Ann had been racing around all day doing last minute Christmas shopping. She had slump down into the booth in the Deli in the Piece Hall. She just wanted to be left alone while she was able to catch her breath and get her energy back. She never expected the place to fill after she sat down. It had done.
When a dark haired woman came in and wanted to share her booth. She was reluctant to let her sit there but as there seemed to be no where else for her to sit.
‘You don’t mind if I sit here.’ Ann nodded but didn’t look up. The voice seemed very familiar and she didn’t think too much about it. ‘I see you have been Christmas shopping. It isn’t much fun. Is it?’
‘No it isn’t.’ Ann mumbled but still kept her head down. She didn’t want to talk to anyone but this woman insisted on chatting.
‘I have an elderly aunt who is often harder to buy for than anyone else in the family, My father and my sister get socks and chocolates but I love to buy something special for my aunt.’
‘Okay!’ Ann muttered. ‘How old is she?’
‘I’m not really sure. I think she is a couple of decades older than me.’
Ann smiled but still kept her head down. She was trying to relax. She was so exhausted She just wanted to be left alone but this woman persisted.
Ann lifted her head and huffed. ‘Will you…..’ Then she saw who was sitting across from her. ‘Miss Lister.’
Anne smiled. ‘Yes! What were you going to say?’
‘Nothing!’ Ann said. ‘Well, it doesn’t matter now, Anne. It is okay that I call you Anne?’
Anne nodded. ‘No, you were going to say something, Miss……’
‘Walker, Ann Walker of Cliff Hill.’ You know who I am don’t you, Anne. Ann knew Anne knew who was when she blushed.
‘Sorry, Ann. It’s been years since we met. I am guessing you wanted to be left alone. Christmas isn’t always the most wonderful time of the year. Is it?’
Ann nodded. ‘No, it isn’t. I just wanted to do some Christmas shopping. Now, I feel as though I have been put through the wringer.’
Anne frowned. ‘Do you have anymore shopping to do?’
Ann shook her head. ‘No, I have finished. All I need to do is wrap what I have bought. What about your aunt? Does she have a hobby?’
Anne looked at Ann. ‘She likes to knit and sometimes she does cross stitch. I usually buy her yarn or a cross stitch pattern but she has enough to last her for at least two more years since I usually buy her lots of yarn and at least five cross stitch patterns with enough thread for them.’
Ann wondered what Anne could get for her aunt. She thought about mentioning soap because the soap shop sold some lovely scented soaps. Only she didn’t know if Anne would want to buy her aunt soap. That was what she had bought for her sister.
She wondered if her aunt liked visiting old buildings in England, like Rievaulx Abbey which was about an hour outside York. She also wondered if she liked going out for a meal occasionally. She dismissed that because she didn’t know how old Anne was. So, she didn’t know how old Anne’s aunt was.
She looked at Anne who was frowning. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘You looked as though you were deep in thought.’
‘I was thinking about what you could buy for your aunt. Yet, I am sure she would just like you to spend the day with her.’
Anne looked at Ann. She wondered how she knew what her aunt had said to her earlier that day. ‘You seem to know my aunt, Ann.’
Ann blushed. She did know Anne’s aunt. They were good friends. Only she didn’t know what Anne should buy her for Christmas. Ann had bought her a lavender candle which Ann knew she would put in her bedroom just for the scent. She had told Ann that she never burns candles in Shibden. She is afraid she might forget it’s burning and cause a fire.
‘Anne, have you decided what you are going to buy your aunt for Christmas?’
Anne shook her head. She still was puzzled that Ann knew what her aunt had told her just this morning. She looked up and smiled at Ann.’Why?’
‘I thought we could take a look around the shops here in the Piece Hall and find something for your aunt.’
Anne smiled. She could see a second pair of eyes and another opinion would be great. So, she agreed to Ann’s suggestion.
Once they had eaten their meal and consumed their drink they paid and made their way outside. It was slightly chillier than what Ann had imagined. She placed her bags down and zipped up her puffer jacket. Then put her gloves back on.
‘Where would you like to begin looking, Anne?’
‘Are you sure you want to help me, Ann? You probably want to get home, put your feet up and relax.’ Ann shook her head. This was her chance to spend more time with the illusive Anne Lister. ‘Let’s start at The Book Corner. Aunt reads mostly non-fiction but she also likes to read historical fiction.’ Ann gave Anne a puzzled look. ‘Historical fiction is a genre that uses historical events or people as an inspiration for a fictional based story set in the past.’
It took Ann a few minutes to grasp what Anne said. Then she shook her head. They strolled around the shop for a while. Then Ann saw it out of the corner of her eye. She picked it up and read the blurb. ‘Anne, I think your aunt might like this book.’
‘What is it called, Ann?’
‘Now & then; a biography of Yorkshire.’
‘Perfect. I think I will get that for my aunt. I know she will like it.’
Anne paid for the book then they wandered back outside. ‘I suppose it is time for me to head home. Catherine said she is going to visit me tonight.’ Ann said sounding a bit forlorn. She didn’t want this shopping spree with Anne to end but since Anne had found a book to give to her aunt, Ann thought Anne would want to go home.
She hung her head so Anne wouldn’t see how disappointed she was. She didn’t want to talk to anyone until Anne sat across from her in the Deli. Then she felt a thumb under her chin. ‘Miss Walker, I was thinking about going to the Ring O Bells for a drink. Would you like to join me?’
Ann was about to say no then she smiled. ‘I will call Catherine and cancel. She won’t mind. Can I take my purchases to my car, Anne?’
Anne nodded. ‘Where are you parked?’
‘Near the Minister, Anne?’
As they walked down to where Ann’s car was parked Ann called her cousin while tried to carry her bags. Anne could see she was struggling and offered to help. Ann accepted. She called Catherine who quizzed her.
