Chapter 14: Quince, Part 1

Aubrey settled in his bath with a long sigh of contentment. Let the damnable snow keep falling. He was beyond caring for the time being.

The curtains had been drawn in his sitting room, giving him a grand view of the white-drenched landscape. Even the trees were losing against the relentless snow. It had not stopped for more than an hour or two the past few days, and had started after only a couple of days rest following the last snowfall. Very likely, they would not be able to leave the house for the next week or two at least.

He had forgotten how ruthless winter could be here. The weather at school had been much mellower.

It mattered not, because the fire was roaring, he was soaking in near-boiling water, and after his bath, he fully intended to ensconce himself in a comfortable chair with a generous allotment of blankets and spend the day reading.