteps nearly soundless and it made for a bit of a surreal experience walking through it. When the sun reemerged, it would be a beautiful sight, everything covered in a layer of sparking frost. It would be breathtaking to behold.
We boarded the train and settled into our comparment for our journey to Steelhead. I was looking forward to returning to my first home for a visit, spending time with old friends, neighbours and family. Rosehaven would seem small after Primbroke Manor, but it would also be cozy and snug. It would be good to have a rest and restore ourselves before the big move. The train slowly pulled out of Victoria City station and we glided through the fog towards Steelhead.