‘Why are you canceling, Annie?’ Then she remembered something Ann had said to her a few years ago. ‘I guess you are with Miss Lister. You do remember saying that if I am going to visit you and you should accidentally bump into Miss Lister then you will call me and cancel.’ Ann could hear Catherine’s smile through the phone.’Enjoy!’Ann smiled. Anne noticed the smile but she didn’t say anything.
Ann pocketed her phone and took her bags from Anne. When they arrived at her car she put the bags on the back seat. ‘Do you mind if I put my bags into your car, Ann?’ Ann nodded. Then she wondered how Anne traveled into Halifax from Shibden. She frowned because there was only one way she knew Anne Lister travels most of the time. She walked. As if Anne knew what she was thinking she nodded.
‘Yes, I walked. I plan to get an uber home.’ Ann shook her head. Anne frowned.
‘I would love to offer you a lift home.’
‘Isn’t it a bit out of your way, Ann?’ Ann shook her head. She wanted to spend as much time as she could with Anne Lister.
Ann closed the door and they walked to the Ring O Bells.
Anne opened the door to Ring O Bells and motioned Ann to walk in. It was toasty warm inside. There was a fire on the far side throwing out some lovely warmth. Anne motioned Ann over to a table near the fire. They sat down for a few minutes to relax before they ordered their drinks.
Anne smiled at Ann. ‘What are you doing this Christmas?’
Ann frowned. ‘I was going up to Scotland for Christmas. Only Elizabeth called me yesterday to tell me that they are going to France the school holidays. So, I will be alone this Christmas. Well, with the exception of James but I think he will be going to visit his sister in York. So, I will be on my own.’
Anne frowned. ‘That doesn’t seem fair. I was wondering if you would like to join us at Shibden for Christmas day. I know it is a bit sudden but…..’ Ann frowned at her. ‘I am sure my family wouldn’t mind spending the day with you.’
‘No, I couldn’t possibly encroach on your family especially this time of the year, Anne.’ Anne frowned. ‘No, Anne. I will be fine on my own.’ Anne could see that Ann didn’t want Anne to push it anymore. So, she dropped the topic.
They ordered a drink and some mixed sandwiches to eat. They weren’t hungry just a bit peckish after their lunch in the Deli earlier.
They sat in silence while they ate their sandwiches and drank their drink. Once they had finished their drinks and sandwiches Anne paid for them.
They walked back to Ann’s car. Anne was surprised by the number of hours they had spent together when she glanced at her watch to see what the time was. ‘We have been together for four hours. How time flies?’
Ann was just as surprised when Anne told her. It only felt like a few minutes since they sat together in the Deli. ‘Four hours? Are you sure, Anne?’
Anne nodded. Ann unlocked her car and they both stepped inside.
‘Do you mind if we listen to some Christmas music, Anne?’
‘No, I don’t mind listening to some Christmas music, Ann.’
Ann put her favourite CD into the player. When she turned on the engine the CD began playing. Ann turned the volume down not too low but low enough so they could chat. ‘Now, where do you live, Anne?’
Anne frowned. ‘I thought you knew where I lived, Miss Walker?’ Ann blushed. She couldn’t remember telling Anne she knew where she lived.
‘Did I tell you I know where you live?’ Anne shook her head. She looked over at Ann who was concentrating on her driving.
Anne wondered whether Ann would open up to her and tell her how she felt about her. Only she doubted that would happen and she didn’t want Ann to know that she knew how Ann felt about her.
Ann drove Anne to Shibden while they listened to the CD. Anne was tempted to invite Ann into the hall. Only she thought it would be a bit presumptive of her. When Anne stepped out of Ann’s car near the backdoor of Shibden her Aunt was waiting for her. Then Aunt Anne noticed the car and recognised the owner. She smiled. She had something she wanted to show Ann.
‘Annie, why don’t you come in for a few minutes. I have something I want to show you?’ Ann frowned. She would have preferred to go home. She wanted to just chill on the sofa and watched a Christmas movie. Only Aunt Anne seemed to want to show her something. She had no idea what it was.
Anne looked at her. ‘I know you are friends with my aunt, Miss Walker. So, why didn’t you tell me when we went shopping for her Christmas present?’
Ann hung her head. She knew that Anne Lister wasn’t someone to be toyed with. ‘I am sorry.’ She mumbled just loud enough for Anne to hear.
Then she felt strong, warm arms around her. She looked up. Anne was smiling at her. Aunt Anne was grinning. This was what she had wanted for a long time. Ann had been visiting Shibden for the last few years just in case she would bump into Anne. Only she never did. Anne was always chasing one woman or another. Then there was Mariana. Their 20 year relationship was fraught with problems, least of all the fact that Mariana married a man just after Anne had proposed to her and after they had been together for four years.
‘Come inside, Ann and have a cup of tea before you go home.’ Ann smiled. She followed Anne and Aunt Anne into the hall after Anne retrieved her bags out of her car.
They made their way to the parlour. Anne and Aunt Anne sat down. Ann raced out to the kitchen to see Cordingley. She wrapped her arms around her favourite lady. ‘How are you, Elizabeth?’
‘Good and you? Is Miss Lister with you? I thought I heard her voice.’
‘I am good. Yes, We sat together in the Deli because there was nowhere else for her to sit. I never thought I would see her but I am so glad I did.’
‘Are you, Miss Walker?’ Ann turned around to see Anne standing in the doorway. She blushed. Elizabeth could see she needed rescuing. ‘Would you like a hot chocolate, Annie?’
Ann smiled. ‘That would be nice, Elizabeth.’
‘Okay! Well, I know Miss Lister has something she wants to show you. She told me earlier. Go back into the parlour and she will show you.’
Ann Followed Anne back into the parlour. She sat on the sofa and Anne sat next to her. She looked over at Anne who was smiling brightly at her. ‘Miss Walker, how long has it been since we spent time together?’
Ann couldn’t remember. She was sure Aunt Anne knew and when she looked over at her, Anne was quick to say. ‘Don’t look at my aunt for help. I know you remember, Ann.’ Ann frowned. The last time she saw Anne was years ago. She had to think harder than what she imagined.
