Sunday mass had ended and outside the sun shone but provided no warmth. Winter was starting to show. Just this morning there had been frost on the grass before the sun rose.
Outside Laura studiously avoided looking at Alfred and his ilk, just like she had ever since The Event weeks ago. Even with her uncle and Charles Elias by her side she felt vaguely anxious and jittery. She slunk a little closer to Charles Elias, listening to him and Isak talk.
She said nothing. She’d always avoided talking to him in public, worried he’d be disliked by others if he was too closely associated with her. Then again... It was too late now, wasn’t it? He was too close now, and he had chosen her.
He had chosen her. Why she may never know but he had. Had stood up for her. Protected her. If her silence had been a bid to keep him safe then that ship had sailed.
Bracing herself Laura slowly approached Charles Elias and decided to speak.
“I thought today’s sermon was a little disjointed if I’m honest,” she said.
Charles Elias froze, briefly looking at her in surprise and Laura nearly began to panic. Oh no. No, no. What if she’d ruined the mood? What if he –
Then Charles Elias broke out into a smile.
“I completely agree,” he said, hurrying a little to walk next to her.
“Right?” she said, “I think he tried to cover too many subjects at once. It was war but also winter but also married life and Christmas all in one go. I think it would have been better with a more limited scope, perhaps."
“Exactly!” Charles Elias said. “Like war and Christmas.” “Or married life and Christmas.” “Or married Christmas,” Charles Elias grinned.
Laura couldn’t help the short snort of laughter she let out. She covered her mouth, but the delighted look on Charles Elias’ face told her it was already too late.
“What was that?” he said, “Is that how you laugh?” “No!” “No, you didn’t laugh?” Laura couldn’t help smiling, “No.”
“Oh, my bad. It must’ve been a wild goose hiding in the brush somewhere.” Laura snort-laughed again and tried to cover her mouth. “I do not sound like a goose!” “Uh-huh."
“Well, if I sound like a goose then you sound like a- like a-“ “A duck? Eider? Or some other mammal? Moo?”
Laura couldn’t help but laugh once more. It felt so ridiculous and a little embarrassing, but there was a tingly joy that she was unable to keep in check. People must think she’s crazy. But a quick scan of the road showed that the only person nearby was her uncle who just gave her a quick, warm smile. “Careful talking about cows in public, mister cow-thief.”
She worried briefly that she was taking the teasing too far, but Charles Elias merely smiled. “Very well, anything for you, Miss Goose.” “Pfft,” Laura shook her head, “If you get to call me a goose, I’m gonna call you... um... Elias. No Charles for you.”
“It’s a deal, Miss Goose.” “So it is, Elias.”