Reforming Bill

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Benjamin Thorn and his wife, Constance, were both warm and open people and it seemed clear that Lila's brother shared her sense of humour. They arrived at Wyvern's Cross on Christmas Eve and were staying until the day after Boxing Day.

They were rather forward for Bill's more refined taste but he had to admit, so was Lila and that had turned out rather well.

After they had seen their rooms they left their lady's maid and valet to unpack while Bill took them into the village where the church choir were singing carols on the green all afternoon. Stalls had been set up around the green where one could purchase mince pies, mulled wine and various Christmas trinkets, gifts and decorations.

“Haven't you Brits heard of eggnog?” Ben asked when he had to settle for mulled wine.

“I'm sure if you have the recipe, my cook can whip us up a batch,” Bill assured him. When Ben was out of earshot he leaned down to Lila. “What's eggnog?” he asked.

Lila laughed. “You'll love it. It's a creamy alcoholic drink that we serve at Christmas time. I learned how to made my own last year so I can make a batch when we get home tonight, if you like.”

“Sounds wonderful,” he said. He wanted to put his arms around her and kiss her but he felt inhibited by her brothers presence.

They continued wandering around the stalls, accompanied by the choirs festive tunes, until it finally grew too cold for them and Bill and Lila introduced their guests to the tea room, which had stayed open late.

“How quaint,” Ben said of the establishment.

Bill generously assumed that he was unaware of how offensive some of his language could seem and bit back his pithy retort, however he couldn't stop himself throwing Ben a dirty look; somehow Ben missed it.

“You must try the hot chocolate,” Lila said, ordering four of them.

Bill began conversing politely with Lila's sister-in-law, asking how their trip had been so far and how she liked England. He excused himself a little later to go to the bathroom and Ben leaned over to his sister.

“I thought you said he was in to you?”

“He is,” she laughed. “He's just worried that you'll take offence and hit him or something.”

Ben found that very funny indeed.

“Don't!” Lila chastised. “It's very respectful of him and you shouldn't tease him. Or call English things and places quaint, they really don't like that; it's condescending.”

Ben and Lila had been thick as thieves when they were children and she rarely chastised him so even though her tone was light, he took her seriously.

“Sorry, sis. Message received and understood.”

Lila ruffled his hair like she used to when they were young then turned to Constance.

“So, Constance, what on earth do you see in my brash, overbearing brother?” she asked her in jest.

To her delight, Constance laughed. Ben had said in his letters that she shared his humour but it was nice to finally see the proof for herself.

“Please, call me Connie, and I don't know to be honest but I suppose Ben will do me for a few years. And he's not the worlds worst company.”

“Very funny!” Ben said, though he hadn't really taken offence.

“Did I miss something?” Bill asked as he returned.