They all sat in silence for a few minutes until Aunt Anne pulled a photo frame from under her recliner. She passed the frame to Ann who turned it over. Then she remember when they saw each other last.
‘Anne, isn’t that the year you came to my graduation and you took the photo, Aunt.’ Both Anne and Aunt Anne nodded.
‘I wish I had been more attentive that day. I didn’t think about that day until my aunt mentioned that you had been visiting and every time you visited I wasn’t here. Now, I am a free agent. Well, so to speak I thought I would do something nice for you. Marry Christmas Ann. I don’t know if you really do still feel the same way about me but when I saw you sitting in the Deli alone I had to talk to you.’
Ann smiled. ‘I thought it was just by chance that you and I met in the Deli. Thank you for stopping to talk to me today, Anne. I was feeling a bit low and so exhausted. I had been shopping for hours. I am sorry I ignored you when you first sat down. I just wanted to be left alone but when I saw it was you I felt so good.’
Elizabeth served their drinks and they chatted until Ann had to go home. As she drove up the driveway and out of Shibden she realised that she and Anne hadn’t exchanged phone numbers. She didn’t know if they would see one another again. If, only she hadn’t been in a hurry to get home she would have remember to give her phone number to Anne. She frowned and realise there was nothing she could do about it now.
She was slumped on sofa watching a Christmas movie when her phone buzzed on the coffee table. She was hoping that Anne had been able to get her phone number.
It wasn’t Anne. It was Catherine. She answered her phone.
‘Hi Catherine.’
‘Hi Annie. You sound miserable.’
I didn’t get her phone number, Cath.’
‘Whose phone number, Annie?’ Then Catherine realised who Ann was talking about.’ You had lunch with Anne Lister and you didn’t get her phone number.’
‘No, I had lunch with Anne Lister, We went shopping for a gift for her aunt. Then we had a snack and drink at Ring O Bells. I drove her home and had a hot chocolate and a chat. Then I forgot to get her phone number.’
‘Ann Walker, how did you forget the most important thing.’
‘I don’t know, Cath. I was probably hoping she would ask me for my number. She didn’t and we didn’t make plans to see one another again. I was hoping to see her Christmas day. I have something I want to give her. Her Aunt surprised me with a photo of Anne and me taken at my graduation. I never did find out why she was there.’Catherine chuckled on the other end of the line. ‘Hey, Miss Rawson, what do you know that I don’t. Come on, fess up.’
‘Okay! Okay! I will tell you why Miss Lister was at your graduation.’ Then Catherine went into detail about how she had bumped into Anne while she was shopping in M&S. Anne looked forlorn. She had mentioned that it was Ann’s graduation in a few days time and she knew that it would make Ann’s day if Anne was there. ‘She smiled, Annie. She said she would be there and could she bring her aunt.’
‘And the rest is history. Only why didn’t I get her phone number, Cath?’
Well, all you need to do is ask her aunt for her number. I am sure she would give it to you. Wouldn’t she?’ Ann smiled. She didn’t think to call Aunt Anne.
They talked for a while longer. When Catherine said she had to go because granny was expecting a call from her Ann called Aunt Anne.
‘Hi Annie. Whats wrong?’
Hi aunt. I realised that Anne and I didn’t exchanged phone numbers today. Can you send me Anne’s phone number in a message?’
‘Hi Ann, I didn’t think you would wanted my phone number since you didn’t ask me for it.’
‘Hi Anne, I didn’t think you wanted my phone number since you didn’t ask me for it.’
‘Well.let me send you mine and you can send me yours. I will be home for a few days. I have a few things to sort out and then I am going to Paris for a week over the Christmas and new year.’
Ann pouted. ‘So, I won’t see you until next year.’
‘You can see me whenever you want, Ann.’
‘I can. Where do you work?’
‘Ah, I suppose you have a steady job, Ann. I am between jobs for now. I have been doing some repairs to Shibden. My father thinks I shouldn’t do that since he seems to think I don’t know what I am doing. Where do you work?’
‘I don’t work.’ I am a poor little rich girl. Ann thought. Then she wondered why Anne would want to be with her.
‘You are not a poor little rich girl. You are a sweet girl who this 41 year old crazy person has a crush on.’
Ann blushed. ‘You are teasing me, Anne.’
‘No, I am not, Ann. Now, when can I see you?’
Ann didn’t know how to answer Anne. She was hoping that when she called Aunt Anne she would give her Anne’s number. Then she could sit on it for weeks before she called Anne or didn’t call Anne.
Only Aunt Anne had given Anne her phone to talk to Ann. Ann was finding it hard to believe that Anne had a crush on her. She was the one who had a crush on Anne. She had had the crush on Anne for years. Yet, she never thought anything would come of it.
‘Ann, are you still there?’ Ann blushed even though she knew Anne couldn’t see her, she was embarrassed when she let her mind over think.
‘I need to go. I will send you my number now. Okay!’
Anne smiled. ‘I will send you my number now. Talk to you soon. Bye!’
‘Bye, Anne.’ Anne disconnected the call and placed her head in her hands. She sobbed quietly. She didn’t want James to hear her. She didn’t feel good enough to be Anne’s love interest. Her phone dinged. Anne had sent her phone number to Ann. So, Ann sent her phone number to Anne.
Was this really happening? The day had been a dream. Hadn’t it? She rolled through the memory she had of the day. She still found it hard that she had spent most of the afternoon and evening with Anne Lister and Aunt Anne gave her a photo which Aunt Anne had taken at her graduation and they had framed to give to her.
She had no idea where she was going to hang it. then she saw the perfect spot on the mantel above the fireplace.
Ann put the photo there then she wandered up to bed. It had been a very long but good day. She went through her nightly routine then crawled into bed, just as she was about to turn out the light her phone dinged. She picked up her phone to see who was messaging her. It was from an unknown number but she knew it was from Anne. So she opened the message and read it. ‘Goodnight, Miss Walker.’
