Perfection Redefined

Chapter 6

After brunch, they left leaving a hearty tip. The snow ha d picked up a little, so Atticus drove slowly and carefully till they were at Emsworth Manor.

Colette exited the car and admired the beauty of the manor. The red was covered in a blanket of soft snow, making it look like heaven on earth. The winding Penny Lane had frosted over, leaving the champagne colored flowers encrusted with white crystals. In the center, the heavy stone fountain stood in its frozen glory, the water iced organically.

"What a sight, Atticus." Colette breathed in awe.

"Indeed, if I may say so myself."

He escorted her inside, to where it was nice and toasty, the crackle of the fireplace thawing the cold out of them. They were greeted by Greta who asked if they would have liked some refreshments. Colette politely declined, fuller than she had ever been before.

"I must warn you Sir, she is not doing so well today." Greta said apprehensively, before the two could make their way upstairs.

On hearing Greta's words, Atticus tensed immediately, his eyes hard and shoulders rigid. Greta let go of him at once, retreating at the anxiety he exuded.

Empowered by her short freedom from the confines of her home and remembering her promise of making Atticus a good wife, Colette steeled herself before approaching. She placed one cool palm over his on the bannister and squeezed tightly, willing strength into him.

Shocked by her action and the chill of her hand, Atticus looked up sharply. He was assaulted by her mossy orbs, radiating determination and support.

"Let us go up. Anna must be expecting us. We will see what she would like to do, keep her company in this hard time." She said in a voice that surprised herself.

Atticus found himself nodding to her words and he encased her tiny, freezing hand in his own large one completely, pulling her upstairs.

Greta watched the exchange keenly, delighted by her young master's companion.

When they reached the ornate double doors, it was Colette who knocked twice with her free hand. Both of them were confused to hear a male respond in the affirmative.

They walked in to see Peter sitting on the bed with his frail wife, holding one hand while the other was engaged in an IV drip. No matter what he had done, Colette could see the pain in Peter's eyes, his hand squeezing Anna's just as Atticus squeezed hers.

"Oh, it's you two." Peter said weakly, his eyes hardening when they saw Colette. Colette immediately sank under his male gaze, having forgotten Peter's position in their predicament. Ever- aware, Atticus immediately pulled her forward, supporting her waist till she stood equal by his side. Colette couldn't help but redden at his perception and Peter raised his brow in confusion at his son's action.

The tension dispersed when Annalise Emsworth noted the new people in the room. She tried to rise immediately and all parties rushed forward to help her up.

"Oh, how happy I am to see the two of you!" She exclaimed genuinely as Peter helped her into a sitting position.

Atticus greeted her first, embracing her tightly and kissing both her cheeks tenderly. He then motioned Colette forward who hugged Anna too, noting the heavy smell of medication that surrounded her. Nevertheless, Annalise's embrace was warm as ever, comforting like a kind mother's.

"Atticus, I love your father but he really treats me like I'm close to death already!" Annalise joked but everyone's heart stopped- first for knowing the bitter truth behind Anna's innocent love and then for the reality of her situation.