Goodnight, Dearest Anne.’
Anne smiled when she read Ann’s message. She couldn’t believe that she had sat with Ann in the Deli. They had gone shopping after lunch and then gone to Ring O Bells for a drink and a snack. She was surprised that Ann visited them for a while at Shibden after Ann had given her a lift home.
Anne was all smiles when Ann said she loved the framed photo that her aunt took at Ann’s graduation. She couldn’t remember when it was but she looked young.
She was going to ask her aunt. Only she thought her aunt would tell her. ‘You don’t remember that, Anne.’ Anne smiled. Of course, she couldn’t remember when Ann’s graduation was. She would need to find the journal entry if only she could remember the year. She went to her aunt’s bedroom to say goodnight and thought it would be a good idea to ask her aunt how old Ann Walker is.
Her aunt was reading when she walked into her bedroom. She sat on her bed while she waited for her aunt to finished the chapter she was reading. Aunt Anne placed a bookmark in her book and placed it on her beside table.
‘Have you come to say goodnight to your dear, old aunt, Anne?’
Anne nodded. ‘I do have just one question. How old is Ann Walker?’
‘I thought you knew. She is a dozen years younger than you.’
‘12!’
‘Yes, Anne 12.’
‘That means Ann is only 29. Aunt, I feel old and people will say she is too young for me but I love her so much.’
‘Have you told her how you feel about her?’ Anne shook her head. ‘Well, she needs to know how you feel about her and you need to know how she feels about you. Ask her and tell her You don’t want your heart broken again.’
‘I will, aunt. I will. Goodnight. I will see you in the morning for breakfast after my morning run.’
Goodnight, Anne. I will see you tomorrow morning. If, I am spared.’
Anne didn’t like it when her aunt said that and she knew hat one day her aunt wouldn’t be with them anymore.
She found the journal from eight years ago and then the entry. She read it out loud softly. ‘15th August, 2016. partly cloudy with a top temperature of 16 degrees. I feel a sense of tenderness towards Miss Walker. I bumped into her cousin a few days ago and she invited me to Ann’s graduation. I took my aunt with me and she took a photo of Ann and I together. Ann in her cap and gown and me in my coal black suit. I have been wearing black since Mariana married Charles in 2000. Ann didn’t seem to mind.
She seemed happy to see me. Her cousin, Catherine told me that Ann would be surprised and happy that I was there. I am so glad I went because it brightened my day. Although, I never did find out what she studied at university. I don’t know if I will ever find out.’
Anne put the journal away. She slipped into bed and found her latest journal. 15th December, 2024. Chilly but lovely day. I went into Halifax to do my last bit of Christmas shopping. Only one person to buy for. I will do that soon. I think I know what I will get her. I just hope she likes it. I saw her sitting alone in the Deli when I went into get some lunch today. The Piece Hall was crowd and so was the Deli. So, It was a good excuse to sit with Ann in her booth because all the other booths were taken.
She didn’t look up to see who sat with her until I spoke. She was about to tell me to bugger off. I could see from the look on her face that she was surprised to see me. I know she wasn’t the only one who was surprised. We seem to get along well.
We ate lunch then went shopping for a gift for my aunt. I bought her a book. I hope she likes it. Its called Now & Then: A biography of Yorkshire. I know I want to read it when she has finished reading it.
Then we went to Ring O Bells. It’s a great little pub filled with a ton of history and located right near the Halifax Minster. We had a drink and a snack. I still find it hard to believe that I spent most of today with Ann Walker.
She gave me a lift home and stayed for a while. We gave her the framed photo. She loved it. I wonder where she will put it in her home. What an interesting day. I wonder when I will see her again.
I suppose she is going to be busy with family from now until the new year. I told her I was going to Paris for a few days between Christmas day and the new year. I might ask her to go with me. I hope she will want to do that.
I don’t know if she will since we have only just met. How different my life is tonight than what it was 24 hours ago. I think it was destiny that we met when we did. I hope so.
It was Christmas eve. Ann had been doing all she could to see Anne but Anne, ever the elusive woman was always away from Shibden whenever she visited. She supposed Anne had so much to do around the estate. Only she thought Anne would be there rather than in town or visiting friends. Well, that was what Aunt Anne told her that Ann was doing.
Yet, this Christmas eve felt so different in so many ways. Her sister had called to find out what Ann had planned for Christmas day. Then in the next breath told Ann the Sutherland family were going to Paris so, they wouldn’t be home.
Ann thought it was a bit last minute and even though it seemed Elizabeth was trying to be apologetic, it wasn’t working. She would be home alone again this year.
She had thought about calling Anne but she knew that she would be busy with one thing our another and since she hadn’t heard from Anne since the day she spent with her. She was sure Anne had forgotten about her. Her aunt didn’t tell her any different when she visited Shibden in hopes of seeing Anne.
She had been slumbering on the sofa when her phone rang. It was almost 4pm. She wonder who was calling her so late in the day until she looked to see who was calling. She couldn’t believe it when she looked. It was Anne. She answered the call with the biggest smile on her face.
‘Hi, dearest Anne.’
‘Hi, darling Ann. I am so sorry that I haven’t called you and it is now Christmas eve. So, you are probably in Scotland with your sister’s family.’
Ann tried to shake off the memory that Anne had unwittingly put in her head. ‘No, I am home alone. You do remember that I told you Elizabeth and her family went to France for Christmas’ Anne apologised to Ann.
‘Sorry, I forgot about that. So,you are alone. Well, that needs to be rectified, Miss Walker.’
‘And how do you propose to do that, Miss Lister?’
‘Aunt Anne asked me to call you and invite you to Shibden Hall to celebrate Christmas day with us but there is one condition.’
Ann frowned. ‘What is that condition, Miss Lister?’
‘You must wear an ugly Christmas sweater which Marian will have picked out for you and you must stay tonight so you can wake up early for Christmas breakfast and Christmas morning church service. Do you think you can do that.’
‘Do I have to wear the sweater to church?’
Anne’s laughter echoed over the phone. Ann smiled. It was so good to hear Ann’s voice again. It had seemed like weeks not days since they had been together.
‘Well, is that a yes, Ann?’
Ann nodded. Then realised Anne couldn’t see her. ‘Yes, a very big yes, Anne. I will be there in an hour. Is that okay?’
Anne couldn’t stop the smile engulfing her face. ‘Yes, come to Shibden as soon as you can, Ann.’
They said their goodbyes. Ann pocketed her phone.She packed some clothes and told James that she wouldn’t be home tomorrow. So, he was free to share the meal that he would cook for her with his family. He smiled. He loved his job as Ann’s butler and all round handyman.
It was half an hour later that Ann was heading over to Shibden Hall. She could feel the nervous jitters in her stomach.She tried to ignore them. She was worried that she would make a fool of herself and that Anne wouldn’t want to have anything to do with her.
She hadn’t expect anyone to be waiting outside when she drove into Shibden as it was a rather chilly evening. Yet, there was someone standing there waiting for her. She had her great coat and gloves on. When Ann got closer to the back entrance to Shibden she could clearly see who it was.
She smiled and Anne returned the smile. She turned off the engine and alighted from her car. Anne stepped closer and wrapped her arms around her. ‘It is so good to see you. I had hoped you would be free to spend Christmas day with me and my family, darling.’ Ann wondered if it was only a reaction to the dearest endearment she had said to Anne.
They stood together for what seemed like eternity until Aunt Anne called them to come inside before they get a cold. Ann grabbed her bag and locked her car then they made their way inside. Well, Anne did. Aunt Anne stopped Ann in her tracks. She wanted a hug and Ann was only too willing to oblige.
‘She has been moping about the house since your visit a few days ago. She has bee wanting to call you since then but kept telling herself that you wouldn’t be at home for Christmas. Her mood was getting a bit too much. So, I told her to call you. I am glad she did. She was over the moon when she finished talking to you. Thank you for wanting to spend the night with Anne.’
Ann smiled. ‘Thank you for inviting me over.’
‘Oh, it was all Anne. She just said we asked you so it didn’t seem as though she was desperate to see you.’
Ann smiled. ‘Well, I won’t say anything unless she mentions it, aunt.’
Good Aunt Anne thought as they made their way through the hall into the parlour. Marian and father were there. Where was Anne? Then she heard her voice on the landing. ‘I have put your bag in the guest bedroom.’
Ann hung her head. She was hoping to sleep with Anne. Yet, she was at Shibden. So, that was better than being alone at Lydgate. Wasn’t it? Anne joined them in the parlour. She sat on the sofa next to Ann. She sat closer to Ann than Ann thought she would.
Then she felt Anne’s arm drape across the back of the sofa and very close to her neck. It felt so good that Ann gently grabbed Anne’s hand and pulled it tighter around her neck. Anne smiled. She could feel herself growing more and more in awe of the blond woman who was seated on the sofa next to her.
‘Dinner is being served.’ Elizabeth called from the dining room.
‘Well, it looks like you are in time to eat dinner with us, Annie.’ Aunt Anne said as they made their way to the dining room.
’I think someone planned it this way, Aunt.’ Anne blushed. Ann smiled at her.
‘Thank you, dearest. I think this is going to be my best Christmas ever.’
Aunt Anne looked at Ann. ‘What do you usually do for Christmas, Annie?’
‘Go to Scotland but I haven’t been there in a long time. So, I usually spend Christmas Day at home alone. Catherine will often visit after their Christmas lunch. Only I am usually alone.’ Aunt Anne frowned.
‘Well, you are here with us. I hope you like the ugly sweater I picked out for you. It is one Anne wore last year since we didn’t have time to get you one.’
Ann smiled. ‘That will be great. Thank you, Anne for giving up your sweater for me.’
Anne blushed. It is just an ugly sweater.’
Ann leaned in closer to Anne. ‘It’s your ugly sweater, dearest.’ Anne smiled. She was elated when Ann said she wanted to wear her ugly sweater. When Ann tried it on two hours later Anne could see that it was way too big for her but Ann insisted on wearing it Christmas morning while they had breakfast and when they returned from church.
They chatted while they ate. Anne’s father who had been quiet since they sat at the dining table. ‘Annie. I am so happy that you are here with Anne.’
Ann smiled. I was surprised that she wanted to see me again.’
Jeremy laughed. ‘I think Anne was worried that you didn’t want to see her again.’ Anne blushed.
‘I guess you could say that we both wanted to be together but neither of us was willing to make the first move, Right, Anne.’ Anne nodded.
‘I think that was the only thing that was keeping you two apart.’ Marian said.
Anne smiled. ‘And now you are here with us, darling.’
Ann hung her head. She didn’t want anyone to see her tears. ‘Annie, are you okay?’ Aunt Anne asked.
Then she felt someone’s thumb under her chin. As her chin was lifted she opened her eyes and looked into Anne’s deep brown eyes. She smiled. In that moment she felt as if all her dreams were about to come true. It was Christmas. So, anything was possible. Wasn’t it?
They were heading to bed three hours later after they had watched a Christmas movie and finished the night with a hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Anne showed Ann into the guest bedroom. It was nice but she had wanted to sleep with Anne tonight. Wasn’t that one of the reasons why Ann had been invited over to stay for the night and then spend Christmas Day with the family.
Ann didn’t want to show Anne that she was upset. So, she did her best to smile at Anne.
‘It is lovely, Anne. I have brought a book to read.’
‘Okay! I will leave you alone so you can get ready for bed.’ Anne said with a tinge of sadness in her voice. It seemed Ann didn’t noticed it.
Anne left Ann to get ready for bed. She gently closed the door after she exited the room. Ann slumped on the bed and sighed. She changed into her pyjamas and crawled into bed. Then she heard a soft knock on the door..
‘Can I come in, Annie?’
‘Yes, aunt. Come in.’
Aunt Anne entered the room then closed the door behind her. She seemed to be frowning. Ann motioned her to sit on the bed. She did. She looked at Ann the frown on her face seemed to have got bigger.
‘Are you okay, aunt?’
‘I was wondering if you were okay. Anne put you in here. Yet, I am sure she would prefer to have you sleep with her in her room.’ Now, it was Ann’s turn to frown.
‘Why didn’t she say something, aunt?’
‘She didn’t want to in case you weren’t ready to sleep with her and she feared rejection. Please don’t tell her I told you but you has been rejected in the past because as you know Anne doesn’t conform to the way society thinks she should be. Go to her because she will never force herself onto you.’ Ann looked at Aunt Anne.’She is waiting for you. I know that she would sleep so much better with someone beside her. I will leave you for now with these words. I know she loves you, Annie more than you could ever imagine,’
Ann watched as Aunt Anne left the guest bedroom. She waited until the hall went silent. Then she rose from the bed and went to find Anne’s room. She had forgot to ask Aunt Anne where it was.
Then she heard it. Gentle sobbing. She didn’t think it was Anne. She knocked gently on the door but there was no answer. So, she knocked again. Then she heard Anne call her to enter. She opened the door and saw Anne sitting on her bed with her head in her hands. Ann walked over to her and sat next to her. ‘Anne Lister, are you okay?’
Anne lifted her head and smiled through her tears.’I am now you are here with me, darling.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me you wanted me to sleep with you because that is what I have wanted to do for so long I don’t remember when I didn’t want to sleep with the brilliant and handsome Anne Lister.’
Anne looked at Ann tears welling in her eyes. ‘I didn’t think you would want to sleep with me since we only met a few days ago.’
‘Dearest, I have admired you from a distance for along time. I have never had the courage until now to tell you how much you mean to me, Anne.’
Anne smiled at her. ‘Now, you do, darling.’ Ann nodded. She was exactly where she wanted to be. Then she felt Anne’s strong arms wrap around her.it had seemed like an eternity since they hugged and when Anne leaned into crash their lips together Ann felt as though she was in seventh heaven.
‘Is this what you want, darling?’
Ann nodded. ‘Yes, dearest. I want you to touch me and make me come like I have never come in my life.’
Anne balked for a beat. She wondered if Ann had been with anyone else. Then she looked into her eyes. She could see that wasn’t the case. She knew from what her aunt had told her that Ann had been waiting for Anne to see her for most of her life.
Then Anne realise this was all new to Ann. ‘You haven’t done this before. Have you, Ann?’ Ann nodded. ‘I will take it slowly with you, darling. I want you to enjoy this as much as I will. I want to make you feel so special, darling.’
Ann found she couldn’t breath. It felt as though her heart would burst when Anne began gently massaging her breasts. ‘Is this okay?’ Ann nodded.
‘Anything you do to me tonight is okay, dearest. I want to feel your hands and your mouth on me.’
Anne chuckled.’I think I can do that for you, darling.’ Ann smiled then she let out a long, low moan. ‘Shh, darling, You don’t want anyone to hear us. Do you?’ Ann shook her head then put her fist into her mouth to silence her moans. Anne smiled. ‘Good girl!’
Anne gently removed Ann’s fist. She connected their lips. She was sure that Ann would prefer a kiss to silence her moans than her fist in her mouth.
They kissed passionately. Ann moaned into Anne’s mouth when Anne’s fingers brushed against her wet clit. ‘Darling, Is this all for me?’
Ann nodded. She was finding it hard to string two words together. Anne smiled. She could see that Ann would be fun to be with especially between the sheets.
She moistened her lips with her tongue and trailed kissed down Ann’s neck, between Ann’s breasts, over her belly. When her tongue pressed against Ann’s clit Ann moaned loudly. Anne was sure that someone would pound on the door to see if Anne was murdering their house guest. They didn’t.
Anne breathed a sigh and continued with the task at hand.
She wanted to give Ann such pleasure which she felt Ann had never experienced in her lifetime. She wrapped her lips around Ann’s clit and gently sucked on it. Ann continued moaning. It was music to Anne’s ears. She had never thought Ann’s moans would sound so sweet.
‘Anne, I need your fingers inside me.’ Anne smiled. She inserted two fingers inside Ann then pummeled her. Ann felt so smooth and slick. ‘More fingers please, dearest.’ Anne inserted two more fingers.
Anne wondered if she had done this before. Only she felt that wasn’t possible. She knew that Ann’s family was trying to hook her up with any eligible bachelor they could bribe to take her on a date and then propose marriage to her. Only it seemed Ann Walker had other ideas. She had heard that she had declined any such advances. Anne smiled.
She could see from the moment they met in the Deli that Ann was enarmoured by her. She was happy but she wasn’t one to get her hopes up high. She had been treated badly in the past by one woman or another who had promised they would take the sacrament with her and create a permanent union. Only to find they had changed their minds and decided to marry a man.
Anne looked up at Ann through her eye lashes. She could see Ann was different than other women. Only was Ann seeing her through rose coloured glasses or seeing her as she was.
Ann moaned again pulling Anne from her musings. ‘Are we doing this, dearest?’ Anne nodded.
She resumed pummeling Ann with her fingers and gently sucking on Ann’s clit. Ann moaned then she froze when she felt a chill around her clit. ‘Anne…..’ She didn’t have time to say more when Anne’s lips crashed against hers.
‘I want to see you come undone, darling.’ Anne said when she pulled her lips away from Ann’s. She resumed pummeling Ann’s centre as she strummed her clit with her thumb.
They were kissing passionately again. Anne guessed that Ann had moaned too loud for too long. She wanted to silence Ann. So. She kissed her over and over gain. .
Then she felt Ann’s body arch into hers and stiffen against her. Then Ann came hard against her hand. Anne felt the hot, sticky sensation flow between her fingers. She loved it.
Ann flopped back onto Anne’s bed and sighed. Anne lay next to her and smiled. ‘That was mind blowing, dearest. How did you learn to do that?’
Anne smiled. ‘From a very sexy woman when I was living in Paris many, many years ago. She showed me so many tricks and you would have to live with me for years to enjoy all of them.’
‘Oh, are you proposing to me, Anne? Isn’t it a bit too soon to do that?’
Anne nodded. ‘Yes, you are right but I do want someone who will stay with me for the life. I don’t know if you want that, Ann.’
Ann looked at Anne and wondered if she would be good enough for Anne. She frowned. ‘Am I the person you want in a relationship, Anne? I am not what you see here. I have issues.’
Anne looked at her. ‘Issues, like what?’ Ann hung her head. ‘Ann Walker, I won’t know whether I will want to be with you or not if you don’t tell me what your issues are.’
‘I will leave now because I know you don’t want to deal with someone who has mental issues.’
‘Leave now.’ You can’t do that. Ann thought. Then she frowned and shook her head. ‘No, darling, I want to know about you so I can understand you better, Ann.’
Ann hung her head. She didn’t want Anne to see her tears. She had gone from being on the amaroso and so loud to being so meek and not in control of her emotions.
Anne wasn’t sure what she should say to Ann who seemed to have so many different emotions swirling around inside her.
‘How do you feel about me, darling?’
They had only met a few days ago and even though Anne knew Ann had had a crush on her, she wasn’t sure that Ann was ready to make a commitment to her..
They had eaten together, Shopped together and gone to Ring O Bells together. Then Ann had given Anne a lift home. They had spent time apart since then. Now, Ann was sleeping with Anne. How did she feel about Anne? She took her time to think about her answer.
Anne seemed to be getting annoyed with her for taking so long to answer her. Only she had to say something and the only thing that she could say was. ‘I love you, I am in love with you. I always have been. Yet, I never imagined I would be here in Shibden Hall with you, dearest. Never.’
Anne smiled. She never imagined Ann Walker would be at Shibden with her. There was a light rap on her bedroom door. ‘Come in, aunt. I know it is you.’
The door opened and Aunt Anne stepped into the room. Anne motioned her to sit on her bed. ‘I didn’t think you would be still awake, aunt.’
‘I was finding it hard to sleep. There was a loud noise coming from I don’t know where. So, I came to see if you heard it, ladies.’ Ann had to turn her head to hide her blush.
‘No, I didn’t hear anything. Did you, Ann?’ Ann shook her head but she kept looking away from Aunt Anne.
‘Oh, I am sure it was nothing, aunt. If, you hear it again come and let us know. We will go and see what it was.’
Aunt Anne left them. As she walked out the door she said. ‘Goodnight, ladies. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.’ Ann gasped. Aunt Anne cackled. Then she closed the door.
Ann rested her head on Anne’s shoulder. She was so embarrassed at being found out by Anne’s elderly aunt. ‘I wouldn’t worry. I don’t think my aunt heard anything. I think she was just fishing for some information. Darling. She likes you, Ann.’
‘I know. I visit her often. As you know.’
‘Yes, she mentioned that to me on several occasions, Ann. She said something about you hoping I was home but I was always away.’ Ann blushed. She could feel the heat in her rising and it wasn’t hot in bed. She could only nodded. Anne looked at her and smiled.
‘I think it is sweet that you wanted to see me. My only concern is that you have given your heart to someone who might not be worthy of your love.’
‘Anne Lister, I don’t know why you have such a poor opinion of yourself, dearest. I know you are not perfect but no one is perfect.’
‘Well, that is debatable. I know a very pretty blond who is perfect to me.’ Ann blushed. ‘I would like her to be my girlfriend.’
‘I wonder who you are talking about, Anne.’ Then Ann leaned into Anne and crashed their lips. ‘Yes, dearest, for always.Well, one day I would love to marry you but not today.’
‘You would marry someone who is older than you.’ Ann nodded. ‘Why?’
‘I like older women especially the one who lives here at Shibden. Now. Let’s get some sleep if we are going to be up to have breakfast with your family, dearest.’
Cordingley had prepared a sumptuous breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages with mushrooms and pancakes. Everyone was seated at the dining table enjoying their meal. ‘Are we all going to the Christmas day sservice at the minster this morning?’ Aunt Anne asked as she scanned the table to see who she would get nods from.
She knew Ann wanted to go with her. She wondered if Anne would go. Marian had said she was going. Of course, she knew her brother wouldn’t be joining them. He always said he could praise God anywhere. He didn’t need to go to church and the services seemed to go on forever.
He glance over at his elder daughter who was eyeing Ann to see what her answer would be. ‘Are you going to the minster with my aunt. Darling?’ Ann nodded. ‘Then I am going too.’
Aunt Anne cheered. ‘You can drive us there and back. Cordingley is going to prepare us a lovely dinner. We have to fend for ourselves for lunch and as you know it is customary for the servants to join us for Christmas dinner, Anne.’
Ann notice Anne frown out of the corner of her eye. Her aunt noticed it too. ‘You know as well as everyone else that Christmas dinner is a way to thank them for all the work they have done for us during the year.’
‘Okay, Aunt.’
‘Did you buy them a present each?’ Anne frowned. ‘I always get presents for James and his family because I appreciate what they do for me over the course of the year. I usually give them a bonus, too.’
‘How much?’ Aunt Anne asked.
Ann looked at Anne. She could see her squirming in her seat. ‘Well, it is usually an extra week’s pay plus 10%. Well, they won’t be around over the holidays because I often spend Christmas in Scotland with Elizabeth and her family. As you can see I am here this year because they have gone to France for two weeks.’ Ann smiled. ‘Then they are able to enjoy their time away from Crow Nest.’
Aunt Anne smiled. ‘I think you could do something like that for your servants, Anne. I am sure they would appreciate that.’ Marian nodded. ‘It’s something you should think about for next Christmas. Okay!’
‘Okay, aunt.’
Ann had packed her prettiest dress. She wanted to impress Anne who wore her best suit. She felt ten feet tall next to Ann as they stood in the minster to sing Christmas songs.
It had been a lovely Christmas morning and she was certain that she hadn’t had a better Christmas day in a long time. She smiled when the offering was passed around. Then Ann placed a bundle of £20 notes into the offering. She leaned in and whispered in Ann’s ear. ‘Can you really afford to do that, Ann?’
‘Do what?’
‘Give that much money to the minster offering.’
‘Yes, I always put at least £200 in the offering at Christmas because I know it goes to the soup kitchen which opens up after the service.’ Anne frowned.’I am lucky. I have never had to beg for food or been homeless, Anne and I feel it is my duty to do what I can for those of us who are struggling especially this time of the year.’
Aunt Anne smiled. ‘I think you should do something like that next year, Anne.’ She whispered.
Ann walked Aunt Anne out of the minster at the end of the service. Anne followed behind. She felt that her aunt and Ann were ganging up against her. She didn’t know why.
When Ann had Aunt Anne seated in the car Anne walked over to where she was standing. ‘Miss Walker, I want to know why you want me to look like the bad guy here.’
Ann hung her head. ‘I am sorry if you think I am trying to make you look like the bad guy because you are not. I don’t know what else to do with my money that is why I give so much to the minster this time of the year.’ Ann said to the ground.
Anne put her thumb under Ann’s chin and gently lifted it up until they were looking at one another. ‘Ann, I am sorry. I hope you will forgive me.’ Ann nodded. ‘Lets go home and unwrap our gifts.’ Ann smiled. She sat in the back with Marian as they drove back to Shibden.
‘I saw how much you put in the offering, Annie. I am sure the minster will rejoice in your generosity.’
Ann smiled. ‘It was only a small donation.’
Only a small donation. Anne thought. She knew that there was no way she could top that without engaging in an argument with her father. She looked over at her aunt who must have been mind reading again.
‘You know your father is only concerned about our finances. He just wants to ensure we can get through the year. I also saw what Ann donated today but I also know that she doesn’t want the world to know what she does.’
‘It is a very private thing, dearest.’
Anne smiled. She was beginning to appreciate that the woman who spend the night with her was a generous soul and her generosity was a private thing. It was embarrassing enough to have all that money but to have people think she wanted praise for her generosity they needed to think again. Anne could see she was generous without being pompous.
They arrived back at Shibden. Anne raced inside. She hadn’t bought Ann a gift but she had something special she wanted to give her. The others watched as she raced up the stairs and went into her bedroom. She closed the door behind her. She listened out to see if anyone followed her. There was silence. She found the small box in the top drawer of her chest of drawers and some pretty wrapping paper.
She wrapped it up and put a tag in it. ‘To Ann with love, Anne.’ She knew Ann loved her and she did her best to show Ann that she loved her. She raced back downstairs and into the parlour. She was hoping there was no one around. There wasn’t. Anne could hear them chatting in the kitchen. She placed the present under the tree with the others and sauntered into the kitchen.
‘Where did you disappear to, Anne?’
“I just had something I needed to do. When do we open our gifts?’
Aunt Anne could see that Anne was a bit antsy. ‘When your father wakes from his nap but if you have a gift you want to give to someone now you can.’
Anne raced back to the parlour and retrieved the gift from under the tree. She had to give it to Ann now before she found a reason not to give it to Ann. She walked back into the kitchen and sat next to Ann. ‘I want to give you this. I know its probably not what you want from me but it is something I have kept for a long time. I wanted to give it to someone who means so much to me.’ Anne blurted out.
Ann took the small gift in her hands and gently removed the paper from around the small box. She gingerly opened the box and smiled when she saw what was inside. ‘Anne, does this mean you want me to be your girlfriend or does it mean you want me to be your wife.’
Aunt Anne looked at Anne and Ann. They seemed to only have eyes for one another. ‘I think you should make up your mind, Anne which is it?’
Anne got down on one knee. ‘I know we have only be reunited for a short time but in that short time I have grown very fond of you and I would like it if you would do the honour and make a decent woman out of me. Will you marry me, darling?’
Ann nodded and nodded and nodded. That was all she could do. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She let out a breath she was holding and said. ‘Yes, yes, always yes but I think we should wait until spring to get married, dearest because I would love to get married on the front lawn of Shibden with family and friends around. What do you think, dearest?’ Anne nodded.
She was right that was the best Christmas she had had in a very long time and it all began when she saw Ann in the Deli alone.
When her father appeared she spent half an hour handing out Christmas gifts to all who were present. She was surprised by the light but medium sized gift Ann had given her. When she opened the box inside was the plushest black robe that she had ever seen. She had to try it on.
It was what she had wanted someone to buy her. She didn’t know Ann would be the one who would do that.
After they had eaten dinner and watched a couple of Christmas movies they were snuggled in bed. Anne looked across at her fiancee. She couldn’t believe that all her wishes had come true this Christmas. She was living a dream she had had for a long time. She was marrying the most beautiful woman in Halifax and surrounding areas and Ann had said she would move into Shibden and live with her.
She smiled at Ann and kissed her. Thank you, darling for making this the best Christmas ever.’
‘No, thank you because you were the one who made me smile when you sat with me in the Deli that day. I didn’t want to talk to anyone but when I saw it was you I was so happy. Thank you. I love you, Anne. I am in love with you. I always have been.’
Anne felt a tear prick in the corner of her eye. ‘I love you, darling. Thank you for being here with me. We can go to Paris for our honeymoon. If, that is what you want to do, Ann.’
Ann smiled. ‘Yes, I would love to do that, dearest.’